Brock,
I grew up in Erie, on the fourth hole of Lawrence Park GC.
Erie in the fall can be absolutely delightful with the leaves changing, high school football in full swing, and the courses in great shape. Kahkwa is probably the best course in town, hosting a number of USGA Championships in past. They will usually reciprocate if that is an option. LakeShore CC is close to Kahkwa and is quite good (no holes on the water however). I am partial to Lawrence Park which is on the eastern edge of town, right along the lake shore. Although the lake does not come into play, the second tee is right on it, and it is visible from a number of holes on both nines, and can produce some incredible wind and playing conditions. The course is not long, but is very sporty. It was an Alfred Tull design tinkered with over the years by a number of people. It went through some major design changes/ renovations about 15 years ago, and at the same time they reversed the nines to avoid the 18th being a par three. You would really enjoy playing it. Should reciprocate as well, but you should check with them for sure. Lakeview is just OK. Not far from Lakeview in Clymer, NY is the Peak N'Peak resort which has two pretty decent public courses. The Nationwide tour holds an event there. Downing is an interesting layout, but suffers from conditioning issues. Most everything else is not worth it.