2017-03-24 17:27:20
Pennsylvania’s Lake Erie coast features everything you’d want from a beach: gentle waves, ice cream stands, and even a lighthouse. But the region boasts more than Lake Erie’s shore. Get a thrill at the horse races or down a water slide. Hit the links, and then rest in luxury in Mercer County. Search for wildlife in Hell’s Hollow. Taste test wines at a scenic vineyard, or sink your teeth into sun-ripened fruits and freshly baked treats at a farmers market. The state parks and wooded lakes teem with hiking, hunting, history, and heritage, offering something exciting for visitors of all ages. Shenango River Scallywags, Erie Presque Isle State Park, Erie Buhl Mansion Guesthouse & Spa, Sharon Presque Isle State Park, Erie A HAPPY DAY KID-APPROVED: Bring your wee swashbuckler aboard a pirate ship for a cruise around Lake Erie with Scallywags Pirate Adventures. Costumes encouraged! The ExpERIEnce Children’s Museum has hands-on adventures for young children. The tactile wall is a big hit with the toddler crew, but be sure to explore the Bedrock Cave and Bubble Station. Satisfy your sweet tooth with a stop at nearby Philadelphia Candies in Hermitage. Walk with the wild things (or ride the train) at Pymatuning Deer Park in Jamestown, featuring 250 species from lions to llamas. ADVENTURER: In Erie, bike to a lighthouse along Presque Isle State Park’s flat trails, or enjoy its serene freshwater beach — voted No. 1 in the country by USA Today Readers’ Choice Awards. Bag a ringnecked pheasant or even train your hunting dog at Maurice K. Goddard State Park in Sandy Lake. Rent a pontoon boat or watch the Purple Martins nest at Edinboro Lake Resort. In winter, spend the day snow tubing at Mount Pleasant of Edinboro. HISTORY BUFF: Visit the Erie Maritime Museum to study the lake’s historic role in trade and warfare. Tour a replica of the U.S. Brig Niagara, and even ride her if the weather allows. Study the early petroleum industry’s oil boomtowns and important well sites, then fish in the clean trout streams in Oil City’s Oil Creek State Park. Don’t skip the Drake Well Museum in Titusville, where Edwin L. Drake drilled the first modern oil well. Meadville’s Baldwin- Reynolds House Museum offers a peek into the 19th-century estate of Henry Baldwin. Tour the preserved mansion and learn about the area’s first indoor plumbing, among other architectural marvels. Splash Lagoon, Erie GO FOR THE … WATER RIDES! Check out Waldameer Park and Water World in Erie, where you can experience speed flumes, an Endless River, and a heated relaxing pool for an affordable price in a traditional park. Got rain? No sweat at Splash Lagoon Water Park Resort, also in Erie. This indoor adventure offers thrill levels from “kiddie” to “extreme.” EVENTS ROAR ON THE SHORE® July 12–16, 2017 In Erie, enjoy rides, bands, bike contests, custom motorcycles, bike accessories, and the famous Bringin’ In the Roar Bike Parade with more than 5,000 bikers. WATERFIRE SHARON, PA July 15, Aug. 19, Sept. 23, 2017 Each day-long event offers music, food, and interactive arts experiences, all free of charge to the public. Actual WaterFire performances begin at dusk. Fire performers and other event entertainers add to the experience on and around the river, all accompanied by a mix of live and recorded music. THE GREAT STONEBORO FAIR Aug. 30–Sept. 4, 2017 This tradition in Stoneboro has been bringing families together for over 150 Years. Celebrate the end of summer with a milking contest, harness racing, pony rides, demo derby, bull mania, texting contest, Lumberjack Show Cavalcade, rides, and food. TALL SHIPS® ERIE September 2017 Guests can come to the Tall Ships® Erie celebration for onboard tours and sail-aways on several unique tall ships. 34TH NORTH EAST WINE COUNTRY HARVEST FESTIVAL Sept. 22–24, 2017 WineFest encompasses three locations on over 30 acres in the city of North East and showcases over 100 different wines.
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