Lake Erie New York

Lake Erie New York might best be known as the cause for the abundant snowfall in Buffalo. However, it only snows a few months out of the year. In all four seasons, you'll find distinctly different weather and many opportunities for fun things to do. The same shoreline where people enjoy cross-country skiing in the winter transforms into stretches of sand and surf in the summer. No matter which time of year you plan New York Lake Erie vacations, you'll have the chance to see some amazing views and experience the singular charm of western New York.

In between Erie, Pennsylvania and Niagara Falls, Lake Erie New York has a beautiful coastline, dotted by small villages, one major city, and beautiful beaches. The waters of the smallest of the Great Lakes are the ones that ultimately feed Niagara Falls, one of the most amazing natural wonders in the world.

The biggest city along this 60-mile stretch of Great Lakes coastline is Buffalo, where many of the Lake Erie hotels NY are located. Just blocks from the water, the Hyatt Regency Buffalo offers excellent views as well as top-notch service. The completely renovated conference hotel has nearly 400 guestrooms, a 24-hour fitness center, and pool. The staff is eager to make suggestions about how to enjoy Lake Erie; they can recommend sport fishing charters, jet-ski rentals, and sightseeing cruises.

While you're exploring the city on your Great Lakes vacations, you also can visit the Anchor Bar where the famous and much copied buffalo wings had their start. Beyond the food, Buffalo has a thriving cultural scene, home to museums and theaters. One of the best places to connect with the city's Lake Erie heritage is at the Buffalo and Erie County Naval & Military Park. You can step aboard three decommissioned ships, all with ties to Lake Erie New York, including the USS Croaker, a submarine that served in the Pacific during World War II.

When the weather is pleasant, the opportunities for outdoor recreation abound on and off the shores of the big lake. If you pack some Great Lakes fishing into your Lake Erie vacations, you'll have the chance to hook some freshwater fish, especially walleye and small-mouth bass. Professional captains and charters are available in several locations. Many times, you can arrange for custom pick-ups at your Lake Erie hotels NY, so all you have to do is enjoy your angling adventure.

Still others see Lake Erie vacations as a chance to hit the beach, do some canoeing, or just soak in the sights. South of Buffalo, the shoreline is home to plenty of open stretches of shoreline where you can have some fun. Lake Erie State Park preserves nearly 100 acres of beach and bluffs. You'll have the chance to go swimming, watch for migratory birds, and hike near the shore. If you'd like to stick around for more than the day, the park's options for Lake Erie vacation rentals include cabins and campsites. A boat launch and Point Gratiot Beach are within ten miles of the state park, as are some Lake Erie hotels NY. A Clarion, Best Western, and Comfort Inn all are located right along the lake.

The little town of Dunkirk is also found along Lake Erie NY. Its lighthouse is one of the tallest along the entire lake. A small museum and the keeper's home are now filled with exhibits about military history and life along the lake. Here, you'll find a number of choices for Lake Erie Hotels NY, including the Best Western Dunkirk & Fredonia Inn that staffed by friendly locals. Its guestrooms offer free Internet access, and upgrades are available for rooms with king-sized beds.

Dunkirk is located along a leg of the Great Lakes Circle Tour—the Great Lakes Seaway Trail, a scenic byway connecting the Saint Lawrence Seaway, Lake Ontario, and Lake Erie. This 500-mile route follows the shoreline through New York into Pennsylvania, linking hotels, attractions, and beautiful scenery.