Tag Archives: adventure

Sweny’s Godfrey Run

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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.

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🍓 What’s good

@wandererie814

Amazing place for ice cream, fresh fruit, wine, and more! Sweny’s Godfrey Run in Lake City, PA! #erie #eriepa #814 #lakecity #lakecitypa #countryroads #eriecounty #icecream #fruitstand #grandopening

♬ Summertime – Kenny Chesney

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!

Lehigh Valley Zoo

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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
@wandererie814

Lehigh Valley Zoo Adventure! #zoo #animals #lehighvalleyzoo #lehighvalley #cutezoo #familyfun #giraffe #schnecksville #wandererie #aza #fun

♬ African Safari – Derek Fiechter

🌍 Final thoughts

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.

Penn State Behrend Fields

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Where it’s at:

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!