| If you cannot afford to spend thousands on a | | | | are included as is breakfast at all four of these |
| Caribbean vacation then Splash Lagoon in Erie | | | | hotels. |
| Pennsylvania is the place for you. I happened upon | | | | If you need more entertainment that this there is |
| this gem quite by accident trying to find a city | | | | an arcade and a surf shop and also laser tag all on |
| close to me that sells powerball lottery tickets. It | | | | the same property. Several local restaurants such |
| was serendipity. | | | | as Applebee's will deliver to these hotels with no |
| Splash Lagoon is the ultimate indoor water park. | | | | charge for delivery. |
| What could be better than 400,000 gallons of | | | | Anywhere you come from you have to take the |
| water splashing around at 84 degrees F while the | | | | I-90 and exit at Peach street. Splash Lagoon is |
| air around you is kept at a steamy 86F? There is | | | | right at the exit and impossible to miss. The |
| a lovely lazy river that you can cruise around on a | | | | address is 8100 Peach St Erie ,PA. |
| single or double tube (at no extra charge for the | | | | The second best thing about Erie ,PA is no sales |
| use of tubes unlike many water parks). Splash | | | | tax on clothing. That's right none,nada,nothing,zero. |
| Lagoon has 7 wild and crazy slides and 3 giant hot | | | | Whoohoo. The Millcreek Mall has all the stores you |
| tubs-one for adults only. Splash Lagoon has an | | | | need to stock up your clothing wardrobe . Sales |
| area for the little kiddies too called monkey shines | | | | tax on other items is only 6 percent . |
| island with small slides and a shallow pool. They | | | | And a beach too . And if that isn't enough to |
| also provide life vests for children-again no extra | | | | have you packing your overnight bag then Erie |
| cost. Here you can play water basketball in the | | | | has one more thing for you. Beautiful Lake Erie |
| big pool or climb the Tiki tree house and soak | | | | where there is swimming, fishing, canoe and boat |
| people unsuspecting below you with a myriad of | | | | rentals available and scuba diving. These are all |
| water cannons and sprayers. | | | | there to be enjoyed throughout the summer |
| The most fun comes when when the Tiki chime | | | | months. There are bicycles for rent or a surrey |
| is heard and people gather under the monstrous | | | | for two. |
| tipping bucket for the opportunity to have a | | | | Erie has one more terrific source of amusement |
| thousand gallons of water dumped on them. | | | | for you .It is called Discover Presque-isle. It only |
| Once you enter the lagoon you really need never | | | | happens once a year in July-a local festival held at |
| leave until closing. There is an ice cream stand, | | | | Presque-isle state park where parking is free and |
| Dippin Dots. The Laguna Grill serves burgers and | | | | the food divine. Treats such as kettle cooked |
| fries and pizza and beer. There are change rooms | | | | corn it is real corn really kettle cooked right there |
| with showers and towels are provided for use | | | | and fresh pulled candy abound. Fresh squeezed |
| free for guests staying in one of the hotels | | | | lemonade, grilled chicken and curly fries. I could go |
| connected to the lagoon. And most important for | | | | on but you get the message/ This festival is a |
| parents who want to stay dry while their | | | | gustatory delight. |
| offspring turn to prunes in the water there is a | | | | After all the food and excitement of the day |
| dry zones where you can sit inside the park. | | | | head to the beach which is right there. A |
| There are four hotels associated with Splash | | | | lifeguarded clean beach with sugary sand awaits |
| Lagoon. The Residence Inn by Marriott, The | | | | you. |
| Holiday Inn Express, and Comfort Inn are all | | | | Day passes for Splash Lagoon are 40 percent |
| connected to the Lagoon so there is no need to | | | | cheaper if you get yours after 4pm-the park is |
| be chilled going from your room to the park. | | | | open until 9 or 10 pm depending on the day. |
| There is also the Econolodge that is across the | | | | If you don't mind staying at a hotel not attached |
| street and provides a free shuttle over. If you | | | | to the park you can get a decent hotel room on |
| book a hotel package tickets to the water park | | | | priceline for under $50. |