Tag Archives: places to visit in Erie PA

Pumpkintown at Mason Farms 2021

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Pumpkintown at Mason Farms 2021

One of our favorite things to do in the Fall is to visit Pumpkintown at Mason Farms. We have so many childhood memories from Mason Farms, and there’s just something about a country oasis in the middle of the hustle and bustle of Peninsula Drive.

Before you dive deep into the fun of Pumpkintown, we want to let you know that this post is specifically about Pumpkintown. To learn more about Mason Farms in general, click here to be directed to our last wandering to this location as Summer 2021 was rounding out.

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Location:

Pumpkintown at Mason Farms is located at Mason Farms Country Market, 839 Peninsula Drive, Erie, PA 16505. You won’t miss it, it’s a much different atmosphere from the rest of Peninsula Drive. From the road, you’ll see cornstalks, mums, pumpkins, and everything Fall.

Pumpkintown is open 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays and 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays.

Property Description:

The outdoors of Mason Farms Country Market is transformed into a giant Fall Fest for Pumpkintown! If you go into the entrance of the large store as normal, you can continue your way through the store and into the greenhouse. Once you get inside the greenhouse, go into the center aisle and turn left. Continue until you have exited the back door. There you will see a farm themed petting zoo straight ahead, and if you turn to your left again you will head towards the snack and ticket stand, which is right after a Paw Patrol pumpkin display. Once you pass the stand, you will see a photo opp set up, and beyond the photo opp, you’ll see several inflatables set up, as well as a corn maze and picnic table eating area.

What to Do:

There are so many fun things to do at Pumpkintown! First and foremost, you can pick out some pumpkins! There is a large selection of pumpkins available, whether you want them untouched or painted. Several colors and sizes are available.

We know that picking out pumpkins isn’t going to be the most fun thing for the kids to do, as clearly our littles couldn’t wait to get to the fun that awaited them in the inflatables! There are several different types of inflatables for the kids to play on, including a massive slide, a smaller mountain with smaller slides, an obstacle course, a smaller course, and a bounce house! Oh, and make sure you bring socks with you (or your kids are wearing them when they leave the house) in order to go on these inflatables, because they will have to take theirs shoes off!

Let’s talk Mason Farms Pumpkintown ticket prices. Each inflatable will cost you a certain amount of tickets to enjoy, or you can purchase an all day pass or season pass. $11 will get you a strip of 10 tickets. A Ride A Rama is $12 after 1:00 p.m., and $30 will get you a season pass! For us personally on this trip in particular, we chose the the 10 ticket strip, because we had limited time and multiple littles wanting to go on rides.

You can purchase a variety of refreshments at the concession stand, including little souvenir bottles of apple cider. This was a hit with out littles, as one of them would not let go of the bottle the entire time we were there. They also have slush puppies, water, popcorn, pepperoni balls, candy apples, hot dogs, brownies, pretzels, and much more!

Another fun thing that the littles love about Pumpkintown at Mason Farms is the petting zoo! We love the animals that are there this year, each one was super sweet and good with the kids! We saw llamas, goats, sheep, and even two little black pigs! You can feel free to pet them and to feed them. There are feed machines near the pen and it will cost you a quarter to give them a pretty decent amount of food. With one quarter, our littles got about 7 turns to feed the animals. We put the food in their hands from the big pile we got from the machine, and gave them a smaller amount than what would be a handful for them.

A tradition we’ve always remembered from Mason Farms is looking at all of the pumpkin displays! From the three little pigs to Paw Patrol, they have such a great variety of scenes to check out this year! And don’t forget to find Granny, she’s somewhere in Pumpkintown!

Who Can Go:

What we love about Pumpkintown is that it is definitely for everyone, people of all ages. Even if you’re simply young at heart, you can enjoy all of the displays and Fall feels. On our trip, we saw a few wheelchairs being pushed, and the smiles on faces as they looked at displays were priceless.

There is more than enough room to push a stroller or wheelchair anywhere in Pumpkintown and in the store. We actually highly recommend strollers for the little littles, as there’s a lot to get into! We actually opened the back of the car to grab ours, and realized we had forgot it at home! Always double check before you leave the house!

Final Thoughts:

Mason Farms Pumpkintown is always a favorite thing of ours to check out in the Fall. Whether you want the kids to play on the inflatables or not, we think it’s worth a visit! You don’t have to check out the inflatables to have a good time. Being there just puts you in the Fall spirit, whether you’re looking for all the Fall things or just browsing the market.

For more Fall fun in Erie County, click here!

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[Editor’s note: Please be aware that we are not affiliated with Mason Farms 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.]

Godfrey Run Farm Market & Cider Mill

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Godfrey Run Farm Market & Cider Mill

We’re loving all the Fall things right now! There’s something about a farmers market and cider mill combination that gives us the Fall feels, so we decided to check out Godfrey Run Farm Market and Cider Mill.

Location:

Godfrey Run Farm Market and Cider Mill is located at 8958 Westlake Road, Lake City, PA 16423. If you know where Mason Farms Farm Stand in Lake City is, Godfrey Run is just a tad bit further west from them.

Godfrey Run is open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday. These hours are observed in October of 2021.

Property Description:

Godfrey Run is a really great local food shop. The front porch adds such charm to the whole store, and makes you feel like you’re entering someone’s home instead of a market. On the porch, there are a few two top tables set up if you’d like to enjoy some of your food outside while you’re there.

There are also some picnic tables to the right of the building. There is also a great little hay and corn stalk display, and we’re sure if you wanted to take some photos by it, you absolutely could!

The inside has a general store feel, but with a lot going on! Your eyes will be pulled in several directions because of the many good items sold at this farmers market in Erie, PA.

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Because one of their claim to fame’s is their apple cider, it smells like apple inside and trust us, that is not a bad thing! Your senses will be on overdrive as you walk in because there are so many yummy things to look at and smell!

What to Do:

While here, you’re definitely going to want to shop! Inside of the market you will find local produce, but mostly many different kinds of apples.

You’ll find several items to stock up your pantry while you’re looking around! They have a ton of different jarred foods; you can get relish, pickles, apple butter, peppers, salsa, and much more! With delicious items such as hummus dip, black licorice, and popcorn, you can stock up on snacks!

They also have Penn State Berkey Creamery Ice Cream for sale, and not just by the cup! They have several different flavors to choose from. You can get a pint or quart of ice cream during your visit, and you can also join a pint club! For $99, you can get 6 pints of ice cream per month for the months of October, November, and December. If you do decide to get some ice cream, you can enjoy it outside by sitting at one of their smaller tables on the patio or one of the picnic tables (to the right side of the building if you’re facing it).

One thing we were very surprised to find was a small wine tasting room with several bottles available for purchase! They also have hard cider!

Who Can Go:

Bring everyone to this farmers market in Lake City! We didn’t bring ours in, but we think it would be rather easy to maneuver a stroller or a wheelchair. The floors are cement, so it’s a very easy surface to push anything with wheels on.

Final Thoughts:

We really enjoyed our trip to Godfery Run in Lake City, PA! Shopping local is so important, and here you will find a variety of things to add to your kitchen stash! Whether you’re looking for apples and other produce, jarred jams and butters, ciders, wine, or something sweet, Godfrey Run Farm Market and Cider Mill can offer you a plethora of options!

For several fun Fall events in Erie County, click here!

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[Editor’s note: Please be aware that we are not affiliated with Godfrey Run 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.]

St Joe’s Oktoberfest 2021

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St. Joe’s Oktoberfest 2021

As we try to go back to the way it was, festivals are coming back in the Erie area. With the ability to be outside, even though we assumed large crowds would form eventually, we thought it would be great to stop by Oktoberfest at the beginning of the day, when they were just getting started. Keep reading to learn more about Oktoberfest and what we did while we were there!

Location:

Oktoberfest hosted by St. Joe’s is located at 147 West 24th Street, Erie, PA 16502.

Oktoberfest at St. Joe’s is held 5 p.m.-11 p.m. on Friday October 1st, 1 p.m.-11 p.m. on Saturday October 2nd, and 12 p.m.-5 p.m. on Sunday October 3rd. This festival has free parking and free admission.

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Property Description:

This Oktoberfest in Erie, PA is located on the property of St. Joseph Church. You will find a few large tents set up, most with tables in them, and a few tables set up outside of the tents. You do have the ability to go inside of the community center to get your food and purchase raffle tickets. We will say, when we did go inside it was very crowded, so just be aware of that.

What to Do:

First and foremost, in order to purchase your food at Oktoberfest, you’ll need to purchase tickets, so find a ticket sales table and purchase your tickets! We found the ticket sales pretty easily; we can tell you for sure that one is located inside of the community center and another is located in the beer tent. Each ticket is equivalent to $1.

There is a TON of German food available at Oktoberfest! Although we weren’t there to eat a meal, we saw a lot of people enjoying some delicious looking eats and treats. You can get a bratwurst sandwich, sauerkraut balls, a Limberger cheese sandwich, Oktoberfest pizza (mustard sauce, Swiss cheese, bratwurst, and onion) or cheese/pepperoni pizza, German waffles, German potatoes, and so much more! There are also full dinners available inside of the community center! Those dinners include pork and sauerkraut, Sauerbrauten, and Bavarian goulash.

There is a Bavarian Coffee House hosted by The Tipsy Bean located in a tent outside, where you can get a ton of sweet treats and different types of coffee. We kept it simple and got some cut out cookies that were adorned as beer mugs, and a very large lemon cookie with an Oktoberfest design on it.

There is also a mini store set up across from the Bavarian Coffee House, where you can get German souvenirs of all sorts! They had a great dachshund hat that appeared as if the dog was laying on your head. They also had several flower headbands and crowns, and even headbands with little Bavarian hats on them! And you can get the Bavarian hats as regular size, too! There were also many German t-shirts available for sale, as well as other German trinkets and decorations.

Being at Oktoberfest, we just had to try something from the beer tent. Although there were several beers available inside the beer tent, we didn’t opt for a traditional Oktoberfest beer. We did, however, try a hard cider with a black cherry spin on it, and it was really good. There are also 5 different wines you can try while you’re there!

One thing that we did at Oktoberfest that we definitely want to highlight is watching the dachshund races! Unfortunately, this event is only available on Saturday, so if this is something that interests you put it on your calendar for next year! The famous dog Max from Bianchi Honda was there to cheer on his fellow dachshunds. All of the little wiener dogs were so cute, and the announcer was hilarious as he set up the competition! It was so funny to watch the dogs run, as some of them had no idea what they were doing. The races featured pups of all ages, including a 10 week old puppy! So cute! All in all, it was a great experience and the littles loved to be around all of the dogs! Because of these races, Oktoberfest is a dog friendly event! We saw a ton of different dogs, leashed of course, walking around with their humans! So if you’re looking for a great time and the ability to bring your dog, head over to St. Joe’s!

They also have over 170 baskets inside that they are raffling off, so be sure to get your raffle tickets! Basket tickets are 50 cents, but there are also 8 premium baskets, for which tickets are $3 each.

Who Can Go:

Everyone is able to come to Oktoberfest. Be aware that crowds can develop, so if you’re pushing a stroller or wheelchair you may have a hard time getting through at times. and remember, this event is dog friendly outside!

Final Thoughts:

For never attending Oktoberfest at St. Joe’s before, we thought it was really cool to finally see it in person this year. We think it’s one of those festivals in Erie County that we will continue to attend year after year. With no fee to get in, it’s a great opportunity to get out of the house in the beginning of Fall and enjoy all things German.

For more Fall events, click here!

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[Editor’s note: Please be aware that we are not affiliated with St. Joe’s Oktoberfest 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.]

Mason Farms Farm Stand in Lake City Fall 2021

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Mason Farms Farm Stand in Lake City Fall 2021

If you’re an avid reader of our blog, you will know that’s we’ve been to Mason Farms in Lake City quite a few times. There’s just an element of country charm to it that we absolutely love. We recently found out that this farm stand in Erie County has a new offering, and we just had to check it out!

Location:

The Farm Stand at Mason Farms is located at 8603 West Lake Road, Lake City, PA 16423. You can’t miss it, there are several floral arrangements in front of it, and you can noticeably see a fun Fall time as you drive by. With their hours being Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m.-7 p.m. and Sunday from 9 a.m.-6 p.m., there is more than enough time throughout the day for you to head on over to Lake City to enjoy the farm stand!

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Property Description:

This is farm stand, meaning that everything here is outdoors. Now, some areas are covered by some sort of roof, but nothing about this will be indoors. Remember to dress warm if you’re planning on going on a colder day. You’ll park in a gravel parking lot, and head to the left of the parking lot (if you’re looking at it from the road) to go to the stand. If you continue past the stand, you will see their seasonal display, along with a sunflower field behind it, for you to enjoy and take pictures of or with! We loved this!

What to Do:

Mason Farms farm stand has a ton of fruits and vegetables for you to enjoy. If you’re looking for a pumpkin, this is a great spot to grab one! They also have a ton of mums to choose from, so be sure to check out all of the beautiful flowers while you’re there. If you check out the photo slideshow below, you’ll see all of the wonderful locally grown produce you can purchase, along with some beautiful flowers! Below we’ve posted a slideshow of just some of the produce and plants available at the stand.

Although we love all of the great, healthy, local food that the farm stand provides, we are writing this blog post in particular to inform you of a “special event” they have going on right now. The sunflowers are standing tall and in full bloom, and you’re invited to take pictures with them, in front of them, and anywhere in the general area of them!

There is no cost to take photos with the sunflowers; you can literally just bring whoever you’d like and take photos! You can even pick your own sunflowers, with the price being $1.50 per stem.

They have two Fall displays set up with hay, cornstalks, and pumpkins, several bails of hay with pumpkins near them, and a pumpkin walkway going down to the display. We honestly loved everything about this. We took the littles pictures, we walked around and looked at all of the pumpkins (which, by the way, are for sale), and we enjoyed the beautiful sunflowers.

Who Can Go:

Everyone is welcome at the farm stand! Quick note, you will be parking on gravel and walking on gravel and grass, so dress accordingly and make sure you’re able to push a stroller or a wheelchair if you need to.

Also, we are super excited to tell you that we’ve recently seen photos on Mason Farms Facebook page with DOGS in them! So bring your furry friends and get them in your pictures, too!

Final Thoughts:

Mason Farms farm stand is a really great place to swing by for some quick Fall fun! If you’re looking for a free Fall Instagramable photo spot in Erie PA, you’ll find it at Mason Farms Farm Stand in Lake City! And be sure to grab some yummy fresh produce at this farm in Erie County.

Be on the lookout for our post on Mason Farms Pumpkintown information! Mason Farms always provides a good time for the kids in the Autumn season, at any of their locations. If you’re looking for Fall family fun in Erie, PA, you’ll find it at Mason Farms.

Click the HERE for more Fall fun in Erie County!

Like what you read? Subscribe below and be notified of new things to do in Erie County whenever we post!

[Editor’s note: Please be aware that we are not affiliated with Mason Farms 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. And in the case of this post, we went during a time when crowds were extremely low.]

Serendipity Sweets

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Serendipity Sweets

**WE’RE SORRY TO SAY THAT SERENDIPITY SWEETS HAS CLOSED THEIR LOCATION ON EAST 38TH STREET. THEY ARE CURRENTLY LOOKING FOR A NEW LOCATION, AND WE WILL UPDATE YOU AS SOON AS WE HAVE MORE INFORMATION**

Summer is leading into Fall, and we haven’t brought you all of the amazing ice cream stands in Erie just yet. However, we did recently visit Serendipity Sweets, and we think it’s worthy of being added to your lists of places to visit in the summer, and in the colder months as well!

Location:

Serendipity Sweets is located at 861 East 38th Street, Erie, PA 16504.

If you are looking for things to do by Mercyhurst College, Serendipity Streets is a quick walk away from the college.

Property Description:

Serendipity Sweets is a very colorful, uplifting space that definitely makes you feel like a kid in a candy store, or in this case, a kid in an ice cream and bake shop! We loved all of the colorful tiles on the floor and the bright blue bubbly walls that made us almost feel like we were underwater.

There are plenty of tables set up inside, and there are also benches available outside if you want to enjoy the nice weather.

  • Tables set up inside
  • A little lounge area and bar top
  • Outside benches

What to Do:

Serendipity Sweets was different than any other ice cream bar we’ve ever been to. You will start at the left of the counter and make your way down towards the right. You choose your flavor, and then choose toppings from the sundae bar that will be put on for you. Or, you can choose a specific sundae and they will just make it as it is on the menu. Once you pass through the bar, you can make your way to the topping wall. There are dispensers with several different toppings, such as sprinkles, Reese Puffs, Skittles, and snickerdoodle cookies that you can “dump” onto your ice cream or non dairy ice cream. Each topping will cost you an additional fifty cents.

Not only does Serendipity Sweets offer ice cream, frozen yogurt, and non dairy ice cream, but they also offer baked goods as well. Grab a brownie, cake slice, or even an entire pie when you stop in! They even offer froyo pies! Yum!

We are always on the lookout for menu items for those who have food allergies or need vegetarian or vegan foods, and Serendipity Sweets was so accommodating for those of us who have food restrictions. They have several gluten free options, not only in ice cream but baked goods as well. They also have non dairy ice cream choices, which is actually what one of us got, and it was really, really good!

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Who Can Go:

This is a really cool ice cream shop and bakery that anyone can come to. It is very easily accessible for a wheelchair or a stroller. If you’re limited on time, you can go to their website and place an order to be picked up at their drive through window! You can find the link to order by clicking here.

They do offer private parties in their dining area, which I believe are held on the weekends before their normal hours of operation.

And for those of you who go to Mercyhurst College, Serendipity Sweets would make for a great quick date or even a place to study at, given the tables and the small barstool area as well as the booth area in the corner.

Final Thoughts:

We thought this was a really cool place to grab a DIY sundae. The atmosphere was really fun and bright, and you just feel happy as you walk in. As far as finding ice cream in Erie, PA, this is a very fun and different location!

Serendipity Sweets is open from 4 p.m.-9 p.m. Thursday through Sunday.

Like what you read? Subscribe below and be notified of new things to do in Erie County whenever we post!

[Editor’s note: Please be aware that we are not affiliated with Serendipity Sweets 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.]

Vanco Family Farm Oktoberfest

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Vanco Family Farm Oktoberfest

Although we may not be ready to admit it yet, we are officially in the season of Fall. The weather may be getting a bit cooler, but that doesn’t stop the fun in Erie County! In fact, the fun is just beginning, especially when it comes to Fall Festivals in Erie! We recently found out about the Oktoberfest at the Vanco Family Farm, and had to check it out for ourselves!

Location:

Vanco Family Farm is located at 12210 Silverthorn Road, Edinboro, PA 16412. If you take I-79 from Erie, you’ll get off of the highway at Exit 166 and head towards Washington Township. Then make a right onto Silverthorn Road. You will find the farm in less than a mile.

Vanco Family Farm Oktober Fest runs September 24, 25, and 26 from 10 a.m.-7 p.m. and October 1, 2, and 3 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. in 2021.

Property Description:

Vanco Family Farm is a working farm, but when you go for Oktoberfest, you’ll be focused on the shop and the area around the shop. The shop is a small building that is panted red with pumpkins, decor, and country charm surrounding the exterior. Directly behind the shop is Face Painting. To the right of Face Painting (if you’re looking from the side of the shop), you will find Funnel Cakes from Ross Concessions and Fresh Cut Fries from Larry’s Tater Shack. There are tables to the back left of the shop to enjoy your food at. If you continue walking back towards the giant barn and silos, you will find a small petting zoo area with a pony and a goat.

What to Do:

Although this is a small Fall Fest in Erie County, it is well worth coming to. There are a few things to do, and we were able to spend about an hour enjoying the property and checking out all they offered.

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First and foremost, we went into the shop. We absolutely loved the atmosphere inside of the Vanco Family Farm shop; with country flair and modern farmhouse inspired decor, it gives off such charm. You will find anything from their locally grown fruits and vegetables, to pumpkins for decorating and eating, to local honey. You can get candles, floral displays, buckets, and pots. You’ll find a plethora of small table decor and signs to hang up throughout the shop; everything is lovely and gives off farmhouse vibes. Outside of the shop you’ll find plenty of pumpkins and outdoor decor.

The face painting station was great, with a lot of different options for the kids; we saw a lot of children running around with painted faces! We decided to check out the food, and got a funnel cake with powdered sugar and a lemonade. The funnel cake was good, and served hot. And the lemonade was a hot commodity, with the littles fighting over who got to hold it!

The small petting zoo is really cute, with a pony and a goat for you to get to know while you’re visiting. Of course, this was the favorite part of our littles, and we had to go back a few times so they could get their “cute animal fix” in. And we do have to say, both of these animals are super adorable.

Who Can Go:

Anyone can enjoy this Fall Fest in Erie County. Be aware that you will be walking on grass, gravel, and wood chips, so the terrain isn’t exactly smooth. However, you can definitely push a stroller or wheelchair through the outside.

Final Thoughts:

We really enjoyed our trip to Oktoberfest at Vanco Family Farm. They have been serving the Edinboro community with fresh produce for over 100 years and if you haven’t been out to the farm, make some time to check it out! We think that this Oktoberfest makes for a great excuse to check out the Vanco Family Farm, and you may just decide to grab more produce from this farm in Edinboro, PA throughout the year!

Click HERE for more Fall fun in Erie County!

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[Editor’s note: Please be aware that we are not affiliated with Vanco Family Farm 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.]

The Crick Coffee House and Eatery

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The Crick Coffee House & Eatery

We are on a mission to find locally owned coffee shops in Erie County. On a random trip in the Girard area, when going through town we noticed a really cool coffee shop and parked out front. Unfortunately, they were closed at the time. We checked the hours and ventured on back to The Crick Coffee House & Eatery with hopes of getting a great cup of coffee, and they surprised us with so much more!

#meetmeatthecrick

Location:

The Crick Coffeehouse and Eatery is located at 236 West Main Street, Girard, PA 16417. If you are planning on going to any of the other businesses on West Main Street, or if you work at any of them, The Crick is the perfect stop for breakfast or lunch. They are open from 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 8 a.m.-2 p.m. on Sundays. There is parking in the front and in the back of this place to get food and coffee in Girard, PA.

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Property Description:

This coffee house in Girard, PA faces Main Street, and has a beautiful brick front facade. A sign hangs sideways over the door welcoming you into this coffee house and restaurant. When you walk in, you will see tables on the outskirts of the room, and a doorway to your left which leads into a room featuring more seating. Ahead of you will be a bakery counter and signs letting you know what the specials are for the day. If you walk past those signs, you will see the counter to your right where you can place a to-go order. Keep walking straight and the kitchen is to your right, while another doorway leading into more seating is to your left. Continue straight back to the restrooms and a door that leads to the outdoor area and more outdoor seating.

Ordering Counter

What to Do:

We have to say, The Crick in Girard completely took us by surprise. We thought we were walking in to get coffee and maybe have a few sweet treat options to check out. We were delighted to find out that you can get breakfast and lunch (as in full meals) at this coffeehouse and eatery in the west county of Erie. [View their menu here.] Now, even though we found this out, we still decided to order what we had come in for because the sweet treats looked amazing! We plan on heading back to try a full meal sometime soon!

We’re always excited to try a new cup of coffee! Upon walking up to the counter, we saw several, and I mean several, different types of syrups that they use to flavor coffee. Because we have differing tastes, as we know you all do as well, we tried two completely different coffees.

The first was a pumpkin cold brew. We ordered it as a pumpkin cold brew with almond milk and pumps of pumpkin pie spice flavoring syrup. Now, we do have to say this was unlike any other pumpkin coffee we’ve had before, and we say that as a good thing! We often find that pumpkin spice anything can be completely overbearing with pumpkin spice; that being said, this pumpkin cold brew was not. That was refreshing to us. If you’re looking for somewhere to get pumpkin spice coffee in Erie, PA but don’t really enjoy a whole lot of spice, this would be a great drink for you to try, especially if you like cold brew coffee.

Pumpkin Cold Brew

The other drink we tried was blueberry blend with cinnamon and added cream and sugar. It was a hot drink, very different in comparison with the cold brew. The blueberry gave it some goof fruity flavor while the cinnamon came in and delivered the Fall kick of spice we were looking for.

We were able to try several treats; a green monster doughnut, an XL birthday cake macaroon, gluten free coffee cake, and a cinnamon bun with frosting. Every treat we tried was flavorful and scrumptious. The macaroon tasted as good if not better than macaroons we’ve had from bakeries in bigger cities. The cinnamon bun was dripping in delicious frosting and the green monster doughnut was “good and tasty and yummy” as described by one of our littles. And we just had to try something gluten free, and the coffee cake did not disappoint! It was flavorful and had a very good consistency, a delectable dessert for those with a gluten intolerance, or those wanting to cut back for other reasons!

  • Macaroon
  • Gluten Free Coffee Cake
  • Green Monster Chocolate Doughnut
  • Cinnamon Roll

Whether you get your order to go or dine in, you have the option to sit inside or outside as you enjoy your coffee, treats, drinks, or meal (or all of the above). We had no idea that The Crick had an outdoor seating area, and one table is even under cover on this adorable porch. Day date idea in Girard, PA? We think so.

Who Can Go:

This coffee house and eatery in Girard, PA welcomes everyone and is accessible by anyone. There are a couple steps to get up to the ordering counter, so if you’re planning on coming in and getting take out, be aware of that if you are entering from the front of this Girard coffeehouse. You can, however, enter The Crick from the back (where the patio is located, there is also parking in the back) and you will not encounter any steps to get to the counter. If you are coming to dine in, there are no steps to get into the entry dining area of the dining area through the doorway to your left.

Final Thoughts:

One thing we would hate to leave out of this post is how wonderful we felt the service there was. Our barista was more than willing to help us out in making our drinks the way we would like them, and offered several suggestions to us. We were checked on when dining outside even though we had just gotten our stuff to go and decided to sit outside anyway. And the “hometown charm” in this coffeehouse in Girard, PA is phenomenal, everything about this place made us want to come back.

If you’re on a search for great coffee in Erie County, The Crick should be on your list of places to try out.

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[Editor’s note: Please be aware that we are not affiliated with The Crick Coffeehouse and Eatery 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.]

Rita’s Italian Ice & Frozen Custard

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Rita’s Italian Ice & Frozen Custard

If you’re looking for a frozen treat, but you’re not in the mood for ice cream, we have a great spot for you to check out! Rita’s Italian Ice & Frozen Custard is a unique alternative to your basic ice cream stand. This is a great location to get frozen custard in Erie, PA!

Location:

Rita’s Italian Ice is located at 1406 West Gore Rd, Erie, PA 16509. They are conveniently located right off of Peach Street, close to Med Express and PNC Bank. Across Peach Street is Monroe Auto Service, so if you plan according to Rita’s hours, you could always grab a treat while your car is being worked on!

They are open from 2 p.m.-9 p.m. daily. They do close for the winter season at the end of September, so be aware of that.

Property Description:

Rita’s is an outside only Italian Ice and Frozen Custard stand for patrons. You will stand in line and order through a window. Once you get your treats, you can hang out on the benches to the left of the building or eat in your car.

There are quite a few parking spots to the right of Rita’s. Try to stay within the Rita’s parking lot when you park as there are other businesses close by.

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What to Do:

Rita’s Italian Ice and Frozen Custard is nothing short of delicious. When we go, some of us get the same thing every visit while others like to try new treats each time. A tried and true favorite of ours is the Misto Shake! We can also vouch for the Reese’s Peanut Butter Concrete! Try it with Salted Caramel Custard if it’s available. It may sound weird, but you won’t regret it! The classic Gelati, a mix of Italian Ice and Frozen Custard, is also a fan favorite at Rita’s.

  • Misto Shake
  • Reese’s Concrete
  • Italian Ice

Our littles love to get Frozen Drinks, which is Italian Ice blended into a drink. It really hits the spot on those hot summer days! They’ve also enjoyed a custard cookie sandwich, and we have to say it was pretty delicious as we ended up finishing it for them as it’s pretty large.

  • Custard Cookie Snadwich
  • Custard Cookie Sandwich
  • Frozen Drinks

Who Can Go:

Rita’s is for everyone, and is accessible by anyone. Although it may appear from the front that you have to walk up stairs to order, that’s not true as there is a ramp to the right of the stand.

Italian Ice can be enjoyed by all, even the little littles! It’s definitely a favorite of most everyone who lives within walking distance; you’ll typically see as many people walking towards the stand from nearby neighborhoods as there are that drove their cars there.

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Final Thoughts:

We love the traditional ice cream stands in the Millcreek area, such as Whippy Dip and Creamland, but if you’re looking for something truly different and unique, give Rita’s a try! The Italian Ice is super refreshing on a hot day. We also love that Rita’s allows everyone with differing wants a chance to get something that looks good to them, whether you’re looking for a loaded custard sundae or just a simple Italian Ice drink!

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[Editor’s note: Please be aware that we are not affiliated with Rita’s Italian Ice 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.]

Site Highlight: Presque Isle Lagoon Area Picnic Spot

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Site Highlight: Presque Isle Lagoon Area Picnic Spot

Entrance Sign

We recently found a great spot at Presque Isle State Park, and wanted to share it with all of you!

Lagoon Viewing

In searching for a place to enjoy our dinner at the beach, we found an incredible location we just have to tell you all about it! This area is serene, romantic, and truly majestic. The sounds of nature fill the air like music, and the peaceful tranquility of the lagoons of Presque Isle will leave you with a calming feeling.

Kayaks

There are plenty of picnic tables and a viewing deck for the lagoon, which has benches for you to relax on. You could even set up a great picnic on the viewing deck, if you wanted to.

One of many picnic tables

We picnicked at the table right by the viewing area, and enjoyed watching kayaks and small pontoons travel through the waters.

Boats passing through

There is ample room for parking in the designated lot, and plenty of picnic tables stationed throughout the area. Charcoal grills are provided if you would like to use them.

Ample Parking

We’ve included a map below, to try and give you an idea of where the Lagoon Area Picnic Spot is located. If you search “Evening Lagoon by Pontoon” in Google Maps, it will take you to the general area.

Location

Again, we really enjoyed this spot. Having grown up in Erie and been to Presque Isle so, so many times, this outing was the first time we had ever seen this area! If you’re looking for places to eat at Presque Isle, this could be a great spot for you! We hope you check it out and love it just a much as we do!

[Note: This is a Site Highlight post, a short and sweet yet informative look at a place within a place.]

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[Editor’s note: Please be aware that we are not affiliated with Presque Isle 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.]

Pressed Books and Coffee

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Pressed Books and Coffee

We love supporting local, and when we started this website we set out to showcase as many of the locally owned businesses in Erie County that we could. One local business that we’ve frequented is Pressed Books and Coffee. It is a bookstore, gift store, and coffee shop all rolled into one.

Location:

Pressed Books and Coffee is located at 1535 West 8th Street, Erie, PA 16505 in Greengarden Place. It is sandwiched right in between Donatos Pizza and PopLuck. There are two large signs above the two entrances into this book and coffee shop in Erie, PA.

View from the parking lot

Property Description:

This bookstore and coffee shop is set up as two separate locations that are connected by a set of sliding doors inside. We love that you can browse the bookstore and then go hang out in the coffee shop without having to step foot outside.

Bookstore into Coffee shop

We love the atmosphere inside of this tastefully decorated store. We’ve talked about it several times, and we agree that this is a place that both men and women can feel comfortable in. We love the dark stained wood and how it plays off of the black and white, the patterned floor in the middle of the transition between the coffee shop and the bookstore, the white bricks, and the lighting. Honestly, it’s just a really cool space. It feels “homey.” Is that the right word? We think it is.

What to Do:

We can’t help but absolutely love the children’s bookstore inside of Pressed. It is decorated to perfection, and includes an adorable hollow tree that the kids can sit inside. They have a wide selection of books for kids of all ages, babies through teenagers. Fair warning, we can’t walk into this room without leaving with some sort of treat for the kids; whether it’s a book, puzzle, or soft and lovable plushie, we always find something either educational or adorable at Pressed.

Children’s Bookstore

They had a story time for kids which we have attended in the past, but we recently checked and there are no current events such as this coming up. If you would like to know when events like this pop up, follow them on social media to get the scoop! If you’re looking for a great local children’s bookstore in Erie, PA, you’ll find it at Pressed.

The coffee shop at Pressed never disappoints; they have great drink concoctions and yummy treats to go with them. They have espresso, latte’s, coffee, teas, and even milkshakes. There’s literally a drink for every member of you family on the menu. They even have treats like cookies and macaroons; but if you’re looking for something more solid, you could grab an English muffin or a bagel.

We definitely recommend asking about seasonal specials, because you never know what they are going to have. With fall quickly approaching, they are currently offering drinks such as dark chocolate and mint, pumpkin and white chocolate, and pumpkin spice.

  • Iced Stroopwafel Coffee
  • Chocolate Chip Cookie
  • September Drink Specials

Who Can Go:

Pressed is a great place to bring the whole family. As we mentioned above, the Children’s Bookstore is a great place to bring the kids, but the rest of the bookstore appeals to adults of all ages.

  • Children’s Bookstore Room
  • Pressed Bookstore
  • Pressed Bookstore

We think that the coffee shop makes for a great location if you’re looking for places to study in Erie, PA. Although it’s not completely silent (remember, kids come in, too), the atmosphere is great for just kicking back and relaxing while getting your work done. Not only are there tables set up in the coffee shop, but a lounge area as well. There’s also a lounge area in the bookstore itself.

We also think Pressed makes a great place for a day date or early evening date in Erie. Start off by looking at books together, then head over to the coffee shop to grab a drink and a snack. Pick out a high top or have a seat in the lounge area in the coffee shop and talk while you enjoy your food and drinks.

Final Thoughts:

Pressed Books and Coffee is a wonderful place for the whole family. If you’re looking for a great locally owned bookstore and coffee shop in Erie, PA, we believe Pressed should be on your list of places to check out. They are open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m.-6 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m.-5 p.m., and Sunday 10 a.m.-3 p.m..

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[Editor’s note: Please be aware that we are not affiliated with Pressed Books and Coffee 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.]