Photo by Morgan Christopher. Shoreline along Lake Erie in Erie, PA

When one thinks of places to visit to see fall colors, mountain destinations, resort properties, or Norman Rockwell-style small towns top the list of spots one considers.   However, suppose you are looking for an incredible fall adventure brimming with the best of what the season traditionally offers, combined with a variety of fun, history, and unique experiences. In that case, I suggest you plan to visit Erie, Pennsylvania! 

The biggest city on ‘Pennsylvania’s shoreline’ is not just a place of scenic beauty, but also a hub of unique attractions and activities.   Seasonal colors set the stage as you drive to the state’s northwest corner from your home through the Commonwealth’s picturesque landscapes.  

Lakeview on the Lake, Erie, PA

Overlook at Lakeview on the Lake resort, Erie, PA

My visit to Erie began by checking in to a warm, rustic property nestled on the lake shore that offers guests cozy accommodations and an incredibly convenient location.  Lakeview on the Lake is a second-generation, family-owned resort specializing in guest comfort and amenities.  Features, like cozy rooms and cabins, a heated pool and lounging areas (Adirondack chairs, picnic tables, and a hammock), and private access to the lakefront via a towering walkway make Lakeview on the Lake a perfect spot for you to gather with friends and family. The Edwards family goes above and beyond as hosts to offer guests a warm welcome all year long. 

Along the byway where the property is located, you will discover some of the area’s award-winning wineries that have earned Lake Erie Wine Country its sparkling reputation as a producer of excellent products. Stops at places like Courtyard Winery, Lakeview Wine Cellars, Cellar ‘54, and other local wineries will allow enthusiasts to sample the delicious varieties.  The annual North East WineFest and Lake Erie Wine Country Harvest Weekends are two annual events to check out for tasting the variety of locally produced blends.

Award-winning wines from Presque Isle Wine Cellars

From morning until day’s end, the “jewel on the lake” that is Erie is brimming with fall activity.  Those fall faithful looking for great color and a scenic drive may want to begin their day with an excursion to Presque Isle State Park, one of the Erie region’s most popular destination beaches and natural resources.  The seven miles of shoreline of the 3,200-acre peninsula offers access to recreational activities throughout the year, from swimming and fishing to birding and hiking. 

Make sure to explore the Tom Ridge Environmental Center, named in honor of the native son who served as a Pennsylvania governor and first U.S. Homeland Security director. The center offers exhibits, tours, and education about the region’s natural environment and the surrounding lake. 

Head down to the Erie’s Bayfront to tour the Maritime Museum and navigate the city’s history as a major Great Lakes seaport. The Bayfront also hosts annual events and is home to restaurants, hotels, and the Erie Convention Center. Spending time at this quay and the surrounding stops is a touring experience you won’t want to miss.  Plan to have time to board the historic ship, Lettie G. Howard, and enjoy a tour on the water that takes in the beautiful panoramic scenery surrounding the lake. Visitors will check out the views from Bicentennial Tower, an iconic landmark honoring this rich history as a major Great Lakes port. 

Preparing to set sail on the schooner, the Lettie G. Howard.

History buffs will find Erie to be a treasure trove of stories and curated treasures that honor its rich past. Time spent at the Hagen History Center, with its complex of historic buildings and exhibitions, offers unique access to items you will only find here. The meticulously restored Watson-Curtze Mansion, filled with incredible glasswork, tiles, and furnishings, and the re-built original San Francisco office of Frank Lloyd Wright, is a ‘must-see’ for anyone who appreciates arts and architecture.

Erie Cemetery, the resting place of the many diverse trailblazers who shaped Erie’s rich history.

The other historical activity I enjoyed was the “African American Trailblazers” tour of the Erie Cemetery. This graveyard is almost an official arboretum and is home to some of the oldest and most interesting trees in northwest Pennsylvania. This tour, rich in fact and history, shared stories of the trailblazers, renowned artists, philanthropists, and suffragettes whose diverse ethnicities shaped Erie’s past. 

History also shapes some of the wonderful arts and entertainment visitors will want to enjoy as part of a fall visit to the city.  The Erie Playhouse, one of the country’s oldest continuing community-based theaters, continues to entertain, challenge, and excite audiences with its performances.  Under the skillful leadership of Executive Director Zach Flock, the theatre will once again offer audiences “a great night out” in 2024 with a fall schedule that includes “The Shawshank Redemption,” “Tuck Everlasting” and the Sondheim musical thriller, “Sweeney Todd.”

“Kellar’s: A Modern Magic & Comedy Club,” is part comedy club, part magic show, and part museum.

If you’re looking for a bit of magic in your life, head to “Kellar’s: A Modern Magic & Comedy Club” for great food, laughter, and fantastic prestidigitation. Enjoy performances by some of the funniest comics working today. After the set, head to the bar where comic magicians pour your favorite beverage while mystifying you with sleight-of-hand and other feats of magic. Owner and curator Bobby Borgia is the dynamic host extraordinaire of this incredible entertainment attraction honoring the contributions of famed magician Harry Kellar. The story of Kellar, whose work inspired and influenced the likes of Harry Houdini and generations of magicians after, is displayed throughout the space, where visitors will discover a museum of magic on their way into the showroom. 

Dining options abound across Erie, from seafood restaurants offering freshly caught fare to local eateries celebrating the various ethnicities whose heritage has melded over generations across the region. Need more things to do on a fall weekend? Those craving a bargain will want to find time to discover why Erie is a popular destination for Canadian residents who visit the area throughout the year in search of great prices. 

Writer, Morgan Christopher along the shoreline of Lake Erie.

Before spending a weekend exploring Erie, I had never considered heading to a waterfront destination for a fall getaway.  After everything I experienced on my visit, I can only say – Wow!  I look forward to bumping into you on my next visit as soon as the leaves begin to change! 

For more information on lodging and things to do in Erie go to visiterie.com