Best of Lake Erie — Readers' Picks

From best hot spots and hiking destinations to fine dining, wineries, cheap eats, waterpark, boutique and more, get the scoop on all of the best places to plan your next dinner date, family outing, weekend getaway, or extended vacation.

Best Cat Cafe — Purrista Cat Cafe

Discover a one-of-a-kind destination in Erie, Pennsylvania, where you can sip on a warm latte and mingle with adorable adoptable cats at this charming and cozy cat cafe.

Best Fall Fireside — Rocky Point Winery

Embrace the cozy comforts of fall with a perfect afternoon of live music and wine, gathered around a crackling fire at a charming Marblehead, Ohio, winery.

Best Chocolate Concoctions — BonBonBon

Satisfy your sweet tooth with a taste of Detroit as you discover an array of unique, artfully crafted treats.

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Best New Look — Vermilion

From a reimagined beachfront to new eateries and lodging this Ohio waterfront is undergoing a renaissance built on its strong maritime roots and community spirit.

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Best Outdoor Playground — Glass City Metropark

Discover an extraordinary, nature-inspired playground on the Maumee River in Toledo, where kids can explore, splash, and soar in a one-of-a-kind outdoor adventure.

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50 Years After the Edmund Fitzgerald Sank

On Nov. 10, 1975, the largest ore carrier on the Great Lakes sank to the bottom of Lake Superior — a loss that's being honored with a series of events.

Best Picnic — Bonnieheath Estate Lavender & Winery

Relax and recharge with a unique vintage picnic experience amid the beautiful lavender fields of Waterford, Ontario.

Best Chautauqua Lake Any-Season Stay — Chautauqua Harbor Hotel

Find your perfect escape at a beautiful lakeside hotel in Western New York, offering a unique and unforgettable experience year-round.

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Best Fall Hiking — Kelleys Island

Embrace the vibrant colors of autumn on Kelleys Island, a hidden gem for fall hiking that offers a variety of scenic trails, unique habitats, and stunning Lake Erie views.

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Erie Flood of 1915

Discover how a massive tube saved Erie, Pennsylvania.

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