Have you heard of the part that juts out like a triangle at the top of Pennsylvania, called the Erie Triangle?

There was a struggle between New York, Ohio, and Pennsylvania over that triangular land.

From Pennsylvania's perspective, which had no access to the sea, securing a waterway must have been really crucial. Water is necessary for ships to come and go, trade, and for industry to develop.

In the end, Pennsylvania bought that land, which is how the Erie Triangle came to be, and thanks to that, Pennsylvania is now connected to the lake to the north. When you think about it, a state without a waterway had its fate changed by that one triangle.

The city that developed around that land is Erie. Its name is the same as the lake's name. Nowadays, in the summer, locals come to the lakeshore, lay out mats to relax, let their kids play in the water, and have picnics in the nearby parks.

It has a quiet beach vibe (it looks like the sea, but it's a lake), so there's hardly any noise from the city. When planning a trip to the U.S., people often think of New York, Washington DC, Niagara Falls, and such first.

I prefer quiet places like Erie over crowded tourist spots. The lake breeze is refreshing, and just walking around with a coffee or sitting on a bench watching people makes me feel relaxed and recharged.

There are well-maintained walking paths along the lakeshore, and seeing yachts lined up in the harbor gives a sense of relaxation and even a feeling of wealth.

Sitting anywhere where the wind blows, you can lose track of time, and in winter, although it gets a bit cold with the snow, it has its own charm and unique appeal. In the evening, after having a warm bowl of soup at a local restaurant, you feel like saying, "Ah, I'm glad I came on this trip."

There's no atmosphere of being overcharged like at famous tourist spots, and there are no hawkers, making it comfortable. If you bring kids, they can run around without feeling too much pressure, and adults can enjoy a leisurely walk, making it a great place.

Knowing the story behind "this is the precious triangular area that was secured for a waterway" changes your perspective and adds to the fun of traveling.

So, I enjoy looking for these background stories whenever I visit a destination. If you ever travel near New York or the Great Lakes, it would be nice to stop by and say, "Oh, this is that triangle," and take a look around.