Getaway Guide: Weekend Road Trip To Erie
Erie is situated near the southeast shore of the great lake with which it shares a name, making it perfect for a weekend getaway this summer. Getting there from Pittsburgh is easy; the hard part is deciding what to do once you arrive. Fishing, skiing, golfing, gambling, wine-tasting, scuba diving and water-skiing are only a few of the activities offered in and around the waters of Lake Erie. Make the most out of your visit by testing the waters at the best places to visit on a weekend getaway to Erie.
Getting There
Expect the drive from Pittsburgh to Erie to take between two and 2.5 hours, depending on traffic, road work and the time of day you are traveling. From the downtown area, take 279 north via the Veterans Bridge. Travel 12 miles on 279, then merge onto I-79 north and travel 112 additional miles. The exit that will take you closest to the actual Lake is exit 183A although, depending on your given destination, you may want to exit earlier.
A Day Away Fishing Adventures
10384 W. Lake Road Lot 143
Lake City, PA 16423
(724) 272-1479
www.adayawayfishingadventures.com
Price: $440 for a half-day, four-person fishing charter
An average of 1.5 million fish are caught in the lake and surrounding tributaries of Erie each year. Some of the most sought after species are walleye, steelhead, bass, perch and trout. Specializing in year-round fishing adventures, A Day Away can handle everything from open-water trolling to casting a fly for tributary steelhead. Nobody goes home empty handed on these amazing adventures, so be sure to bring a cooler to take home your spoils.
Peak'n Peek (Spa, Golf and Skiing)
1405 Olde Road,
Findley Lake, NY
(716) 355-4141
www.pknpk.com
Price: $99 for a full round of golf/discounts available for resort guests
Peek and Peak is a four-season resort offering skiing and snowboarding during the snowy winter months and championship golf when its warmer. The spa treatments are a favorite year round and full body spa packages start at $125. You can easily spend your entire Erie vacation at the Peak'n Peek resort and still not experience everything it has to offer. For additional lodging information at the Peak'n Peek Inn click here.
Presque Isle Downs and Casino
8199 Perry Highway
Erie, PA 16509
(814) 860-8999
www.casinoerie.com
Combining all of the excitement of casino gambling with live horse racing events on site, the Presque Isle Downs and Casino is the place to go if you're looking to hit it big. It offers 44 table games, slots and everything else you've come to expect in a full-service gambling establishment. Whether you're looking for a little excitement, fine dining or a bit of night life, you'll find it at Presque Isle Downs and Casino.
Related: Guide to a Pittsburgh Spa Day
Lodging
Grape Arbor Bed and Breakfast
51 East Main St.
North East, PA 16428
(814) 725-0048
www.grapearborbandb.com
Price: from $105
For a first rate romantic getaway without all of the congestion of a downtown hotel, check out the Grape Arbor Bed and Breakfast. At the Grape Arbor you get all of the amenities of a major chain hotel with a bit more personalized service and charm. Located in the heart of Erie's wine country, there are 21 nearby vineyards for the visiting wine connoisseur. Click here to browse some of the Grape Arbor's rooms, suites and rates.
Dining
Colao's Ristorante
2826 Plum St.
Erie, PA 16508
(814) 866-9621
www.facebook.com/
For a fine dining experience complete with authentic dishes and generous portions, be sure to stop in at Calao's during your Erie visit. Some of the favorites at Calao's include eggplant involtini, seafood, handmade gnocchi and just about every other old-world style of pasta you can imagine. You can expect to pay about $25 per average entrée but the fresh pastas, vegetables and sauces are well worth the cost.
Related: Best Scenic Drives within 60 miles of Pittsburgh
Marcel Tourdot is a freelance writer from Pittsburgh. His work can be found at Examiner.com.
