Exploring the North Shore DAY 2

Port Stanley

Known for its world-class beaches, this harbor town is where you’ll soak up some sun and hit the sand. Hungry? There’s plenty of waterfront restaurants like Mackie’s and GTs on the Beach, as well as charming boutiques. Take home a piece of Ontario at Art Emporium, a gallery showing the works of local and regional artists or venture into James Street for coastal home accents. “Pepper Tree Spice Co. is not to be missed,” advises Carman. “I highly recommend their pizza and pasta seasoning, lavender vanilla sugar and Best Bagel seasoning.”

Port Dover

Save your appetite for Port Dover’s boisterous culinary scene offering everything from casual eats to fine dining. Nestle into Norfolk County for the evening at Bonnieheath Estate, a farmhouse bed-and-breakfast set on 130 acres and boasting a vineyard. Those vacationing mid-June to mid-July will want to make time to take a stroll through the lavender field when it’s in full bloom.

Niagara Falls

Before crossing back over the border, spend the morning basking in the cool mist and soothing sounds of Niagara Falls on the Canadian side. Keep the kids happy with a visit to the Aquarium of Niagara or Niagara Amusement Park and Splash World.

Buffalo

Keep the fun rolling at Buffalo RiverWorks, a 60,000-square-foot indoor/outdoor event center filled with activities like axe throwing, ziplining and silo climbing. Take a tour of RiverWorks Brewing Co. (the world’s first silo brewery) or a ride on the Buffal-O Ferris Wheel. For a more serene experience, book a Buffalo Harbor Cruises boat ride or see the sights from atop Erie Basin Marina’s 76-foot observation tower.

Dunkirk

History beckons at Dunkirk Lighthouse and Veterans Park Museum in Western New York. Participate in guided tours, check out the extensive collection of maritime and military artifacts or take in the view from the working lighthouse’s observation deck.

Day 3

Back to the U.S. via Buffalo

Erie

Erie, Pennsylvania, offers all of the amenities of a bustling downtown while maintaining its small-town charm. “The atmosphere is casual chic. We’re laid back, but we also have some really upscale attractions,” says Christine Temple, director of communications for VisitErie.

Among her favorite activities is taking her dog for a walk at Presque Isle State Park. “It’s connected to the mainland, but once you’re out there, you feel like you’re in a resort attraction destination. It’s so quiet with the beaches on one side and water surrounding you.”

Learn about the 3,200-acre isle’s history at the Tom Ridge Environmental Center before moving on to the Erie Maritime Museum. Here, two tall ships, including the U.S. Brig Niagara, act as floating museums and are available for daytime or sunset sails.

For those 12 and younger, the Experience Children’s Museum is unveiling exciting additions this spring. “Throughout the museum and its various exhibits are stories about Lake Erie that help educate children about the region’s rich history,” Temple says. “There’s also a replica of the U.S. Brig Niagara that kids can climb on and learn how to tie knots.”

Round out the afternoon browsing local treasures at Moose Head Pottery and Relish Studio and Gallery before setting your sights on Oliver’s Rooftop Bar and Restaurant, boasting floor-to-ceiling glass panels that set the scene for a sunset dinner straight from a fairytale. “The views of Lake Erie and Presque Isle are just incredible,” Temple says. “It’s a great new addition to our bayfront district.”

For a more casual peek into the city’s culinary scene, Flagship City Food Hall, home to nine diverse local food vendors and a fullservice bar, is sure to please every palate.

Rest easy at the Sheraton Erie Bayfront Hotel, which, by summer 2023, will be wrapping up a $7.5-million renovation with a nautical-themed design.

Conneaut

If weather permits and you have a fourwheel or all-wheel-drive vehicle, stop at the sandbar on the western corner of Conneaut Harbor in eastern Ohio to check out the beach without having to schlep all your gear.

Ashtabula

At Walnut Beach Park, you’ll want to leave the car behind as you explore one of the region’s beach glass hot spots. Next, head over to Harbor Yak, which offers kayak, paddleboard, hydrobike and pontoon boat rentals.

GENEVA-ON-THE-LAKE

With more than 150 years of history, Geneva-on-the-Lake is a must for those traveling around Lake Erie. Snap an Instagram-worthy shot in front of the GOTL sign or Ferris wheel at Old Firehouse Winery, try to get a hole-inone at Allison’s Mini Golf (the oldest miniature golf course in the U.S.) or zip above the creeks of Geneva State Park at speeds up to 30 mph at Lake Erie Canopy Tours.

Madison

It’s time to unwind for a bit. Due to the region’s relatively mild climate, Grand River Valley is home to some of the best grape growers in the country. In Madison alone, there are more than 10, including Debonne Vineyards, Grand River Cellars Winery and Restaurant, Stonegait Winery and Cask 307.