It has been ridiculously hot this summer—and there’s no doubt that temperatures are going to continue to climb until the season ends. But instead of spending time indoors being miserable, why not spend a weekend on the water in Erie?
Located two hours from Pittsburgh, Erie offers a wide array of activities to keep you cool, whether you want to lie on a beach, plunge down a massive water slide, get splashed at an amusement park or enjoy casual dining while enjoying a cool lake breeze. You can even spend a few hours pretending to be a pirate if you want!
Avast Ye Swabs!
Scallywags Pirate Adventures offers two different types of sailings—a Pirate Adventure Show geared to kids, and a Wobbly Pirate happy-hour version that attracts imbibing adults. It’s hard to say who has more fun—the over-21 crowd that gets to dance the night away, or the children happily using a water cannon to prevent the dreaded Captain Skull from boarding their boat.
If you prefer a more sedate and scenic boat ride, you can take a trip back in time on the Lettie G. Howard Fredonia-style schooner, one of the few surviving examples of the fishing schooners once used in the North Atlantic. The crew is happy to let you participate in raising the sails on this designated National Historic Landmark built in 1893, or you can just relax and enjoy a day on the water if you want.
Back on land, just a few feet from where the Lettie G. boards, make sure to stop at Erie’s iconic Bicentennial Tower, which was built in 1996 to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the founding of Erie. Standing outside on the top observation deck, 138 feet above Presque Isle Bay (though you only press the elevator button for the second floor), you can view Lake Erie, Presque Isle, the city of Erie and even Long Point in Ontario, Canada—27 miles away—in clear weather.
A Day at the Beach
You can find the perfect beach at Presque Isle State Park for any tastes; after all, they’ve got seven miles of sand, ranging from kid-friendly beaches with full facilities, playgrounds, reservable shelters and ADA access to more out-of-the-way, naturally secluded beaches that usually attract fewer guests.
There are 11 miles of trails through Presque Isle for those looking for walking or hiking opportunities, as well as bike and surrey rentals for those who prefer to pedal. Kayaks, canoes and paddleboards are also available for rent for individual use on the water at Presque Isle Boat Rental, or you can take a Presque Isle Lagoon guided kayak tour, which is an amazing way to start the day.
Kayaking through the lagoon first thing in the morning, it’s hard to believe that you’re still in civilization. The morning I was there, the air was quiet and the water still, and it was easy to silently glide up to the turtles sunning themselves on semi-submerged logs and to witness an osprey nest up-close. I highly recommend booking a guided tour with certified instructor and owner of Presque Isle Boat Rentals Greg Clarke, who provides wonderful insight into the history and ecology of the area as you paddle through Graveyard Pond and Misery Bay, or visit the houseboats on Horseshoe Pond.
Another way to experience the beach is by climbing the Presque Isle Lighthouse, built in 1873. While the 78 stairs are narrow and steep, the stunning views of Lake Erie from above are well worth the climb. And working off those calories is important, because no visit to Presque Isle is complete without a stop at Sara’s Diner, located at the entrance to the park. Known for their foot-long Smith’s hot dogs that are made in Erie, thick creamy milkshakes and funky décor, it’s a must-visit when spending time at the beach.
Play in the Park
Erie features not one, but two amusement-type parks where you can spend part of your weekend—and you even get a discount if you choose to do both. Waldameer Park & Water World are located right beside each other, and it’s easy to spend an entire day wandering between the two. At 128 years young, Waldameer is the 10th oldest amusement park in the nation, and it features one of the top 10 wooden roller coasters in the U.S. as well as 35 other rides for kids (and adults) of all ages. Water World has a giant wave pool, lazy river, three super-fast body slides and heated relaxing pools, as well as facilities where you can store your stuff so you don’t have to carry it around both parks.
Relax with a Water View
One of the most unique things about Erie is just how many opportunities there are to enjoy a meal sitting near the water. Dine on upscale cuisine at Two45 Waterfront Grille at the Sheraton Erie Bayfront Hotel, or visit Pier 6 Rooftop Bar & Restaurant for panoramic views of Presque Isle Bay from two expansive outdoor patios. The Shoreline Bar & Grille outdoor patio at the Courtyard Bayfront Hotel provides a casual, chic setting along with great food and specialty cocktails, and Woody’s Backwater BARge & Grill, Erie’s only floating summertime hot spot, features a Key West style barge with bar and table service on water or land. Rum Runners, located just next door, offers live weekend music and front-row seats to Presque Isle Bay when you want that laid-back, tropical vibe.
Another fun stop includes The Sloppy Duck Saloon/JR’s on the Bay, where in addition to a lovely view, you can enjoy watching the ducks play in the outdoor pond at the entrance to the restaurant. While I didn’t try their signature drink, The Duck, made up of pineapple and orange juices, vodka, rum, gin, and tequila crowned with a touch of amaretto, I did enjoy a delicious pineapple mule while admiring the marina view.
Speaking of mules, make sure to stop in to Luminary Distilling & Eatery, Fuhrman’s Cider, where owner Joel DiSanza and his crew turn local water and grains into captivating spirits, including specialty mules like the Gem City and orange creamsicle pear basil martinis. While not on the bay, this distillery is well worth the short drive to experience all of the delicious drinks that they make on-site.
To top off your water-based experience, book a waterfront room at the Sheraton Erie Bayfront Hotel, where you can wake up to a stunning view of the bay and Presque Isle. The hotel just underwent a $7.5 million renovation and the results—including a more contemporary design and insanely comfy beds—are spectacular.
For more information, check out www.VisitErie.com and its new mobile app challenge, Unlock Erie.
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