Tune into our episode of “Eat Play Stay” on Erie for all the waterfront delights just two hours north of Downtown Pittsburgh. Discover new places to eat, places to stay, and things to do in Erie, PA.

EAT – RESTAURANTS IN ERIE

Luminary Distilling

Luminary Distilling, Eatery and Fuhrman’s Cider is an all-in-one stop for drinks and tasty treats. The distillery in Erie contains a full pastry bakery and continues the locally beloved 125-year-old Fuhrman’s cider brand, pressing Fuhrman’s cider in-house. Luminary even boasts a fireplace for chilly winter days and serves cocktails to go in warmer weather!

Give a Crepe La CrepeErie

Owner, operator and “crepe lady” Stephani Klassen has been making crepes for nearly a decade. At Give a Crepe La CrepeErie, hungry diners can pick from sweet and savory styles including vegan and gluten-free options. The restaurant in Erie started as a pop-up, and Klassen continues to cater and maintain a food truck, as well.

Tipsy Bean Cafe

Ever heard of boozy bakes? At Tipsy Bean Cafe on Peach Street, you can try a growing assortment of alcohol-infused cakes while you mingle with local artisans. With offerings like apple cider cupcakes and rose-lavender matcha lattes, even the food has a splash of color at Tipsy Bean.

Calamari’s Squid Row

Calamari’s Squid Row is a family-owned restaurant in Erie that’s been serving good food and good vibes for 25 years. This downtown local favorite is known for their New Orleans-style seafood and locally sourced bites as well as cocktails and draft beer.

PLAY – THINGS TO DO IN ERIE

Erie Playhouse

The Erie Playhouse on West 10th Street is one of the top community playhouses in the country with the awards to prove it. Occupying a historic theater building, the Erie Playhouse is known for putting on large musicals, plays and programming for Erie’s young thespians, including three annual shows by and for kids.

Presque Isle

Constructed in 1872, the Presque Isle Lighthouse is a reminder of Erie’s rich maritime history. Those who climb the lighthouse’s steep spiral steps are rewarded with sweeping views of the peninsula and Lake Erie. Elsewhere in Presque Isle State Park are miles of beaches and trails.

Room 33 Speakeasy

How many bars can boast a secret bookshelf as their front door? At Room 33 Speakeasy & Cafe, get a taste of the Prohibition era, with cocktails, historical decor and elevated pub grub. Fill your table with small bites while you take a trip back to the age of flappers and rum runners.

Victorian Princess

For an experience on Presque Isle Bay and Lake Erie, there’s nothing like a trip on the Victorian Princess. This local paddle-wheel ship hosts happy hours, moonlight cruises, drag shows and more. Much like the Victoria Inn, the Victorian Princess may also be home to spirits from the beyond. Haunted or not, this is the best way to take in Erie’s waterfront.

STAY – HOTELS IN ERIE

Victoria Inn

The Victoria Inn is downtown Erie’s coziest place to stay and enjoy a home-cooked breakfast. This 19th-century mansion is a holdover from Erie’s railroad and shipping heyday. With wood paneling and elaborate wallpaper, the Victoria Inn is downtown’s only historic bed-and-breakfast — the staff even reports the presence of a friendly ghost!

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