Attractions
Places to Go, Things to See, Anytime
Visit and Discover the Chautauqua Institution's programming of culture and renewal during the nine week summer season! Family reunions, Health and Wellness Retreats, Art and Music Seminars available year-round.
View The Chautauqua Season Calendar (pdf file)
There's so much to do and see in Western New York! All attractions are listed on this page. You can also choose to view by these categories:
Spring at The Spencer
Visit and discover the beautiful gardens of Spring! Spring is a time of re-birth and renewal so plan for a season of pampering and relaxation. Health and Wellness Retreats, Art & Music Seminars available year-round.
Health and Wellness...
is The Spencer's theme for Spring. Ladies Pampering weekends, art & music seminars, high teas, outdoor adventures, and couples renewal packages are all included in The Spencer's menu of services.
Cosmetic acupuncture, yoga, meditation, massage therapy, spa services, healthy eating, and instruction will take place this Spring.
The Chautauqua Institution
Although quieter during the winter months the Chautauqua Institution is beautiful year round. Sightsee the wonderful buildings and homes around the the Institution grounds. Stop by the Chautauqua bookstore in Bestor Plaza for some history of the region and the Chautauqua Institution itself.
Jamestown Savings Bank Ice Arena
Jamestown Savings Bank Ice Arena plays hosts to hundreds of events per year. With two NHL regulation hockey rinks, it's a great place to host a tournament! Rink A features a 2,000 seat Arena Bowl for hockey and sporting events, while seating over 3,100 for shows and concerts! A 245 person Veranda Room overlooks the main arena and serves as Hospitality Suites for athletic events. A Community Room, Exercise Room, Education Lab and Ballet Room round off just some of the facilities available under one roof! Enjoy our Outdoor Patio and 1/8 mile indoor walking track!
The Jamestown Savings Ice arena is open year-round and is available for public skating and figure skating.
Holiday Wine & Cheese Festivals
Tour the picturesque Chautauqua Lake Erie wine trail and receive a souvenir glass and recipe packet. Each vineyard will be preparing a specialty cheese dish to sample. Spend the evening in one of our literary king/twin size fantasy bedrooms and awaken to a cheese inspired delightful breakfast! (a specialty cheese fondue is rumored to be on the menu...Shhh! It's a surprise!)
Peek' N Peak Ski Resort
Discover the invigorating fun of cross country skiing via 13.4 km of widely varied trails at Peek' n Peak ski resort. The diversity of terrain throughout the resort complex provides a choice of options for every level of cross country skier. The Peek also has 27 perfectly groomed slopes and trails serviced by eight chairlifts. Private lessons are available, equipment is available to rent.
Mayville Ice Festival
February 14- 15, 2010
Not just an ice castle anymore! Experience great winter time activities and a premier Jazz Festival throughout the annual winter fest. Each year vendors, musicians, and visitors celebrate winter for a weekend of outdoor entertainment. Food concessions, children's activities- activities for the whole family, contests, bonfire and fireworks display, ice skating, community-wide events at Chautauqua area businesses, treasure hunts and special packages make for a true winter wonderland experience!
Wineries and Galleries
Tour the wineries of Chautauqua including Johnson Estate, Vetter, and Noble. On your way stop by several art galleries such as the Octagon Gallery and Portage Hill.
Helicopter Tours
H & L Enterprises of WNY LLC. is offering Helicopter tours of Western New York. Please call or e-mail for more information. Also you can email H & L directly at info@hlprises.com or visit their website www.hlprises.com for more information.
The Best Little Golf Town in America
The November 2002 issue of Golf Digest Magazine named Jamestown, NY as "The Best Little Golf Town in America". Jamestown walked away with the top prize, number one of 314 areas surveyed. The article says rankings were based on access, value, and weather. That's right, WEATHER. In fact, three of the top five "best little golf towns" are in the state of New York!
The Chautauqua Golf Club:
36 holes in the gentle rolling countryside, next to The Chautauqua Institution in Upstate New York. Lake views, challenging hazards, professional instruction, every amenity.
The finest in golfing tradition since 1896 when golf enthusiasts laid out a course on "links." The first nine-hole course opened in 1914, followed by the completion in 1924 of our original 18-hole course designed by Donald Ross. The Chautauqua Golf Club invites you to the challenge of 36 championship holes. Whether it's the picturesque beauty of the Lake Course or the naturalistic views from the Hill Course, you will definitely be treated to a memorable golf experience.
716-357-6211
The Chautauqua Golf Club
Balloons Over Chautauqua
A hot-air balloon ride is described by most as "the biggest thrill of a lifetime." Riding the winds with seven stories of colorful fabric above you, enjoying panoramic views of Chautauqua County's landscape, highlighted by blue vistas of our lakes, are just some of the joys of a hot air adventure. Don't forget your camera!
P.O. Box 294, Lakewood, NY 14750
716-484-9961
Sky Sail Balloons
The launch is smooth, and any breeze ceases as the balloon joins with the wind and becomes one with the sky. "It's not at all as I imagined", say many first time balloon passengers. "It's as if you are standing on a platform and the world drops from below you. There is no sense of motion." The rush of emotion calms as a panoramic vista unfolds. The balloon climbs to altitudes of 500 to 1500 feet above the ground. On clear days it is possible to see 100 miles.
Scenic hot air balloon rides in Western New York year-round by FAA certified pilots. Flight training available.
2805 Carpenter Pringle Rd., Ashville NY 14710-9763
716-326-7245 workdays, 716-782-2280 evenings & weekends
Summer Wind Chautauqua Lake Cruises
Cruise on Lake Chautauqua. Enjoy the sunshine and breeze on the Upper Deck or the climate controlled Salon. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Brunch. Live entertainment on some cruises. May to October.
Lucille Ball Memorial Park, Celeron, NY
716-763-7447
www.TheSummerWind.com
Fishing and Boating on Chautauqua Lake
Warm water fly fishing excursions are available this April, including private tours and lessons, equipment and your very own guide hosted by The Spencer! A great opportunity to break the cabin fever and enjoy the outdoors.
Take advantage of beautiful Chautauqua Lake, the Chautauqua Marina's services include new boat rentals, jet skiing, boating courses, sailing and more!
The Chautauqua Marina is just minutes away from The Spencer on 104 West Lake Road, Mayville, New York, 14757. Phone for a complete menu of services: 716-753-3913
Fishing
Up-to-date fishing info: 716-372-0645
CCVB: 800-242-4569
For a current fishing report, visit www.ChautauquaLakeFishingReports.com
NYSDEC Freshwater Fishing
Fishing is a lifetime leisure sport that can be enjoyed by
people of all ages, from all walks of life, and New York State
has some of the best fishing around.
http://www.dec.state.ny.us/website/dfwmr/fish/
- 15.2KB
NYSDEC Hunting, Fishing, and Trapping Seasons and Regulations
Seasons, bag limits, and restrictions on equipment and methods are basic tools used to help manage fish and wildlife populations and provide equitable access to ... http://www.dec.state.ny.us/website/dfwmr/seasons/ - 6.8KB
Double D.A.B. Riding Stables
The best riding stables - scenic horseback trail riding in Western New York; pony rides, youth programs, petting farm. Only 20 minutes from the Chautauqua Institution.
5811 Welch Hill Road, Ripley, NY 14775
716-736-4418, Fax: 716-736-4418
e-mail: doubldab@fairpoint.net
www.doubledab.net
Chautauqua Rails-to-Trails
Chautauqua County is blessed with beautiful unused rail corridors winding through picturesque countryside and villages.
In an era preceding paved roads and mechanically reliable cars and trucks, railroads were essential for transportation and for moving agricultural and manufactured goods and supplies through rural areas. In recent decades, railroads have abandoned most of their lines serving rural areas.
Chautauqua Rails-to-Trails is preserving these abandoned rail corridors for conversion into safe off-road trails for recreational use: walking, running, hiking, bicycling, cross country skiing, bird watching (over 170 species identified) and horseback riding.
These trails provide public access through scenic woodlands, wetlands and flowering meadows, offering trail users opportunities to observe the plants, animals and birds found in areas otherwise remote from highways and roads. The trails are available for outdoor recreational activities and environmental study for the public at large and for group outings sponsored by schools, scouts, churches and service organizations.
Chautauqua Rails-to-Trails Home Page
Rt. 394 Railroad Depot, PO Box 151, Mayville, NY 14781
716-269-3666
Let us help you plan a Day Trip...
The Spencer Hotel & Spa is
located about an hour and a half from Niagara Falls. There's
always something to do in the Falls! Tour the Niagara River
on the Whirlpool Jet Boat - Cave
of The Winds; A helicopter ride with Rainbow
Air, Inc.; or 'explore the roar' on the
Maid Of The Mist boat tour.
For something a little more laid
back, why not tour the Aquarium
of Niagara, Niagara's
Wax Museum of History, Old
Fort Niagara on the Shores of Lake Ontario, or the Herschell
Carrousel Factory Museum in North Tonawanda, NY.
Visit the Alright-Knox
Art Gallery in Buffalo, NY - a world class art museum.
Learn how electricity is generated at the New
York Power Authority's new interactive Power Vista. Take
a leisurely ride through the beautiful Niagara
Reservation State Park on the "Viewmobile". Or take a
ride on the Niagara & Western
New York Railroad.
CONTACT THE SPENCER HOTEL & SPA FOR DAY TRIP SPECIALS!
Niagara Falls
There's always something to do in Niagara Falls. Go the Niagara River on the Whirlpool Jet Boat, Cave of the Winds, a helicopter ride with Rainbow Air, and the Maid of the Mist Boat Tour. View the Falls from 400 feet up on the Great Balloon Ride.
For something a little more laid back, why not tour the Aquarium of Niagara, Niagara's Wax Museum of History, Old Fort Niagara on the shores of Lake Ontario, or the Herschell Carrousel Factory Museum in North Tonawanda. Visit the Albright-Knox Art Gallery in Buffalo, NY, a world class art museum. Visit the New York Power Authority's new interactive Power Vista and learn how electricity is generated. Take a leisurely ride through the beautiful Niagara Reservation State Park on the Viewmobile. And take a ride on the Niagara & Western New York Railroad. Contact The Spencer Hotel and Spa for day trip specials.
Niagara Falls Maid of the Mist Boat Ride
Boats leave every 30 minutes from the U.S. or Canada. Docks
are ¼ mile from the Rainbow Bridge.
716-284-8897
The Rainbow Bridge...
connects the Cities of Niagara Falls. Cross the bridge by auto, on foot or a bicycle. It's also a great location for viewing the Falls & Friday night fireworks. Only $.50 for pedestrians.
See
the daredevils who've made it over the falls.
Niagara
Falls Attractions
Amish Country
Experience the charm of Amish handcrafted furniture, Quilts, and Crafts. Authentic handmade Amish patchwork and applique quilts, wallhangings, pillows, bentwood rockers, woodcrafts, etc. Get a map for a beautiful drive through Amish country.
Lake Erie Wine Country
Lake Erie Wine Country, formerly named the Chautauqua Wine Trail is about 20 miles long and runs amid the vineyards dotting the shores of Lake Erie and into Pennslvania. Chautauqua County wine tours are available all year. Visit their website for upcoming events for the Western New York wine trail and Pennsylvania region.
Cross Roads Farm and Craft Market
Save Saturdays for Cross Roads. Chautauqua artisans, crafters, farm products and fun. Expect the unexpected at Cross Roads, every Saturday May-Dec. 8am-5pm.
(716) 326-6278 or (716)326-MART
Fax: (716) 326-2765
P.O. Box 92, County Rd. 21, Westfield, NY 14787
www.TheCrossroadsMarket.com
The first settlement in what is now Chautauqua County, New York, was the "Cross Roads" along the portage trail between Lakes Chautauqua and Erie. What was just a fallow hilltop field five years ago is now a thriving shopping community. Cross Roads Farm & Craft Market is a Co-op of over forty member-owned shops.
Chautauqua has long been known for the quality and creativity of its artists and artisans and Cross Roads has brought many of the finest to this permanent location. Each undergoes a jury process to ensure the quality and diversity of the products offered. At Cross Roads, located between Westfield and Sherman on County Road 21, you'll meet each designer, you'll watch the artisans at work (carving wood spirits, painting, sewing and much more), and you'll be able to commission special works just for you. The 40 or so shops are individually owned and managed by the vendors. These small shops pack a big wallop. The personal, friendly atmosphere delights customers, along with the knowledge, skill and artistry of all the members.
Winery Tours
Start out with our favorite winery, Mazza Cellars and indulge in one of our winery packages; private drivers are available upon request. Mark your calendar for November 3rd & 4th & the 10th & 11th for a scenic holiday wine festival...Reserve now as tickets are limited...All of your favorites like Cabernet Sauvignon & Chardonnay plus more will be featured. Be certain to try our outstanding icewines - made from the exciting Vidal Blanc varietal! Mazza Vineyards.
See complete list of wineries.
Cadwell's Cheese House
In business since 1927. Sample domestic and imported cheeses and special NY State aged cheddar. Also gourmet items, gift ideas and maple syrup. Open May 1 - Oct.
5392 East Lake Rd. Rt. 430, Dewittville, NY 14728
716-753-7280 or 800-753-2104
Portage Hill Gallery
Dedicated to presenting regional and national art of the finest quality.
The Portage Hill Gallery features top quality juried art created by regionally and nationally known artists in all media, including paintings, sculpture, ceramics, glass, jewelry, wooden work, and photography.
716-326-4478
www.PortageHillGallery.com
Summer Gallery at Chautauqua
A collected work of 240 artists from across the country. Handmade one of a kind art, paintings, prints, pottery and jewelry. On the grounds of Chautauqua Institution.
(716) 357-2500
Fax: (716) 679-2264
15 Ramble Ave., Chautauqua, NY 14722
Old Mill Pottery
Visit our working studio and gift gallery in the historic village of Westfield. All pottery is wheel thrown or hand-crafted. Decorative terra-cotta & functional stoneware. Eclectic works of art for sale. Call about adult pottery classes.
19 Market St
Westfield, NY 14787
Phone: 716-326-7508
Teddy Bear Factory
Welcome to Kabob Bear Country! It is the home of hundreds of handmade Teddy Bears and other related items. Large Selection of Specialty Bears. Bearth Certificates Available For Every Bear.
All of our bears are handmade by a mother and daughter team; they range in sizes of 12" to 48", and we can make almost any size you request! You may pick the style, fur color, eye color and outfit color. You tell us what you want and we make it!
6359 S. Stockton-Cassadaga Rd. Sinclairville, NY 14782
716-962-4647 (Fax) 716-962-3813
www.KabobBear.com
Lucy-Desi Museum and Desilu Playhouse
Celebrating Jamestown, New York’s most famous daughter, Lucille Ball, her husband and co-star, Desi Arnaz, and the most enduring series on television, “I Love Lucy ”. Enjoy exhibits of their wardrobe and personal belongings, interactive displays, reproductions of television soundstages, original props and costumes, video screenings, three gift shops more!
Home & Away, the AAA Magazine of Mid-America, selected the Lucy-Desi Museum in downtown Jamestown as a “unique travel gem” and profiled it in the AAA Travel Treasures section of its January/February 2003 issue.Annual festivals include Lucy-Desi Days Memorial Day Weekend in May and Lucy’s Birthday Celebration in early August. Hours for both museums are Mon.-Sat. 10-5:30, Sun. 1-5. Closed Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Day, and New Year’s Eve and Day.
www.Lucy-Desi.com
(716) 484-0800, toll-free: 1-877-LUCY-FAN (582-9326)
Lewis Carroll Society
http://lewiscarrollsociety.org.uk/index.html
The Lewis Carroll Society was formed in 1969 with the aim of encouraging research into the life and works of Lewis Carroll (Charles Lutwidge Dodgson). The Society has members around the world, including many leading libraries and institutions, authors, researchers and many who simply enjoy Carroll's books and want to find out more about the man and his work.
Roger Tory Peterson Institute of Natural History
View world class nature exhibits, Nature Store, hike the 27 acres of wooded trails, enjoy the butterfly garden. One of the four locations for the annual Nature Art Festival held each August.
Named in honor of America's preeminent naturalist of the twentieth century, the Institute is based in Jamestown, NY, the birthplace of Dr. Peterson. The facility was built, in part, to house the Collection and lifetime body of work of this great naturalist.
Wildlife Art & Photo Exhibit
National Art Library
Natural History Library
(716) 665-2473
Fax: (716) 665-3794
311 Curtis St., Jamestown, NY 14701
www.RTPI.org
Audubon Nature Center & Sanctuary
A 600-acre wildlife sanctuary with 5 miles of easy hiking trails through fields, woods, and wetlands with observations towers and handicap accessible overlook. Exhibits, bird collection, Roger Tory Peterson, Art Inspirations Exhibit, special events, programs and nature store. One of the venues for the annual Nature Art Festival.
The Jamestown Audubon Nature Center, located on the 600-acre Burgeson Wildlife Sanctuary, is a project of the Jamestown Audubon Society whose mission is to provide educational opportunities for the appreciation, understanding and enjoyment of the natural world and to encourage and practice environmental stewardship.
(716) 569-2345
Fax: (716) 569-2765
1600 Riverside Rd., Jamestown, NY 14701
Jamestown Audubon Society
Dart Airport and Aviation Museum
Glider rides, airplane rides, flight instruction. Complete aviation museum, planes, engines. memorabilia.
Route 430. P.O. Box 211, Mayville, NY 14757
716-753-2160, Fax: 716-753-2160
1891 Fredonia Opera House
Northern Chautauqua county's premiere performing arts center with a year-round schedule of live events, concerts, films. Guided tours available.
