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
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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.
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
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
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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.
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.
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🍺 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.
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
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🌟 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.
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.
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🥪 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.
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
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🌟 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!
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.
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🛍️ 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
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.
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🧺 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.
Locally grown produce, cozy country charm, and ice cream right off the road.
📍 Where it’s at
Sweny’s Godfrey Run Farm is located in Lake City, just a short drive west of Erie. The address for your GPS is 9000 West Lake Rd, Lake City, PA 16423. You’ll spot it along Route 5. There’s a big white sign outside, you can’t miss it!
Open hours are: Monday-Wednesday 10 a.m.-7 p.m., Thursday-Saturday 9 a.m.-7 p.m., and Sunday 9 a.m.-5 p.m., plenty of time to stop by after work or enjoy a summer morning or evening!
Sweny’s Godfrey Run is now under new ownership by the Sweny family, and they’ve brought fresh energy and exciting upgrades to this classic local spot. Inside, you’ll find a beautiful sign with a thoughtful tribute to the previous owner—a heartfelt touch that shows just how much this place means to the community. There’s easy parking, and the whole place feels like a little slice of countryside tradition.
They also have a bar where you can currently purchase local wine, with craft beer and cider selections coming soon. They also plan to offer seasonal specialty drinks that highlight the season and fresh fruits they’re selling in store, making the menu just as local and fresh as the produce. What makes this bar extra special? You can order from a window if your sitting outside! What a cool, special touch that we’ve never seen at a place like this.
Sweny’s Godfrey Run is a special little market with big ambitions. Their grand opening was phenomenal, and we can’t wait to come back for one of their upcoming live music events. Be sure to follow them on social media!
From January through April, they also hope to make the venue available for private event rentals (timeline to be finalized). So if you stop by and love the place as much as we do, maybe you can host your next event here!
👨👩👧 Who it’s good for
Families who want to enjoy a simple, fun farm stop with ice cream and fresh produce
Locals stocking up on seasonal goodsRoad trippers driving Route 5 or following the Lake Erie Wine Trail
Wine lovers interested in sampling local wines while browsing farm goods
Anyone looking for old-fashioned charm and quality food
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🌾 Final thoughts
Sweny’s Godfrey Run is more than a farm stand—it’s an Erie County gem. Whether you’re after a crisp local apple, a scoop of ice cream on a hot day, or just a peaceful roadside stop, this little red barn delivers.
Looking for more family-friendly farm stops, ice cream stands, and seasonal markets? Check out more, right here, on wandererie.com!
Tucked at 804 E. 38th Street, Niagara Creamery is a bright little shop in a residential Erie neighborhood. It’s owned by the local Paris family and was named after Erie’s famous Brig Niagara—it feels like Erie pride in every scoop niagaracreamery.com. There’s street parking nearby, and while it’s not on the beaten tourist path, it’s worth seeking out.
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🍦 What’s good
This is hard-packed, small-batch ice cream made right here in Erie—with a menu full of fun options:
Scoops in crispy waffle cones, or go for gluten-free sugar or cake cones—they’ve got it all.
Sundaes, slush puppies, floats, and milkshakes—plus ice cream sandwiches rolled in your choice of toppings.
Try the flagship flurry, a thick blend of ice cream and candy—so thick, they joke, “you’ll need to bring your own spoon!”
They also offer non-dairy flavors, making it accessible for more folks.
Favorite flavors spotted lately include Blue Moon, Butter Pecan, Black Raspberry Cheesecake, and Banana Pudding.
Customers rave about the friendly service, fair prices, and generous portions—TripAdvisor gives them a top rating in Erie.
👨👩👧 Who it’s good for
Families of all ages, including those with dietary needs
Ice cream lovers looking for local flavor and variety
Groups and parties—they also offer catering for events
🌤️ Final thoughts
If you’re craving locally made ice cream and a warm smile in Erie, Niagara Creamery hits the spot. It’s charming, thoughtfully inclusive, and irresistibly delicious. And bonus: perfect for summer road trip pit stops or post-beach treats.
Charming, manageable, and just the right size for a full family day without the overwhelm.
📍 Where it’s at
The Lehigh Valley Zoo is located in Schnecksville, PA, nestled inside the larger Trexler Nature Preserve. It’s about a 5.5-hour drive from Erie, making it a great add-on to a trip through central or eastern Pennsylvania. Once inside the preserve, you follow signs up a winding road to the zoo’s entrance, which has a nice view and ample parking.
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🦖 What’s good
This zoo is small but mighty—perfect for families with younger kids or anyone who doesn’t want to spend a full 6+ hours navigating a massive zoo layout.
Wide paved paths are easy to walk or push a stroller on.
There are plenty of shaded areas, which makes summer visits more bearable.
Animal habitats are well-maintained and offer great close-up views of giraffes, camels, zebras, and more.
One of the highlights is the giraffe feeding station—definitely worth the few extra dollars for the experience. The zoo also features penguins, kangaroos, and river otters, plus a variety of birds and reptiles.
There are educational encounters scheduled throughout the day, and staff members are friendly and eager to chat about the animals.
There are a few play spaces and interactive zones for kids to climb or explore, and the gift shop is surprisingly cute. We picked up a few Fahlo plushies and bracelets, which let us track a snow leopard, a lion, and an elephant through an app. It was a fun and educational souvenir that the kids are still excited about! They even had sensory-friendly accommodations available when requested.
The zoo is wheelchair and stroller accessible, and there are clean restrooms and picnic tables available near the entrance.
👨👧👦 Who it’s good for
Families with small children who want a zoo experience without walking 10 miles
Grandparents or visitors who prefer compact, accessible layouts
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Animal lovers who enjoy up-close encounters
Travelers heading to eastern PA looking for a fun half-day activity
The Lehigh Valley Zoo makes for a lovely half-day adventure. It’s not overwhelming, but still full of charm and animal magic. We left with tired legs, happy hearts, and plenty of photos.
If you’re driving through eastern Pennsylvania or looking for a relaxed, kid-friendly outing, this little zoo is worth the detour.
Looking for more family-friendly animal experiences? Check out our full list of zoos, aquariums, and outdoor wildlife stops across Pennsylvania on wandererie.com.
The track at Behrend Fields is located right on the campus of Penn State Behrend, near Erie Hall. Parking is available in the lot used for the baseball and softball fields, just off Station Road. The whole area feels tucked away and peaceful—great for unwinding or letting the kids stretch their legs.
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What’s Good:
This is a classic outdoor rubberized track, in excellent condition and well-maintained. In addition to the track itself, there’s an excellent opportunity for walking on both pavement and dirt paths around the area, making it a great spot to mix up your routine or enjoy a more scenic stroll. While it’s not nestled between the athletic fields, it’s surrounded by trees and open green space that give it a peaceful, natural feel.
Walking or jogging with a stroller
Letting kids run safely in circles
Track workouts if you want to time your laps
There is a port-a-potty available just past the track, and the surrounding Behrend campus has wide sidewalks if you want to extend your walk. It’s also dog-friendly, but remember to clean up after your pup.
There are usually a few college students jogging or teams practicing, but it’s rarely crowded—especially in the mornings and evenings. And because it’s slightly elevated, you get a bit of a view of the hills beyond, especially at sunset.
If you’re looking for a little variety, there’s also a frisbee golf course on the nearby fields. Just be sure to bring your own frisbee—it’s a fun, low-key add-on to a walk or jog.
Can I bring my dog?
While dogs are not permitted on the track itself, they are welcome on the nearby sidewalks and open grassy areas around Behrend Fields. Keep them leashed and clean up after them, and you shouldn’t run into any issues.
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Who it’s Good For:
Families with kids who need a safe open space to burn energy
Fitness walkers and runners looking for a calm, consistent surface
Anyone rehabbing or easing into movement thanks to the soft track and flat layout
Parents with strollers
Final Thoughts:
The track at Behrend Fields is one of those hidden-in-plain-sight places. Whether you’re looking for a quick walk, a way to reset your afternoon, or a place to run in peace, this spot is worth bookmarking.
If you’re nearby on a sunny day, stop by and take a few laps—you might just find a new favorite rhythm.
Looking for more walkable places in Erie? Check out our full list of family-friendly parks, trails, and low-stress local strolls on wandererie.com. And check us out on tiktok!
Great Wolf Lodge Poconos is one of several locations across the U.S., but it’s a top pick for families in Western Pennsylvania. Located just off I-80 in Scotrun, PA, it’s about 5 and a half hours from Erie—perfect for a weekend getaway. Surrounded by trees, it feels like a giant log cabin built for kids (and their exhausted parents).
Parking is free and easy, and we checked in at the front desk. They give you wolf ears and a free photo booth opportunity, and then we were ready to splash!
What’s Good:
The indoor waterpark is absolutely the main attraction and it’s perfect year-round. It’s warm, splashy, and packed with fun for all ages.
Young children have safe splash zones, gentle slides, and climbing areas.
Older kids loved thrill rides like the Howlin’ Tornado and Alberta Falls.
Adults appreciated relaxing by the outdoor pool, enjoying a moment of peace while the kids played nearby.
Both of our kids had a blast with MagiQuest, the live-action scavenger hunt game. Our older child dove into the full adventure, running up and down the halls solving clues with their wand. And our little one loved it too—he played a simpler version that wasn’t too hard, but still made him feel like part of the magic.
Don’t skip the gift shop: there’s a Build-A-Bear Workshop right inside the lodge! Our kids built their own custom Great Wolf Lodge plushies, which became beloved travel buddies. The merch is actually super cute—fuzzy hoodies, themed drinkware, wolf-ear headbands, and even matching family shirts.
We grabbed some delicious pizza during our stay, and we were happy to see they offered gluten-free options as well—perfect for families with dietary needs. There was even a Dunkin’ Donuts right inside the lodge, which made mornings extra convenient for tired parents. And the ice cream? Incredible. Creamy, fun flavors, and the perfect end-of-day treat after splashing and exploring.
In addition to the water fun, there are morning yoga sessions for kids to stretch and get energized for the day. In the evening, the resort comes alive with nightly dance parties, which were a huge hit with our crew—everyone was out there dancing like no one was watching. And at 9:30 p.m., it’s time for Story Time, where kids gather in pajamas for a magical tale. The story we heard was about a wolf named Luna, and our kids absolutely adored it—it was the perfect wind-down to an exciting day.
The fun didn’t stop there. The kids also got to try a mining experience, which included a really fun mirror maze that was cleverly incorporated into the activity. It was interactive, creative, and something they’re still talking about! Yes, we had ice cream before dinner once (no regrets).
Watch our Great Wolf Lodge adventure — from swimming to MagiQuest fun to nightly dance parties!
Who it’s Good For:
This Poconos water park resort is ideal for:
Families with toddlers to tweens
Grandparents and multi-gen groups looking for easy fun in one building
Families looking for everything in one place—no car rides or complicated planning
Anyone whose kids are obsessed with stuffed animals, swimming, and scavenger hunts
Whether it’s your first time visiting a Great Wolf Lodge or you’re coming back for more, this location checks every box.
Final Thoughts:
Would we go again? Absolutely. It’s not cheap, but you’re paying for convenience, safety, and kid-joy levels off the charts. Everything’s walkable, the entertainment is built-in, and the vibe is nonstop fun. Did we mention the waterpark is included with your room reservation? No extra fees for that!
Pro tip: bring a robe and extra swimsuits for the kids, and maybe an extra tote for all the souvenirs and wolf ears you’ll end up with.
It’s wandering beyond Erie, but The Great Wolf Lodge is a memory-making machine.
Would we go again? Absolutely. It’s not necessarily cheap, but you’re paying for convenience, safety, and kid-joy levels off the charts. Everything’s walkable, the entertainment is built-in, and the vibe is nonstop fun.
Pro tip: bring a robe and extra swimsuits for the kids, and maybe an extra tote for all the souvenirs and wolf ears you’ll end up with.
It’s not Erie, but it is a memory-making machine. Check out their website for more information! www.greatwolflodge.com
Planning a Family Getaway?
If you’re dreaming of your next road trip from Erie, Great Wolf Lodge in the Poconos is a must-see.
Check out more family-friendly day trips, weekend escapes, and Erie area adventures right here on wandererie.com.
We were in need of some starts to add to our non-existent garden this year, so we headed to Johnston’s to check out what they had to offer! We knew it was a gamble considering we are now in late May, BUT we wanted to check out their current selection! We have been there many times before and love walking the property!
Location:
Johnston’s Garden Center is located at 10000 Wales Road, Erie, PA, 16510. They are open in MAY from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. from Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday. In JUNE through SEPTEMBER, Monday through Friday hours stay the same, but Saturday changes to 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and they are closed on Sundays. They are closed July 4 and Labor Day.
Property Description:
This is a garden center, so you can expect a LOT of walking space outdoors. They also have a little shop where you can go inside and make your purchases. You will find many different types of flowers, trees, fruit and vegetable starts, shrubs, and so many other beautiful plants and other landscaping needs. You will be walking through grass, stone, dirt, and gravel as you browse.
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Also, please understand that during different times of the year you will find different types of plants and more or less of a selection of what you’re looking for. This goes for all garden centers. For instance, I was looking for my absolute favorite tomato, and at this point in the year (late May), they were sold out of starts! And for those of you wondering what tomato that is, it is the green zebra tomato! They are so delicious and make an excellent addition to chili to give it a bit of a citrus zest! They are a family favorite of ours!
What to Do:
This is a garden center, so understand that you’re going to be looking at a lot of greenery and beautiful flowers! Expect to do a lot of walking through greenhouses and pole buildings, and up and down pathways to find what you’re looking for. Now, we’re not saying this is a bad thing! We enjoyed walking around and looking through the beautiful plants all around us!
Although it was not on this particular trip, I can say that we have purchased some beautiful fruit trees from this location! We have 2 amazing winecrisp apple trees and 2 cherry trees, one of which is already rapidly producing this year! Although we didn’t get any apples last year, we are looking forward to tasting them this year!
There are way too many varieties and plants to list, so if you’re looking for something specific, please check out their website here at https://www.johnstonplants.com and browse their selection before you go! You can also find planting guides and resources on their website.
One important thing to note it that they will deliver anything you purchase straight to your home! Delivery days and times vary, and there will be a fee, but we love that you can pick out a ton of greenery and not have to worry about getting it to your house yourself! You can also purchase gift cards for that special gardener in your life!
Who Can Go:
Anyone is welcome at this beautiful garden center, from young to old. We did bring our stroller in, as one of our littles wasn’t in the mood to cooperate. The stroller did not make it through some of the narrower pathways, so be aware of that if you do need to bring a stroller or a wheelchair with you.
We think that this can be a fun place for kids to come, especially to see how food is produced as they look at all of the different varieties of plants. Our littles also love looking at the beautiful colors of all the flowers. It is definitely important to stress a “look don’t touch” approach before you go, but as long as your kids can remember that you can spend a lot of time here checking out everything they have to offer!
Final Thoughts:
This is a great garden center with a huge selection of plants to meet anyone’s needs! We really love to come to Johnston’s Garden Center, even if it’s just to browse!
Wander Erie 