With nearly 200 inches of snow falling last winter, many Behrend students find themselves falling accustomed to the highly recognizable “Dreary Erie” weather. However, while the sun is shining over the “mistake on the lake,” there is still plenty of time to explore the city that Behrend students will call home for the next nine months.

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Behrend is an arbor campus and students are fortunate enough to have access to numerous options for outdoor activities during the warmer months. Whether it be hammocking behind Kochel, playing volleyball by the apartments or hiking the winding paths of the Wintergreen Gorge, the Behrend population usually come out in droves to celebrate a fair-weather day in a city known for its brutal winters. However, there are plenty of lesser known highlights around the city that allow those students who were not born and raised in Erie County to get out and explore.

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Though Erie is primarily noted for the 11 beaches that make up Presque Isle State Park, these are not the only sandy getaways accessible to the area’s residents. Following along the Pennsylvania Wine Trail are numerous beaches that range in size and privacy. Often including wooded trails, playgrounds, and pavilions alongside the typical shoreline, beaches like Shades Beach in Harborcreek and Freeport Beach in Northeast offer a more rugged beach experience without the traffic and glamour of Presque, all while showcasing Erie’s iconic sunsets of course.

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And what would a hot day in Erie be without snacks? Alongside the notorious Sara’s Campground at the entrance to Presque Isle, there are many smaller businesses where one can grab a bite with friends and relax. After a walk around Presque Isle with man’s best friend, The Ugly Tuna provides all the necessities for winding down. Other spots include Denny’s Ice Cream Stand located in downtown, the Whippy Dip located in western Erie and The Straw Hat Sundae Shop located in Northeast.

If the beach isn’t quite the scene you’re looking for, there are plenty of options for hiking, many times with a view included! There is city hiking, state game lands, Six Mile Creek Park, the Overland Trail and Panama Rocks. There are also two state parks in the vicinity, Oil Creek and Erie Bluffs.

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Furthermore, there are plenty of activities around the city that can provide fun for the whole day. With all the water around, it should not be too hard for one to find a place to throw their line in the water. After fishing near Presque Isle, stop over to Beach 6 for volleyball, or find one of two places around the peninsula to rent a canoe or kayak. Also be sure to check out the pontoon boats that are free to ride. There is a bike trail that goes all the way around the peninsula, and you could maybe even stop for a swim. There are also places to play basketball, tennis, frisbee and frisbee golf, located at both Behrend and Edinboro.

Whether it be a quick treat or a daylong event, there is plenty to do outdoors around Erie before the dreaded snow hits once again. Wherever you find yourself, be sure to soak it in while you can still wear shorts.