The Weekend Getaway Guide to Crawford County


published on June 2021

The Weekend Getaway Guide to Crawford County

Family-friendly, Fun and Amusement, Outdoors, Swimming and Boating

Were you looking for a fun getaway this weekend? Look no further than Crawford County. Discover unique outdoor and indoor activities that will keep the whole family engaged! Whether you’re a history buff, an outdoor adventurer or foodie we’ve got you covered — just follow along.

Places to Stay

Finding a place where you can get a little R & R is a crucial start to any vacation. For a place with a view, consider Hotel Conneaut in Conneaut Lake. Nestled right next to Conneaut Lake with a sprawling outside deck that boasts “timeless charm,” this historic boutique hotel offers scenic waterfront views that will not disappoint. Over 100 rooms are available with an array of lodging options, ideal for any budget. Looking for something different? Check out other boutique hotels and bed & breakfasts in the area.

If hotels aren’t your style, browse the area’s cabins and campgrounds. The Meadville KOA or the pet-friendly Linesville Campgrounds at Pymatuning State Park are classic favorites for both locals and out of town visitors! These popular spots both offer waterfront and water-adjacent camping and glamping opportunities, ideal for van campers, RV campers, tent campers or cabin renters.

Pro-tip: plan ahead and book a reservation online or over the phone to secure your spot. While making a reservation, look into renting water sport equipment like kayaks, paddleboards or paddle boats before they’re reserved!

Things to Do

After you’ve settled into your lodgings, it’s time to get out and explore! Conneaut Lake Park is at the top of our must-see list in the area. This popular amusement park houses roller coasters, mini-golf and a water park. The attraction is tentatively scheduled to open on the weekend of 4th of July, 2021 — check their Facebook page for updates!

For those seeking a more nature-driven weekend, drive over to one of the largest state park in the commonwealth — Pymatuning State Park. Visitors enjoy opportunities like guided walks, educational programs and recreational experiences such as kayaking and boating. Pro tip: Don’t forget to stop by the Linesville Spillway, a natural phenomenon you won’t want to skip.

Another oasis for people and wildlife to add to your list is French Creek. Try your luck at catching one of 88 species of fish found in the watershed, start a geocaching adventure or plan your journey down the French Creek water trail.

Ernst Trail and the Greendale Cemetery should also be on your itinerary. The Ernst Trail is a paved, five-mile-long trip ideal for cyclists and hikers alike. For colorful foliage and a scenic ravine vista, go to Greendale Cemetery. Experience a spot that’s a favorite to locals and view over 1,500 rhododendrons that bloom on the grounds in the spring and summer months. Pro tip: this historically significant area is a photographer’s dream. Don’t forget to charge your camera and snap some pics!

If history is more your speed, the Baldwin-Reynolds House Museum and the Drake Well Museum won’t disappoint! The Baldwin-Reynolds House Museum offers free guided tours from Memorial Day through Labor Day, taking groups through the historic museum and serene botanical garden. See here for details on tour availability.

Venture over to Titusville to dive into the history of the U.S. oil boom at the Drake Well Museum and Park, the birthplace of the modern petroleum industry that grew from Pennsylvania to a global scale. The museum features both indoor and outdoor recreational attractions such as paved bike trails, delayed harvest fly fishing, modern picnic facilities and hiking trails. Start planning your tour here.

Looking for more? Check out this map for a full list of attractions!

Where to Eat

After enjoying some of the sights and activities above, try out these local restaurants and cafes to sample some of Crawford County’s favorite meals:

Firehouse Tap & Grill is a uniquely remodeled fire station turned brewhouse located in Meadville’s bustling downtown district. Indulge in some of the best BBQ in the county, with entrees ranging from wings to brisket and smoked pork. Keep an eye on their Facebook page for events and live music.

Pampered Palate Cafe & Bistro is your go-to spot in Meadville for specialty crafted lattes, healthy fruit smoothies and some of the freshest food in town. The bistro serves sandwiches, soups and salads along with fresh-made pastries and baked goods in a relaxed, cafe-style environment. With organic, fair trade coffee and locally-sourced food free of fillers and GMO’s, it’s no wonder this cafe has expanded into the surrounding regions as a local hit.

Crooked Paddle is perfect for the group who wants to dine on homestyle burgers or pizza after exploring Pymatuning State Park. The newly remodeled bar and grill located in Linesville is only half a mile from the Pymatuning Spillway and boasts a large selection of craft beer and seasonal cocktails. Be sure to check for live music and popular, free events like classic car cruises.

Traveler’s Cafe is a Saegertown favorite for those who want to refresh with a coffee, boba tea or fresh fruit smoothie after a long day. If you’re in the mood for something sweet, snag one of their yummy pastries or a specialty frappe that would give Starbucks a run for its money.

Fat Chad’s Tap & Steakhouse is a new Titusville establishment that carries local Pennsylvania craft beer, wine and spirits.  If you’re in the mood to celebrate, grab a table and try one of their steak entrees. Don’t forget to check their Facebook for their out-of-the-box specials that change weekly!

Riverside Brewing Company is a Cambridge Springs staple that serves to entertain and replenish hungry visitors. A refurbished rustic barn from the 1800’s, the farm-to-table restaurant partners with local farms and businesses to bring the freshest ingredients to create handcrafted dishes. With a large outdoor patio and bar overlooking extensive landscaping preserved and restored from the historic property, this brewpub is an ideal spot to relax and enjoy craft brews and fine food. The RBC supports local musicians weekly, check their event schedule on Facebook to see who’s playing during your visit. 

Venango General Store is a family-owned and operated restaurant near French Creek. An assortment of breakfast, lunch and dinner items is sure to please anyone in your group. The newest addition to the restaurant is the Sandbar — an outdoor dining room right on the banks of French Creek with a stage for live music! Cozy up at night by the campfires throughout the space to kick back and enjoy the music with a water view.However you want to plan your getaway, Crawford County has something that will engage any family or group. Head over to our events page to see the most recent, up-to-date information on events.

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