Image: Erie Reader
Once the home to French, British, and American Forts, Waterford Pennsylvania had many well known historical visitors. Waterford was founded in 1733 by Amos Janney (a Quaker from Bucks County, PA) and is located about 15 miles south of Erie. George Washington visited the original Fort LeBoeuf in 1753. Many of the buildings were built before 1840 and are still in use today. Along with some historical landmarks, this quaint town is a great place to visit offering numerous shopping spots and delicious places to eat!
COFFEE SHOP
The Outpost coffee shop is a locally owned and operated coffee shop offering a variety of carefully crafted coffees, teas, sodas and food items. Something unique about the Outpost is the soda creations they offer. You can create your own soda with as many flavors as you want! This is a great option for non-coffee drinkers. The Outpost also offers a variety of food including bagels from local business Lakeside Bagel and Deli in Edinboro.
Location: 991 U.S. Hwy 19, Waterford, PA 16441 (Ste B)
Hours: Monday – Friday: 6:30AM – 4PM | Saturday: 8AM-1PM | Sunday: Closed
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/javamangosoutpost
SHOPPING
Momma J’s is a locally owned clothing and home goods boutique operated by mother and daughter. This is the perfect place to find cute, new trendy clothes, home goods, unique gifts and more. From going out to staying in, Momma J’s has what you’re looking for!
Location: 126 High Street, Waterford, PA, 16441
Hours: Thursday – Sunday: 10AM-6PM
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mommajsmercantile
A. Caplan Company is your one-stop shop for any type of cooking equipment or supply that you could ever need! Caplan’s was founded in 1981 by Aaron Caplan, son of Isadore Caplan, who was in the restaurant equipment business from 1945–1992. He decided to create a business that was solely based off of the best and easiest cooking supplies you could find… from measuring spoons to walk-in coolers. They believe that when you have the right equipment, you can find joy in the cooking experience. Caplan’s offers something for everyone from home cooks to commercial restaurants, including both new and used equipment.
Location: 12607 U.S. Hwy 19 S, Waterford, PA 16441
Hours: Monday – Friday: 8AM-5PM | Saturday: 9AM-4PM | Sunday: Closed
Website: https://www.caplancookware.com
LOCAL ART
The 16441 Collective is a gift shop featuring many different kinds of artwork, all created by local artists. The shop’s mission is to showcase local artists and artisans, providing one of a kind products and to raise awareness about local talents and products. They feature anything from paintings, woodwork, jewelry, and prints, to glass pieces and more!
Location: 210 High Street Waterford, PA 16441
Hours: Thursday-Saturday: 10AM-5PM (Summer hours include Wednesday & Sunday, 10AM-5PM).
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/16441collective
LOCAL HISTORY
Washington Statue Park:
This historical park was constructed to honor the visit of George Washington to the French Fort LeBoeuf. The statue was purchased in 1922 for $13,000 and placed in the center of the street for everyone to see. The statue being built brought just over 10,000 people into town for the ceremony. In 1945, the only existing statue depicting him as a young man was moved onto the Fort LeBoeuf Chapter Washington Memorial Lot from its original site. The Washington statue stands tall today!
Location: 32 High Street Waterford, PA 16441
Website: https://fortleboeufhistory.com/campus/washington-park
The Fort Leboeuf Museum was built on the site of the original French fort. It includes numerous exhibits about the Indians who lived here, the French and British fur trade, and archaeological excavations of the site that were conducted by Edinboro University. The Museum is open for touring on the hours and days below.
Location: 103 South High Street Waterford, PA 16441
Hours: Friday: 10AM-3PM | Saturday: 10AM-4PM | Sunday: 1PM-4PM
Website: https://fortleboeufhistory.com/campus/museum
FOOD & DRINKS
After a day full of history and shopping, it’s time to grab some delicious local food. Poverty Knob Farmhouse Ales, located on local agritainment farm, Port Farms, offers a delicious variety of food and drinks for every age! From appetizers, to soups, to flatbread pizzas and more, there is something for everyone (including a kids menu)! The brewery offers 12 beers on tap, wines, cocktails, mocktails and soft drinks. Guests can enjoy weekly entertainment, indoor and outdoor games and a relaxed atmosphere perfect for families! They are even dog friendly. Poverty Knob is the perfect way to end your fun-filled day in Waterford!
Location: 2055 Stone Quarry Road Waterford, PA 16441
Hours: Wednesday & Thursday: 12-9PM | Friday & Saturday: 12-10PM | Sunday: 12-8PM
Website: www.povertyknobfarmhouseales.com
Article Sources: