Regional Tour Guide
Meadville Market House
U.S. Brig Niagara
Tara-A Country Inn
Drake Well
Amazing GROUP TOUR EXPERIENCES
Tara - A Country Inn
Avenue of 444 Flags and War on Terror Memorial
Wendell August Forge
Reyers Shoe Store
Picture your group staying at a world class destination inn, learning the history of the world’s largest permanent display of American flags, touring an historic metal works company. Visit one-of-a-kind specialty shops, three of the world’s largest stores—Daffin’s Candies, Reyers Shoes and The Winner. Shop the Grove City Premium Outlets, one of America’s top rated centers. Stop in at a local winery or brew pub then catch a show or event.
Wine & Brew Trail
See Our Suggested Sample Itineraries on Pages 8 and 9 of this guide. VisitMercerCountyPA.com | 724-346-3771
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YOUR SOURCE FOR TRAVEL PLANNING
Pennsylvania’s Great Lakes Region
Located at the cross sections of Interstates 80, 79 and 90, and Route 8, and central to Pittsburgh, Buffalo and Cleveland, Pennsylvania’s Great Lakes Region is within 500 miles of more than half the U.S. population and only 200 miles from Toronto, Ontario. This four County region features the sandy shores of Presque Isle State Park on Lake Erie, The Land of Glacial Lakes, The Oil Heritage Region and Golf Digest’s Top 10 Golf Town. The region offers marine cruises, lighthouses, TAX FREE SHOPPING ON CLOTHES AND SHOES, train excursions, FALL FOLIAGE, theater, dinner theater and museums. The region is packed with entertaining festivals and events. With over 6,000 hotel rooms in the area, full service to economy accommodations are available. The region is well-suited for hub and spoke tours with only 11/2 hour drive max from corner to corner.
From the West:
Enter the region from Interstates 90, 80 or Interstate 76 to 80 eastbound.
From the South:
Enter the region from Interstates 79, 80 and Route 8.
From the East:
Enter the region from Interstates 90, 86 or 80, Route 6, Route 62 or Route 322.
From the North:
Enter the region from Lake Erie by sea or Interstate 90 by land!
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Estimated travel times from major cities: From Baltimore From Boston From Buffalo From Chicago From Cincinnati From Cleveland From Corning From Detroit From Lexington From New York From Niagara Falls From Pittsburgh From Richmond From Toronto
6-hours 9-hours 90-minutes 7-hours 5-hours 90-minutes 3-hours 4-hours 6-hours 7-hours 2-hours 90-minutes 8-hours 3-hours
Regional Tour Erie
LIVE A LITTLE IN ERIE PA! Day 1
Tour the Erie Maritime Museum and learn of Erie’s extensive maritime history and its role during the War of 1812/Battle of Lake Erie. Exhibits highlight multiple maritime and nautical themes from the early 1800’s to present day including the U.S. Brig Niagara, Pennsylvania’s official Great Lakes Ambassador. C B & C Tours, the local receptive operator and caterer, cooks up a delicious buffet including Erie Brewerie beer tasting at the Concourse of Union Station. Follow your meal with a tour of the historic train depot and brewery and learn more about the “eerie” side of Erie. For dessert envelope your senses in the luscious aroma of rich homemade chocolate and tour Pulakos Chocolates where succulent chocolates and tasty candies are created. Top off your day with a tour of the Erie Land Lighthouse, originally built of wood in 1818 and the first lighthouse on the Great Lakes. Travel along historic West Sixth Street Historical District, also known as “Millionaires Row” where an array of regal mansions from Erie’s earlier days await. Visit the Hagan History Center featuring the newly renovated Watson-Curtze Mansion, an historic museum listed on the National Register of Historic Places designed in the iconic Richardsonian Romanesque style. The mansion showcases Victorian décor on the first floor and a new Regional History Museum on the 2nd and 3rd floors. Dine at the Colony Pub and Grille, Voodoo Brewery, U Pick 6 Tap House, Cloud 9 Wine Bar, Bayfront Grille, Smugglers Wharf, or aboard the Victorian Princess paddle wheel boat serving locally brewed beer like Mad Anthony‘s APA, Uncle Jackson’s Blond Ale and Misery Bay IPA. End your day with a performance at the Erie Station Dinner Theater, Erie Playhouse, or All An Act Theater. After dinner enjoy an evening with lady luck at Presque Isle Downs and Casino 43 offering casual to classical dining options.
Day 2
Start your day at Splash Lagoon Indoor Water Park Resort where it is 84° all year long. Visit the Tom Ridge Environmental Center (TREC), a “green” building and the gateway to Presque Isle State Park, a 3,200 acre sandy peninsula that arches out into Lake Erie. TREC combines exciting visitor experiences with environmental education. Discover the Park’s seven miles of sandy beaches, interior waterways and trails or take narrated 90 minute scenic Presque Isle Boat Tour aboard the Lady Kate. Step-on guides offer unique tours of 1872 Presque Isle Lighthouse, Perry’s Monument and Misery Bay and detail Presque Isle’s role in the Battle of Lake Erie during the War of 1812. Take the scenic route outside Erie and head east on the Great Lakes Seaway Trail an America’s Byway™ to experience the 22 distinct wineries of Lake Erie Wine Country that span PA and NY along the southern shores of Lake Erie. Stops at Arrowhead Wine Cellars, Courtyard Winery, Lakeview Wine Cellars, Mazza Vineyards, Arundel Cellars & Brewing Co., Penn Shore Vineyards, Presque Isle Wine Cellars, and South Shore Wine Company surround the quaint town of North East are highly recommended. Take a short drive into Ripley NY on route 20 and stop for tastings at Sensory Winery & Art Gallery and Jonson Estates, the second oldest winery in New York State. Just down the road visit Five & 20 Spirits that shares its Westfield, NY home with Mazza Chautauqua Cellars, offering premium wines alongside distilled products and craft beer. Be sure to visit the Grape Discovery Center to learn more about the story of over 150 years of grape-growing in the oldest and largest Concord grape-growing region in the world.
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Regional Tour Erie
WHAT’S NEW Lake Erie Ale Trail
A new trail in Erie with nine regional breweries: Erie Ale Works, Lavery Brewing Company, Erie Brewing Company, The Brewerie at Union Station, Arundel Cellars & Brewing Company, Five & 20 Spirits & Brewing, Sprague Farm and Brew Works, Voodoo Brewery, 7 Sins Brewery, Millcreek Brewing Company.
Erie Visitor Center
Now open! Inside the Tom Ridge Environmental Center. Complete tourism info on the Erie area. 10am-6pm daily
Presque Isle Light House
new gift shop opens February 2018 – Presque Isle State Park
Presque Isle State Park
is not only the #1 Freshwater beach in the country (2016) but it’s also been named the #1 Top Attraction in Pennsylvania! (2017, USA Today Reader’s Choice)
ABA Top 100:
Tall Ships Erie September 8-11, 2016 Discover Presque Isle, 2013 (last full weekend in July)
Performance Venues: Millcreek Mall Waldameer & Water World
Contact Information:
VisitErie 800-524-3743 | 814-454-1000 Emily Beck, ebeck@VisitErie.com VisitErie.com
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Regional Tour Crawford
VISIT CRAWFORD Everyone Needs a Getaway
TASTE AND TOURING
LIVING HISTORY TOURS
Our award-winning wineries and high-ranking breweries have unbelievable atmosphere. From lake front views to outdoor villa views, that remind you of Italy, all will give you a lasting experience. Most feature delicious food and organic cuisine. The new Voodoo Compound has a 3,000+ square foot tasting room, boasts 24 taps, a 48-foot bar and European-style communal seating. Davenport Farm and Cidery is where hard cider is made commercially: “the cidery can produce an assortment of tasty tipples from a variety of organic heritage apples”, which depends on the cidery. Taste a Sparkling Hard Apple Cider. A semi-sweet, sparkling hard cider made from a complex blend of six different apple varieties that were selected for their crisp flavor and complexity. Conneaut Cellars Winery and Distillery is the place to go for this Sparkling Hard Apple Cider or high-quality brandy and vodka using their two stills.
Meadville Market House, built in 1870, is the oldest, continuously-run market structure in Pennsylvania. It is known for local produce, eggs, meat, home-baked goods, local organic goods, honey, maple syrup and artisan crafts. The Second Saturday Community Market is a fun filled event for the whole family. The goal is to stimulate the local economy while fostering a sense of community with family activities and entertainment, live music, artist demos, and local food. Fondly dubbed the “Heart of Meadville,” the Market House is also home to the Market Grille, which serves family style meals. Here you will get the feeling of the old days and rub elbows with the locals. www.meadvillmarkethouse.org or 814-336-2056 The Baldwin Reynolds House Museum, was built in 1843 by Supreme Court Justice, Henry Baldwin-friend and appointee of Andrew Jackson and major player in early American politics. Baldwin’s home in Meadville was finished just a year before his death in 1844 and was a copy of an Andrew Jackson home, Hunter Hill, in Nashville and remains to this day as a testament to the direction he, Jackson, and other national figures of this time tried to steer the fledgling country. The museum, originally named “Mount Hope,” is a glorious example of Greek Revival and Victorian architecture, with black walnut and tiger maple woodwork, marble fireplaces, parquetry floors, and served Baldwin’s family through three generations. The museum is on the National Register of Historic Places and owned by the Crawford County Historical Society. www.baldwinreynolds.org or 814-333-9882
What is Mead? Mead is honey wine made of honey, water, and beer-yeast. The history of Mead is as long and rich and captivating as the beverage itself. Mead is thought to be the oldest alcoholic beverages known to man. The Cambridge Cellars in Cambridge Springs is the place to taste this honey made wine. Here are more attractions for your tasting pleasure: Lago Winery, Mortals Key Brewing Company, Wilhelm Winery, Howles Maple Farm and Brewery, Sprague Brew Works and Timber Creek Tap and Table. Map available at VisitCrawford.org
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Regional Tour Crawford
GREAT ATTRACTIONS The BARBARA J STERNWHEELER
was built in 1955, and gives regular scheduled tours of Conneaut Lake, PA’s largest, natural glacier lake. Step back in time while you take a 1 ½ hour ride around this beautiful lake that is full of history. 814-382-RIDE or newconneautlake.com
ANNUAL FALL PUMPKIN FEST Held at the historic Conneaut Lake Park, this is a great family event. Three days are packed full of rides, great food, giant pumpkin drops, entertainment, artisans and crafters, a bluegrass & arts festival plus so much more! 814-853-5833 or pumpkinfest.conneautlake.com
TREES OF CHRISTMAS
is a must do biennial Holiday event. The Baldwin Reynolds House Museum, built in 1843, is lavishly decorated from top to bottom in Holiday splendor. Make sure to pick up some treasures in the Gift Shoppe. 814-333-9882 or baldwinreynolds.org
OIL CREEK AND TITUSVILLE RAILROAD
Enjoy a three-hour round trip ride on this Victorian train. The OC&T has many events on the train for all ages. They have the Easter Bunny run, Murder Mysteries, Fall train rides and Santa Express. You can also stay overnight at their Caboose Motels. octrr.org
Contact Information:
Crawford County Convention & Visitors Bureau 16709 Conneaut Lake Road Meadville, PA 16335 800-332-2338 www.visitcrawford.org
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Regional Tour Mercer
CHOOSE MERCER COUNTY PA FOR YOUR NEXT GROUP TOUR! You’ll be glad you did!
You are passionate about offering your groups the finest tours available and VisitMercerCountyPA, along with group friendly properties are also passionate about the group tour experience we offer you. From the initial planning stages to step-on-guide service, we work to insure you have a hassle free tour. Our goal is to accommodate you and your travelers with superior hospitality and exceptional service.
Day 2
Day 1
Begin your day shopping at Grove City Premium Outlets, rated as one of America’s top outlet centers. With 130 brand named outlet stores, customers realize savings from 25%-65% everyday, and pay no tax on most clothing and shoes.
Travel to either Philadelphia Candies or Daffin’s, the World’s Largest Candy Store. Tour Tara’s sister property the Buhl Mansion Guesthouse & Spa, one of America’s Top 10 Most Romantic Inns, listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Next is a stop in downtown Sharon, home of two of “The World’s Largest”—The Winner, a four story woman’s off-price fashion discount store, and Reyers, the shoe store with over 100,000 pairs of men’s, women’s and children’s shoes in all sizes. After a break for lunch, head to Tara—A Country Inn for high tea and a bountiful meal, and time to relax.
Day 3
Picturesque Mercer County PA is located at the crossroads of I-80 and I-79 (first county in Pennsylvania on I-80 traveling east…last county on I-80 if you are traveling west). Start your tour at the Avenue of 444 Flags and War on Terror Veterans Memorial. View the largest permanent display on American flags flying in the world. A step-on guide will give a narration on the meaning and history of the flags and the memorial. Adjacent is the next stop, Kraynak’s, home of Santa’s Christmasland and Easter BunnyLane. Kraynak’s also has large gift, greeting card, floral and toy departments. It’s a short drive to your overnight accommodation, Tara-A Country Inn. Inspired by the greatest movie of our time, “Gone with the Wind”, Tara offers a lasting impression of Southern hospitality and a chance to enjoy the luxuries of days gone by. You’ll be greeted by gracious staff. After a tour of the Inn, a delicious supper will be served. Each guest room has a unique theme.
Next visit Wendell August, makers of handcrafted metal giftware. Groups can see the handcrafted process on the Made-in-America Tour, learn the company’s past in the History Center and purchase the perfect piece in their state-of-the-art showroom. After a day of touring, visit one of our wineries or brew bubs and unwind with a local spirit. A diverse list of group friendly dining options are available upon request. Reservations for overnight accommodations can be made at one of our fine hotels or inns in the Greenville, Grove City, Sharon-Hermitage or Mercer areas. The above itinerary can be customized to fit your group’s needs.
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Regional Tour Mercer
WHAT’S NEW WINERIES & BREW PUBS!
The Mercer County PA area is home to many family owned wineries and is on the verge of a burgeoning brew pub scene. Taste the difference when savoring distinctive regionally produced and bottled wines. Enjoy personal service, tasting, educational programs and special events at our locally owned and operated wineries. Explore our micro brewing companies for quality hand crafted beers, made from only the freshest ingredients. Currently Mercer County is home to eight family-owned wineries and seven microbreweries.
WENDELL AUGUST
Wendell August opened their new state-of-the-art Flagship Store, three years after a fire destroyed the historic landmark. The new store is stunning, featuring the Made-in-America Tour, a History Center, in addition to an awesome showroom. On the Made-in-America Tour, visitors can see the handcrafted process up close and watch artisans and craftsmen combine their skills to create one-of-a-kind pieces. The History Center explores nearly a century of Wendell August with many early pieces featured. Shop for that special Wendell August gift in their wonderful showroom. Visit WendellAugust.com for more information and dates of special events.
WATERFIRE SHARON, PA
WaterFire Sharon debuted in 2013 with over 70,000 visitors to this World Class event. The 2018 dates for this event are July 21, August 18, and September 22. Imagine over fifty sparkling bonfires and the fragrant scent of aromatic cedar as you stroll along the Shenango River and city streets. Enjoy enchanting music, ethnic food, and performers from around the globe. Each day-long event offers a new and different theme with interactive arts programming that can be enjoyed again and again! Art. Music. Food. Fun. Visit the WaterFireSharonPA.org for upcoming dates and event activities.
Call us for:
• FAM Tours • Specialized Sample Itineraries • Step-on Guide Services
Contact Information:
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VisitMercerCountyPA 800-637-2370 Carmen Aiello, caiello@VisitMercerCountyPA.com VisitMercerCountyPA.com
Regional Tour Venango
OIL REGION NATIONAL HERITAGE AREA ”The Valley that Changed the World”
Day 1
Day 2
Your day starts in Oil City and the National Transit Building, once the headquarters for Standard Oil. A mural inside the building at the Seneca Street entrance shows a look into the history of the oil industry. The building is also home of the Transit Fine Arts Gallery. See exceptional works of art by talented local artists including paintings, jewelry, cards and glassware.
After breakfast at the Quality Inn you will depart for Titusville, “the Queen City”, and a factory tour of Great Eastern Cutlery to see how traditional pocket and hunting knives are made. Then it’s a short drive to Drake Well Museum and Park, where you’ll see a replica of the engine house and derrick built by Edwin Drake. The successful drilling of this well in 1859 launched the birth of the oil industry.
Just a half block walk away is the Venango Museum of Art, Science & Industry. Rattlesnake Pete welcomes you to this Beaux Arts style building built in 1905 that was formerly a United States Post Office; it’s listed on the National Register of Historic Places. As you walk through the museum ask yourself, was the discovery of oil Black Gold or Black Magic?
Perry Street Station awaits. You’ll get a bagged lunch as you board the train there for a ride on the Oil Creek & Titusville Railroad. It’s a three-hour ride “through the Valley that Changed the World.” When you return to Perry Street Station, be sure to check out the Visitor Center that is located there.
It’s a seven mile drive to Franklin, the county seat. Have a delicious lunch at Primo Barone’s at the Venango Regional Airport. Just a few doors away is Olde Liberty & the Galleria at Olde Liberty – with over 40 artisans and crafters offering unique and handmade items. A few blocks down the street you can tour St. John’s Episcopal Church and see one of only six full sets of Tiffany stained glass windows. We suggest dinner at Bella Cucina, Liberty Street Ale House or Benjamin’s Roadhouse. The Barrow-Civic Theatre offers live entertainment for all ages and interests and there’s a free concert every Thursday night in the summer at Bandstand Park in downtown Franklin. Stay overnight at the Quality Inn & Conference Center in downtown Franklin.
After your train ride, your motorcoach will take you to Forest Glen Alpaca Farm to see the alpacas and their babies, and visit the gift shop where you can purchase items made from alpaca yarn. A delicious dinner awaits just a short drive away at Cross Creek Resort. Enjoy the view at this 27-hole golf course.
Want to make your own itinerary from the many attractions throughout the area? Call us – we’ll be glad to help.
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Regional Tour Venango
GREAT FESTIVALS May Garden Mart – Franklin June Oil Region Indie Music Fest – Oil City July Oil Heritage Festival – Oil City August Taste of Franklin Weekend August Rock in River Fest – Franklin October Applefest® – Franklin December Oil City’s Christmas Past
Contact Information:
Oil Region Alliance of Business, Industry & Tourism 217 Elm Street Oil City, PA 16301 800-483-6264 oilregion.org
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Pennsylvania’s Great Lakes Region
Meadville.HamptonInn.com 11446 N. Dawn Drive, Meadville, PA 16335 Tel: 1.814.807.1446 Fax: 1.814.807.1447
Join us at the beautiful Hampton Inn, Meadville! We proudly offer these convenient, & always included, amenities: High-speed wireless internet, business center, heated indoor pool with hot-tub, extensive on-site fitness center, parking, comfortable common areas for lounging outside your room, & of course, our spacious guest rooms, each with luxurious Cloud9 bedding, microwave, & mini-fridge, among many other amenities! Enjoy coffee, fruit, & cookies available 24-hours a day, and our weekday appetizer receptions. All this, and Hampton's signature On-The-House Hot Breakfast served 6-10am every morning! Contact Missy for your group's complimentary welcome reception!
Four Counties and A Million Things To Do.