We’re coming to find that there are many different lake access points in the Erie area, such as Shorewood Park and Walnut Creek Marina. Elk Creek Access is not only one of these Lake Erie access points, but a great spot to visit!
Location:
You’ll find Elk Creek Access at the end of Elk Creek Road, Lake City, PA 16423. We’ve included a map below to help you figure out where the destination is.
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Property Description:
This is beach and water access, near homes and summer cottages. There’s not a ton of space to park, but you should be able to find a spot being that this is a pretty unfilled area when it comes to outside traffic. You’ll find a little sand, but it is mostly rocks and pebbles on the beach.
What to Do:
There is no lifeguard available, so we would advise staying out of the water for swimming purposes. We did dip our feet in, walk along the edge, and look for beach glass, and we found so many pieces! This beach was full of it, so we highly recommend coming here if collecting beach glass is something you like to do. We heard the best time to pan for beach glass is after a storm, so this may be the perfect place to come the morning after one of Erie’s nighttime thunderstorms.
Beach glass among rocks and pebbles
Our beach glass haul
We are sometimes lucky enough to view things that we wouldn’t even think of, and our trip to Elk Creek Access was one of those times. A couple of guys had brought their dog, who they were teaching how to retrieve in the water. The kids loved watching him run back and forth, and it got us thinking that this beach in particular is probably a great place to bring your dog to play because it is definitely not a busy as some of the other beaches in Erie, such as Presque Isle.
If you’re looking for the best place to watch the sunset in Erie, add this to your list of options. We did come to this beach at sunset, and noticed that although there were still people there, the actual beach itself wasn’t very busy. The people who live in the area were watching, but mainly from their own property; we saw roughly 3 groups besides ourselves on the beach.
Who Can Go:
All are welcome at this beach and creek access point in Lake City. This is definitely a cozy place for a date night in Erie, but it’s also a great place to hang out with your family and friends or bring your dog to run and play. You do have to walk across rocks, so it’s not most easily accessible place to visit if you want to get close to the water.
Be aware that there is some private property in this area, so not all points are accessible to the public.
Final Thoughts:
We really enjoyed our evening at Elk Creek Access. We highly recommend this beach if you are looking for beach glass in Erie, PA and the area surrounding the lake.
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[Editor’s note: Please be aware that we are not affiliated with Elk Creek Access in any way. This is true of all of our posts. We simply enjoy wandering around the Erie area as we know finding what to do in Erie, PA can behard.]
It seems like there are so many ice cream stands in Erie, but we recently came across this gem on Route 19 (or as we in Erie call it Peach Street) and we simply adore it!
Location:
Mr. Shivers is located at 11220 Old Rte 19 N, Waterford, PA 16441. If you’re on Peach going south, continue past the mall and then pass Splash Lagoon, and in about 8 minutes you’ll reach the stand.
Menu & Ice Cream Flavors
Property Description:
Mr. Shivers is an ice cream and food stand, with seating on both sides. To the left you’ll see tables with umbrellas, and to the right a bar like seating area. You order at a window, and will pick up your order in that same window or another, depending on how busy the stand is at the time.
What to Do:
We couldn’t imagine coming to Mr. Shivers without trying an ice cream cone! There are so many Perry’s Ice Cream flavors to choose from. On the day we went, we had 30 different flavors to choose from!
Northern Lights
Cotton Candy Baby Cone
What we really liked about Mr. Shivers Custard Treats is the amount of ice cream you get. We were very surprised to find out that a baby cone has 1 scoop, a small cone has 2 scoops, a medium cone has 3 scoops, and a large cone has 4 scoops! And for the amount of ice cream that you get, we thought the prices were great.
Ice cream isn’t the only thing Mr. Shivers serves, as you can get anything from fresh cut fries and hot dogs to buffalo chicken or a grilled cheese. We love that this stand boasts a menu that’s fit for lunch or dinner, so if you want to enjoy a meal and then go back and get some ice cream for dessert, this may be a great location for you! And we do have to say, the soft pretzel with cheese that we got was super good!
MenuSoft Pretzel with Cheese
Who Can Go:
Anyone can enjoy all of the yummy treats and sweets at Mr. Shivers! It is accessible for strollers and wheelchairs, and has ample seating on both sides of the stand. You can also bring your dog if you’d like!
We would recommend coming here if you’re looking to do a date night in Erie, trying to spend time with your family, or meeting up with some friends.
Table Seating
Final Thoughts:
Mr. Shivers in Waterford, PA is a wonderful place to check out! We really liked the setup and we thought the menu was extremely extensive for a stand like this. If you’re looking for ice cream in Erie and you’re in the area, this is something we wouldn’t pass by.
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[Editor’s note: Please be aware that we are not affiliated with Mr. Shivers in any way. This is true of all of our posts. We simply enjoy wandering around the Erie area as we know finding what to do in Erie, PA can be hard.]
We’re on a hunt for the best ice cream place in Erie, PA, and The Double Dipper has us wondering if we found it! If you’re looking for great atmosphere, table seating, visual appeal, and yummy ice cream and other treats, this place has you covered! It’s nice enough to make a great spot for a quick dessert or even a great date in Erie, PA. However, it’s also a casual location for quick snacks, specializing in ice cream.
Location:
The Double Dipper is located at 5320 Buffalo Road, Erie, PA 16510. You will see the modern white and stone building from the road, along with another building that looks very similar to it. Whether you live on the eastern side of the Erie area or you’re heading over there, this is a great place to stop!
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Property Description:
This ice cream stand is decorated to perfection. Featuring fresh, simple decor, the outdoor dining area was wonderful to sit in. We honestly didn’t feel like we were eating beside such a busy road (Buffalo Road) because of the atmosphere. It’s also set back far enough that this is a quiet spot to enjoy dessert. We went just before sunset, but we look forward to visiting after the sun goes down. We’re sure the string lights bring a different ambiance in the evening as the sun disappears over the horizon. Open from 1-9 p.m. daily, you’ll be able to check it out in whichever light you’d like.
What to Do:
This is a great place to get ice cream in Erie, PA! They serve Perry’s Ice Cream, and when we visited they had 14 different flavors, so there’s bound to be a flavor for everyone to enjoy!
Along with Perry’s Ice Cream, The Double Dipper offers milkshakes, soft serve cones, dippers, build your own sundae, ice cream sandwiches, root beer floats, and slushies.
Not all of us enjoyed an ice cream cone on this visit, as we got a slushie and a swirlie as well. It was great to mix it up, and we appreciated the various options on the menu.
Dirt Sundae and Butter Pecan
Mint-Ting-A-Ling
Slushie
Swirlie
Who Can Go:
The Double Dipper is a great place for the whole family to enjoy! They have outdoor seating (and a pup cup on the menu, with a water bowl sitting outside), so you can feel free to bring your dog! The counter and the seating area are both easily accessible.
With its atmosphere, we love that this is a great spot for families to have a seat together and enjoy a tasty treat. And with its hours and lighting ability, we also think this is a great stop if you’re looking for places to go on a date in Erie. And, make sure to get your Instagram worthy photo with the ice cream Yeti!
While you’re there, take a picture with this guy
Final Thoughts:
Although we aren’t here to review anything, we have to say that this place was pretty darn great. The atmosphere was so charming, and the ice cream was delicious. We really enjoyed our visit and look forward to another one soon!
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[Editor’s Note: Please be aware that we are not affiliated with The Double Dipper in any way. This is true of all of our posts. We simply enjoy wandering around the Erie area as we know finding what to do in Erie, PA can be hard.]
On our mission to bring you several locations to enjoy the beauty of the sunset in Erie, PA (click here for more locations), we were lucky enough to stumble across Shorewood Beach in Harborcreek, PA.
Unedited. Unfiltered. The beauty of a sunset on Shorewood Beach.
Location:
Shorewood Park is located along Lake Erie at the intersection of East Lake Road and Moorheadville Road.
Property Description:
Shorewood Park has over 14 acres of land. 12 Mile Creek intersects with the property, and we saw some great views from the beach. The park has over 1,200 feet of shoreline, which is known as Shorewood Beach.
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Be aware that the park and the beach both close at 10:00 p.m. daily.
What to Do:
Shorewood Park is beautiful, with many stunning views of nature. You can enjoy some time staring at beautiful Lake Erie on the rocky beach, or enjoy the lush, vivid greens of the leaves on the trees on the land surrounding.
You will see a playground when driving towards the beach, and alongside is a picnic table with a charcoal grill, making this a great place to enjoy a meal with your family.
One of the things we would highly recommend doing here is watching the sunset. We have only visited Shorewood Beach once, so we’re not sure if we got super lucky, but the sunset was absolutely phenomenal from this location.
We were also very fortunate on our trip to see a helicopter flying over the water as the sun set. It got extremely close to the water, and seemed like it was coming in right over our heads! It was honestly one of the coolest things we’ve ever seen, and we’re not sure if it was a one time thing or not, but you just might see it for yourself if you decide to visit!
Who Can Go:
Anyone is welcome at this park, but please be aware that accessibility to the shore isn’t necessarily easy. The shore is surrounded by rocks, making it very hard for anything to wheel near the water. Before the rocks, there is a sand and concrete parking area with ledges that reach out towards the water, and those ledges allow anyone who is unable to get into the rocks the ability to look out over the water. The good thing is between the creek and the countless feet of beach, you won’t ever feel cramped or shoved up against other people if you decide to come here. And while this might not be the beach most think of if they are searching for the best beach in Erie, PA, this is certainly one of the calmer beaches we have been to.
Final Thoughts:
We really appreciated the simplicity of this Shorewood Beach. The park was not crowded at all, and we only saw about 3 other groups of people besides us. This is highly desirable compared to a place like Presque Isle that is a high traffic area.
We really enjoyed our time at Shorewood Park. The views were stunning, and the waves rolling in made for the perfect soundtrack to our evening.
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[Editor’s Note: Please be aware that we are not affiliated with Shorewood Park in any way. This is true of all of our posts. We simply enjoy wandering around the Erie area as we know finding what to do in Erie, PA can be hard.]
If you’re looking for restaurants in Erie, PA, this locally owned café offers a great atmosphere and friendly service while dining. You can get a lot for a great price, and whether you want breakfast, lunch, dinner, or dessert, there is certainly something there for you.
A view from outside, including outdoor seating
Location:
The Cakery has two locations; the one we visited on this wandering in particular is located at 2900 Copperleaf Dr. Erie, PA 16509. The other location is 7403 W Ridge Rd, Fairview, PA 16415.
Property Description:
This is a café style restaurant, with a bakery and coffee counter located directly inside the entrance. The ice cream selections will be to your left. Seating is located both to the left and to the right, and also outside. You are to seat yourself, but if you opt to sit outside, let them know at the counter so they can send a server your way. The décor is very farmhouse in style, and we felt an “at home” feeling while being inside.
Coffee, Bakery, and Ice Cream CounterSeating to your left as you walk in
What to Do:
The Cakery in Erie, PA is a great place to enjoy a meal, or even just a cup of coffee and or a sweet treat. This wandering was our second time eating food from this location, and we enjoyed is just as much as the first. They have a great menu featuring breakfast, appetizers, wraps, macaroni and cheese, burgers, salads, and sandwiches. They also have daily specials.
You can have a seat inside the café, or enjoy the weather on a beautiful day by sitting in their outdoor space. If you choose to have a meal at their location, you will be taken care of by a server. On this trip, we actually opted for takeout, and the food was just as good as if we would’ve eaten at the restaurant.
Black Bean Burger (We split ours, so part is gone in this photo.)
Hawaiian (Only half of the sandwich, we forgot to take a picture before we started eating!)
The Cakery also offers bakery items if you’re in search of something sweet. We saw cookies, muffins, cupcakes, pies, brownies, cinnamon rolls, and bread. You can view the items behind the glass right next to the ordering counter.
Bakery Case
Bakery Case
If you’re looking for a cold treat, The Cakery offers Ashby’s Sterling Ice Cream. On the day we went, they offered 12 flavor choices, including Raspberry Chip Cheesecake and Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup.
Ashby’s Ice Cream
Who Can Go:
Anyone can enjoy this quaint restaurant, coffee shop, and bakery in Erie, PA. There is ample space for strollers or wheel chairs, and it’s kid friendly.
Final Thoughts:
We really enjoyed the atmosphere inside and out, and the food was yummy. The Main Street Cakery is a great place to meet up with friends, have a nice meal with family, or enjoy a date with you significant other. If you’re looking for a lovely café in Erie, PA, you may have found the right destination in The Cakery.
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[Editor’s Note: Please be aware that we are not affiliated with The Main Street Cakery in any way. This is true of all of our posts. We simply enjoy wandering around the Erie area as we know finding what to do in Erie, PA can be hard.]
On a summer evening when temperatures just don’t seem to be dropping, one of our favorite things to do is search for the best ice cream in Erie, PA! And this time, our search led us to Creamland for some tasty treats!
Location:
Creamland is located at 6221 West Ridge Road, Erie, PA 16506. Being on the west side of Erie, it’s a in a great spot for those located in or planning on heading out to West Millcreek, Fairview, Girard, and Lake City.
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Property Description:
This ice cream stand is outdoor only for patrons. It has a decently sized parking lot, with room to hang out as you’re enjoying your ice cream treat. There are benches on the side of the building so you can relax while you eat, if you’d like.
What to Do:
Creamland is typically known for it’s delicious Perry’s Ice Cream! When we went, they had 22 different flavors to choose from! We opted for Graham Canyon, Toasted Coconut, Vanilla, and Cotton Candy, all in cones. Perry’s Ice Cream seems to be a winner every time, and we all enjoyed our cones! To go along with their ice cream, they offer sundaes, floats, and banana splits.
Graham Canyon and Toasted Coconut, each one scoop
Vanilla Kid Sized Cone
If you’re looking for something less sweet and of more substance, they do offer hot dogs, french fries, chicken strips, pizza burgers, and more.
Who Can Go:
This space is open to everyone. It is easily accessible. You can bring your dog with you if you’d like; and we actually saw two pups hanging out with their families.
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Final Thoughts:
Overall, we really enjoyed our experience at Creamland, and we thought the ice cream was delicious. If you’re looking for a place to get Perry’s Ice Cream in Erie, PA, and you’re on the west side of town, Creamland could be just the spot you’re looking for!
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[Editor’s note: Please be aware that we are not affiliated with Creamland in any way. This is true of all of our posts. We simply enjoy wandering around the Erie area as we know finding what to do in Erie, PA can be hard.]
We know that going to the same spot over and over again to watch the sunset may not be fun to some of you, which is why we’ve decided to bring you 5 different locations in the Erie area that have “instaworthy” sunsets, at least almost all of the time. Keep in mind while reading and checking out the photos that these sunsets were viewed by us in early January. And if you’re looking for even more places to watch the sunset in Erie, PA, here are 5 more locations to check out!
After spending time enjoying the holidays like looking at Christmas lights and staying in around the end of the year, this is unfortunately the slow time in Erie, Pa. After any vacation time has been used up, you are home from traveling or the house is empty, and you don’t know what to do with your time, most people start waiting for spring or summer. Let’s be honest, the snow is great and provides an excellent addition to winter, but many people quickly get tired of the cold and ice that come along with it. For that reason, we have been capturing some of the best sunsets in Erie and want to show you a few of the favorites. If nothing else, remember any location in Erie, PA we show today and hopefully these will help keep you warm and inspire you to check these out yourself (now or in the future).
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Presque Isle State Park
Presque Isle State Park is not just a well-known place, but even within the park itself you will find multiple popular points. This one can be slightly tricky because if you are trying to have a romantic moment or just enjoy the peaceful nature, there can be a decent crowd to deal with. This obviously depends on the time of the year. Mid-summer sunsets are going to be much different than cooler weather in the spring or fall. However, there are also multiple pockets along the miles of beaches. Many people will take one of the first few turns just to get in (and the parking lots show that). However, back towards kite beach or near the lighthouse, for example, you can find great sunsets with very few spectators. Because of the way Presque Isle jets out, virtually anywhere along the beach you will be able to capture an amazing view.
Shades Beach
Heading out to the east side of town, you can quickly find Shades Beach Park, just north of Route 5. We actually have a new post coming out on this one shortly, so be on the lookout! The important thing to note about Shades Beach is that it is a small beach (certainly smaller than Presque Isle), but it is also a major viewing area. It has a lot of space with a simple beach and not a lot of spectators, so you can certainly get the peace you are looking for. It also has ample parking, and a space to launch boats, so you can get right up on the water. The views are similar to Presque isle as the natural geography of the beach faces west. Make sure to bring your camera for this one.
Walnut Creek Marina
Heading back out to the west side of town, you can check out Walnut Creek Marina for a sunset. As we have shown previously, Walnut Creek Marina is another large space to enjoy the beach. There is actually sand and a number of spaces to sit down and enjoy the sunset. Because there is usually tremendous space for parking and for boat launching, you might be able to see a number of boats on the water, people flying kites, and dogs being walked. It’s a fairly popular place, but in no way should you feel crowded. This would be an ideal location for watching the sunset either out and on the beach, or even comfortably seated in your car if you can find the right parking spot.
Avonia Beach
Just a short drive from Walnut Creek Marina (in fact, we checked out this one once because Walnut Creek Marina was too busy) is Avonia Beach. We have been to Avonia Beach on multiple occasions and love it. It is usually a quiet beach without a great deal of people. It seems in all of the times we have been there most of the people who are there are just enjoying the water or are hunting for beach glass, but there isn’t a tremendous amount of hustle and bustle. For that reason, you can enjoy the short stretch of beach, sit on the benches or blocks, and be able to just relax on the water. The beach isn’t deep, which means you can literally be a few feet from the water and listen to the waves the entire time.
Lakeside Boat Launch
The lakeside boat launch is a decent view and easy to access. Though there isn’t a perfectly clear skyline view, you actually get a unique view compared to the other locations. Instead of looking at the sun over the water, you actually see the sun disappearing behind the sliver of Presque Isle behind the water. This is a very uncrowded site, as we were the only people there. There are also multiple benches, and this spot is adjacent to both the lakeside recreation area and not far from the Lake Cliff playground. This is another easy one to get to if you are in the city, on the east side of Erie, or even just in the GE vicinity. It’s a great spot to watch as well as stretch your legs as there is a walking path – and you don’t get many of those within the city.
Final Thoughts:
As you can see, regardless of where you are there are a great deal of places to see the best sunsets in Erie, PA. There are more than enough places right on the water where you have a great view, and ones that most people won’t be able to see at all – but you have access to them right in your own backyard and almost any day of the week. As long as there are clear skies scheduled, any of these locations will work. And if you are checking these out while it’s still cold and gray outside, you should be able to watch these and hopefully buy yourself some time until you can get out and check out these sunsets in person.
Again, if you’re looking for even more places to enjoy a Lake Erie sunset, we’ve got you covered! Click the picture below.
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[Disclaimer: We went to see the sunset on random nights, and all of these sunsets were recorded in January. No sunset in Erie is ever the same. We may have caught the most awesome sunsets or the less dramatic kind. Either way, it’s always a beautiful sunset in Erie, PA.]
Sticking with the theme of checking out Christmas Lights, such as the previous walk through Asbury Woods’ Winter Wonderland (which is still ongoing!) … we decided to check out the popular “Home for the Holidays” 2020 Barber Christmas Lights Contest. And while this one is a great event if you and your family are looking for something to do in order to get into the holiday spirit, a fair warning is that this event is huge! There are houses all around Erie county, and it could easily take you multiple nights!
Location
We strongly recommend you check out the Barber contest website for the rules of the contest as well as the map. The great benefit is that you could literally be driving from one side of town to the other and back again, and still not hit all of the lights. This includes the fact that you will probably see lights and displays up that aren’t officially part of the contest as well, but we recommend the map as these homes are more likely to be on and have the effort necessary to participate in the contest. These homes are ones that take the competition seriously!
Property Description
The property descriptions will vary. These homes might not just be homes – they can be businesses as well. The locations can be on busy streets, in the middle of subdivisions, or even down what looks like more private or less traveled roads. And while some places are probably closer to where you live, you can set up a list of addresses in advance so you can be sure to take as many of these houses in as possible. You might just be surprised at some of the displays, as we saw one that covered the full house and yard, one that had more figures than we could count, and even a set that you drive through as it was between two houses across the street from one another!
Another point to make is that according to the rules this contest technically covers Erie, Crawford, and Warren counties, so regardless of where you are there are probably some lights near you!
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What to Do & Who Can Go:
All you need to do to participate in this event is check out the map and drive to some of the competitor’s displays. We want to note that you can also go back to the website and vote for your favorite. It’s also important to note that this is sponsored by the Barber National Institute, so if you feel the event is worth it and one you hope to continue seeing, consider making a donation to the nonprofit (which you can do right through the website).
As long as you, your significant other, your little one (or ones), or anybody else who is tired of being couped up can see out the windows of the car, this is a great event. You can get out of the house and take a drive. The common theme is to play some Christmas music if you would like, possibly grab some hot cocoa before you go, and just enjoy. You will want to plan ahead. And be aware that some of the busier streets may be a little bit harder to slow down, so have a plan. It is easy to pull over to the side of the road and park, and it’s a lot easier to slow down on side streets or in neighborhoods. Also, be sure to watch traffic because chances are there will be other people doing the same thing!
Final Thoughts:
With a fun event like this, you really are going to have a surprise at every home. The reality is every house is unique in some way. Because this is up to the individual home owners you never know what they are going to display or what you are going to get. That’s why you should make a plan to at least see a few, and then if you have fun you can either keep going or hit other houses on the other side of town the next time out. With only a few days left until Christmas, there is still time to get into the holiday spirit. With the ongoing pandemic, however, people are looking for reasons and activities to get out of the house. This even runs from December 12th, all the way through January 2nd, so you will definitely have time to check out the lights at least for a few nights!
In order to remain in the holiday spirit, we followed up our trip with the Presque Isle Lights by heading to the Asbury Woods Winter Wonderland. This event was a solid opportunity to actually get out onto the boardwalk of Asbury Woods and see the staged lights they have set up for the crowd.
Location
The location of this event is right inside of Asbury Woods. The address is 4015 Asbury Road in Erie, and the walk itself is entirely outside on the property. The good news is that this entire trip is only about 1/3 of a mile for the path, so this is a simple walk that anyone of any age can enjoy.
Property Description
If you’ve never been to Asbury Woods before, this is a perfect time to go. Winter Wonderland continues at Asbury Woods from December 4th until December 31st (please note, there will be no program on December 24th, or December 25th). It runs from 5:00PM – 8:00PM nightly, and is a very nice walk which is open to the public. The event is free, but donations are accepted on-site. When we went, there was just a bit of snow on the ground and on the boardwalk. However, it was fairly well shoveled which meant we even had the ability to take our stroller through with us.
It is important to note that in most seasons Asbury Woods has more activities going on for their Winter Wonderland, but despite the restrictions of COVID-19, the viewing area is a perfect walk. It’s also important to note that in addition to the social distancing aspect, this event allows individuals to walk around entirely outdoors. You can enjoy the sights while the event continues to follow the guidelines as given by the government. Currently those guidelines are under than 50 people at one time. However, they are subject to change and the officials at Asbury Woods continue to monitor the number of people on the trail at any time.
What to Do & Who Can Go:
These lights are a great walk through the woods and enjoy nature while also being able to see the lights. It’s a simple walk, but can really be part of the holiday spirit. In a year where not everything has been “normal,” this event is something anyone can enjoy. It’s a great opportunity for couples, individuals, or the whole family. The fact that it’s all on a boardwalk versus on a dirt trail means you can be sure of your footing in the winter elements. Let’s be honest, Erie, PA gets snow and inclement weather, and that means if you want to enjoy the outside you at least will have sure footing.
Final Thoughts:
This is a fun event for the family. The best way to enjoy this holiday is to try and get outside, but the number of opportunities in the winter can be few and far between. That’s all of the more reason for looking at this event as a must-do. You will be outdoors so it might be a great opportunity to meet others from outside of your household while maintaining the social distancing aspect. Or you might just want to take your children or parents out yourself.
One other point to note is that this event can be popular. When we went, we arrived at the Asbury Woods parking lot right as the event was starting, and the lot was full. In fact, some individuals were parking across the street and we were able to pull into one of the last spots. The entire walk only took us about 30 to 40 minutes with little ones who took their time and wanted to see everything, however. And when we left, the parking lot was almost half-way open, which means you shouldn’t have a problem getting into this event quickly and enjoying it before little ones (or you yourself) start to get cold. Bring your camera and enjoy these, because if you enjoy looking at Christmas lights then this is a great opportunity to not only go, but to possibly go multiple times.
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After heading to the Festival of Trees event at Fairview Business Park, we were excited to hear about the light event down on Presque Isle, sponsored by the Presque Isle Partnership. While the Festival of Trees was about the lights, this event was actually scaled back a lot more to focus on the nature and wildlife of Presque Isle.
In fact, Presque Isle Partnership even listed some information as a caution for those expecting this event to be full of lights, and they even say “if you’re expecting a Chevy Chase style Christmas show and all 3,000 acres lit up, your expectations are a little high. None-the-less, we’re hoping you choose to take an evening drive around Presque Isle throughout the month and appreciate all the hard work many groups and organizations have put into the event. Think of it as a nighttime scavenger hunt for lights and displays around the park.”
Location
This event begins on Presque Isle, and the hours are from 6-9PM on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday until January 1st-3rd weekend. As you enter the park there will be signs, and individuals can use the right-hand lane for the distribution of programs as well as accepting donations at the 2nd parking lot. In addition, the 4th parking lot will have hot cocoa for individuals, and you should also use the right-hand lane. This is a popular event and the traffic can get pretty backed up, so if you don’t want either of these items you can stay in the left lane and continue to drive. Also, be sure to turn in to 95.5 FM for the holiday music.
Property Description:
If you’re from Erie, you’ve been to Presque Isle. Seriously. But, because of the nature of this being a state park, have you ever been down around the peninsula in the dark? There may be some wildlife (hence the reason for too many lights – as not to disturb them). In addition, there are some great views so have your camera ready. As you make your way out the peninsula you actually get great views of the bay. And on the way back you can see some excellent shots of the sky, as well as the famous lighthouse being lit up. Along the way you will also find the occasional light display, and think of this as a “scavenger hunt” where you can slow down and get a quick photo at any point.
Things to do:
With a combination of hot chocolate as well as the music, this can be a fun drive. In these times if you are looking to just get out of the house, then it certainly is a great way to break the monotony.
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We want to emphasize this so that you are aware and we set the right expectation. This is not a lights fest. Rather, this is a drive through the scenery of Presque Isle with the Christmas and holiday spirit, and expect to see some lights along the way. But this is not a “lights fest.” The only reason we point this out is because there have already been some complaints online about how this wasn’t a lights event and there weren’t enough displays, but that’s not what the event is supposed to be. If you are looking for just bright lights, you may want to go to check out some lights in local neighborhoods (in fact, that may be one of our upcoming posts … )
Who Can Go:
In addition to the music and the hot chocolate, this can be a good event for children to either look for some of the lights, or you may even let young ones fall asleep before bedtime! It could also be a great idea for a date, as there is ample time to talk. We waited in the program line, and also waited in the hot chocolate line for about half of the way before we decided to skip the drinks for taking too long. From the time we were coming down the hill (right under the Waldameer roller coaster), until the time we were heading out (again, right under the roller coaster heading up the hill), we were there for 1 hour and 15 minutes. We took our time with the lines and could have bypassed those, but it still can be a scenic drive. Other recommendations some have pointed are to bring some snacks or cookies, and even go to the McDonalds right outside of Presque Isle and get a coffee drink or Hot Chocolate there if you want to skip that time. But, all in all this could be done in as little as a half of an hour or 45 minutes, or possibly even longer if you want to park and eat, drink, or talk.
Final Thoughts:
As long as you know what you are getting into, this really is a fun event. In fact, the fact that this is being done specifically due to COVID reasons and this is the first year they are doing it, it is a great way to enjoy something outdoors in Erie in the evening. We strongly recommend you have a plan and are prepared to be patient as this is a very popular event. We also recommend you know your time limits, as we arrived slightly before 6 and the traffic was already backed up the hill. When we were leaving, incoming traffic was backed up to almost the intersection with more cars trying to turn in. But, as long as you are prepared and have realistic expectations, this was a great event to break up the monotony and get into the holiday spirit.
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Wander Erie 