2023-12-18 19:08:19
ADVENTURES IN ERIE Whether you come to enjoy the sandy beaches of Pennsylvania’s only “seashore,” go in-line skating, or learn about the historical significance of the peninsula, there is something for everyone at Presque Isle State Park. Make a pit stop at the Tom Ridge Environmental Center, offering free admission to its interactive exhibits, glass-enclosed tower, and orientation movie. Young adventurers love the water slides, fort, and water-shooting cannons of Splash Lagoon, a Polynesian-themed indoor water park. For even more thrills and rides, venture to Waldameer & Water World, with 75-plus roller coasters, water slides, and family-fun classics. Families will also enjoy an excursion at the ExpERIEnce Children’s Museum, a vibrant, hands-on center with educational exhibits for kids, plus event space for birthdays. Erie Land Lighthouse, also known as the Old Presque Isle Light, is a lighthouse on the shore of Lake Erie. If you prefer to eat local, this is it. The Pineapple Eddie Southern Bistro cooks up flavorful Caribbean cuisine. Meanwhile, at Pier 6 Rooftop Bar & Restaurant, take in stunning views of Erie while enjoying fire pits and a full-service bar. For a night on the town, see all the modern renovations at the historic Warner Theatre, with major Broadway shows and traveling acts. Detour to Edinboro Stay in one of Edinboro Lake Resort’s cozy cabins near Edinboro Lake to enjoy all the modern amenities of glamping with the outdoorsy feel of camping. In the mornings, head to Lakeside Bagel & Deli for bagels, coffee, scones, and many more bites and beverages to fuel up for the day’s adventures in Edinboro. For culinary delights, explore Hurry Hill Farm Maple Museum or visit Penn Shore Winery— one of the largest and longest-established wineries in the state. In addition to a wide variety of delicious wines, Arundel Cellars & Brewing Co. will have its own craft brews on tap, and when the apples are ready in the fall, it’ll start its first batch of sparkling cider—best enjoyed out on the patio. Conneaut Lake & Pymatuning Lake Areas Formerly known as Dennis Beach, Fireman’s Beach in Conneaut Lake continues to serve as a popular location for picnics and boating. Then explore one of the largest state parks in the commonwealth, Pymatuning State Park, clocking in at almost 17,000 acres and spanning the Ohio- Pennsylvania border. When you’re ready to stop for food, find Vacavi Café, overlooking the dock at Conneaut Lake and offering coffee, snacks, lunch, and desserts. Also nearby, Silver Shores Restaurant remains a local staple on the water, serving up freshly caught seafood since 1930. MORE LAKE ADVENTURES NEARBY Take advantage of more lakeside activities and water sports, at one (or all!) of these other lakes nearby. From Maurice K. Goddard State Park in Sandy Lake to Shenango Recreation Area Campground in Transfer and Woodcock Lake in Meadville, summer won’t be long enough to get your fill of boating, kayaking, fishing, wildlife spotting, and sunset watching. Oil Region National Heritage Area OIL CITY & MORE Considered the birthplace of the modern oil industry, find Venango Museum of Art, Science and Industry in the small town of Oil City. Here, exhibits detail the impact of the oil industry on our everyday lives. Drake Well Museum and Park in Titusville is another cultural institution dedicated to the history of oil in America—using films, exhibits, artifacts, oil field machinery, and historic buildings to tell the story of the petroleum industry’s birth. Take a three-hour roundtrip ride on the Oil Creek and Titusville Railroad in Titusville, which takes you through scenic Oil Creek State Park—where oil history all began. The state park also offers a bicycle rental stand, a playground at the Petroleum Centre, biking/ hiking trails, picnic areas, and camping. For 3-in-1 kind of trip, head to a remote section of Venango County to explore three different landmarks, from an impressive 20-ft waterfall known as Freedom Falls to the preserved ruins of Rockland Iron Furnace near the Allegheny River and the historic 3,000-foot-long Rockland Tunnel. For great live music every night, grab a bite and a beer at the local Titusville Iron Works Tap House, an Iron Works building that once built gas engines, steam engines, smokestacks, and pump jacks.
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