For the Labour Day long weekend, we were bored and decided to go somewhere for the sake of not staying at home. We chose Grove City and Erie as they are nearby and provides enough to entertain us, which it certainly did
Day 1 - Grove City, PennsylvaniaLeft Waterloo at 5am and smooth traffic all the way to the border, except there was an accident where 2 cars were in the ditch and 6 police cars/3 ambulances/2 firetrucks were on the scene
At the border, we got sent into the US Customs office because our cousin brought the Maple Leaf Card (Residence) his US VISA on the expired passport, but not a current valid passport. The officer initially told us he cannot enter US (which would have been a disaster) but finally let him through after 30 minutes, as he's a minor which only requires photo ID to enter US. WHEW~
This is when GPS came in and led us all the way. Started on the I-90 tollway in NY (paid $2.75), entered into PA I-90 which is toll-free (jealous, PA has no state tax on clothing, cheaper gas, and free-ways), then turned on I-79 down to Grove City. Only fun was to see 2 Ontario cars (Acura TSX & Honda Civic) chasing each other, and then a police cruiser came out and pulled the Civic aside (he deserved it)
Grove City here we are, the
Prime Outlets Mall with hundreds of stores to walk around. Funny thing is there were 2 cute Taiwanese girls working at the Wok Chinese food in the food court, I ordered in Mandarin :)
Lastly, there was a big lineup for the Coach Factory Outlet, and it was truely a sale - Coach bag for less than $100, no wonder everyone is carrying a Coach shopping bag. Unfortunately I don't need one nor buy one for anyone. Spent around 5 hours there and walked away with $20 Addidas clothing only, how sad. A few interesting observations - 90% of women wear flip-flop, I saw a University of Waterloo T-shirt, Toronto FC jersey and couple Canadian credit cards = popular destination for Canadians indeed.
Back to Erie
Springhill Marriot, filled up gas at $3.65/gallon (while it was $1.27 in Canada, equivalent to $4.80/gallon), took a quick rest in the fancy hotel suite (unfortunately my Marriot Gold status didn't get me a free upgrade as there was nothing available), it's off to another shopping destination -
Millcreek Mall, where my only purchase of a $20 clearance Abercrombie & Fitch polo. The mall style was different than the outlet mall so it was nice to see Macy's and Abercrombie. No electronics store at all thus far for my liking :(
After a long day of shopping, we headed to
Hibachi Japanese Steakhouse (teppanyaki) for dinner. The food was tasty and decent portion to satisfy us, along with the entertaining chef presentation. After dinner we drove to the
Presque Isle State Park wanting to take a quick drivearound but idled shortly at the gate confused about the hours. Then a park ranger pulled behind us and asked if we are okay and need any help. That was too much share of officers in a day, but nice of him. Back to hotel we go, and concludes the first day with 3 persons sharing the King bed and 2 sharing a sofabed
Day 2 - Erie, Pennsylvania
Woke up "naturally" in the hotel, and enjoyed a good hot continental breakfast after a 30 minute lineup. The food was worth the wait at least, generous portions and DIY waffle was fun
3 hours in Water Park - the tube rides were okay, I did enjoy the Bermuda body slide (we were lifted off the tube in the vertical drop, cool) and the Giant Body Slide. The free fall slides were not as exciting as they looked but the lazy river was fun. Overall good weather, good sun, good crowd
5 hours in Amusement Park - it was no Wonderland, but the Ravine Flyer roller coaster was very good except it ended all too quickly before you realized it. The steel dragon was new to us, it is similiar to Wonderland's The Fly, but also rotated while on the track so the front became the back and vice versa (it sits 4, 2 facing front and 2 facing back). The dropzone was short and not scary, and one can clearly see the attractions were designed towards family and children friendly. However, we enjoyed the sky ride and the gondola wheel nontheless with photos to prove.
Thoughts of the day - it was an enjoyable day, perhaps somewhat too much time spent lining up, but we all had fun, we all had sunburn on our shoulders (ouch), and I don't mind returning here. On the other hand, still curious about the $25/person indoor
Splash Lagoon Water Park
After the amusement park next part of the journey is the Presque Isle State Park again, trying to catch a glimpse of it in the daylight. We did miss the sunset but caught the beautiful dusk, and the mosquitos.
Ate the dinner at Taco Bell and back to Canada we go, and what a nice away gift from the city of West Field, NY, shooting off Labour Day Fireworks as we drove on the I-90 and got a heads up from the toll booth lady "Enjoy the fireworks!" Some hours of driving, 30 minutes Canadian border wait, and busy QEW later, we are home (2:30 am), and the rabbits are still alive! Bed Time!!
