The Riverside Inn: Pennsylvania’s hidden gem
When I first contacted the folks at The Riverside Inn, I told them I liked the place but thought close to seven hours was too far to go.
A very convincing lady, Maggie by name, took the time to convince me to come on up. I was assured I would not regret the trip. And yes indeed she was right.
The original building went up in 1885 and after a series of owners, was bought by the Halliday family in 1985. The Inn is located in the very small town of Cambridge Springs, Pennsylvania, near Erie.
It sits on over seven acres, has 74 rooms, a restaurant that serves all three meals, plenty of free parking, lots of banquet space and a dinner theater on premise. It is listed on the National Registry of Historic Places.
Some of the amenities include an outdoor pool, volleyball, horse shoes, a lounge with entertainment, it’s pet friendly, no TV in the rooms, which might be a good thing and a full hot breakfast is included with your stay.
Rates run about $99.00 during the week and about $139.00 on weekends. If you’re looking for a place to relax and enjoy the area, this is it.
One of my favorite activities while there was to find a seat on the large wrap around porch and read. If you want something more exciting, here are two ideas.
You can travel about a half hour to the Presque Isle Downs & Casino. This is a full casino with thoroughbred horse racing 100 days of the year. Post time is 5:30 p.m. Sunday through Thursday.
You’ll also find 2,000 slots, 50 table games and three bars.
About 45 minutes away is the town of Erie.
They still have some work to do on the waterfront, but it sits next to Presque Isle Bay.
For the best views of the lake and town while downtown climb the 138 foot Bicentennial Tower.
Lake Erie is the second smallest great lake, about 50 miles wide and 254 miles long. The bay is five miles long and two miles wide.
Other trips from the Inn include the Sprague Farm & Brew Works, Campbell Pottery and for a game of golf visit the close by Venango Valley Golf Course.
To reach The Riverside Inn, call 814-398-4645 or go to theriversideinn.com.
While there be sure to say hello to the guy who runs the place, Jeremy.
You probably won’t be able to miss him anyway.
Eddie Applefeld is a Baltimore native and a graduate of Towson University. He has been in the broadcasting profession for over 30 years. Currently he is the Promotions Director of WCBM radio. Before that, he was part of the Rouse & Company show on WQSR, host of a cable TV show called Dining Out and adjunct instructor at Towson.
His past accomplishments include being named a finalist in Baltimore Tourism’s Employee of the Year Program and winner of Toastmaster’s Speaker of the Year contest. He was also twice a heartthrob for the American Heart Association’s gala fund raiser.