Full-blown vacations are wonderful, but sometimes a day is all you need to refresh. These three excursions pack in the fun — and we’ve got options to extend your stay to another day if you’re not ready to go home. 

Waldameer owner Paul Nelson began working at the park when he was just 11 years old. Now, as the park turns 125, he reflects on the evolution of this Erie, Pennsylvania, gem — and looks forward to a future filled with even more fun. 

The ferries are running, beaches are open and there’s a full line-up of festivals and fun just waiting for you to join in. Here are 25 of the lake’s best events, plus a look at what’s new and other top ways to spend a summer day.

Hit one of these themed-trails to see Lake Erie in a new light — and enjoy birding, history, food, wine and more along the way. 

This small town has welcomed sailors, day-trippers and vacationers for decades. Here are the top spots to take it all in. 

For the Almeida family of five, a nearly 7,000-square-foot Tudor set on 2 acres of waterfront land means plenty of space to explore and play.

Lake Erie provides an ideal growing environment for this stone fruit. Pick up a quart — or more — and make peaches the star of your next meal or get-together. They’re just as delicious in a pie as in a pita — and add their one-of-a-kind flavor to everythin

A record-level walleye population in Lake Erie is luring seasoned anglers and a new generation of fishing enthusiasts. Don’t know how to get started? Charter boats offer the fun of fishing without the fuss.