It’s no Caribbean resort, but if you’re in Central PA and looking to see some water, consider visiting Erie, PA for the weekend! Just 3 hours from State College, it’s an easy drive and definitely a fun place to explore when it’s warm out. My boyfriend and I stayed two nights in early April and explored the town from top to bottom. We may not run to go back, but I think it’s worth people seeing!

We stayed at an AirBnb (I won’t link it because it wasn’t super glamorous), but there’s some really pretty hotels right down by the water if you want to splurge. Or, there’s some cuter Airbnbs!

Where to Eat

• Brew Ha Ha Cafe– If you’re looking for breakfast, this is the spot to check out! With homemade bagels, endless baked goods, delicious hand-crafted coffee drinks and teas, and a charming outdoor deck to eat it on, you’re sure to have a yummy, affordable, and relaxing breakfast.
• Romolo Chocolates-Oh wow, if you do one thing, you must visit here. First, check out their candy shop and buy some of their famous sponge candy! Then, head over to the chocolate cafe. We got their homemade ice cream (sponge candy and peanut butter meltaway are out of this world). We also were admiring their hot chocolate and coffee selection, as well as luxe looking baked goods.
• Underdog BBQ-We had a hard time picking our second dinner destination, and settled on Underdog, which we could smell from the road! While we did have a long wait once we ordered, the food was incredible. Flavorful sauce, the best baked beans ever, and other incredible sides! It was all fairly priced too. My boyfriend said that the ribs were his favorite part of the meal.

Where To Drink

• Voodoo Brewing– Voodoo is a classic PA brewery, that has great brews and even greater vibes. Their downtown Erie location is so fun and a great outdoor space.
• Erie Brewing Company– This is the classic Erie brewery! We went to the Innovation Park campus, and we loved the atmosphere, specifically their upstairs deck. It’s a bit off to order food separate from the brewery, but we quite liked their brewery exclusive sour beers (I had a gooseberry-soursop one!), and it was a cool spot to hang out.
• Lavery Brewing Co– My favorite brewery, they had excellent beer! The blue raspberry snow cone sour was unlike anything I’ve ever had and out of this world. Be sure to try some food too. Very gourmet options, like the incredible pickle pizza with miso ranch, arugula, cheese, and bagel seasoning!

What To Do

• Presque Isle– This state park is my favorite part of the whole place! The beautiful peninsula is filled with walking trails, bays, places to sit, beaches, and lighthouses! We spent the whole day there, and easily could have spent more!
• Erie Arboretum-This gorgeous arboretum is the perfect place to go for a walk. We went during the first bloom of the trees, and it was beautiful to explore. We also went back to eat our Romolo’s ice cream (it’s right across the street).

So, do you think you’ll take a visit to Erie, PA? If you do, let me know if you try any of these suggestions!

All thoughts and opinions are my own.