Spencer House Bed & Breakfast : While You're Here
Things To Do
| What is there to do in Erie? Let us say that
one of the nicest surprises about Erie is just how much there is
to do. In the summer there are free concerts (music varies from
Big Band to Country to Jazz to Blues, etc.) on Tuesday at the
outdoor amphitheater on the Bayfront (just down the street). On
Wednesday, there are free concerts and bonfires on the beach. On
Thursdays there are downtown Block Parties with free concerts.
Friday, Saturday and Sunday there are festivals. For example,
Celebrate Erie, Arts Festival, Jazz and Blues Festival, Presque
Isle Days, Tall Ships Festival, Beer on the Bay, Wine Festival,
Rib Festival, Cherry Festival, Greek Festival, Roar on the
Shore. The list goes on and on. There is a comprehensive listing of activities at VisitEriePA.com. |
You may have to come back sooner than you think!
Check below for even more details.
Great Tuesdays and Downtown Friday Nights:
All summer long, Tuesday's are the night to head on over to
Liberty Park on the Bayfront. Free concerts at the Pepsi
Amphitheater keep the summer hot. Every Friday night during the summer, Erie celebrates. Free
concerts in Perry Square, a free trolley to take you up and down
state street and lots of fabulous drink and dinner specials at local
establishments. Every week is different. From Gourmet fine dining
with someone special to casual cafes for quick bites among friends.
Downtown Fridays is the best way to celebrate this summer--Don't miss Celebrate Erie days each August.
Festivals:
Northwest Pennsylvania is well known for their extreme number of
festivals throughout the seasons. From the National Rib Fest to
Celebrate Erie Days, Cherry Festival, Strawberry Festival,
Haborcreek, Waterford Days, Greek Festival, Italian Festival, Irish
Festival, Arts Festival, Jazz Festival, Maple Syrup Festival, Erie
Country Fair, Zoo Boo, Cascade of Lights, Wine Country Harvest
Festival, Eerie Horror Film Festival, Great Lakes Film Festival.....there's just too many to
list. Keep you eyes out weekly for events that appeal to everyone.
Museums:
All the art, history and culture of Erie are represented
throughout several museums. Enjoy the Erie Art Museum, Erie County HistoricalSociety, Cashier's House, Firefighters Museum, Watson-Curtze Mansion and Planetarium, Erie Yesterday, and the Maritime Museum, home to the Flagship
Niagara which was won by Commodore Perry during the war of 1812.
Tours of the ship are available when the vessel is in port and
observations of the lake can be taken from the top of Bicentennial
Tower.
Theater:
Erie takes its place as one of the top ten theater communities
for mid-sized cities in the United States. And no wonder with
headliners at the completely restored Warner Theater featuring the Erie Philharmonic, or the Erie Insurance Arena and Erie Civic Center. Local productions at the Erie Playhouse, All An Act Theatre,
Mercyhurst, Gannon and the Station Dinner Theater.
What a fun way to spend an evening.
Higher Education:
We are within walking distance of Gannon University, and a short drive to Mercyhurst, Penn State Behrend, LECOM, and Edinboro.
Presque Isle Downs Casino and Racetrack:
So much to do in one place, casino, racing, dining, and entertainment.
Erie Zoo:
Lions and Tigers and Bears...oh my! There's so much more at the
Erie Zoo from endangered species to Monkeys and Polar Bears. Enjoy
the children's area with petting zoo and large carousal Fun for the
entire family.
The Vineyards:
Presque Isle, Arrowhead, Penn Shore, Heritage and Mazza are just
a few of the vineyard tours you can enjoy while visiting Northwest
Pennsylvania.
Presque Isle State Park:
It's time to head out to the beaches. Presque is a pristine 7
mile peninsula with over 14 beaches, 2 lighthouses, fishing ponds,
biking, running and hiking trails, Coast Guard station, Boat Tours,
Perry Monument, cross country skiing, hunting, ice skating, picnic
areas, grills and lots of activities all year long. The beauty of
this state park is unsurpassed and truly the best place to watch the
Erie sunsets which have been rated the 2nd best in the world.
See how Presque Isle became our beach, and visit the gift shop and snack area.
Asbury Woods:
Looking for a simpler and quieter way to spend your day? Head
out to Asbury Woods with their unique Nature Center, Gift Shop and
Nature Trails to help you unwind. Don't miss the Maple Syrup
Festival each fall.
Seaway Trail:
A great bike trail to take you around the bayfront and historic
Erie.
Fishing:
This is no small tail. Anglers from all over the world come to
Erie's creeks during Steelhead trout season. The Steelhead are plentiful and
the stories about the one that got away even better. Nearly undiscovered, Presque Isle Bay has some of the best Bass fishing in all of Pennsylvania. The Smallmouth Bass fishing in Lake Erie is considered "world class" due to the unusually large size of the fish that can be caught here.
Bird Watching:
Soar high watching the many species that migrate through Presque
Isle and those that make their nest for the season.
Golf:
Chose from a number of great golf courses in the area. Peek n
Peak offers both an upper and lower course where the PGA makes a
stop each year.
Jet Skiing and Boat Rentals:
Thrill seekers can enjoy coasting over the bayfront and beaches.
Reservations are needed.
Waldameer Amusement Park and Water World:
Get ready to have fun. One of the countries oldest amusement
parks dates back to the 1800s. Enjoy wooden coasters and flume
rides, great food, the midway and now their newest spinning roller
coaster. There's also Water World
filled with water slides, lazy rivers and more. Presque Isle is a
great place to watch the sunset but if your really looking for a
treat, ride the large ferris wheel at Waldameer just during sunset.
They'll run it extra long and the view is spectacular. You can buy
all day wrist bands for the parks or individual ride tickets.
Splash Lagoon:
The East coasts largest indoor water park offers summer fun all
year long. A warm temperature in the 80 keeps the chill out and the
fun in. Water slides, lazy rivers, pools, family and adult only hot
tubs and a big bucket of water that soaks the park every 10-15
minutes. Concessions are available.
Lake Erie Speedway:
Don't be too quick to pass up a good time at the races. Races
help every weekend from May-September.
Erie Otters Hockey:
Don't miss a chance to see the Erie Otters take on the OHL.
Tickets are available in advance or at the door on game night.
Sea Wolves Baseball:
Take me out to the ballgame and don't make an error by missing
Erie's minor league baseball team in their beautiful new park.
Concessions, discounts and specials are always available.
Millcreek Mall:
Shop to you drop at 160-store mall, and when you're hungry,
there is Japanese, Italian, and a British pub just to name a few of
the 15 restaurants. A Cinema 6 movie theater is also right there, and a Cinemark TInseltown theater is nearby.
Dining
| We would be happy to make you reservations for lunch or dinner. We highly recommend the following local establishments. |
Twelve O’ One:
A small restaurant that fills a tall order. This cozy wine bar
offers a large and varied selection of fabulous wine. Complimented
by their wonderful chefs and gourmet style dining.
Bertrand’s Bistro:
A great little bistro offering authentic French cuisine.
Pie In The Sky:
A local favorite could be easy to miss but we suggest you don't.
Located just 2 blocks from Spencer House, this cafe style restaurant
makes each dish fresh when you order it. A dining experience and
portions are generous. They only accept cash and checks and only
open for dinner on the weekends.
Tap House:
Fun atmosphere, great menu, and simply the best stone cooked bar pizza and flatbreads - Excellent! Unusual beer menu that changes weekly.
Molly Branigans:
Located downtown this Irish pub offers true ambiance. The inside
has been restored and they owners had ever either imported from
Ireland or Irish craftsman to come over and complete the work. Great
food, atmosphere and Guinness is served on draft.
Sara's and Sally's:
Casual dining located at the entrance to Presque Isle. 1950s
style hot dogs, hamburgers and homemade ice cream. Sally's is the newest edition to Sara's is located right new store and is
an old tin trailer dinner serving a great selection of pies, soups
and sandwiches. You know it's summer!
Joe Roots Grill:
Stop in for great steaks and seafood in a causal style
atmosphere. Also located near the entrance to Presque Isle.
Pufferbelly's:
Located in the old firehouse this restaurant offers more than
just nostalgia, but great food too. Save room for peanut butter pie.
Smuggler's Wharf:
Located on the bayfront, a great place to casually enjoy steaks
and seafood or fish fresh from the lake.
Colao's Ristorante:
Home made Italian dining in a quaint residential area.
Wonderful Italian, home made and delicious.
The Brewerie:
Microbrewery located in the old Union Station of downtown Erie.
Plymouth Tavern:
Sports bar tavern located in Downtown Erie. Grab some wings and
a draft while shooting pool or watching the game.
Victorian Princess:
Take a brunch or dinner cruise along scenic Lake Erie. This
Victorian paddle boat graces the water all summer long.
If you don't find what you’re looking for, just ask...we have plenty
of suggestions.
