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Things To Do

Things To Do

In Erie, Pennsylvania, you’ll find so much to do, and time to do it all! Relax along the calm waters of Lake Erie, and enjoy the local shopping, restaurants, attractions and festivals that make Erie County an exceptional place to get away. Plan your lake escape your way.

Read on and discover the many reasons why Erie is so amazing!  We also invite you to learn more about LGBTQIA travel as well as Erie's eco-friendly and dog-friendly attractions.

Beaches

Each summer, Erie’s warm temperatures and soothing waters provide numerous reasons to escape the worries of everyday life. One of the best ways to do that is to spend a day at one of Erie’s sandy beaches!

Waterfront

Erie is Pennsylvania’s only port on the Great Lakes: it’s only natural that one of Erie’s best features is its waterfront. Whether you spend time on the water or alongside it, you’ll find an abundance of things to do set against the beautiful backdrop of Presque Isle Bay.

Family Fun

Plot your summer vacations, schedule fall outings, cure those winter blues or make it a spring fling. Whatever the reason or season, make your escape to Erie for entertaining, affordable and family-friendly fun!

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Breweries & Distilleries

Erie is a popular destination for microbreweries and distilleries, each offering their own distinct take on craft beer and spirits with creative techniques, flavors and names.

Arts & Entertainment

Erie’s arts and entertainment scene is a unique blend of metropolitan spirit and small town charm. With engaging settings, riveting concerts and theatrical performances, thought-provoking art galleries, national touring acts and artists, Erie provides high caliber entertainment in an affordable, convenient setting.

Festivals & Events

Mark your calendars and don’t miss any of Erie County’s most popular harvest festivals, touring shows or sporting events! 

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Outdoor Recreation

Whether your adventurous spirit enjoys skiing, biking, running, fishing, camping, horseback riding or just spending the day in nature, Erie offers wide open spaces and fresh waters for outdoor enthusiasts!

Golf

The Erie region is home to many picturesque golf courses that welcome every type of golfer from beginner to aspiring professional. Sharpen your game and test your skills across our sprawling fairways and beautifully landscaped greens. Whether you shoot a 72 or 144, there's nothing like spending a couple hours, or even an afternoon, out on the golf course.

Fishing

Erie County is one of the country’s greatest destinations for fishing! The wide variety of waterways offer diverse game fish species including steelhead, trout, muskie, walleye, pike, bluegill, small and largemouth bass, and perch.

Kayakrs

Dining

Find the best restaurants in the Erie area and a variety of dining experiences. From fine dining to casual, family friendly, ethnic, fusion and grab and go, there is a cuisine to please every palate. You can dine on a rooftop, on the water or the waterfront, bayside, curbside, inside or outside. The possibilities are endless.

Wineries

Erie County is home to one of the largest grape-growing regions in the country, featuring lush lakefront vineyards and charming small towns like North East, where a walkable downtown features local shopping, restaurants and parks, and is the Erie County start to Lake Erie Wine Country.

Spas & Wellness

Pamper yourself by relaxing your mind, body and spirit at one of Erie’s wellness centers and spas. Rejuvenate and soothe your inner being. Erie's wellness centers, massage therapy and spas offer traditional services and new-age healing techniques.

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History & Heritage

Erie’s rich, historical past is filled with innovative thinkers, inventions and discoveries. Explore our region’s museums, monuments and memorials to learn the role that so many people, places and events played to shape our community into what it is today.

Sports

When it comes to sports, Erie has so much to cheer for! Erie County is home to three minor-pro sports teams, four universities with teams represented in the NCAA Divisions I, II and III and a thriving sports tourism scene.

Seasonal Activities

Erie is a great destination for a waterfront escape in any season. Whether it’s sunbathing on the beach or snow shoeing the trails, visitors never run out of things to do. Explore our seasons and discover how Erie can be your complete year-round destination getaway.

Brochures for Download

Want advice for planning your trip?  Call the VisitErie office at (814) 454-1000, and our staff will be happy to answer your questions, and send you any of the below brochures at no cost. 

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9-11 Memorial

160 East Front Street
Erie, PA 16507

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All An Act Theatre

814-450-8553
652 West 17th Street
Erie, PA 16502

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Allen Stoneware Gallery

814-572-7466
2602 West 8th Street
Erie, PA 16505

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Asbury Woods Nature Center

814-835-5356
4105 Asbury Road
Pet friendly (outside trails only)
Erie, PA 16506

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ASCEND Climbing

582-228-9035
426 State Street
Erie, PA 16501

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Beechwood Golf Club

814-833-0527
6401 Gorski Rd
Fairview, PA 16415
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Board & Brush Erie

814-392-3500
3330 West 26th Street
Village West Plaza
Erie, PA 16506

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Brig. Gen. Strong Vincent Statue

In front of Blasco Library/160 East Front Street
Erie, PA 16507

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Camp Sherwin/YMCA

814-774-9416
8600 West Lake Road
Lake City, PA 16423

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Civil War Memorial

45 Main Street
Girard , PA 16417

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Culbertson Hills

Culbertson Hills Golf Resort

814-734-3114
301 W Plum St #2122
Edinboro, PA 16412
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Double D.A.B. Riding Stables

716-736-4418
5811 Welch Hill Road
Ripley, NY 14775

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Elk Valley Golf Course

814-474-2356
7085 Van Camp Road
Fairview Township
Girard, PA 16417

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ErieArtMuseum

Erie Art Museum

814-459-5477
20 East 5th Street
Erie, PA 16507

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Erie Bluffs

Erie Bluffs State Park

814-833-7424
11100 West Lake Road
Lake City, PA 16423

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Erie Cemetery Association (Cemetery Walks & Tours)

814-459-2463
2116 Chestnut Street
Erie, PA 16502

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Erie Commodores National Premier Soccer League

814-392-4785
Home field is Erie Sports Center
8159 Oliver Road
Erie, PA 16509

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Erie County Historical Society & Museums

814-454-1813
356 West 6th Street
Erie , PA 16507

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Erie County Vietnam Veterans Memorial

2614 Glenwood Park Ave
Erie, PA 16508

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Erie Events

814-453-7117
809 French Street
Erie, PA 16501

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Erie Golf Club

814-866-0641
6050 Old Zuck Road
Erie, PA 16506

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Erie Insurance Arena

814-453-7117
809 French Street
Erie, PA 16501

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Erie KOA Kampgrounds

814-476-7706
6645 West Road
McKean, PA 16426

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Erie Maritime Museum/U.S. Brig Niagara

814-452-2744
150 East Front Street
Erie, PA 16507

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Erie Otters OHL Hockey

814-455-7779
Erie Insurance Arena
809 French St
Erie, PA 16501

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Erie Philharmonic

814-455-1375
23 West 10th Street
Erie, PA 16501

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Erie Playhouse

814-454-2852
12 West 10th Street
Erie, PA 16501

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Erie SeaWolves AA Baseball

814-456-1300
Home games - UPMC Park/110 East 10 Street
Business Office - 831 French Street
Erie, PA 16501

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Erie Sports Center

412-852-7508
8159 Oliver Road
Erie, PA 16509

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Erie Station Dinner Theatre

814-864-2022
4940 Peach Street
Erie, PA 16501

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Erie Yesterday

356 West 6th Street
Erie, PA 16507

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Erie Zoo & Botanical Gardens

814-864-4091
423 West 38th Street
Erie, PA 16508

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expERIEnce Children's Museum

814-453-3743
420 French Street
Erie, PA 16507

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Firefighters Historical Museum

814-456-5969
428 Chestnut Street
Erie, PA 16507

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FishUSA

800-922-1219
6960 West Ridge Road
Fairview, PA 16415

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Folly's End Campgrounds

814-474-5730
8600 Avonia Road
Girard, PA 16417

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George Washington Monument

32 High Street
Waterford, PA 16441

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Glass Growers Gallery

814-453-3758
10 East 5th Street
Erie, PA 16507

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Goodell Gardens & Homestead

814-734-6699
221 Waterford Street
Edinboro, PA 16412

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Grape Discovery Center

716-326-2003
8305 West Main Road
Westfield, NY 14787

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Greater Erie Regional Trail Network

814-454-1770
150 East Front Street, Ste 300
Erie, PA 16507

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GypsyLyn Fishing Charters

724-316-2529
35 State Street
Erie , PA 16507

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Hagen History Center Museum

814-454-1813
356 West 6th Street
Erie, PA 16501

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Harbor Ridge Golf Course

814-898-4653
3730 Harbor Ridge Trail
Erie, PA 16510

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HiddenHarbor Water Rental

Hidden Harbor Water Rentals

814-602-5846
12 East Dobbins Landing
next to Woody's Backwater BARge & Grill
Erie, PA 16507

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Hilltop Hatcheries

814-664-8560
12150 Route 6
Corry, PA 16407

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Hulings Blueberries and Farm Market

814-450-6107
5095 Old State Road
Edinboro, PA 16412

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Kellar's Magic & Comedy Club

814-461-0911
1402 State Street
Erie, PA 16501

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LEAF

Lake Erie Arboretum at Frontier Park (LEAF)

814-453-5323
1501 West 6th Street
Erie, PA 16505

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Lake Erie Speedway

814-725-3303
10700 Delmas Drive
North East, PA 16428

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Lake Shore Railway

Lake Shore Railway Historical Society

814-725-1911
31 Wall Street
North East, PA 16428

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Lake View Country Club

814-725-9644
8351 Route 89
North East, PA 16428

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Lampe Campground

814-454-5830
Ft. of, Port Access Rd
Erie, PA 16507

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Land Lighthouse

1200 Lighthouse Street
Erie, PA 16507

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Lecom Sports Park

Lecom Sports Park

814-823-6706
8159 Oliver Road
Erie, PA 16509

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Letti G Howard

Lettie G. Howard

814-449-9012
150 East Front Street - Erie Maritime Museum
Erie, PA 16507

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Moose Head Pottery

814-636-5100
8270 Peach Street
Suite 300
Erie, PA 16509

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Mound Grove Golf Course & Restaurant

814-796-2767
10760 Donation Road
Waterford, PA 16441
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Mount Pleasant of Edinboro- Skiing, Tubing, Walking & Biking Trails

814-734-1641
14510 Mt. Pleasant Road
Cambridge Springs, PA 16403

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National Comedy Center

716-484-2222
203 W. Second Street
Jamestown, NY 14701

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Oliver's Bayfront Mini Golf

814-920-9666
130 E Front Street
Erie , PA 16507

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Operation Desert Storm Memorial

1 High Street
Waterford, PA 16441

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PACA - The Performing Arts Collective Alliance

814-616-7222
1505 State Street
Erie, PA 16501

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Painted Finch Gallery, Inc.

814-664-3053
32 North Center Street
Corry, PA 16407

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Peek 'n Peak Resort

716-355-4141
1405 Olde Road
Clymer, NY 14724
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Perry Monument

On the bay side of Presque Isle that overlooks Misery Bay
Erie, PA 16507

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Port Erie Sports

814-452-2628
402 West Bayfront Parkway
Erie, PA 16507

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Port Farms

814-796-4500
2055 Stone Quarry Road
Waterford, PA 16441

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Presque Isle Boat Rental

814-838-3938
Presque Isle State Park
Presque Isle Canoe & Boat Livery
Erie, PA 16505

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Presque Isle Boat Tours - The Lady Kate

814-836-0201
Perry Monument at Presque Isle
Erie, PA 16501

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Presque Isle Downs & Casino

866-ERIE-FUN (374-3386)
8199 Perry Highway/Exit 27, I-90
Erie, PA 16509

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Presque Isle Gallery & Gifts

814-835-1384
301 Peninsula Drive
Erie, PA 16505

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Presque Isle Lighthouse

814-833-3604
Presque Isle State Park, east of Beach 6
Erie, PA 16505

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Presque Isle Passage RV Park & Cabins

814-833-3272
6300 Sterrettania Road
Fairview, PA 16415

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Presque Isle State Park

814-833-7424
Foot of Peninsula Drive
Erie, PA 16505

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Presque Isle Yellow Bike Rental

814-835-8900
Waterworks Beach area
Presque Isle State Park
Erie, PA 16505

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Relish Studio & Gallery

814-836-1827
3835 West 12th Street
Erie, PA 16505

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Riverside Golf

814-398-4692
24527 U.S. Highway 6 & 19
Cambridge Springs, PA 16403
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Rupp Limo

Rupp Limousine (Many Tours Available!)

814-452-2025
303 East 32nd Street
Erie, PA 16504

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Scallywags Pirate Adventures

814-453-2627
2 State Street
Erie, PA 16507

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Stumpy’s Hatchet House (Axe Throwing)

814-528-5005
3728 Liberty Street
Erie, PA 16508

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Sunview Golf at Nick's Place

814-734-5098
12246 Route 99
Edinboro, PA 16412

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The North Pier Light

814-833-7424
E Fisher Drive
Erie, PA 16507

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The Sturgeon House

814-474-5855
4302 Avonia Road
Fairview, PA 16415

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Tight Lines Sport Fishing LLC

724-880-1283
Captain John E. Lampe Marina, Foot of Port Access Road
Erie, PA 16507

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TREC

Tom Ridge Environmental Center (TREC)

814-833-7424
301 Peninsula Drive
Erie, PA 16505

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Union City World War I Memorial

At the intersection of 1st Ave & W High Street
Union City, PA 16438

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UPMC Park

814-456-1300
110 East 10th Street
Erie, PA 16501

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Victorian Princess Cruises

814-459-9696
Foot of State Street/Dobbins Landing
Erie, PA 16507

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Virginia's Beach Lakefront Cottages & Camping

814-922-3261
352 Holliday Road
North Springfield, PA 16430

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Waldameer Park & Water World

877-817-1009
220 Peninsula Drive
Erie, PA 16505

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Warner Theatre

814-452-4857
811 State Street
Erie, PA 16501

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YourSailingAdventure

Your Sailing Adventure

Wolverine Park Marina
34 State Street
Erie, PA 16507

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Partner Spotlight

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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Poverty Knob Farmhouse Ales

Stop by Port Farms to check out the newest addition, Poverty Knob Farmhouse Ales. We offer hand-crafted beers and delicious sharable food year-round. The brewery is family and dog friendly with both indoor and outdoor spaces. We offer games, music and entertainment for all ages!

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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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Farmhouse Retreat

Your “Home Away from Home” short term rental sleeps 8 and is in a great location close to Erie Sports Center, Splash Lagoon, shopping and restaurants, as well as Steelhead Fishing. This restored 1881 Farmhouse is located on 10 private acres. Reminisce about bygone days when life was slower and simpler. With a long driveway and large yard, kick back by the firepit, watch wildlife or enjoy a beautiful Erie sunset from the back patio.

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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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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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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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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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ASCEND Erie - Climbing | Fitness | Yoga

NOW OPEN! ASCEND fosters a community-centered climbing, fitness, and yoga experience by serving individuals and groups of all ages, backgrounds and abilities. Located in Downtown Erie, ASCEND welcomes Erie visitors to stop in and give climbing a try!

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The Cork 1794

Open for Lunch and Dinner. Get ready for an experience like no other. An atmosphere where uncommon style, comfort and service seamlessly meld. Where food and beverages are expertly crafted to be beautiful, satisfying and truly special. A place that makes every day feel like a reason to celebrate.

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Just for fun!

Experience family summer fun on more than 100 great rides, slides and attractions at Waldameer!

One stop convenience.

Fill your tank, pick up fresh food from local brands, and a six-pack to go in 40 regional locations.

Soak in the fun!

Experience 84 degrees all year at one of the top water parks in the country.

Ante-up, Erie.

Find true action with slots, table games, sports book, and horse racing.

Award-Winning Compassionate Care

Voted Erie’s Choice Best Hospital for eight years in a row

Just for fun!

Experience family summer fun on more than 100 great rides, slides and attractions at Waldameer!

Soak in the fun!

Experience 84 degrees all year at one of the top water parks in the country.

Award-Winning Compassionate Care

Voted Erie’s Choice Best Hospital for eight years in a row

Ante-up, Erie.

Find true action with slots, table games, sports book, and horse racing.

One stop convenience.

Fill your tank, pick up fresh food from local brands, and a six-pack to go in 40 regional locations.