Kara Murphy

10 Ways to Spend a Day

Erie, Pennsylvania, offers miles of beaches, a park full of thrills, festivals, great wine and food, history and more.

A Home to Roam

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.

Adventure for Everyone

Four extreme adventures to read about and four easier outings to try yourself.

Best of Lake Erie 2015

Imagine escaping to the fruit-filled fields of the Niagara Escarpment, spending the afternoon playing mini golf overlooking the water in Lakeside, Ohio, or canoeing at Point Pelee National Park along Canada’s North Shore. There’s a fresh perch sandwich waiting for you in Port Clinton, Ohio, and a bar chair by the sand calling your name in Port Stanley, Ontario. The Lake Erie region just keeps getting better and better. So explore and enjoy.

Best of Lake Erie: Featuring Ontario's North Shore

What’s your thing? The thrill of walking on a high wire through treetops or the pleasure of sipping a Chardonnay on a patio overlooking the vineyards? Are you in the mood to explore a pirate ship or discover an outdoor sculpture garden? Should your weekend plans include a covered bridge tour or a ride on a classic wooden boat? Happily, Lake Erie’s shores have something for everyone. So, grab the family or a friend and set out to find your own fun.

Blessed & Bountiful

Mother's Day is more a mindset than a holiday at Plumbush Bed & Breakfast.

Destination Erie: 15 Ways to Play

Get ready for a season of fun along the shores of Lake Erie.

Enjoying the Ride

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.

Firebirds Wood Fired Grill

An Erie, PA restaurant offers unexpected atmosphere and entrees to match.

From Seed to Suds

Lots of places brew great beer, but it's almost unheard of to do what Brian and Minnie Sprague do on their 65 acres of land in Pennsylvania — grow their own barley.

Island Roots

For Chad and Nicole Waffen there is simply no other place they'd rather be than on this Ohio island with family.

Legacy of the Lake

It’s easy — and fun — to flit from beach to winery to restaurant when the weather’s fine. But Lake Erie offers so much more. Why not take a trip into the past to explore our region’s rich history. And don’t worry, there’s still ice cream involved.

Locals Love ... Mayville, New York

Ben Webb and his family enjoying the Chautauqua Lake region.

More Please

Three people on a paddle board in Lake Erie at sunset

Our Glorious Sunset

Nothing can stop nature’s nightly show. Here are 10 of our favorite ways to enjoy the splendor from the shores, from drinks in Kelleys Island to yoga in Vermilion.

Presque Isle Up Close

This Pennsylvania state park is well known for its miles of sandy white beaches. But, as writer Kara Murphy discovers, it’s worth getting off your beach towel to do a bit more exploring.

Swing Into Summer

This is the time of year to leave work at five, let the dust bunnies multiply and chase fun. For some, that means thrills like trying a new ropes course, striking a warrior pose on a paddleboard or taking part in a zombie mud run. For others, it’s chilling to Tchaikovsky with a glass of wine, going on a firefly walk or spending an afternoon picking peaches. Whatever your definition of a good time may be, now is the time to have it. Here are 35 trips, outings and events to take you from now until … well, there’s no reason to even think about that yet.

The Best of Lake Erie

It's more exciting than ever around our lake, but even after the tall ships sail away there's so much to do. Whether you're looking to indulge or explore, these are the can't-miss places, events and activities around our great lake.

The Birds are Back

Presque Isle is on pins and needles waiting to see if their favorite visitors will be returning this spring.

The Faces of Western New York

From ropes courses to five-course meals, this region offers true world-class experiences to residents and guests alike. We checked in with a few of the people who help orchestrate the magic for tips on where to explore, dine, stroll, sip, shop or just hang out.

The Lake Provides

Driftwood artist Brian Pardini is celebrated in Erie, Pennsylvania, and beyond for his work. But he insists that his mission is simple — to take what nature gives him and bring out the form hidden inside.

Winter Fun Guide

25 ways to warm up, celebrate, enjoy nature and see Lake Erie in a new — but equally beautiful — light.