Located along scenic Pennsylvania Route 6 in eastern Erie County, Corry is a reinvented, energetic town filled with community spirit and new growth amidst a rural landscape of farmland and forests. It is quintessential small-town America with welcoming shops and eateries, and a compact, walkable layout that makes exploring a breeze. If you've never visited this part of Erie County, here are a few suggestions on how to spend a perfect day in Downtown Corry, PA.(Header photo by donnierosie)

Morning: A Hearty Breakfast Hug

Fuel up with a satisfying and delicious breakfast from Lou’s Country Kitchen, a beloved local eatery known for its hearty, home-cooked meals, cozy interior, and friendly service. This family-owned restaurant offers a menu of classic comfort foods, delicious breakfast options, daily specials, and homemade pies. Lou’s Breakfast Platter is a customer go-to platter of light and fluffy house-made pancakes, eggs your way, bacon or sausage, crispy home fries, and toast. The menu is extensive, so if you prefer something lighter, there are options such as one and two-egg dishes and a flavorful vegetarian breakfast scramble.

Mid-Morning: Historic Charm and Hidden Treasures

Corry’s main street, Center Street, is lined with a mix of well-preserved 19th-century buildings, historical markers, and interpretive panels that earned the area a spot on the National Register of Historic Places in 2022. What once was a street of vacant storefronts is now alive with a colorful array of new retail businesses. Among them are three neighboring shops showcasing items from local artisans. First up is The Painted Finch Gallery, showcasing art from local and regional artists in various mediums such as paintings, sculpture, ceramics, and woodworking. Next is Epiphany’s Emporium, an eclectic selection of leather journals, gems and minerals, stuffed animals, and handcrafted sterling silver made-in-the-USA jewelry. Lastly, Corry Connections/Morelli’s Jewelry & Oddities is a one-stop shop brimming with ever-changing unique creations. Whether you're hunting for holiday items, special gifts, home décor, or jewelry, you'll find something new with each visit.

Lunch: Don't Get It Twisted

There’s no misunderstanding here: Twisted Sisters Café is Corry’s hippest hangout to enjoy a casual lunch. The eclectic décor is complemented by an inventive selection of smoothies, juices, salads, soups, sandwiches, and pizzas. Their selection of homemade pastries and artisanal coffee is equally impressive. One bite of the café’s signature Pickle and Bacon Pizza reveals a smoky, tangy flavor that offers a bold and unexpected twist on a traditional pizza. There are also lighter options including the Very Berry Salad, a healthy blend of fresh greens, berries, mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, drizzled with a light vinaigrette.

Afternoon: Relax and Recharge

A rejuvenating salt or float room treatment at Salt Spa & Organic Goods is a rejuvenating way to refresh and restore your body and mind. Salt room treatments promote respiratory and skin health by reducing inflammation, improving breathing, and exfoliating the skin. Meanwhile, a float treatment involves immersing yourself in a large tub of highly concentrated salt water, heated to body temperature, which helps alleviate chronic pain, migraines, anxiety, and depression. To avoid wait times, it’s recommended to book your treatment in advance.

Dinner: Munch and Mingle

As your day in Downtown Corry winds down, the hospitable staff at The Corner Bar and Grillz is ready to serve you dinner with a smile. This family-owned spot is a beloved local hangout, known for its relaxed vibe, mouthwatering burgers, more than 20 homemade wing rubs and sauces, an irresistible Icelandic haddock entrée, and “Harriet Blanchard Corry”, a 6-foot, 700-pound wood-carved beaver greeting customers in the dining room. Named to reflect The Corner’s customers, owner, and founder of Corry, this statue is a fun nod to Corry Area High School’s mascot and is understandably, the subject of countless selfies. 

Evening: Moonshine Magic

Raise a glass to a day exploring Downtown Corry at Before the Barrel Distillery. Before the Barrel is a small-batch craft distillery specializing in un-aged spirits and flavored moonshines. Though they do produce rum, gin, and even absinthe, the distillery leans more towards its production of uniquely flavored moonshines, each as intriguing in taste as their names suggest: Banana Moonshine - The Sasquatch, Hot Pepper Honey, Maple Bacon, and their most popular, Salted Caramel Pecan. This heavenly combination blends the rich and creamy sweetness of caramel with the salty crunch of pecans and can be enjoyed on its own, on the rocks, or even in your morning coffee.  

Insider's Tip

If your visit is during one of the first Fridays in May through December, it’s worth staying for “First Fridays”, a fun event series celebrating Corry businesses and independent vendors. A portion of Center Street is closed to traffic and comes alive with music, food, art, street performers, food trucks, and entertainment, with many shops staying open late, and offering special deals and promotions. First Fridays are free and begin at 5 p.m. End times vary.