Tag Archives: travel-tips

Westside Market on Powell

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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.

@wandererie814

Westside Market is a great place for hometown groceries and trinkets! Also, amazing food and smoothies! #eriepa #travel #814 #erie #pennsylvania

♬ Haven’t Met You Yet – Michael Bublé

🛍️ Local Goods & Handmade Finds

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 Village Shops Gatlinburg, TN

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Whimsy, charm, and shops you could spend hours exploring.

📍 Where it’s at

Tucked right off the Parkway at 634 Parkway, The Village Shops feel like a hidden European-inspired courtyard just steps off downtown Gatlinburg. Enter beneath the iconic arched entrance, and you’re transported into a cobblestone-lined mini-village—24 hours of charm in one walkable plaza, with a mix of boutiques, galleries, and eateries.

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🛍️ What’s good

With 27 unique shops, there’s something for everyone to love. Here are a few that stood out to us:

  • The Donut Friar – Grab a warm cinnamon donut or pastry; it opens early and smells amazing.
  • Toy Crazy – Full of creative, high-quality toys—our kids didn’t want to leave!
  • The Sock Shop – A wall of fun, bold socks for every personality—plus hats and slippers.
  • The Honey Pot – Hand-crafted pottery, garden decor, and southern-style gifts.
  • Pepper Palace – Spicy sauces, seasonings, and free tastings if you’re brave enough.
  • Candle Cottage – Gatlinburg’s signature candle store, full of seasonal scents and boutique waxes.
    Other shops include Celtic Heritage, Coffee & Company, Misty Mountain Soap Co., Spice & Tea Exchange, Bonediggity Barkery, U Name It, Zi Olive, and more—each offering something unique for browsing or gifting
@wandererie814

The Village in Gatlinburg is an escape from the hustle and bustle of the main tourist street #travel #gatlinburg #tennessee #thevillage #smokeymountains

♬ оригинальный звук – junior_gd

The layout feels intentionally thoughtful; fountains, benches, and photo-ready corners make lingering between shops delightful rather than overwhelming.

👨‍👩‍👧 Who it’s good for

  • Families—low-stress strolling, delicious treats, and shops to delight every age
  • Couples—perfect for leisurely browsing or grabbing a donut and coffee
  • Gift lovers and souvenir seekers—unique finds at every turn
  • Photo enthusiasts—plenty of charming backdrops that feel local and authentic

The Village is ideal for those who want a taste of Gatlinburg’s charm without the crowds—yet still be in the heart of things.

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🧺 Final thoughts

The Village Shops are a Gatlinburg gem—an easy stop, rich in charm and variety, with something for everyone. Whether you’re picking up handcrafted soap, memorable toys, cozy candles, or spice mixes for the kitchen—this little plaza leaves you with a full heart and a happy haul.