Need a charming small-town getaway with vineyards, lake breezes, and scenic drives? Head to North East, PA! Located in Pennsylvania’s northwestern corner near Lake Erie, North East is known for its wineries, fruit farms, and picturesque Main Street. Whether you're picking cherries, sipping wine, or enjoying a lakeside sunset, North East offers simple pleasures and small-town charm.
North East, PA Highlights:
- Stroll historic downtown North East: Shop antique stores, grab a coffee, and admire 19th-century architecture.
- Visit Lake Erie Wine Country: Explore a trail of award-winning wineries in a peaceful countryside setting.
- Relax at Freeport Beach: Swim, picnic, or watch the sunset along Lake Erie’s southern shore.
- Pick your own fruit at local farms: Enjoy apple picking, cherry orchards, and fresh-baked pies.
- Tour the North East Train Station and Railroad Museum: Step back into local rail history in a restored depot.
Best Time to Visit North East, PA
The best time to visit North East is in late spring through fall (May–October). Summer offers beach weather, wine tasting, and fruit festivals. Fall brings vibrant foliage, grape harvests, and seasonal events like Pumpkin Walk and Harvest Wine Weekend.
How to Get to North East, PA
- If you are traveling by car: North East is located along I-90, about 20 minutes from Erie and 1.5 hours from Buffalo.
- By Train: Amtrak stops in nearby Erie, with a short drive or rideshare to North East.
- By Air: Erie International Airport (ERI) is about 30 minutes away with car rentals available.
Where to Stay in North East, PA
- Grape Arbor Bed & Breakfast – Charming B&B in a restored Victorian home with gourmet breakfasts.
- Holiday Inn Express & Suites North East – Comfortable accommodations with an indoor pool and easy highway access.
- Lakeview on the Lake – Lakeside lodging with sunset views just a short drive west in Erie.
Best Things to Do in North East, PA
⮕ Presque Isle Wine Cellars
Sip handcrafted wines and explore scenic sights on a relaxing fall trip.
Presque Isle Wine Cellars is a renowned winery celebrating fifty years of producing the most award-winning wines in North East, Pennsylvania. Located next to the winery in a beautifully restored farmhouse is the Isle House, the Presque Isle Wine Cellars’ Tasting Room, Event and Conference Center, Gift Shop, and Educational Facility. Guests can sample the winery’s award winning wines, have a sandwich or a cup of soup and buy an unique wine-related gift. From the Isle House guests can take a short walk across a verdant meadow to the cool creek and waterfalls, a perfect spot to enjoy a bottle of Presque Isle wine and have a relaxing picnic on the deck.
9440 West Main Road, North East, PA 16428, Phone: 814-725-1314
⮕ Heritage Wine Cellars
Taste local varietals and enjoy an affordable stop along the wine trail.
Heritage Wine Cellars is a family-owned business that provides its customers delicious, handcrafted, award-winning wines. Heritage Wine offers an unparalleled selection with something for every palate, from unique fruit-infused, to the traditional red and white wines and even more. Heritage Wine Cellars is located in the beautiful vintage old barn built in the late 1800's. The winery is located in one of the biggest grape-growing regions east of the Rockies, and the country’s fourth biggest Concord grape growing region. In the last five years, the Heritage wines have won more than 50 awards. Their tasting room is located upstairs in the old barn.
12160 E Main St, North East, PA 16428, Phone: 814-725-8015
For Younger Couples
⮕ Mazza Vineyards
Savor award-winning wines and admire vineyard views on a romantic outing.
Stretched along the shores of Lake Erie Wine Country, in North East, Pennsylvania, Mazza Vineyards use grapes from their own and other local vineyards to produce their award winning wines. The family-owned vinery has more than 40 years of experience and is one of Pennsylvania’s largest wine production facilities. The tours of the vineyards and the vine-producing facility is offered every day, year around. Their three main locations are on the Lake Erie Wine Trail. The tasting room is located in the beautiful Mediterranean villa, inspired by the family’s Italian heritage. Mazza wines are available in many restaurants, bars and stores in the region.
11815 E Lake Rd, North East, PA 16428, Phone: 800-796-9463
⮕ Courtyard Winery
Sample small-batch blends and discover an easy, welcoming tasting experience.
Courtyard Winery’s first wines were released in July of 2010, produced from the grapes grown on the 123-acre vineyard owned by two Californians, Randy and Laura Graham. The winery was developed with an total focus on quality winemaking, from the fruit-sorting table to high tech lab used to evaluate each wine. Courtyard today produces over 30 varieties of grapes from their 10,000-acre vineyards in North East, Pennsylvania. Some grapes are used for dry varietal wines and some for blended sweet wines. The winery has been awarded numerous medals at Pennsylvania and New York wine competitions. The winery provides a wonderful atmosphere for a pleasant visit, a tour and a taste of their wines on the Vineyard Veranda.
10021 West Main Rd, North East, PA 16428, Phone: 814-725-0236
Where to Eat in North East, PA
- Noosa North East – Stylish restaurant with New American dishes and wine pairings.
- The Cork 1794 – Upscale tavern with a modern menu and elegant ambiance nearby in Erie.
– Local favorite for cones, sundaes, and roadside treats in summer. - Speedeez Pizza – Go-to for casual slices and subs in downtown North East.
If you are interested in local events:
- Cherry Festival (July) – Family fun, live music, and cherry pie competitions in Gibson Park.
- WineFest (September) – Annual celebration of grape harvest with wine tasting, vendors, and entertainment.
- Fall Pumpkin Walk (October) – Lighted pumpkins, hayrides, and seasonal treats in downtown North East.
If you are looking for unique day trips within 30 Minutes of North East, Pennsylvania:
- Erie (25–30 min) – Visit Presque Isle State Park, the Erie Zoo, or enjoy waterfront dining.
- Findley Lake, NY (20 min) – Quaint lakeside village with antique shops, trails, and kayaking.
- Lake Erie Speedway (15–20 min) – Catch high-speed stock car races during the summer season.
- Harborcreek Township (15 min) – Wine country and quiet trails just outside the North East borough.
- Peek'n Peak Resort (30 min) – Year-round resort offering golf, zip-lining, and winter skiing across the New York border.
Frequently Asked Questions:
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Where is North East, Pennsylvania located?
- North East is a borough in Erie County, Pennsylvania, located 14 miles northeast of Erie.
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What is the main industry in North East?
- Fruit growing is the main economy, with the area being popular for growing cherries and grapes.
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What festivals take place in North East?
- Every summer, North East celebrates an annual Cherry Festival, and every fall, the Wine Country Harvest Festival.
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What educational institutions are in North East?
- The borough is home to the junior college, Mercyhurst North East.
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How does the climate in North East benefit agriculture?
- The “Lake Effect” weather pattern around Lake Erie provides an ideal climate for growing a variety of grapes.
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Why is North East known for winemaking?
- This climate has incited the growth of reputable and successful wine growers who produce unique wines from grapes grown in their vineyards.
Best Time to Visit North East, Pennsylvania
- September to October – Mild fall weather, perfect for visiting wineries and enjoying fall foliage.
- June to August – Warm summer months, ideal for exploring Lake Erie and outdoor activities.
- April to May – Pleasant spring temperatures, great for hiking and enjoying blooming orchards.
- November to March – Cooler months, perfect for cozy getaways and indoor winery tours.
- Late September – Best time for the annual North East Wine Festival.
Getting to North East, Pennsylvania
- By Air
- Fly into Erie International Airport (ERI), about 20 miles away.
- Other options include Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE), about 110 miles away.
- By Car
- Drive from Erie in about 25 minutes via I-90 East.
- Accessible from Buffalo, NY in about 1.5 hours.
- By Train
- No direct Amtrak service; nearest station is in Erie, PA.
- By Bus
- Limited bus services available; driving is the most convenient option.
Hotels in North East, Pennsylvania
- Grape Arbor Bed & Breakfast – Charming inn offering cozy accommodations and a gourmet breakfast.
- Holiday Inn Express & Suites North East – Modern hotel with free breakfast and easy access to wineries.
- Lakeview on the Lake – Quaint lakeside retreat offering stunning views and a relaxing atmosphere.
Plan Your Trip