Brooke’s guidebook

Brooke
Brooke’s guidebook

City/town information

The town of Chautuaqua, is a lovely community full of artisans, antique shops and great restaurants. The charming and unique Chautauqua Instution is nestled in the heart of this small rural town.
21 locals recommend
Chautauqua
21 locals recommend
The town of Chautuaqua, is a lovely community full of artisans, antique shops and great restaurants. The charming and unique Chautauqua Instution is nestled in the heart of this small rural town.

Sightseeing

8 locals recommend
Luensman Overview Park
Thayer Road
8 locals recommend
State-of-the-art museum. One of TIME's "World's Greatest Places." Jamestown, NY Highlights: Open 7 Days A Week, Using State-Of-The-Art Technology.
78 locals recommend
National Comedy Center
203 W 2nd St
78 locals recommend
State-of-the-art museum. One of TIME's "World's Greatest Places." Jamestown, NY Highlights: Open 7 Days A Week, Using State-Of-The-Art Technology.
Since it was established in 1879, Lily Dale has been the world’s largest center for spiritual development and the practice of the Spiritualist religion, offering seminars, workshops, public clairvoyance and healing services during each 10-week summer season. The world-renowned summer program hosts lectures, workshops, and other activities featuring best-selling authors, leaders in academic and scientific research into psychic phenomena, as well as the world’s most powerful mediums, teachers and healers.
25 locals recommend
Lily Dale
25 locals recommend
Since it was established in 1879, Lily Dale has been the world’s largest center for spiritual development and the practice of the Spiritualist religion, offering seminars, workshops, public clairvoyance and healing services during each 10-week summer season. The world-renowned summer program hosts lectures, workshops, and other activities featuring best-selling authors, leaders in academic and scientific research into psychic phenomena, as well as the world’s most powerful mediums, teachers and healers.
Fun spot for physical activity and lovely scenery.
84 locals recommend
Panama Rocks Scenic Park
11 Rock Hill Rd
84 locals recommend
Fun spot for physical activity and lovely scenery.
A visit to Chautauqua Institution feels like stepping into history. The quaint streets, grand old structures and picturesque setting create a retreat-like atmosphere. Chautauqua Institution is a community on the shores of Chautauqua Lake in southwestern New York state that comes alive each summer with a unique mix of fine and performing arts, lectures, interfaith worship and programs, and recreational activities. See website (https://chq.org) for more: -ticket information -COVID related changes -Summer and off season calendar of events
21 locals recommend
Chautauqua
21 locals recommend
A visit to Chautauqua Institution feels like stepping into history. The quaint streets, grand old structures and picturesque setting create a retreat-like atmosphere. Chautauqua Institution is a community on the shores of Chautauqua Lake in southwestern New York state that comes alive each summer with a unique mix of fine and performing arts, lectures, interfaith worship and programs, and recreational activities. See website (https://chq.org) for more: -ticket information -COVID related changes -Summer and off season calendar of events
If you have an extra day, and a passport/ enhanced license, a trip up to Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario is worth the 90 minute drive. With it's beautiful landscaping, majestic old buildings and quaint down town, this town is a true gem. While COVID will certainly have affected the theatre offerings, there is a thriving performing arts community here, with numerous theaters groups performing a wide variety of works.
628 locals recommend
Niagara on the Lake
628 locals recommend
If you have an extra day, and a passport/ enhanced license, a trip up to Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario is worth the 90 minute drive. With it's beautiful landscaping, majestic old buildings and quaint down town, this town is a true gem. While COVID will certainly have affected the theatre offerings, there is a thriving performing arts community here, with numerous theaters groups performing a wide variety of works.
A world renowned natural wonder, Niagara Falls offer ample opportunity for recreation and sight seeing. The following information is from https://www.niagarafallsusa.com/ and is from 9/3/2020. WHICH NIAGARA FALLS USA ATTRACTIONS ARE OPEN? Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, several attractions are encouraging visitors to purchase and secure admission tickets in advance online. Please confirm beforehand to ensure an enjoyable experience for all. Face masks are required! Niagara Falls USA Official Visitor Center: Open daily, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Niagara Falls State Park is open 24/7/365, but all attractions do have specific hours of operation. Parking is $10 for the day. The Niagara Falls USA Discovery Pass will not be available for sale for the 2020 season. Aquarium of Niagara: Open daily, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Cave of the Winds at Niagara Falls State Park: Open daily, 10 a.m. to 7:15 p.m. Timed tickets will be required; visit the Cave as your first stop of the day. Capacity will be limited and times will fill quickly. The World Changed Here Pavilion will not be opened and sandals will not be provided. Discover Niagara Shuttle: Open daily, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Erie Canal Discovery Center: Now open
1604 locals recommend
Niagara Falls
1604 locals recommend
A world renowned natural wonder, Niagara Falls offer ample opportunity for recreation and sight seeing. The following information is from https://www.niagarafallsusa.com/ and is from 9/3/2020. WHICH NIAGARA FALLS USA ATTRACTIONS ARE OPEN? Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, several attractions are encouraging visitors to purchase and secure admission tickets in advance online. Please confirm beforehand to ensure an enjoyable experience for all. Face masks are required! Niagara Falls USA Official Visitor Center: Open daily, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Niagara Falls State Park is open 24/7/365, but all attractions do have specific hours of operation. Parking is $10 for the day. The Niagara Falls USA Discovery Pass will not be available for sale for the 2020 season. Aquarium of Niagara: Open daily, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Cave of the Winds at Niagara Falls State Park: Open daily, 10 a.m. to 7:15 p.m. Timed tickets will be required; visit the Cave as your first stop of the day. Capacity will be limited and times will fill quickly. The World Changed Here Pavilion will not be opened and sandals will not be provided. Discover Niagara Shuttle: Open daily, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Erie Canal Discovery Center: Now open
Lake Erie lakefront park with tennis, life-guarded swimming, playground, picnic area, pavilions, restrooms. Trails for bicycling and fishing. Free parking, no admission fee. This beach tends to have higher, choppier waves than Wright park. On the road out, you pass the historic lighthouse which is also worth a visit, and where several local theater productions have been held.
Point Gratiot
Lake Erie lakefront park with tennis, life-guarded swimming, playground, picnic area, pavilions, restrooms. Trails for bicycling and fishing. Free parking, no admission fee. This beach tends to have higher, choppier waves than Wright park. On the road out, you pass the historic lighthouse which is also worth a visit, and where several local theater productions have been held.
Free lifeguarded beach with a sandy shore, the Beach House Grill and Ice Cream Stand, an outdoor shower for rinsing off, basketball courts, public restrooms, picnicking volleyball court, skate park, and splash pad. For parents with younger children, this beach is ideal, as the water stays shallow quite a distance from shore. This beach also tends to be a bit more protected, with calmer waters than Point Gratiot.
Wright Park Drive
Wright Park Drive
Free lifeguarded beach with a sandy shore, the Beach House Grill and Ice Cream Stand, an outdoor shower for rinsing off, basketball courts, public restrooms, picnicking volleyball court, skate park, and splash pad. For parents with younger children, this beach is ideal, as the water stays shallow quite a distance from shore. This beach also tends to be a bit more protected, with calmer waters than Point Gratiot.
Enjoy a relaxing day on Lake Erie, and the possibility of delicious, fresh walleye for dinner! If Captain John is booked, he will happily recommend an alternative charter for you! https://timestwocharters.com
Times Two Charters
11616 Cedarcliff Drive
Enjoy a relaxing day on Lake Erie, and the possibility of delicious, fresh walleye for dinner! If Captain John is booked, he will happily recommend an alternative charter for you! https://timestwocharters.com
A fun spot for families with small kids. About 40 minutes by car, this unique amusement park is also a state park.
33 locals recommend
Midway State Park
4859 NY-430
33 locals recommend
A fun spot for families with small kids. About 40 minutes by car, this unique amusement park is also a state park.
Chautauqua Rails to Trails (CR2T) is a non profit corporation whose reason for existence is to acquire, develop and maintain multi purpose recreational trails for public use on or near abandoned railroad rights of way. CR2T provides safe, attractive trails for non motorized trail users. The trails wind through wetlands, pine forests, hardwood forests, pastures and vineyards. Observing and learning about nature, about the history of the area and getting healthy physical exercise is what trail users can expect. There are numerous entry points to rails to trails within a 20-25 minute drive. Most of the trails have a very gentle uphill slope as you head toward Mayville (Southwest), and on the return, a very gentle uphill slope. This is ideal for an easy family outing and /or a light hike or jog in a beautiful natural setting. You may see people on horses, bikes or just on foot along the way. If you go to Luensman Overview, you could make a full day of hiking and check out the segment that begins just down Thayer Hill Road, and that takes you through woods, cow pastures and more woods. For more detailed information, check out: https://chaurtt.org/about/
8 locals recommend
Chautauqua Rails To Trails
16 Water St
8 locals recommend
Chautauqua Rails to Trails (CR2T) is a non profit corporation whose reason for existence is to acquire, develop and maintain multi purpose recreational trails for public use on or near abandoned railroad rights of way. CR2T provides safe, attractive trails for non motorized trail users. The trails wind through wetlands, pine forests, hardwood forests, pastures and vineyards. Observing and learning about nature, about the history of the area and getting healthy physical exercise is what trail users can expect. There are numerous entry points to rails to trails within a 20-25 minute drive. Most of the trails have a very gentle uphill slope as you head toward Mayville (Southwest), and on the return, a very gentle uphill slope. This is ideal for an easy family outing and /or a light hike or jog in a beautiful natural setting. You may see people on horses, bikes or just on foot along the way. If you go to Luensman Overview, you could make a full day of hiking and check out the segment that begins just down Thayer Hill Road, and that takes you through woods, cow pastures and more woods. For more detailed information, check out: https://chaurtt.org/about/

Food scene

A gluten-free certified kitchen specializing in vegan and vegetarian eats. Recipient of a small business grant from Ignite Buffalo and featured on Small Business Revolution (Hulu).
Om Nohm Gluten Free
45 Temple St
A gluten-free certified kitchen specializing in vegan and vegetarian eats. Recipient of a small business grant from Ignite Buffalo and featured on Small Business Revolution (Hulu).
Try the smoked feta! YUM! This is a quick walk down the street, a fun summer spot.
Lakeshore Grillworks Inc
436 Lake Shore Dr E
Try the smoked feta! YUM! This is a quick walk down the street, a fun summer spot.
A local favorite for breakfast or lunch. Tasty soups, salads, bowls, sandwiches...and desserts.
17 locals recommend
Upper Crust Bake House
27 E Main St
17 locals recommend
A local favorite for breakfast or lunch. Tasty soups, salads, bowls, sandwiches...and desserts.
Open air dining 1.8 miles down the road. This is a cute spot by the pier, offering several dining options (Pizza, Seafood, Latin food, Bakery, etc.) as well as a few shops/boutiques.
12 locals recommend
Dunkirk Boardwalk Market
8-22 Central Avenue
12 locals recommend
Open air dining 1.8 miles down the road. This is a cute spot by the pier, offering several dining options (Pizza, Seafood, Latin food, Bakery, etc.) as well as a few shops/boutiques.
Deli · Specialty Grocery Store · Butcher Shop Nice selections of fresh meats, deli meats, cheeses, olives, specialty food items and even kitchen wares. **Dunkirk Observer 2016 Readers' Choice Awards recipient for Best Business in Fredonia, Best Customer Service and Best Subs/Sandwiches!**
10 locals recommend
Tuscany Fresh Meats Deli
450 E Main St
10 locals recommend
Deli · Specialty Grocery Store · Butcher Shop Nice selections of fresh meats, deli meats, cheeses, olives, specialty food items and even kitchen wares. **Dunkirk Observer 2016 Readers' Choice Awards recipient for Best Business in Fredonia, Best Customer Service and Best Subs/Sandwiches!**
45 Cliffstar Ct (311.25 mi) Dunkirk, NY 14048 Wed. 9am-4pm
Dunkirk Farmer Market
Ruggles Street
45 Cliffstar Ct (311.25 mi) Dunkirk, NY 14048 Wed. 9am-4pm
Local homemade ice cream. A local favorite summer spot!
6 locals recommend
Big Dipper Ice Cream Parlor
950 Central Ave
6 locals recommend
Local homemade ice cream. A local favorite summer spot!
Try the New Yorker! They also make a tasty chicken finger sub! Currently one location in Fredonia (they do deliver to Dunkirk) Dunkirk location coming soon. **Featured on Small Business Revolution (Hulu)**
Lena's Pizza, Subs & Wings
18 Canadaway St
Try the New Yorker! They also make a tasty chicken finger sub! Currently one location in Fredonia (they do deliver to Dunkirk) Dunkirk location coming soon. **Featured on Small Business Revolution (Hulu)**
We order from here just for the medium wings! A little sweet a little spicy, super tasty! They deliver, but it's also just a 3 minute drive away!
PDUBS PIZZA WINGS N' THINGS
404 Central Ave
We order from here just for the medium wings! A little sweet a little spicy, super tasty! They deliver, but it's also just a 3 minute drive away!
(212)218-5521 U- pick cherries. Fresh produce. Farm stand.
Olde Chautauqua Farms
6645 West Main Road
(212)218-5521 U- pick cherries. Fresh produce. Farm stand.
Open June to November.
Yerico Farms LLC
3186 E Main St
Open June to November.
Great beer, nice atmosphere, good food. About 50-55 minute drive.
69 locals recommend
Southern Tier Brewing Company
2072 Stoneman Cir
69 locals recommend
Great beer, nice atmosphere, good food. About 50-55 minute drive.

City advice

Don't miss

Chautauqua County Wine Trail/ Lake Erie Wine County

Find more details at: https://www.tourchautauqua.com/destinations/lake-erie-wine-country Liberty Vineyards (https://libertywinery.com/visit.asp) and 21 Brix (https://21brix.com/pages/tasting-room) are both fairly close and have a wonderful atmosphere, offering enjoyable tastings.
Don't miss

Fredonia Farmer's market

9am -1pm Saturday May - Oct. : downtown Fredonia November - April : Fredonia Masonic Lodge (Route 20)
Don't miss

LAKE ERIE WALLEYE CHARTERS-Dunkirk, NY (June-September)

Enjoy a relaxing day on Lake Erie, and the possibility of delicious, fresh walleye for dinner! https://timestwocharters.com If Captain John is booked, he will happily recommend an alternative charter for you!
Don't miss

Depending on the season, enjoy some "u-pick" produce.

I recommend calling ahead to check on hours, crop status, etc. : 1. Yerico Farms/The Pickin' Patch -Fredonia, NY (716) 673-1271 - very kid friendly- for raspberries, blueberries, strawberries and more. 2. Scudder's Blueberries - Fredonia, NY (716)-4740- very kid friendly 3. Olde Chautauqua Farms - Portland, NY (716) 792-9440 - kid friendly; cherries & asparagus
Don't miss

Buffalo attractions

Buffalo and the greater Buffalo area have been experiencing a renaissance in the last 5 -10 years. As a result, the art scene, gastronomy and cultural opportunities in Buffalo have expanded exponentially. If your itinerary permits, take a day and check it out!