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Flower Fields Port Farms credit cerlyanna

Where to Stop and Smell the Roses – The Best Public Gardens in Erie, PA

Monday Feb 27th, 2023

Discover the breathtaking beauty of Erie’s public gardens by exploring the flowers, shrubs, and trees that thrive there.  Gardens are a relaxing way to escape from the noise and stressors of everyday life.  Their vibrant blooms, fragrances, and overall beauty provide serene, quiet settings for you to spend time appreciating Mother Nature. Here are the best public gardens found in the Erie region. Main photo: credit @cerlyanna

Goodell Gardens 1 2022 from Goodell

If you’re looking for a scenic drive along Pennsylvania Historic Route 6, stop by Goodell Gardens & Homestead in Edinboro, PA. As an accredited arboretum and public garden, it boasts 78 acres of beautiful roses, native and pollinator-friendly plants, flowering shrubs, and trees, and an extensive collection of rhododendron. During the summer months, you can take advantage of “Along the Garden Path”, a series of free weekly guided garden tours. It’s a great opportunity for you to dive into nature and learn about local flora and horticulture.

Zoo lily pad w frog credit kickinitwiththe.kings

In addition to its 400 different species of animals, the Erie Zoo’s Botanical Gardens are landscaped with a stunning display of distinctive gardens and plants, many of which provide food, shade, and shelter for the animals. Throughout the gardens, you’ll find a range of flora, including colorful tropical plants, tulips, and other perennials, trees, herbs, and flowering shrubs. The Zoo features eleven gardens in total including the Butterfly Garden and the Wild Asia Garden.

Photo credit: @kickinitwiththe.kings via Instagram

Frontier Park erieactivities v3

Home to over 1,000 trees, the Lake Erie Arboretum at Frontier Park (LEAF) is like a museum dedicated to trees. The Arboretum features a diverse collection of flowering trees, evergreen trees, and plants, with many trees bearing a plaque that identifies their Latin and common names. While wandering around, you’ll find shaded pathways, Cascade Creek, a virtual tree gazebo, a labyrinth, and even a winter garden. 
Photo credit: @erieactivities via Instagram

Asbury Woods Hike 2 Gibbens

A great way to experience the beauty of the area is a visit to Asbury Woods. The 205-acre preserved property includes native species, old-growth forests, landscaped gardens, streams, boardwalk trails, Andrew J. Conner Nature Center, and Walnut Creek. Be sure to check out the popular Greenway Trail, which is a network of trails and adjacent tracts of land connecting Browns Farm and Asbury Woods Nature Center.  

Flower Fields Port Farms credit cerlyanna

Although not considered a public garden, Port Farms acres and acres of blooming flowers are a definite must-stop, must-smell destination. Immerse yourself in five acres of vibrant sunflowers, cosmos, and zinnias during Summer Days at the Farm (formerly known as The Flower Festival). The event takes place from August 5 through September 10, 2023. Walk through their fragrant fields or take home the sweet smell of summer by purchasing a bloom or a bucket of flowers. Photo credit: @cerlyanna

Partner Spotlight

Olivers Mini Golf Spotlight 400 x 300

Oliver’s Bayfront Mini Golf

This 18-hole course is the newest addition to Oliver’s Beer Garden, offering stunning views of Erie’s Bayfront and the Bicentennial Tower. Play your round and then enjoy delicious food & drink from the snack bar or Oliver’s Food Truck!

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the cove from the cove site

The Cove Bay-Side Restaurant & Tavern

The Cove Bay-Side Restaurant & Tavern is sure to give you an unforgettable and care-free dining experience. Enjoy a nautical atmosphere with a beautiful view of Presque Isle Bay.

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u pick 6 spotlight

U Pick 6 Craft Beer Pubs & Restaurants

Erie’s own local craft beer pubs are a must-visit! With 4 great locations, just pick one that’s convenient for you! A casual, family friendly dining experience with something for everyone! To view our menu, check out what’s on tap, or get to directions to our pubs, learn more now!”

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bayfront grille

Outdoor Dining at the Bayfront Grille

The Bayfront Grille Restaurant at the Sheraton Erie Bayfront Hotel is excited to announce that our Bayside Patio is open for Lunch and Dinner. Please check Open Table for reservations or contact the restaurant directly at 814-454-2005.

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UPMC Hamot - See What Makes Us Different

UPMC Hamot is a 458-bed hospital in Erie, Pennsylvania, offering a full complement of inpatient and outpatient services. The hospital serves as a regional referral hub and is the only accredited trauma center in the region.

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erie events spotlight

Erie Events

Erie Events manages a four facility entertainment complex that includes the Warner Theatre, Erie Insurance Arena, Bayfront Convention Center and UPMC Park. These four venues host a variety of events that include world-class entertainment, family friendly shows and sporting events.

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814 Photo

Showcasing the incredible year round beauty of the City of Erie and its surrounding areas, commonly referred to as its area code "the 814". Explore some of Erie County's most breathtaking landscape photography.

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AHN Saint Vincent- Award-Winning Medical Care

AHN Saint Vincent has been here from the beginning, providing award-winning inpatient and outpatient medical care. Need express care? We’ve conveniently placed AHN facilities on the west and east side of Erie, just walk-in! AHN Saint Vincent is not only recognized locally (Erie’s Choice- Best Hospital) but nation-wide, so you can expect high-quality care, greater safety, and better results.

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Airport Image Spotlight

When you have an opportunity to fly, give Erie a try - support your hometown airport!

Direct daily flights to Charlotte. Erie International Airport is serviced by American Airlines with daily flights to Charlotte with connections to many other destinations.

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Dobbins Landing Spring 2022 EB 2

Dobbins Landing

Located on the southeast shore of Lake Erie, the Port of Erie has been promoting industrial, commercial, and recreational opportunities on the waters of Lake Erie since 1959.

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Port Farms Spotlight 400 x 300

Summer Days at Port Farms

Join us for Summer Days at Port Farms from August 5th through September 10th! Enjoy 5-acres of u-pick flowers, themed festivals every weekend, special events, dances, live music, farm treats, specialty drinks, 20+ farm attractions and more! There is something for everyone.

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CartHorse Spotlight 400 x 300

Cart/Horse

Cart/Horse Distilling is a first-generation woman-owned distillery, pioneering the craft in Edinboro, Pennsylvania. Handcrafted care never goes out of style. We put that artistic attention into every bottle of our small batch spirits. Cart/Horse proudly produces rum, whiskey, vodka, gin, and several award-winning specialty liquors. Our robust cocktail menu uses the finest and freshest ingredients for each custom-built drink.

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Mall Image Spotlight v2

Millcreek Mall

The Millcreek Mall features more than 160 stores, restaurants, and fun for the whole family on Upper Peach Street, Erie’s most popular shopping district! Shopping in Erie means no sales tax on clothing or shoes. Choose from a variety of hotels located on the Mall property and just minutes away at the intersection of Peach Street and Interstate 90.

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mazza spotlight

Mazza Vineyards and the South Shore Wine Company

The Mazza family welcomes you to explore 3 unique locations in Lake Erie Wine Country. Sip and savor award-winning wines at Mazza Vineyards and the historic South Shore Wine Company, both located in North East, PA, and be sure to visit their combination winery, distillery and brewery, Mazza Chautauqua Cellars/Five & 20 Spirits and Brewing, in nearby Westfield, NY.

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