1. Erie’s The Flagship City
Erie is the home port of the USS Niagara, or Flagship Niagara, which is one of the last remaining ships from the War of 1812. Usually docked at the Erie Maritime Museum as an exhibit, it occasionally sets sail during the summer to represent Erie and the state as the official ship of Pennsylvania and a local treasure.
2. Pirates Be Welcome
Between fans of the Flagship Niagara and local pirate-loving clubs, it’s not uncommon to run into Long Beard while gallivanting around the marina. Bring your peg leg and eye patch and you’ll fit right in.
3. We’re As American As Apple Pie
Erie hasn’t won the All-America City Award since 1972, but it was a finalist in 1994, 1995 and as recently as 2009. With down-to-earth, friendly people and its old fashioned vibe, the city of Erie sometimes resembles a scene from a Norman Rockwell painting.
4. It’s Like Living In A Giant Snow Globe
With a total of 123.9 inches so far in the winter season of 2013-2014, Erie got the brunt of the most brutal winter the northeast has seen. The Golden Snow Globe National Snow Contest awarded Erie first place for being the snowiest city with a population over 100,000 for the year.
5. Find One Of A Kind Art Everywhere
In an effort to revitalize and bring color to the city, the Erie Art Museum also works on public art projects such as placing hand painted, fiberglass fish and frogs throughout the streets. The unique art doesn’t stop there. A private front yard full of “junk art” includes sculptures made from old cars, such as this Volkswagen Beetle spider and a bumblebee made from a SAAB, among others.
6. It Gets Extra Eerie During Halloween
Every Halloween, the Erie Zoo pulls out all the stops to live up to its name. ZooBoo welcomes adults and children alike to tour the creepy displays and take a run through the corn maze for a ghoulishly good time. But beware of the famous ZooBoo troll who likes to jump out when you’re least expecting it.
7. Erie’s Theater Has That Old Timey Charm
The Warner Theater, an art deco and renaissance themed theater open since 1931, is one of many places in Erie listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Offering Broadway shows, concerts, Erie Philharmonic and Lake Erie Ballet this retro theater keeps the city lively as its performing arts center. Thanks to renovation projects, stepping into The Warner feels the same today as it did 80 years ago.
8. You’ll Never Run Out Of Wine
Get your taste buds ready. The Lake Erie Grape Region is home to the oldest and largest Concord grape growing region in the world and one of the largest grape growing regions in the U.S. The 50 miles of land is brimming with farmer’s markets, fruit stands, vineyards and over 24 commercial and estate wineries.
9. These Are Summers You’ll Remember Forever
Winters in Erie are cold and long-lasting. The second the weather breaks, the locals slip on their flip flops and hit the beaches on Lake Erie to celebrate and squeeze every last drop out of summer that they can. Some sunscreen, a towel and a colorful kite is all you’ll need for a day of fun in the sun and a lifetime of memories.
10. Erie’s Got More Drama Than A Thanksgiving Dinner At Your In-Laws’
But this drama won’t have you running for the nearest exit. Besides being the third oldest community theater in the U.S., the Erie Playhouse is also recognized as one of the 10 best community theatres in the nation. Theatre lovers from all over PA come here to see the talented cast and crew put on shows like “The Great Gatsby” and “Les Miserables.”
11. Tall Ships Is So Much More Than Just Ships
More than 60,000 people come to Erie for Tall Ships, a four day long annual parade of elaborate boats down the Bayfront, featuring The Flagship Niagara as the main attraction. But the fun doesn’t stop there. There are live bands, a beer garden, a kid zone and 75 vendors that sell everything from wine to beach glass. Stay late for a sky full of fireworks over the bay.
12. The Sidewalks Come To Life Here
Along with live bands, good food, dance parties, and fireworks, the annual summer Celebrate Erie festival’s “chalk walk” is lined with some of the most entertaining sidewalk chalk murals you’ll ever see. With subjects ranging from Einstein to Jim Morrison, there’s so much to take in, you’ll be keeping an eye on your feet to avoid smudging this fun pavement art.
13. Pepperoni Balls Are Erie’s Favorite Thing Ever
They may seem like just pepperoni wrapped in dough, but pepperoni balls are wildly popular in Erie and surprisingly hard to find outside of the area. They’re so popular, in fact, that Stanganelli’s began hosting the annual Pepperoni Ball Jog ‘n Hog event in which participants run a race, search for $50 bacon balls, win pig trophies and stuff their faces with different varieties of pepperoni balls.
14. You’ll Never Lose Sight Of The Guiding Light
Erie has a total of three lighthouses: The Erie Harbor North Pier Light, the Old Presque Isle Light and the Erie Land Light. All three remain active and in good condition thanks to Keepers of the Erie Lights foundation formed to ensure their preservation. They’re open and accessible to the public year-round.
15. Erie’s A City Of All Seasons
Winter might be a bitter cold white out, but spring, summer and fall bring a plethora of foliage and color. Presque Isle State Park is the perfect place to enjoy all the nature Erie has to offer. With 13 miles of roads, 21 miles of trails, 13 beaches for swimming and a marina, visitors can hike, boat, picnic, swim or just sit back and enjoy the scenery.
16. Get A Panoramic Change Of Perspective
The Bicentennial Tower, located on Dobbins Landing at the Bayfront, has two observation decks from which you can enjoy the panoramic views of Presque Isle and its bay, and historic downtown Erie. The tower was built in 1996 in conjunction with the city’s 200th birthday celebration.
17. At Picasso’s, Food Is A Work Of Art
Head to Picasso’s: The Art Of Food to order the “Mona Lisa” for lunch, browse the walls full of art by local artists and leave a masterpiece of your own on one of the many palette-shaped chalkboard tables. If you’re having trouble picking from the dozens of eclectic menu options, you can give the “Late Night Show” approved “Lee Roslyn,” which is a Twinkie, ham and cheddar cheese sandwich. Hey, don’t knock it ‘til you try it.
18. That’s Not A Fish, It’s A Bike Rack
To encourage more commuters to ditch their cars make the city more bicycle friendly, the Erie Art Museum took on a bicycle rack art project where artists were asked to design unique frames. The result is a downtown filled with creative yet practical racks instead of ordinary stock frames.
19. Erie’s Got Griswold Style Family Fun
Remember when Clark Griswold packed his family up for a good, old fashioned family vacation to Wally World? Well, if Wally World were real, it would be Waldameer Park. It’s the fourth oldest amusement park in Pennsylvania and the tenth oldest in the US. To keep it PG and clean, the park prohibits offensive and revealing clothing. Along with the wide variety of rides, Waldameer also has a popular waterpark for the summer months.
20. Sports Lovers Can Take Their Pick
Erie is home to a lot of semi-pro and professional sports teams that cover the “big four” including the Erie SeaWolves, the Erie Otters, Erie Explosion and the Erie Bayhawks. The Erie Illusion women’s football team throws a little girl power in the mix.
21. Glass Growers Is Your New Favorite Place To Shop
Part art gallery, part gift shop, part handmade jewelry, Glass Growers is a fantastically unique spot in downtown Erie. The frequent art openings with featured artists and special events will have you coming back for more than just shopping.
22. Go For The Coffee, Stay For The Company
Brickhouse Coffee makes a mean cup of java, but the ambiance and friendly staff are what keep its loyal customers coming back for more. Order the brown sugar bacon scones (which are, like, a mouth-gasm and a half) and then sit down for a chat with the crew.
23. You Can Be A Cool Rider For A Good Cause
What started off as a fundraising event in 2007 has quickly morphed into one of the fastest growing motorcycle rallies in the country. Roar On The Shore brings in over 100,000 leather-wearing, throttle-loving bike enthusiasts to enjoy three days of rides, live music, contests, custom motorcycles, vendors, celebrity appearances and more.
24. Bring Your Best Poker Face
It’s easy to spend your day, and the contents of your wallet, at Presque Isle Downs & Casino. Start off betting on the horses in the afternoon at the racetrack and then head to the casino for some dinner and friendly gambling.
25. And Lace Up Your Saddle Shoes
Sara’s All American Diner (formerly known as Sally’s) is a retro 50s themed diner located at the entrance to Presque Isle State Park. A favorite among tourists and locals alike, Sara’s is a must-stop for some good American food, great ice cream and an old-fashioned “Happy Days” feel.
26. See If You Can Spot Hedwig
If you go for a stroll through Presque Isle State Park in the winter, you might just be lucky enough to get up close to a Snow Owl. The Snow Owl is rare, but sightings around Erie are growing, bringing eager bird lovers (and Harry Potter enthusiasts) out to catch a glimpse.
27. It Will Rock You Like A Hurricane
Or at least a heavy thunderstorm. A hot spot for the best music in town, Rock Erie celebrates the lively local music scene with a night of performances, awards and more. 
