Local Attractions of North East & Erie, PA

Escape to North East, Pennsylvania, a charming town just 18 miles east of downtown Erie, Pennsylvania. We’re in the heart of Lake Erie Wine Country, a perfect destination for enjoying winery touring, wine tasting, and winery events. In fact, 14 wineries are located within 6 miles of our vacation homes.

Plus we’re nestled in a Lake Erie neighborhood with private Lake Erie beach access–and I must point out it’s super easy to access our beach. Most of Lake Erie’s coast is a cliff. But we hit the jackpot with a walkable access to the lake where you can enjoy swimming, floating, kayaking, a beach fire, s’mores, beach glass hunting, and sunset watching. Launch your boat or jet skis from the North East Marina, just 1.4 miles.

For those who like to explore, I’ll tell you all about our local attractions. You’ll get the insider scoop from me including:  world-class fishing, the best restaurants, best nearby towns and activities to explore, boating, family-friendly activities, ladies activities, and couples itineraries. 

Check our distance from you:
Butler, PA – 96 miles
Pittsburgh, PA – 125 miles
State College, PA 142 miles
Buffalo, NY – 69 miles
Cleveland, OH – 109 miles
Morgantown, WV – 181 miles
Columbus, OH – 229 miles

Here are the 14 wineries located within 6 miles of our homes. Wineries are open seven days per week, except major holidays.  Ladies groups love our vacation homes for their wine weekend getaways. If it’s your turn to plan the ladies weekend getaway, I’ve made a plan for you: How to plan a ladies weekend in Erie’s Lake Erie Wine Country.

Woodmere Beach – Our private neighborhood beach is Woodmere Beach. Our beach access is just 30 steps from the cozy Just Beachy Lake House and 100 steps from the pet-friendly Little Red Lake House. And the best parts about this beach are are no driving and no crowds. Woodmere Beach is a natural shoreline with lots of stones, sticks and sand. It is not groomed and we do not get sand replenishment.  If you are looking for inches of sandy beach, this will not be a good fit for you.  But if you are looking for a peaceful setting with swimming, sunsets, and s’mores, you’ll love it.

Presque Isle State Park – This is the most visited state park in Pennsylvania. With 4 million visitors per year there’s a reason why this Park is so popular. It is worth a visit. Whether you go for a scenic drive, plan a beach day, go to the children’s playground, bike, rollerblade, kayak or fish, this park truly has something for everyone from young kids to the elderly. Oh, and I almost forgot to mention the historical sites like the Perry Monument, Misery Bay, Presque Isle LightHouse, North Pier Light and Waterworks Park. History buffs will love to know the important role of this location in the War of 1812.

Local events occur throughout the year. Summer is bustling with free outdoor concerts at local wineries. The family-friendly North East Firemen’s Cherry Festival is in mid-July. Winter and spring feature indoor live music at the wineries. The biggest local event is WineFest in North East’s Gibson Park in the last full weekend of September each year.  But we also have many events throughout the year at the local wineries and multi-winery events planned by Lake Erie Wine Country and Enjoy North East. Follow Clement’s Lake Erie Cottages on Facebook to learn about upcoming events.

From day sails to sunset sails, a pirate cruise, dinner cruise or sightseeing tour, fishing charters, kayaking or boat rentals, learn about the many ways to enjoy Lake Erie by boat.

My favorite local places for dining:

North East, Pennsylvania Restaurants

The Bean Coffee House – An 8 minute drive makes everyone happy in the morning. From coffee to breakfast sandwiches and more, this is a great place to start your day!  And for the gluten-free crowd, they have gluten-free bagels, breakfast sandwiches, egg bowls and more. Located right in the borough of North East (our shopping district).

Michael’s Restaurant & Pizzeria – An 8-minute drive takes you to my favorite local pizza joint.  I get takeout from here at least once per week.  And they are also gluten-free friendly! Located in the borough of North East.

Skunk & Goat Tavern – The favorite place of my ladies groups.  Insider Tips:  There’s something special about the tomato soup if you like tomato soup–I order it every single time.  Insider Tip: Reserve ahead and ask for my favorite server, Dawn. And if you are gluten-free, Dawn knows the deets. Located in the borough of North East.

Westfield, New York Restaurants

Brazill’s on Main – A scenic 20 minute drive takes you to the cute small town of Westfield, NY and this is my favorite special occasion and date night restaurant lately. Insider Tip:  You must reserve ahead to get a table on the weekend.

Grace & Abe’s – A modern brew pub where you can watch pizzas being fired in the copper wood-fired oven. Findley Lake, New York Restaurants

Alexander’s on Findley Lake, NY – A scenic 20-minute drive gets you to this great burger joint with a view of the most scenic little inland lake!  This restaurant is also gluten-free friendly. Insider tips:  The burgers are really good but they do have a broader menu. Go early and stop at Our Own Candle Company Outlet just up the street.

Pine Junction Tavern in Findley Lake, NY – Surrounded by woods, this beautiful setting complements the amazing ribs that Pine Junction is known locally for. Busy year round. Enjoy events in the summer and fall. Spend sometime outdoors with their patio seating that includes a fire pit. Stop by on your snowmobile in the winter.

Erie, Pennsylvania

Oliver’s on Lake Erie, Erie, PA – For dining with a view of Lake Erie, Oliver’s in Erie at Dobbins Landing, has a great view overlooking the marinas at Dobbins Landing and Presque Isle Bay. Insider Tip: Arrive early and have a drink in the beer garden, an outdoor setting with live music. Mini golf located here too.

The Cove at Dobbins Landing, Erie, PA also has Lake Erie bay views but at ground level. It’s a very nice setting.

Rum Runners, Erie, PA – If you only want drinks and bar food with a view–and at a more affordable cost–go to Rum Runners at Dobbins Landing.

The Cove at Dobbins Landing, Erie, PA also has bay views but at ground level. It’s a very nice setting. Go early and have a drink in Oliver’s beer garden. Play a round of mini-golf and enjoy the sights of the marinas and boaters.

Rum Runners, Erie, PA – If you only want drinks and bar food with a view–and at a more affordable cost–go to Rum Runners at Dobbins Landing.

We have 0% sales tax of clothing here. So if you’re about to do some heavy duty school or work shopping, you can save some cash by shopping here at the Millcreek Mall in Erie, PA.

In North East, don’t miss LaRocca’s men’s store with their Carhartt, casual and business selections. And for those who love to thrift, don’t miss the resale/thrift trail of shops in North East.  

– Presque Isle State Park
– Waldameer
– Adventure Course
– Erie Zoo
– Port Farms
– Kayaking
– Boating

Lake Erie is famous for its boating and fishing including walleye, lake trout, bass, perch, and steelhead.  Clement’s Lake Erie Cottages are located only 1.4 miles from the North East Marina where you can launch your trailered boat or jet ski.   We’re also located between 16 Mile & 20 Mile Creeks where steelhead normally run November through March. For the best fishing experience, I recommend chartering a boat during the summer walleye season.  Walleye fishing has been so strong in recent years, it’s hard NOT to catch your limit when you are on a charter.  Learn more about walleye fishing charters.  Book a Lake Erie fishing charter. 

We’re surrounded by the cutest small towns and attractions, each with their own personality and charm. By the way, if you’ve never been to Niagara Falls, it is only 99 miles away from us and is doable as a daytrip.

– Findley Lake, NY
– Westfield, NY
– Niagara Falls, NY
– Bemus Point, NY
– Erie, PA
– North East, PA
– Panama Rocks, NY