Situated along the shores of Lake Erie in the northeastern corner of Erie County, the aptly named town of North East, PA is a charming mix of historic buildings, specialty retailers, and restaurants, surrounded by bountiful farmland and more than 30,000 acres of vineyards, the largest grape-growing region east of the Rocky Mountains. If you've never explored this part of Erie County, here are a few suggestions on how to spend a perfect day in North East, PA.

Morning: The Daily Grind

Step inside The Bean Coffee House to be instantly greeted by the rich aroma of freshly brewed coffee and the soft hum of conversation. Located in historic downtown North East, The Bean is a woman-owned roastery (Small City Roasting Co.) and coffee shop roasting ethically sourced beans from around the world. It’s a relaxed and inviting space to hang out and enjoy a variety of coffees, lattes, smoothies, and seasonal specials complemented by a simple yet delicious café menu of freshly made baked goods, wraps, paninis, and soups. Kicking off the day with The Bean's signature Crack of Dawn light roast coffee and a flaky, buttery Breakfast Croissant is both satisfying and energizing. Coffee is also available to purchase by the bag, so you can savor The Bean’s blends at home.

Mid-Morning: Historic Charm

Downtown North East holds a place on the National Register of Historic Places, as many of its buildings date back to the late 1800s and early 1900s. Many have bronze plaques placed near the entrances, listing past and present businesses such as soda fountains, haberdasheries (hat stores), and fashion boutiques. To add to the downtown’s charm, a covered, decoratively lit one-block walkway along West Main Street offers a cozy stroll no matter what the weather. Local businesses continue to thrive today, including Yori Wine Cellars & Brewing Company. The family winery has been producing a diverse selection of wines in the stone cellar of its 100-year-old family home for decades, with its Cabernet Franc earning a gold medal at the 2023 Pennsylvania Farm Show Wine Competition. In the heart of Downtown, Gibson Park offers a picturesque setting with benches, picnic tables, shade trees, paved paths, and a water fountain. Gibson Park is the site for many events such as farmers and flea markets, concerts, and the annual WineFest, held the last full weekend in September.

Lunch: Rustic Elegance

Discover an unexpected delight at Arundel Cellars & Brewing Company, where a perfect lunch spot awaits among local wines, craft brews, and hard ciders. Housed in a beautifully restored 19th-century barn, Arundel Cellars offers a blend of cozy sophistication and rustic charm, complete with hand-hewn timbers and an impressive stone wall fireplace preserved from the original structure. The lunch menu features shareable plates, wraps, and sandwiches, designed to pair seamlessly with their extensive list of craft beverages. A favorite pairing is the warm Bavarian Pretzel appetizer with Train Wreck, a full-bodied American Ale that perfectly balances hops with the pretzel’s salty goodness.

Afternoon: Sip and Swirl

With 53 miles of vineyards and more than 20 wineries, Lake Erie Wine Country offers endless opportunities for an afternoon of wine tasting and exploration. These wineries produce an abundant and diverse list of wines from very dry to sweet, classic Riesling and Pinot Noir, full-bodied port, and world-class ice wine. One such winery is Arrowhead Wine Cellars, a third-generation family business producing extraordinary wines and all-natural juices using fruit harvested from its 250-acre farm. Its most popular wine, Midnight Proposal, combines diamond grapes and blackberries to create a sweet blend with hints of tropical fruit and sweet berries. Sweeten your experience with a Root Beer Float made on-site with Arrowhead’s non-alcoholic Root Beer.

Dinner: A Wild Twist

Finish the day at The Skunk & Goat Tavern, a unique twist on the American tavern. The phrase “all my drinking friends are wild” lent a heavy hand in curating not only the name but also the eclectic interior and notable taxidermy collection. The Skunk & Goat utilizes fresh, local ingredients to craft its seasonal menu of prohibition-era cocktails, craft beer, and distinctive dishes. Start things off with crispy Fried Green Tomatoes. Topped with fresh feta, arugula, and red onion then drizzled with a tangy white balsamic honey glaze, it's a flawless combination of crisp, savory, and sweet flavors. It may be hard to decide on an entrée, however, the Pork Belly Gouda Burger and the Bruschetta Salmon are outstanding choices. Leave room for dessert because the homemade Peanut Butter Pie is simply irresistible.