Located on the rugged shores of the Great Lake that shares its name, Erie is the ideal spot to visit for a taste of all seasons. There’s no better time to visit than when the fall’s rich foliage sets the background for your getaway. Whether it’s exploring the shorelines or discovering Erie’s history, there’s a little bit of everything here.
Learn about Erie’s rich maritime history at the Erie Maritime Museum, where you’ll learn the story of Niagara, a warship that won the Battle of Lake Erie in the War of 1812. The museum’s biggest exhibit is the actual ship, which is within view of the museum. Other exhibits include a steam-powered electricity generating station, a reconstruction of the mid-ship section of the Lawrence, and another section of the Lawrence replica that has been blasted with live ammo from the current Niagara’s cannons. For more information on the museum, visit http://www.eriemaritimemuseum.org/. For information on the Niagara, visit www.flagshipniagara.org.
Who says you can’t go swimming when it gets colder? Splash Lagoon is an indoor water park resort that offers you plenty of water-filled fun. It’s not just swimming – there are a lot of different and fun activities to try! At Adventure Bay, test your skills in a water basketball game or on themed rafts. Dry off and head to the Treasure Island Arcade, home to more than 100 games with something for everyone in the family. For more information, visit www.splashlagoon.com.
As the leaves start to turn, experience Mother Nature at her finest. Presque Isle State Park is Pennsylvania’s only “seashore” with 3,200 acres on a sandy peninsula that juts into Lake Erie. Take advantage of the beautiful coastline by boating, fishing, hiking or bicycling. Don’t forget to pack binoculars since the park is a top spot for migrating birds and home to many unique wildlife inhabitants. 
Lights, camera, action! Experience a bit of old Hollywood at the Warner Theatre. Commissioned by the world-famous Warner Brothers, this theatre was built in 1929 and features an art deco motif. This luxurious theatre originally hosted vaudeville shows with Bob Hope making an appearance in 1931. Today, the Erie Philharmonic, Lake Erie Ballet, Erie Broadway Series and the Erie Civic Music Association call the theatre home, so there is always something for you to see! For more information, visit www.erieevents.com/about/warner_theatre.htm.
Get your sports fix with the Bay Hawks, an NBA D-League basketball team. You’ll see up-and-coming basketball players at affordable prices. In addition, there are other fun promotions and events going on during the games. The 2009-2010 season kicks off in November with home games at the Erie Civic Center. For more information, visit www.eriebayhawks.com.
Erie has a variety of shops and retail centers to satisfy any shopper (or anyone who wants to take home a little bit of Erie!). Places such as Relish Jewelers, which features homemade jewelry made from pieces of beach glass found along Lake Erie, and Campbell Pottery Store feature one-of-a-kind pieces of art. Antique lovers will delight in the local antiques shops. You could spend hours in the All Seasons Market Place, which is home to a variety of retailers.
There’s always something to do in Erie. For more information, visit http://www.visiteriepa.com/.
