ERIE, PA WESTERN NY

A trip to Erie, Pennsylvania, and then on to New York’s Chautauqua Lake region offers a wealth of fun, from beaches and boating to hiking and history. By

Erie, Pennsylvania

This shoreline city serves as Pennsylvania’s access point to Lake Erie. For summer visitors, it offers fun on and off the water, rich history and a vibrant food scene.

Beach Days

Presque Isle State Park offers a 3,200-acre sandy peninsula to explore that spans 11 separate beaches, each with different experiences and offerings. Beach 11 is a favorite of families with young children due to its calmer waters and, as the largest of the Presque Isle State Park beaches, there is plenty of space to spread out. Beach 8 — known as Pettinato Beach — has a ramp that provides wheelchair accessibility right up to the water’s edge. (The park also has beach wheelchair rentals on a first-come, first-served basis.) Beach 6 draws teens and those of college age with its volleyball courts and other recreation options. Lighthouse Beach provides travelers the chance to ascend Erie’s historic and still-functioning lighthouse to enjoy incredible Lake Erie views.

Trail Mix

Presque Isle State Park is home to a 13.5mile paved, multipurpose loop trail that runs the length of the peninsula. If you don’t bring your own bike, rentals are available from the Yellow Bike Rental Co., which can be found at Beach 7. About a 10-minute drive south of the shore sits Asbury Woods, 216 preserved acres that span forests, fields and wetlands. The site is open to the public free of charge and offers over 4 miles of trails for hikers. The moderately difficult Greenway Trail is the longest at 2.2 miles, while the fully accessible Boardwalk

Trail covers one-third of a mile and is great for those of all ages and abilities. Take a self-guided nature walk on the 1.25-mile Guided Trail.

History Lessons

The Perry Monument at Crystal Point on the Presque Isle State Park peninsula provides history buffs the chance to visit the site where U.S. ships were built for the Battle of Lake Erie during the War of 1812. (Presque Isle Boat Tours offers 90-minute excursions on the Lady Kate flatboat docked there.) The Erie Maritime Museum downtown is home to the U.S. Brig Niagara, a re-creation of Oliver Hazard Perry’s flagship, as well as the Lettie G. Howard, a wooden Fredonia schooner built in 1893 that is designated as a national historic landmark. The

When You Go

Asbury Woods asburywoods.org

Erie Food Tours eriefoodtours.com

Erie Maritime Museum eriemaritime museum.org

Flagship City Food Hall flagshipcity foodhall.com nearby Hagen History Center tells the story of Erie County and houses renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright’s original San Francisco office and drafting room, a gift from museum benefactor Thomas B. Hagen.

Foodie Fun

In 2022, the Flagship City Food Hall opened downtown, offering a large, open space with communal seating for up to 160 people. The setup invites conversation and the opportunity to explore a range of cuisines by choosing from among the eight on-site local food entrepreneurs. Options range from Perry’s Pizza and Tavern and Jo’s Brooklyn Bagel to Dina’s Authentic Dominican Kitchen and an Asian cuisine spot called Noodlelove. Those who want to eat and stroll while enjoying a side of local history can book a walking tour with Erie Food Tours. Teachers on break for the summer serve as the guides for these educational excursions that not only introduce diners to a variety of local restaurants but also offer insight into the buildings and landmarks encountered along the way.

Western New York

The small communities that hug New York’s famous Chautauqua Lake are a summertime travel favorite. A trip promises relaxation and recreation, great food finds and lots of laughs.

Relax & Recharge

The Chautauqua Institution was founded along Chautauqua Lake in 1874 as an experiment in out-of-school vacation learning.

Hagen History Center eriehistory.org

Presque Isle Boat Tours piboattours.com

Presque Isle State Park dcnr.pa.gov tourchautauqua.com - 866-908-4569

Today, the summer resort is focused on its four pillars of religion, education, cultural arts and recreation. Over the course of nine weeks each summer, the Chautauqua Institution schedules a lineup of renowned lecturers, musicians and more, and advance tickets are essential for those who wish to attend a specific talk or performance. Those who just want to walk the grounds and experience the atmosphere of the resort can do so any time by paying the gate fee (free on Sundays). Visitors can browse the shops or grab a casual meal at multiple spots onsite. Those looking for a full dining experience can book a reservation at the Athenaeum Hotel’s Heirloom Restaurant.