Embracing the freedom of fall and cherishing quality time together provides the perfect reason to plan an overnight, week, or weekend getaway before the holiday season’s busy pace takes over. The Erie region has much for you to choose from, whether it’s leisurely wine tastings and holiday shopping or scenic strolls and world-class sunsets. Take your time and explore at your own pace so your Erie getaway is relaxing and memorable. Here are seven suggestions to help get you started.

(Header photo by Patrick Grab, 814 Photo)

From Vine to Wine - Experience Lake Erie Wine Country

Lake Erie Wine Country is the largest grape-growing region in the United States east of the Rocky Mountains with more than 30,000 acres of vineyards and 21 wineries spanning 50 miles of shoreline from Harborcreek, PA to Silver Creek, NY. Fall marks the harvesting season for grape growers, an ideal time to drive through the area with your windows rolled down so you can breathe in the sweet fragrant aroma of grapes. From the historic stone cavern tasting room at South Shore Wine Company (pictured) to the beautifully restored 19th-century barn at Arundel Cellars, each winery has a distinct personality and a diversity of award-winning wines including fruity Niagara and Concords, French-American blends, European-style wines, ports, and dessert ice wine.

Engage in Erie’s Maritime History: Erie has a rich maritime history, particularly from the War of 1812. In what is often referred to as Erie’s proudest historical moment, Naval Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry defeated the British in the Battle of Lake Erie. Erie’s pivotal role is told throughout three floors of exhibits and the U.S. Brig Niagara at the Erie Maritime Museum. The Erie Cemetery, one of Erie’s oldest cemeteries (1851) is the final resting place of many of the war’s brave soldiers. It’s a quiet, scenic spot for reflection and remembrance. The Maritime Museum is open Thursday through Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. and the Erie Cemetery is open daily during daylight hours.

Go Shopping (and save!)

Fall is a great time to get a head start on holiday shopping and take advantage of seasonal discounts and Pennsylvania’s tax-free shopping on clothing and apparel. The Millcreek Mall Complex is a convenient, one-stop destination with more than 160 stores, satellite plazas, a food court, multiple restaurants, and comfy relaxation stations. The Shops at 5^th and State is a stretch of welcoming storefronts in the heart of Downtown Erie, showcasing Erie’s love for local businesses. Local business entrepreneurs such as City Supply by Erie Apparel and Glass Growers Gallery  (pictured) are selling everything from artwork and photography to accessories and Erie-themed apparel. The walkable area is steps away from a unique dining experience, the Flagship City Food Hall, a new space with historical accents housing nine local vendors including The Straw Hat Sundae Shop, State Street Taco, and Noodlelove.    

Fresh Air Pursuits

Surrounded by Lake Erie on one side and Presque Isle Bay on the other, Presque Isle State Park is a 13-mile, 3,200-acre peninsula that juts out from the mainland. With its miles of beaches and trails, it’s the region’s top outdoor attraction for enjoying nature in a peaceful setting. Birdwatching is a popular pastime because the park is regarded as one of the top birding hot spots in the country due to its location along the Atlantic Flyway. It’s a pit stop for birds to stop, feed, and rest during their migration across Lake Erie. More than 330 species of birds have been documented here and during the fall, you will likely catch glimpses of great blue and green herons, horned and snowy owls, and even bald eagles. The uniquely designed observatory platform, The Feather, is near the Vista 3 parking lot and allows birders the chance to observe these birds in their natural habitat.