2018-01-26 15:12:18
Pennsylvania’s Lake Erie coast features everything you’d want from a beach: gentle waves, ice cream stands — even a lighthouse. But the region boasts more than Lake Erie’s shore. Get a thrill at the horse races or on a wooden roller coaster. Hit the links, and then rest in luxury in Mercer County. Search for wildlife at a nearby preserve. Taste test wines at a picturesque vineyard, or stroll through art galleries and exhibits. The state parks and glittering lakes teem with hiking, hunting, history, and heritage, offering something exciting for visitors of all ages. “BEEN TO ERIE NUMEROUS TIMES IN THE LAST 15 YEARS. LOVE PRESQUE ISLE. USED TO TAKE MY KIDS UP THERE, AND THIS PAST SUMMER I WAS THERE WITH MY KIDS AND GRANDKIDS. LOVE RIDING MY BIKE ON THE TRAIL, AND THE SUNSETS CAN’T BE BEAT.” —DONNIE GAUS, FACEBOOK 10 HAPPY MOMENTS Hit the beach or the hiking trails at Presque Isle State Park in Erie. Don’t skip the visitors center on your way in — or the lighthouse on your way out. Promenade along the Linesville Spillway and Fish Hatchery to toss bread into the water, which is so thick with fish fighting for food that the local ducks seem to walk on their backs to grab your crusts. Park at Sara’s in Erie for hot dogs and ice cream. This old-timey diner makes for the perfect end to a day on the beach. You’ll find a new photo op with each visit. Study the work of master metalworkers at the Wendell August flagship store in Grove City. The experience includes a workshop tour of their coal-fired forge, plus a peek into the die vault. Hit the links at Culbertson Hills Golf Resort in Edinboro. This public course has fast greens and tree-lined fairways, with a snack stand midway through. Looking for a classic amusement park without the stress? Waldameer Park in Erie is your solution. Wooden coasters, kiddie rides, and family fun pair with water attractions, including a lazy river and 400-gallon tipping bucket. Find a unique gift for anyone on your list at Campbell Pottery Store & Gallery in Cambridge Springs. Award-winning porcelain originals, jewelry, blown glass, wood, and old-time toys are displayed in a historic barn. Roll along the paved 5.8-mile Samuel Justus Recreation Trail in Oil City, and take in scenic views of the Allegheny River along the way. Bike rentals and ice cream are available in Franklin. The Erie Zoo in Erie combines an animal adventure with botanical bliss. The 400 animals are housed among 11 beautiful gardens, with a train and carousel to boot. Visit a 125-pound chocolate reindeer at Daffin’s Candies in Sharon, a shop nicknamed the Chocolate Kingdom for good reason. The confectioners churn out candy creatures, truffles, and chocolate bars galore. KEY: = Adventurer = Arts & Culture = Family = Foodie = History Buff = Party Animal = Shopper EVENTS March 17–18, 2018 Maple Taste and Tour The Taste and Tour weekend opens the doors of 13 Pennsylvania maple producers to show how each sugaring operation works. July 21, Aug. 18 & Sept. 22, 2018 WaterFire Sharon, PA Each daylong event offers music, food, and interactive arts, all free to the public. Actual WaterFire performances begin at dusk. July 18–22, 2018 Roar on the Shore® In Erie, enjoy three days of rides, bands, bike contests, custom motorcycles, and the famous Bringin’ in the Roar Bike Parade with more than 5,000 bikers. July 27–29, 2018 Discover Presque Isle Days Celebrate summer at Erie’s top attraction with a bonfire, sand sculpture contest, beach volleyball, live entertainment, art, food vendors, and more. October 5–7, 2018 Applefest This festival in Franklin, Venango County, features more than 300 craft booths, cider press making, visits from Johnny Appleseed, and an apple pie eating contest.
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