Monthly Archives: August 2025

Davenport Cidery & Winery – Meadville, PA

Posted on by
Reply

Local ciders, cider slushies, orchard walks, and peaceful pond views — perfect for a family retreat.

Where It’s At

Tucked just a short drive from Erie, Davenport Cidery & Winery sits nestled on a century-old apple and pear farm at 13124 Townline Road in Meadville. The setting is a restored barn surrounded by a beautiful orchard and ponds—an inviting escape into orchard life. Yelp+13davenportcidery.com+13davenportcidery.com+13

Advertisements

What’s Fun (and Kid-Friendly)

Our whole crew loved visiting here. We brought the kids along and they had a blast:

  • The food was delicious—we sampled gourmet sourdough flatbreads and small plates that felt fresh and flavorful.
  • The kids especially raved about the non-alcoholic specialty slushie, a perfect blend of fruit and fun.
  • We all enjoyed exploring the orchard paths and ponds—they’re quiet, beautiful, and made the trip feel like a mini adventure.
@wandererie814

Davenport Cidery for cool, chill vibes! #pa #pennsylvania #crawford #meadvillepa #814

♬ Pour Me A Drink – Post Malone

On the beverage side, Davenport pours handcrafted ciders and wines from their estate-grown apples. The selection rotates and includes fun seasonal flavors (think apple pie, pumpkin, and more), as well as slushies, adult frozen cocktails, and cider-wine-ice-cream flights. davenportcidery.com+1davenportcidery.com+1

Plus, there’s live acoustic music on the calendar to enjoy while sipping your drink. davenportcidery.com+3davenportcidery.com+3Restaurant Guru+3

Who It’s Great For

  • Families who want a scenic spot that’s relaxed, kid-friendly, and delicious
  • Orchard guests who love tasting estate-grown ciders or sampling playful slushy drinks
  • Anyone craving a peaceful, rustic escape near home
  • Those who enjoy sipping in the open air, wandering paths, and soaking up apple farm charm
Advertisements

Final Thoughts

Davenport Cidery & Winery is a family-friendly gem built on local roots—where kids wiggle and wander, and grown-ups relax under apple trees. With tasty bites, cider flights, and orchard strolls by the pond, it’s one of those stops that feels both special and totally accessible. You’ll head home with sticky fingers, happy tummies, and maybe a new favorite cider in hand.

Riverside Brewing Company – Cambridge Springs, PA

Posted on by
Reply

Farm-to-table comfort, craft brews, and rustic charm in a lovingly restored barn

📍 Where It’s At

Just over the line, about 30 minutes east of Erie, Riverside Brewing Company is tucked beside French Creek at 1 Fountain Street, Cambridge Springs. Housed in a beautifully reconstructed 1800s barn from Cochranton, the setting is homey, historic, and impossibly inviting. The grounds include gardens, cozy outdoor seating, and plenty of space to linger or enjoy a meal.

Advertisements

🍺 What’s Good

This is one of those spots where the building and the food both feel like local love letters. The restored barn holds a large bar with 21 taps, serving up a rotating cast of local drafts alongside wine, cider, and spirit-forward cocktails.

On the menu? A smart, creative mix of comfort food and farm-to-table goodness:

  • Steak and handheld sandwiches like the Craft Burger or Cuban Reuben
  • Entrees including Duck Mac & Cheese, Cajun Shrimp & Grits, or Chicken Saltimbocca
  • Starters like nachos, pretzel sticks, and Brussels sprouts
  • A thoughtful selection of salads, soups, sides, and wood-fired pizzas

You’ll also find a small gift shop stocked with Riverside Brewing T-shirts, hats, and other branded gear, plus a few local goodies to take home—perfect for remembering your visit or grabbing a gift for a fellow craft beer fan.

The ambiance is as satisfying as the food, with an outdoor patio, live music events through their Summer Music Series, and even a brewing area you can catch a peek of.

@wandererie814

Riverside Brewing Company… WOW! Cool atmosphere, awesome food, great experience! #814 #cambridgesprings #riverside #brewery #pennsylvania

♬ Come On Eileen – Single Edit – Dexys Midnight Runners & Kevin Rowland

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Who It’s Great For

  • Food-loving families who want quality meals in a relaxed, friendly setting
  • Couples or date-night groups seeking a cozy, unique backdrop with local flavor
  • Craft beer aficionados or anyone curious about regional brews and rotating taps
  • Shoppers who love picking up local merch and souvenirs along with their meal
Advertisements

🌟 Final Thoughts

If you’re up for a short drive, Riverside Brewing Company is the kind of place where every detail—from the reclaimed barn to the brewed beer—tells a story. Whether you stay inside by the fireplace, on the patio under the trees, or linger over a song, you’ll come away with full bellies, a few new favorites, and maybe even a T-shirt or jar of local jam to remember it by.

Westside Market on Powell

Posted on by
Reply

Local Eats & Artisan Finds in Erie, PA Delicious food, handmade goods, and a cozy neighborhood vibe

📍 Where it’s at

Westside Market is located at 1119 Powell Avenue in Erie, PA. It’s a hidden gem that combines a full café, ice cream counter, and a retail shop packed with local goods—all in one welcoming space.

Advertisements

🥪 What We Loved

We stopped in for lunch and were genuinely impressed by the variety of food on the menu. Our table was a feast of flavor, including:

  • A crisp and refreshing cucumber salad
  • A warm and melty Greek panini
  • Cozy and hearty cabbage, potato & kielbasa soup
  • A classic BLT
  • A creamy peanut butter smoothie
  • And of course—ice cream!

The food was fresh, flavorful, and satisfying, and the atmosphere was just as good. It’s the kind of place where you want to take your time, chat with the staff, and enjoy every bite.

@wandererie814

Westside Market is a great place for hometown groceries and trinkets! Also, amazing food and smoothies! #eriepa #travel #814 #erie #pennsylvania

♬ Haven’t Met You Yet – Michael Bublé

🛍️ Local Goods & Handmade Finds

Beyond the delicious food, Westside Market shines as a cozy hub for local artisans. The shop is filled with handcrafted home décor, jewelry, candles, art, and gifts, all made by small businesses and creators in the Erie area. It feels like a mini makers’ market tucked into your lunch stop. Whether you’re browsing for a unique souvenir or a one-of-a-kind piece for your home, this market has plenty of treasures to discover.

We especially loved seeing a donation bucket for Orphan Angels Cat Sanctuary, a great reminder that this place really supports the Erie community! We can’t help but love helping animals!

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Who It’s Great For

  • Families grabbing lunch or dessert together
  • Shoppers looking for locally made gifts and home items
  • Anyone craving comfort food with a creative twist
  • People who love to support community-focused businesses
Advertisements

🌟 Final Thoughts

Westside Market on Powell is so much more than just a place to eat. It’s a welcoming space filled with flavor, creativity, and heart. From the tasty menu to the shelves lined with handmade items, this is the kind of spot you’ll want to return to again and again.

Looking for more hidden gems in Erie? WanderErie.com has you covered!

The Village Shops Gatlinburg, TN

Posted on by
Reply

Whimsy, charm, and shops you could spend hours exploring.

📍 Where it’s at

Tucked right off the Parkway at 634 Parkway, The Village Shops feel like a hidden European-inspired courtyard just steps off downtown Gatlinburg. Enter beneath the iconic arched entrance, and you’re transported into a cobblestone-lined mini-village—24 hours of charm in one walkable plaza, with a mix of boutiques, galleries, and eateries.

Advertisements

🛍️ What’s good

With 27 unique shops, there’s something for everyone to love. Here are a few that stood out to us:

  • The Donut Friar – Grab a warm cinnamon donut or pastry; it opens early and smells amazing.
  • Toy Crazy – Full of creative, high-quality toys—our kids didn’t want to leave!
  • The Sock Shop – A wall of fun, bold socks for every personality—plus hats and slippers.
  • The Honey Pot – Hand-crafted pottery, garden decor, and southern-style gifts.
  • Pepper Palace – Spicy sauces, seasonings, and free tastings if you’re brave enough.
  • Candle Cottage – Gatlinburg’s signature candle store, full of seasonal scents and boutique waxes.
    Other shops include Celtic Heritage, Coffee & Company, Misty Mountain Soap Co., Spice & Tea Exchange, Bonediggity Barkery, U Name It, Zi Olive, and more—each offering something unique for browsing or gifting
@wandererie814

The Village in Gatlinburg is an escape from the hustle and bustle of the main tourist street #travel #gatlinburg #tennessee #thevillage #smokeymountains

♬ оригинальный звук – junior_gd

The layout feels intentionally thoughtful; fountains, benches, and photo-ready corners make lingering between shops delightful rather than overwhelming.

👨‍👩‍👧 Who it’s good for

  • Families—low-stress strolling, delicious treats, and shops to delight every age
  • Couples—perfect for leisurely browsing or grabbing a donut and coffee
  • Gift lovers and souvenir seekers—unique finds at every turn
  • Photo enthusiasts—plenty of charming backdrops that feel local and authentic

The Village is ideal for those who want a taste of Gatlinburg’s charm without the crowds—yet still be in the heart of things.

Advertisements

🧺 Final thoughts

The Village Shops are a Gatlinburg gem—an easy stop, rich in charm and variety, with something for everyone. Whether you’re picking up handcrafted soap, memorable toys, cozy candles, or spice mixes for the kitchen—this little plaza leaves you with a full heart and a happy haul.