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!
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!
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!
There are several events that we look forward to every summer, and one of those events is the Greek Fest! We were so excited to see it back in full swing Friday night after 2 years after a very light version of its former glory.
Location:
The Panegyri Greek Festival is located at the Assumption Greek Orthodox Church, 4376 Westlake Road, Erie, PA 16505. You really can’t miss it; you’ll notice the festival as you come from either direction on Westlake Road!
Property Description:
This event is set up in true “festival style;” tents with tables and chairs set up, many different stations to order food and drinks, and even a tent that serves as a boutique.
You are also able to go inside the Church to admire the beauty and into the social hall where you can get even more food and purchase gorgeous jewelry.
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What to Do:
The Greek Fest is full of fun for everyone! If you like to eat ethnic foods, this is a wonderful place for you to stop and grab a bite to eat. In the outdoor area of the festival, you will find many good choices including the every popular gyro, Greek dogs, Greek fries, and pastry trays, coffee, and beer in the Kafenio.
One thing to note immediately is that you do need to purchase tickets in order to get food and drinks. One ticket equals one dollar, and you can purchase these tickets (with cash only) indoors and outdoors at a few booths labeled Food Tickets. If you don’t have cash on you, they do provide ATMs for you to access cash.
One thing we feel is a must eat at the Greek Fest is the ever popular Gyro! We got three; two that were lamb and one that was vegetarian. We were happy to see that the kind people working were about to make dietary accommodations when you order your food! The gyros were absolutely delicious. This year the tzatziki sauce comes on the side, so you can choose to put the sauce on or dip your gyro. We also tried the Kafe Frappe, which is a foamy iced coffee, and it was so good that we had to get another!
We also encountered a fun, unexpected treat; snow cones! You can treat your kids (or yourself) to a cold, icy treat in a tent to the left of the stage! And don’t forget the Greek dogs, Greek fries, and beverages located in the same tent!
Outside, you’ll also find a boutique style shop filled with treasures for everyone. This shop is filled with anything from hot plates to flower crowns, dresses to rugs, and small toys to jewelry. Check it out and take home a small piece of Greece to remember the fun you had at the festival!
Another fun activity outside that we enjoyed was watching the Greek dancers! The dancers from the Church are there to perform various Greek dances that come from all around Greece. It’s really interesting to watch the different dance styles and how they change throughout the different regions. When the dancers aren’t performing, the Kakias Family Band is playing and providing Greek music for anyone to hop on the dance floor and enjoy some Greek dancing!
If you’re looking for a drink, outside in the Acropolis Bar they are serving soft drinks, beer, Greek beer, ouzo, wine, and water. They also have coffee, cherryade, ouzo, wine, and Greek beer in the Kafenio.
There are also many activities to enjoy inside of the Church building as well. One of our favorite things to do is look at the beautiful icons and paintings inside of the Church itself. You’ll be bewildered with the beauty of this Church. If you have any questions as you look around, parishioners are avaliable to give tours and talk to you about any questions you may have.
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In the Church social hall, the first thing you will see as you walk in from the main entrance is the jewelry booth. Here, you will find a lot of jewelry that comes straight from Greece, as well as a few pieces from Turkey and Istanbul. Everything is gorgeous, and you’ll see jewelry of all types. They have gold and silver, necklaces, rings, bracelets, earrings; any type of jewelry you’re looking for you’ll probably find here! This is a must see for everyone, even if it’s just looking!
Also indoors is more food! You are able to purchase Greek dinners and a la carte to the right as you walk in. The dinners consist of fish, lamb, or chicken, and come with rice pilaf, green beans, a roll, and butter. In the a la carte line, you can get dishes such as moussaka, pastitsio, dolmades, spanikopita, and even a Greek salad. Our advice is to get there early, as the dinners have been known to sell out in previous years! (Keep reading!We have the menu at the end of this blog post!)
Let’s talk dessert! There are several pastries available inside to enjoy! If you’re a fan of walnuts, we highly suggest trying baklava! If chocolate is your thing, you’ll love the chocolate yogurt cake. They also have various types of cookies, cakes, and pastries to try. We promise, there’s a dessert for everyone to enjoy!
Who Can Go:
Anyone can enjoy the festival! From young to old, there’s something to enjoy for everyone! Strollers are welcome and we found it easy to push ours around.
Final Thoughts:
This festival is and always will be one of our favorites! This is a free admission event with free parking, which is absolutely wonderful! This year (2022) it runs from 11 a.m. until 10 p.m. on Friday, July 8 and Saturday, July 9. There’s a ton of food, and in our opinion even the pickiest eater should be able to find something delicious! We also love how much entertainment it provides, the littles were thrilled and had a great time! All in all, we believe this is a great event and fun for the whole family! Check it out! Oh, and check out the menu below before you go!
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We love summer events in Erie, PA! Anything that brings us outdoors and can bring family and friends together is a win for us. We were so excited to find out about St. Nick’s Food ‘n Cruze, where you can take a look at some awesome cars while enjoying some of Erie’s great food trucks! This event is free to enter and has free parking!
Location:
This event is located at St. Nick’s Picnic Grove in Erie, PA. The address is 5131 Old French Road, Erie, PA 16509.
Property Description:
The property is very open; it is a very large picnic grove with tons of open space with green grass. There is a picnic pavilion and several picnic tables; you’ll even find a small play area with swings! The grounds are beautiful, with trees towards the back and plenty of shady spots to relax if the sun is out in full force.
For this particular event, you’ll see food trucks set up to the right of the cars. At our stop, we had the option of 5 different food trucks, which we thought was really awesome!
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What to Do:
This is a very simple event, yet so fun! If you’re into classic cars and checking out other vehicles in general, you’ll love wandering through the line of cars parked in the grass and chatting up the owners. Out littles absolutely loved looking at the different colors of cars especially! We did have to remind them that this event was for looking, not touching!
Come to this event hungry! As we stated, there are several food trucks that will be awaiting your arrival to offer you their yummy goodness. You’ll find meals, snacks, and even dessert! We enjoyed a lot of food on our visit, such as chicken fingers, french fries, soft pretzels, an orange soda float, and even snow cones!
We also noticed 50/50 tickets being sold to benefit St. Nick’s Church, so bring some cash if you can to help support them and this wonderful event that they put on!
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Who Can Go:
Anyone is welcome at this event! You can even bring your pups to walk around and check out the sights! We saw a few dogs and they looked pretty happy to be there!
Final Thoughts:
We really enjoyed the Food ‘n’ Cruze at St. Nick’s Grove and thought it was fun for the whole family. You can make it a long trip and really take your time, or a quick pit stop if you’re running low on fuel and want to grab a bite to eat!
This event runs tonight (June 28) and July 5, 2022 from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. and if you can’t make it tonight on June 28, please be sure and try to attend on July 5! It did run every Tuesday in June, so we can hopefully look forward to the same type of schedule for next year! If you’re looking for free events in Erie, PA, this is definitely one to attend!
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Free Comic Book Day was upon us, and we decided to take the kids to Books Galore to grab a few to read and check out the store! Books Galore is independently owned and operated, and has been a part of the Erie community for over 35 years!
Location:
This comic book store in Erie, PA is located at 5546 Peach Street with a zip code of 16509. If you’re headed towards the mall from the zoo area, it will be on your right. You can’t miss it; one of our littles always gets so excited when we pass by because of the giant Spiderman you’ll see out front!
Property Description:
The building itself is made of brick and looks like a very big old house.
It’s a very unique store, as you come into a very large room that boasts several comics, books, games, and collectibles. This is also the room where you will go to make your purchase once you’ve done some looking around; and let us tell you, there’s a lot of looking around to do!
There are many different rooms in the building, with three floors of merchandise total. Eight of these rooms have a vast selection of used books.
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What to Do:
This store has something for everyone. Whether you’re into anything from Marvel to My Little Pony, you’ll find something to love at Books Galore.
They have a massive selection of comic books. You can get all sorts of comics from the brand new to the old collectibles. The third floor is where you’ll find several older treasures, while the main room in the first floor holds all of the brand new issues.
This book store in Erie is also home to a vast selection of books; new and used, fiction and nonfiction. You can find how-to books, kids books, novels, short stories, and even graphic novels.
There are several franchise collectibles for sale, used and new, throughout the store. We also saw many different board games available for purchase in the main room.
Who Can Go:
Everyone is welcome in this book store, but beware there are stairs to climb to get to the second and third levels.
Final Thoughts:
We think this is a really cool place to head to for an afternoon. You could easily spend a couple hours browsing this book store in Erie, PA. If you really look around, you’re bound to find some sort of treasure. Consider heading to this Erie book store if you’re looking for something that’s unique and hard to find, because they just might have it!
According to their website, Books Galore is Monday from 11 a.m.-6:00 p.m., Wednesday- Saturday from 11 a.m.-6 p.m., and from 12 p.m.-5 p.m. on Sundays.
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Thinking about Italian food in Erie, PA tonight? We’ve got a suggestion for you in Valerio’s Italian Restaurant! Italian restaurants in Erie, PA are plenty, but Valerio’s offers several food options for it’s diners, not only in the food that they serve, but in the location options to get that food to you!
Location:
Valerio’s Italian Restaurant has 4 locations (including a main office for catering) in Erie, PA. The location we went to is at 1803 East 38th Street, Erie, PA 16510. We decided to check out this location as it’s close to a local college, Mercyhurst University.
Property Description:
This restaurant is located in it’s own building, and if you’re on 38th street coming from Mercyhurst College, it will be on your right. There is ample parking available in front of the building. When you walk in, there will be a counter to pick up your order directly in front of you. If it’s not done yet, there are benches against the windows for you to sit and wait. To your right there is a drink refrigerator, and to your left there is a small hallway that leads to the dining room.
Counter for Pick Up
What to Do:
Valerio’s is a full service restaurant as well as a take out and delivery service restaurant. You can choose to dine in and enjoy their Italian theme, or if you would rather eat at home or at a different location, you can order online or call in your order. Valerio’s will either deliver your order to you or you can pick it up at the location you order from.
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Their menu is incredibly vast, featuring Italian food of all kinds. They have anything from pizza to soups, Italian stuffers to seafood dinners, subs to Italian dinners such as Chicken Parmesan, Fettuccini Alfredo, Stuffed Shells, and Ravioli. They even have an extremely large pizza called the Sasquatch; with 18 slices this is a great pizza to enjoy during the game! If you’re interested in checking out their entire menu, click here.
On this particular visit, we chose to pick up takeout, and got a simple cheese pizza. However, we’ve had Valerio’s before, and we can vouch that they do have some delicious food on the menu! If you’re looking for take out in Erie, PA, remember that Valerio’s not only offers you the typical “pizza shop” goodness, but several Italian dinners as well!
Large Cheese Pizza
We’ve said it before, there’s nothing like a local pizza shop’s pizza. It’s just different. Everything from the crust to the cheese. This is one you’ll definitely want to try.
Who Can Go:
This restaurant is accessible by all, and of course take out and delivery make it a great option for anyone who doesn’t want to eat inside! Anyone can enjoy Valerio’s food.
Final Thoughts:
Valerio’s is a great local Italian restaurant in Erie, PA that’s been serving Erie since 1994! With 4 locations, you’re bound to be close to one of them whether you’re looking for something near to your house or you’re out and about.
[Editor’s note: Please be aware that we are not affiliated with Valerio’s in any way. This is true of all of our posts. We simply enjoy wandering around Erie as we know finding what to do in Erie, PA area can be hard.]
What do blooming cherry blossom trees, construction equipment, frisbee golf, and muddy trails have in common? You can find all of these things right now at Pleasant Ridge Park!
Weather reaching up to 70 degrees brought us to Pleasant Ridge Park for a little stroll. Even though it rained early Saturday morning, we decided to grab the dog and head to the park; clearly we were hoping it wasn’t too muddy throughout the woods.
FYI: Because this is an update on a previous wandering, we’re linking the article with general information on Pleasant Ridge Park here. With that in mind, check out how our visit on April 23, 2022 went!
With the rain, comes mud.
Currently, the park is pretty muddy. On our walk, we went through several areas of thick, wet, “your shoe will stick in this” mud. The kiddos had a really hard time getting through some of it and had to be picked up. The dog needed a bath when we got home. Our shoes are all being washed. If you don’t like mud, don’t plan a walk here for at least a week. If you don’t mind mud, head on over!
A section of the trails through the woods
“Your shoe will stick in this” mud
It’s that time of year…
Another thing we would caution you about is to check yourself and your dog for ticks. We found 2 on our pup when we arrived home. This shouldn’t deter you from going as it is to be expected in the woods this time of year, but be aware of it and make sure to check your dog any time they spend long periods of time outside.
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Get out your camera!
On another note, the cherry blossom trees are starting to bloom and they are absolutely gorgeous. If you’re a fan of pink trees, head to the park and get some photos as they have 2 on the outskirts of the parking lot, across from the sports fields.
Blooming Cherry Blossom Tree
Perfect Photo Spot
Construction Vehicles
Upon entering the parking lot, you’ll see several construction vehicles currently parked (or at work, depending on when you visit) on the edge of the lot by the fields. They were simply parked during our visit as it was a Saturday afternoon, so we were unable to tell exactly what they were there for. From the looks of the parking lot and the vehicles, our guess is the parking lot refurbishment. If you know what’s going on, please drop us a comment!
Parking Lot
No matter what reason they were there, we had fun looking at them. The littles loved seeing the big vehicles. If you head to the park be sure to take a peek, but remember to keep a safe distance; we kept about a 15 foot distance. It’s important to let kids know this is a “looking” experience and not to touch them. If they look forward to seeing construction vehicles up close and personal, Equipment Day at the zoo is scheduled for 10 a.m.-2 p.m. on Saturday, June 4, 2022.
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Golfing at the park…with a frisbee?
Walking around, we saw several “holes” (they look like big metal and chain baskets) set up as we went on our walk, and noticed several signs warning you to watch out for flying discs. Pleasant Ridge Park now boasts a disc golf course throughout their 80 acres of park. If this is something you’re interested in, you should definitely go check it out. Although we didn’t play ourselves, we did see other people playing.
Frisbee Golf Hole
We never saw a flying disc or feared getting hit by one, so don’t let this stop you from coming to the park. There are strict rules the disc golfers must follow, signs posted throughout to let you know where you could run into someone playing the sport, and pathways to walk as they play the course.
For more information about disc golf, specifically at Pleasant Ridge Park, please click here.
Final Thoughts:
Although very muddy, we still managed to have a lot of fun on our visit! The mud is not bad at all in the grass near the cherry blossom trees, so if you just want to visit those and play at the small playground, you won’t end up with soaking wet shoes like we did after venturing through the trails. If you do want to venture through the trails, in its current state after the rain, we would recommend visiting the open areas before you head into the woods and get muddy.
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On this trip, we were thankful to be wearing our Vessi shoes. Our feet were completely dry because of our Vessi’s yet again! A walk in the wet, sticky mud never felt so dry! Vessi makes 100% waterproof sneakers that we highly recommend. We have an exclusive code for $20 off your first purchase of $100 or more. Click here to be directed to Vessi’s website to browse and use our code!
[Editor’s note: Please be aware that we are not affiliated with The Buffalo Cherry Blossom Festival in any way. This is true of all of our posts. We simply enjoy wandering around Erie as we know finding what to do in Erie, PA area can be hard.]
This post contains affiliate links for a product. If you buy something, we may earn a commission at no cost to you.
We know what time of year it is. Finals week is quickly approaching and end of the semester projects are due. Knowing there are many colleges in the Erie area, we wanted to highlight a few coffee shops students may want to stop by to have a cram session or work on a project while taking in some much needed caffeine, and maybe even grab a bite to eat!
Pressed
If you’re looking for a place to not only grab a coffee and study, but do a little shopping for books and gifts too, Pressed is a super cool place to visit. Head into the bookstore first and pick up some new reading material (or bring your own) and then walk through the doors into the coffee shop to grab a drink and a snack to enjoy while you read. Hightops, tables, and a couch provide different locations for you to relax while you indulge (in studies or coffee, or both). You can also sit outside, right in front of the shop. This is a great option for Gannon and Mercyhurst students, as it isn’t a very far drive from either. Open from 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday through Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. on Saturdays, and 10:00 a.m.-3 p.m. on Sundays, convenient for those of you who may have evening classes.
Above: Seating in Coffee Shop
Interested in more info? Click the picture above.
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The Crick Coffeehouse & Eatery
Although it is a small drive from most colleges in the area, we think The Crick is worth it. With seating indoors and outdoors, you can choose your atmosphere. This is a great place to go if you’re looking for a place to study while eating breakfast or lunch. The Crick is great for students who enjoy studying earlier in the day, as it is open from 8 a.m.-3 p.m. every day except Monday, when they are closed.
Outdoor Seating
Some Indoor Seating
More info? Click the photo above.
The Mainstreet Cakery Cafe: 2 Locations
Either location (Fairview or Millcreek) of The Mainstreet Cakery Cafe would be great for studying while grabbing a bite to eat. While both locations offer indoor and outdoor seating, you will find a wonderful atmosphere to dive into your studies while enjoying a coffee, eating a meal, or even indulging in a bakery treat or some ice cream. The tables are spaced well, and it’s a great place to meet up with a group for dinner as you dive into your studies. Open from 7 a.m.-8 p.m. every day except for Sunday, this is for studiers at any time of day.
Outdoors: Fairview Location
Indoors: Millcreek Location
Want more info? Click the picture above.
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Javamango’s Outpost
A quaint coffee shop and small eatery as a pass-through inside of an office building, Javamango’s Outpost offers a few tables and a hightop bar that are perfect for posting up while hitting the books and enjoying some much needed caffeine. Enjoy the calm atmosphere of a quiet space while you get your study on. Open from 6:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Monday-Friday, and 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturdays, this is for morning and early afternoon studiers.
Want more info? Click the picture above.
Romolo Chocolates
Studying while drinking coffee in a candy store? Initially, it sounds like a bad idea, and quite unattainable. But if you’ve ever been to Romolo Chocolates, you would understand why it’s a good idea. With a quiet atmosphere in the ice cream and coffee shop, you’ll find couches and tables set up for social interactions or some time to yourself. If you’re more of an outside person, you’ll find several tables outdoors in front and to the side of the building, and even heaters available to warm you in the colder months. Enjoy the provided scenery of a fictional alleyway well lit with many Instagram worthy spots to snap a picture in between cramming for your classes. And added to all of that, you can induldge in some amazing sponge candy! Romolo Chocolate is open from 8 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday-Friday, 9:00 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturdays, and 10:00 a.m.-5 p.m. Sundays.
Above: Seating inside of the shop Beside: Seating in front of the shop
[Editors Note: We know there are several other coffee shops in Erie, some we have yet to visit and post on our site. We are not trying to be selective, simply offering choices from our current blog posts. If you have any suggestions of other places we could visit and highlight, please comment and let us know! We want to make sure we mention as much of what Erie has to offer as we can!All business hours are current as of 4/18/2022, please check the hours on their Facebook pages or Google Search if you are reading this at a much later date.]
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[Editor’s note: Please be aware that we are not affiliated with any of these businesses in any way. This is true of all of our posts. We simply enjoy wandering around Erie as we know finding what to do in Erie, PA area can be hard.]
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