Most commonly recognized as a college town, home to PennWest Edinboro University, Edinboro, PA, is a picturesque rural community nestled in southern Erie County, along scenic Pennsylvania Route 6. Edinboro is shaping itself into a vibrant destination by welcoming new businesses, celebrating existing ones, and creating a dynamic atmosphere that appeals to both residents and visitors. If you've never explored this part of Erie County, here are a few suggestions on how to spend a perfect day in Edinboro, PA.

Morning: A Flipping Delicious Beginning

Start the morning with breakfast at Flip Café, perhaps Edinboro’s most beloved café that may be small in stature but is huge in flavors. Flip’s brightly colored walls, loads of local artwork, eclectic vibes, and seriously delicious dishes are the perfect combination for a gratifying dining experience. Flip’s offers breakfast classics and seasonal specials that showcase a mix of creative dishes. Elvis Has Left the Building is a buttery French Toast tribute to the King, loaded with bananas, and peanut butter sauce. Their unique Smashes are breakfast goodness smashed up with scrambled eggs, flip potatoes, and veggies creating multi-layered flavor bombs. Smash varieties include Sausage and Leek, Salmon, Greek, Reuben, and more. Flip Café serves breakfast and lunch daily. Arriving early is a good idea, as the place is often busy but well worth the wait. (Photo credit @bishopfoodtours)

Mid-Morning: Discovering Treasures

Historic downtown Edinboro is as walkable as it is enjoyable, with beautiful trees, hanging flowers, benches, and period lampposts decorating its two main thoroughfares, Meadville Street and Erie Street. Visitors stroll through the area to shop and dine, with the charming ambiance enhancing their experience. It’s easy to see the town’s small-town charm and feel the nostalgic vibe, especially when perusing the area’s specialty shops. One such shop is Earthshine, a bohemian-chic boutique brimming with clothing, accessories, and gifts that showcase ethically sourced textiles and add a touch of flair to a laid-back lifestyle. Nearby, The Cottage Rose is a great spot for vintage finds, handcrafted goods, and stylish home accents. A stop at the Edinboro Chocolaterie is a sweet way to end your morning. This locally-owned confectionary focuses on small-batch, hand-dipped chocolates, featuring an array of treats like raspberries, strawberries, and delicious Granny Smith apples.

Lunch: Edinboro's Oldest Gem

Known as a local landmark since 1952, The Edinboro Hotel Bar has the distinction of being Edinboro's oldest eating and drinking establishment. Located at the crossroads of Meadville and Erie Streets, The Edinboro Hotel Bar is a warm and inviting environment with a touch of charm. Despite the name, which is a reflection of its historical roots, it operates as a restaurant and bar, not as a hotel. Ask to be seated in the back room, where tables are adorned with carvings from patrons who have etched names, sayings, and tributes into the wood. Each groove and carving tells a story and adds to the room's funky charm. The Edinboro Hotel Bar features traditional bar fare (pizza, subs, and wings), classic comfort dishes (pot roast, chicken and biscuits), and an impressive selection of draft and bottled beer, cocktails, and local wines. One popular dish is Pat’s Melt, a juicy ½ pound burger tribute to the restaurant’s owner, piled with American cheese, grilled onions, and mushrooms, on fresh marble rye bread.

Afternoon: Lake Life

Fill your afternoon by exploring Edinboro Lake. Edinboro Lake is a picturesque body of water that is a focal point for outdoor recreation such as swimming, boating, kayaking, and fishing. The scenic lake spans approximately 245 acres and is surrounded by a lush backdrop of rolling hills and forests. If you prefer to stay on land, the Pat Crawford Beach on Lakeside Drive provides a soft sandy space to relax, stick your feet in the sand, and soak in the sun. However, if you enjoy being on the water, there is a 24/7 kayak rental library adjacent to the beach and kayak, canoe, and pontoon rentals available at Edinboro Lake Resort.

Dinner: Sunsets and Savory Bites

For dinner with an unforgettable view, the Sunset Grill at the Edinboro Lake Resort is the perfect choice. This casual, open-air establishment offers unparalleled waterfront and sunset views along the shores of Edinboro Lake. The menu features a variety of salads, sandwiches, pizzas, and creative craft tacos, such as the Sriracha Chicken and Aioli Shrimp. There is also a kids' menu and an extensive beverage list with cocktails made from locally distilled spirits. Live acoustic music fills the air in the evenings from Thursday through Sunday.