Presque Isle State Park Erie, PA

Erie, PA Local Culture

Beth Glosner  | 

Welcome to the Great Lakes in Pennsylvania — more than just lakefront waves and sandy beaches. If you’re seeking local culture in Pennsylvania’s lakeshore city, tucked-away neighborhoods and authentic experiences await. I’ve wandered through cities all over the United States of America and found that it’s often the less obvious spots that capture the soul of a place. Here in the Lakefront town, I discovered cafés, art studios, hidden trails, and community vibes that feel genuine and inviting. Let’s dig in!

Disclaimer

This post contains affiliate links to the products that I use and trust. This means that I might receive a small commission (at no extra cost to you) if you make a purchase using any of my links below. See full disclosure here

Why Explore Local Culture?

When you look beyond the big landmarks, you’ll find the heart of Erie. Doing this gives you:

  • A more relaxed, local-feel trip, not just a “tourist checklist”
  • Authentic photo opportunities in coffee shops, murals, and galleries
  • Surprising adventures you weren’t expecting

So, while the museums and beaches are wonderful, dive deeper below the surface and you’ll discover the culture and everyday charm of this Pennsylvania lakeshore city.

Downtown Art & City Vibes

One of my favorite flat-footed discoveries was the Art Museum situated downtown. This gallery houses more than 8,000 objects: American ceramics, Tibetan paintings, American photography, yes, a broader world than you might expect in a lakeside city. 

Exploring the Art Museum, local art meets global inspiration.

 Pro tip: Time your visit with a “Gallery Night” event. Combine the art stop with coffee, strolls on State Street, and you’ll feel like a local insider.

Neighborhood Eats, Indie Shops & Hidden Coffee Corners

Pennsylvania’s lakeshore city personality really comes alive in its cozy cafés and independent shops. Take Werner Books & Coffee, for example once a small bookstore, it has now expanded into spacious new digs at Liberty Plaza. The shop offers a fantastic book trade-in program, making it the perfect stop if you’ve finished a travel read and want something new for your next adventure.

Perfect for relaxing after a long day of travel.

Pro Tip: Wander beyond the waterfront and explore areas like Peach Street or North East. You’ll find boutique shopping, locally-made gifts, and a quieter, more local experience with fewer crowds.

Vineyards, Wineries & Chill by the Lake

Here’s a cultural twist, this waterfront city is wine country and one of the nation’s larger grape-growing regions, where you can sip wine, stroll vineyards, enjoy lake views, and mingle with locals doing the same. Wine fans should stop at the Grape Discovery Center, the official visitor center of the Concord Grape Belt, for interactive exhibits, regional history, tastings from multiple wineries, and artisan shopping. Admission is free.

Want a deeper experience without the driving? this Lake town Wine Country features tours at 20 wineries, and local providers like Rupp Limousine offer public and private wine tours to make your day easy and enjoyable.

Some wineries go the extra mile. Courtyard Winery offers intimate experiences like Meet the Winemaker and Picnic in the Vineyard, while Johnson Estate Winery hosts peaceful Morning Vineyard Walks through 100+ acres of grapes. It’s scenic, immersive, and uniquely Erie.

Lake Erie Winery 

Pro tip: Choose a winery that also offers local food or live music. It turns a tasting into a full cultural experience.

Outdoor Trails & Quiet Nature-Breaks Off the Beaten Path

Sun-dappled trail at Asbury Woods — breathe in Erie’s quiet side

Culture isn’t only indoors — feel the local pulse in nature too. Spots like Asbury Woods Nature Center and the Arboretum at Frontier Park offer forested trails, quiet spots, and a sense of serenity away from major tourist routes.

Pro tip: Pack a light picnic or stop for coffee after your walk. Half the joy is letting the pace slow down.

Seasonal Festivals, Local Events & Lakefront Moments

To feel this waterfront city’s culture fully, sync your visit with a local event. Whether it’s a summer concert at Liberty Park on the Bayfront or a fall wine festival in the countryside, you’ll walk away with experiences that feel native, not just touristy.

Live music on the bayfront, Erie culture in full swing.


Pro tip: Check VisitErie’s calendar before you go. Even a spontaneous free concert adds big value to your trip.

Waterfront City Discoveries

This Great Lake town’s charm doesn’t just come from the headline attractions (though they’re fantastic) — it comes from the everyday Erie experiences: local art, vineyard sunsets, forest trails, and neighbourhood coffee counters where the barista already knows someone’s order. When you explore with curiosity, you begin to uncover all the layers that make this lake town special.

If you’re planning a visit, make the most of it by checking out my other guides:
• Things to Do in Erie, PA: Your Ultimate Lake Erie Adventure Guide
• Restaurants in Erie, PA You’ll Love

Then pick one “non-tourist” thing to try each day and watch how the city opens up its personality to you.

Have a favorite Erie spot — or somewhere you stumbled onto that surprised you? Share it in the comments below — I’d love to hear what made you feel like a part of the city.

 Stay curious, stay hungry, and keep exploring!

– Beth

30 Culture-Inspired Travel Words

30 Culture-Inspired Travel Words

Beth Glosner  | 

There’s something magical about the way other cultures capture the essence of travel in a single word. From longing for far-off places to embracing the joy of a simple coffee break, these words are little invitations to wander, explore, and see the world through someone else’s eyes.

Here’s a list of 30 travel-inspired words from around the globe that will spark your wanderlust.

Disclaimer

This post contains affiliate links to the products that I use and trust. This means that I might receive a small commission (at no extra cost to you) if you make a purchase using any of my links below. See full disclosure here

1. Fernweh (FERN-vay) • noun (German)

A longing for far-off places — it’s basically the opposite of homesickness.

2. Turas (TOO-ras) • noun (Gaelic)

A journey or pilgrimage; perfect for when your path is both literal and metaphorical.

3. Wanderlust (ˈwändərˌləst)  • noun (German)

That strong, irresistible desire to ramble and explore new corners of the world.

4. Saudade (sou-DAH-də) • noun (Portuguese)

A deep, nostalgic longing for a place or time. Rambling often awakens this feeling.

5. Hygge (Hygge)  • noun (Danish)

Cozy contentment — think sipping hot chocolate in a snowy European town.

6. Komorebi (kō-mō-leh-bē) • noun (Japanese)

The sunlight that filters through the trees. A small, magical travel moment.

7. Meraki (mer·aa·kee) • noun (Greek)

Doing something with soul, creativity, passion, love, or to put a little or a lot of yourself into something. — like planning the perfect travel itinerary.

8. Gezellig (heh-SELL-ick) • adjective (Dutch)

Its meaning includes everything from cozy to friendly, from comfortable to relaxing, and from enjoyable to gregarious. Think local cafés, laughter, and connection.

9. Peregrinate (PER-uh-grih-nayt)  • verb (Latin/English)

To travel or wander from place to place — yes, a fancy word for adventure!

10. Sisu ( see’-soo)  • noun (Finnish)

Determination and resilience — traits that help you conquer long hikes or late-night train rides.

11. Sobremesa ( soh-breh-meh-sah) • noun (Spanish)

Lingering at the table after a meal to chat, laugh, and digest — a cultural must-do while traveling.


12. Ikigai (ee-kee-gahy) • noun (Japanese)

Finding your reason for being — travel can help you discover this in unexpected ways.


13. Fika ( f-ee-kh-aa) • noun or verb (Swedish)

A coffee break with friends — a reminder that travel isn’t just about sights, it’s about slowing down.

14. Resfeber (RACE-fay-ber) • noun (Swedish)

 A mix of nervous excitement and anticipation, you feel right before setting out on a trip

15. Lagom (LAW-gom) • adverb (Swedish)

“Just the right amount.” or ‘not too much, not too little’

16. Tsundoku (sun-doh-ku) • noun (Japanese)

Buying books and letting them pile up.

17. Joie de vivre ( ZHwä də ˈvēvrə) • noun (French)

A keen or buoyant enjoyment of life — a feeling travel cultivates effortlessly.

18. Tarab ( TAH-rab) • noun (Arabic)

A strong emotional response with possible physical reactions that happens naturally without our ‘decision’ to react in this way. Think of viewing a sunset with a “Wow.”

19. Ubuntu ( you-bunn-too) • noun (Nguni Bantu)

“I am because we are” or humanity towards others.” Travel reminds us how connected we truly are.

20. Dépaysement ( De-pɛ-iz-mɑ̃)  • noun (French)

The feeling of being in another country — culture shock, but also wonder.

21. Yūgen (y-uu-g-ai-n) • noun (Japanese)

Profound awareness of the universe — the kind of reflection nature and travel sparks.

22. Kaukokaipuu (kau‧ko‧kai‧puu) • noun (Finnish)

Longing for distant places — a heart full of wanderlust in a single word.

23. Gökotta (djuh-koo-Ta) • noun (Swedish)

Waking early to hear the birds sing — the perfect travel moment in nature.

24. Aloha (uh-LOH-huh) • noun (Hawaiian)

Love, peace, and compassion — the spirit of traveling respectfully.

25. Sobremonte (soh-breh-MEH-sah) • noun (Spanish/Latin America)

Time spent in the mountains — reconnecting with nature on your journey.

26. Hiraeth (here-ayeth) • noun (Welsh)

A deep feeling of yearning for something, someone, or somewhere. Homesickness for a place you can’t return to.

27. Oleilu (oh-lay-loo) • noun (Finnish)

In Finnish, Oleilu goes beyond “staying.” It means to exist without rush or purpose — to relax, unwind, and just be.

28. Cwtch (kutch) • noun (Welsh)

A hug or safe place — those cozy travel moments you never forget.

29. Coddiwomple (COD- ee-wom-puh) • verb (unknown)

To travel purposefully towards an unknown destination, possibly meandering. No obvious etymology but it seems to have appeared in use on the internet in the last decade.

30. Ludic( LOO-dik) • adjective (Latin/French)

The term initially described the playfulness of children but has since expanded to describe anything playful, whimsical, or lighthearted.

Travel isn’t just about the sights you see or the places you visit — it’s about the words, feelings, and experiences that stay with you long after the trip is over. These 30 words are tiny reminders that every journey carries magic, wonder, and a little cultural spice.

Which of these words speaks to your wanderlust the most? I’d love to hear your favorites!

If you enjoyed this post, you might also love 50 Best Road Trip Quotes to Inspire Your Adventures — the perfect dose of wanderlust to fuel your next journey and keep your travel spirit rolling.

Stay curious, stay hungry, and keep exploring!


— Beth

Restaurants in Erie, PA You’ll Love 

Restaurants in Erie, PA You’ll Love 

Beth Glosner  | 

Welcome to one of my favourite foodie stops: Erie, Pennsylvania. If you’re looking to explore the best restaurants in Erie, PA, you’ve hit the right blog. I’ve travelled the United States of America, tasted everything from the New England states’ clam chowder to Oregon’s marionberries, and I’ll tell you—Erie has serious flavor. Whether you’re after lakeside seafood or a fun college-bar atmosphere, I’ve got six terrific spots for you. Erie is not known for many vegetarian spots, but you’re in luck if you are a seafood lover. Let’s Dig In!

Disclaimer

This post contains affiliate links to the products that I use and trust. This means that I might receive a small commission (at no extra cost to you) if you make a purchase using any of my links below. See full disclosure here

Why these restaurants in Erie, PA, matter to you

If you’ve ever wondered where in Erie you can get amazing food with local flavor, here’s the quick answer. These picks deliver:

  • Scenic waterfront dining: Think lake breeze, sunset views, and waterfront patios.
  • Local-inspired menus: From Lake Erie walleye to regional craft beer, the menus reflect place.
  • Easygoing but memorable atmosphere: Whether you’re on a date, grabbing dinner with friends, or hunting a post-game burger, there’s something here.
  • Something for the college town vibe: Yes, even the bar scene is part of this blog.

So while I’ve just mentioned what’s good, let me break down each location and show you exactly what you can experience (and what to ask for).

1. Big view, big flavor: Two45 Waterfront Grille (Bayfront)

Let’s start strong. At Two45 Waterfront Grille, you’ll dine inside the sleek lobby of the Sheraton Erie Bayfront Hotel, overlooking the water. It’s upscale yet relaxed. The menu? Traditional American with a coastal twist: think macadamia-nut crusted grouper, wild rice, and walleye. 

What I loved: Sitting by the floor-to-ceiling windows as the sun dipped behind the bay. Hearing the soft clink of glasses, the glow from the patio lights. You’ll feel that you’re treating yourself.


Pro tip for you: Make a reservation and ask for a “bay view” table — it’s worth the extra step. And if you go for brunch? Check times early (weekends often).

2. Elevated steak & seafood: Firebirds Wood Fired Grill

For a hearty meal in a casual-elegant setting, head to Firebirds Wood Fired Grill at the Millcreek Mall complex. They specialize in wood-fired steaks, fresh seafood, and scratch kitchen fare.

What I loved: The warm glow of the fire pit, the sound of meat sizzling, the comfort of a big steak with friends who ask no questions when you order cake for dessert.


Pro tip: Try to go early in the week or for lunch—less crowded and you’ll get service that feels relaxed rather than rushed. And if you want lighter fare, ask about salads or seafood options—it’s not just “meat and potatoes”.

3. Chill waterfront dining: Shoreline Bar & Grille

If you’re after relaxed bayfront charm, check out Shoreline Bar & Grille in the Courtyard Erie Bayfront hotel. Their tagline says it all: fresh regional cuisine and gorgeous waterside views. 

What I loved: The breeze off the bay, the seafood plate that hits local notes (hello Lake Erie walleye), and the vibe of sitting outside at golden hour.


Pro tip: Grab patio seating if the weather’s nice. And if you have a group, you’ll find it’s casual enough to bring friends, smart enough for a date.

4. Nautical fun for seafood lovers: Smuggler’s Wharf

For a more playful vibe, try Smuggler’s Wharf (3 State Street, Erie). Nautical theme, lots of variety on the menu (seafood and they have veg burgers), outdoor seating overlooking the bay. 

What I loved: Sitting outside by the water, shrimp dipped in coconut, lemonade in your glass, breeze in your hair. A little less formal, a lot more fun.
Pro tip: If you want the deck view, ask specifically for “waterfront deck” seating. And don’t skip dessert—locals rave.

5. Historic brew-pub atmosphere: The Brewerie at Union Station

When you want food and a local craft-beer experience, head to The Brewerie at Union Station. Housed in the historic Union Station building, this place blends serious history with comfort.

What I loved: The grandeur of the rotunda, the taps behind the bar serving local ales, the menu that’s thoughtful but accessible (burgers, salads, entrees).


Pro tip: If you’re into craft beer, ask for the sampler flight of local brews. Bonus: get there early if you want a spot by the windows in the rotunda—it fills quickly.

6. College-town bar and dining spot: The Plymouth Tavern

Last but not least: The Plymouth Tavern, a downtown Erie institution that leans college-bar but serves real food, too. Since 1973, people have gathered here for burgers, drinks, and good times.

​​Honestly, it hasn’t changed much since my own college days—just the faces around the tables. I still remember grabbing dinner here during that beloved wing night, stretching a student budget while soaking in the hum of jukebox tunes and clinking glasses. 

What I loved: The brick-building charm, the buzz of students mixed with locals, the comfort of a bar with solid food—not just wings and sliders—though there are plenty of those.


Pro tip: If you visit later in the evening, expect energy. Great for post-event drinks. For quieter dining, aim for earlier in the evening.

7. Making the most of your Erie dining tour

  • Book ahead: For Two45 and Brewerie, especially, reservations are super helpful.
  • Dress for the moment: Waterfront dining calls for smart casual; college bar better fits jeans and relaxed shirts.
  • Check for happy hour or specials: Many of these places offer weekday deals or early-evening menus.
  • Ask about local ingredients: Lake Erie walleye, local craft beer, fresh regional sides—these details set these spots apart.
  • Time your visit: For waterfront views, go around sunset; for quieter times, aim for midweek or just after lunch.

Why Erie is a foodie surprise

So there you have it—six standout restaurants in Erie, PA that cover every mood: elegant waterfront views, wood-fired steakhouse comfort, breezy patio vibes, nautical fun, historic brew-pub charm, and that irresistible college-town energy. Whether you’re visiting for a weekend, staying a couple nights, or simply passing through, you’ll leave satisfied—and probably already planning your next bite.

Erie isn’t just a lakefront destination; it’s a foodie surprise waiting to happen. Let the flavors lead your adventure.

Before you go, make sure to check out the guide, 10 Pennsylvania Getaways: Discoveries Across the Keystone State, for even more travel inspiration beyond Erie.

Call to Action: Pick two of these restaurants for your next Great Lake visit and turn it into your own mini food tour. Snap photos, note the standout dishes, and share the delicious details with your friends.

Stay curious, stay hungry, and keep exploring!


 -Beth