If you’re planning to visit Chautauqua, New York, you are in for a treat! This very special county offers a delightful blend of natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant culture. It is often overlooked and remains an underrated gem compared to its neighboring Niagara Falls region. However, Chautauqua, New York boasts a unique charm that will leave you captivated. With its stunning lakeshores, lush forest, and charming small towns, it truly has a little something for everyone to discover.
I used to visit Chautauqua, New York as a kid and have very fond memories of spending time by the lake and enjoying live music at the Chautauqua Institute (which I will share more about later.) However, re-visiting as an adult has given me a whole new appreciation and perspective of this beautiful area and all that it has to offer. In this post, I will share a fun-filled two-day itinerary for how to spend your time in Chautauqua and ensure that you make the most of your time in this underrated New York State destination.
Where is Chautauqua, New York and How Do You Get There?
Chautauqua, New York is conveniently located in the Western part of the state, boarding Lake Eire to the north and Pennsylvania to the south. It’s easily accessible via Interstate 86 and New York State Route 17. Chautauqua, New York is a short drive from quite a few major cities, making it an easy day trip destination or weekend getaway idea. Below, I will list some places with a close enough radius to Chautauqua, New York making for an ideal 2-day trip idea:
- Buffalo, NY– 75 miles, 1.5 hour drive
- Rochester, NY– 140 miles, 2.5 hour drive
- Erie, PA– 40 miles, 50 min drive
- Pittsburgh, PA– 160 miles, 2.5 hour drive
When is the Best Time to Visit?
Chautauqua is lovely to experience year-round, however, there are certain seasons I recommend visiting over others. These are my suggestions on the best times to visit Chautauqua, New York and why:
Summer: Chautauqua Institution hosts a summer season of events running from June to August, and this is such a special time to be in the area and a unique experience. You can attend lectures and classes. There are plenty of live performances, including opera, theater, and a symphony orchestra. It’s also a beautiful time of the year to be by the lake.
Early Fall: There’s definitely an undeniable magic in the air once the leaves start changing and the temperature drops. If you visit Chautauqua during the early fall you can beautiful foliage and a lot of the same activities with a fraction of the crowds. Granted, there will not be as many events going on, but the atmosphere is very peaceful and enjoyable.
Looking for other New York State Itineraries? Check out one of these next:
- How To Spend Your Time in Medina, New York
- How to Spend A Perfect Weekend on Canandaigua Lake
- The Ultimate 2-Day Saratoga Springs Itinerary for First Time Visitors
Where to Stay When Visiting Chautauqua, New York?
One of the highlights of visiting Chautauqua is being on the lake. With that being said, there’s no better place to stay than the Chautauqua Harbor Hotel. This is more of a lakeside resort than just a hotel and has every amenity you can imagine! There’s an incredible fitness center, not one but two pools (indoor and outdoor) a fun, lively bar, and a fabulous restaurant. With a lakeside room booking, you’ll also have a balcony with the most beautiful view. Chautauqua Harbor Hotel is located minutes from all of the best attractions, making for a very convenient location.
If you’d like to book your stay at Chautauqua Harbor Hotel, click here.
Day One:
Your first day in Chautauqua will be filled with lots of laughs, some very interesting history, and, of course, a bit of relaxing downtime. This first day will be a perfect mix, introducing you to some of the best that Chautauqua, New York, has to offer.
11 am: Have Lunch & Wine at 21 Brix Winery
Start your day off with a bang at 21 Brix Winery. 21 Brix is a relatively new addition to the Chautauqua, New York wine scene, opening its doors in September 2011. But they quickly made a name for themselves. Each year, the winery has been making award-winning wines and has won over 400 medals!
The property sits on a gorgeous vineyard of 250 acres and grows seventeen varieties of grapes, including Riesling, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Concord, and Vidal. They offer wines by bottle, glass, or my personal favor, a flight. Their flights are categorized by dry, mixed, sweet, or specialty so there’s truly a little something for everyone. They even have a wine slushie flight which I highly recommend trying. Along with wine, this is also the perfect place to grab lunch with a view of the vineyard. They have a lovely menu of small bites including soft pretzels, personal-size pizzas, and charcuterie boards.
12 pm: Laugh Until You Cry at the National Comedy Center
Did you know that the only museum in the world dedicated to the art of comedy is right here in Chautauqua, New York? This is a must-visit for any comedy fan!
Located in Jamestown, NY, the National Comedy Center is an interactive museum celebrating the rich history and enduring power of comedians and their art. It’s also a fun experience for the whole family. This isn’t your typical museum, however. While you can explore some more traditional exhibits, filled with artifacts and memorabilia from the lives and careers of legendary comedians, the National Comedy Center is so much more.
At the beginning of your visit, you’ll get a wristband and create a profile, which will allow your experiences to be personalized to your comedic preferences. Many of the exhibits are very immersive and allow you to be a part of the experience. For example, you can sit in on your favorite comedians’ shows, create a comic strip cartoon, or compete in a laugh battle. You can even get up on a stage and perform your own comedy bit! There’s so much to discover, learn, and enjoy at the National Comedy Center through these immersive exhibits. It’s a museum that truly allows you to step into a world of laughter and nostalgia like no other!
2 pm: Go to the Lucy Desi Museum
From there, head to the Lucy Desi Museum. For those of you who may not know, the iconic Lucille Ball was born and raised in Chautauqua, New York- Jamestown to be exact. The Lucy Desi Museum is a tribute to both Lucille Ball and her comedy partner, Desi Arnaz. This museum offers a fascinating glimpse into the lives and careers of these legendary entertainers, who starred in the groundbreaking sitcom “I Love Lucy”.
One of my favorite parts of the museum is the replica “I Love Lucy” studio. You can step into a re-creation of the iconic television studio where the show was filmed, complete with original props. It actually feels like being transported to the set of “I Love Lucy” where you can walk around the kitchen and living room. How cool is that?!
There are also tons of personal belongings of Lucy and Desi to discover here, such as their wardrobes, scripts, and even Lucy’s car. And as I mentioned before, you’ll be able to learn a lot of interesting historical facts about their childhoods, marriages, children, and careers, which gave me a whole new appreciation for these beloved actors.
3:30 pm: Shop Till You Drop
Since you’ll already be in Jamestown, after you’ve gotten your “I Love Lucy” fix, spend some time exploring the adorable downtown area. Here you’ll find tons of cute restaurants, bars, museums, and of course boutique shops. This is the perfect place for some retail therapy! I found amazing, unique things at these particular places, which I would highly recommend stopping into if you’re looking to treat yourself or maybe looking for a gift idea for someone else:
- Art Craft & Cloth– they have everything from clothing and purses to home decor and even Buffalo Bills gear! My favorite section was their oil diffusers, candles, and room/linen sprays. All of their scents are intoxicating and they ended up being some of my favorite purchases ever
- Dot’s Gift Boutique– here you’ll find adorable children’s clothes, seasonal decorations, home decor, and gorgeous jewelry! I was so impressed with their selection and ended up buying multiple new pairs of earrings
4:30 pm Check into Chautauqua Harbor Hotel
By this time, you should be able to check into your hotel for the night. If you take up my suggestion and choose to stay at Chautauqua Harbor Hotel, you’ll be just a few minute’s drive from Jamestown, which makes for a very convenient location. Spend some time getting settled in, enjoy a drink at the bar, or explore the beautiful property with a stroll by the water.
6 pm Dinner at Lake House Tap & Grille
Another great thing about staying at Chautauqua Harbor Hotel is that you don’t have to leave the hotel to enjoy a delicious dinner. Lake House Tap & Grille is located on the hotel’s first floor with views overlooking the lake. The menu has a fantastic combination of seafood, pasta, and meat entrees. Everything from their homemade soups and appetizers to their wine selection and desserts hit the mark. It’s worth making a reservation upon checking in or even before arriving.
Day Two:
Get ready for another fun-filled day in Chautauqua, New York! Day two is more focused on some of the natural beauty and charm that Chautauqua has to offer with time spent outdoors.
9:30 am: Take a Morning Walk to Lucille Ball Memorial Park
After getting ready for the day, take a morning walk along the lake. Again, one of the perks of staying at Chautauqua Harbor Hotel is being right on the water and the property has a lovely walking path, which leads right off of the hotel and into Lucille Ball Memorial Park. Lucille Ball actually grew up right in the area- the house she was born in is located very close by! Lucille Ball Memorial Park is a lovely place dedicated to the iconic actress and there are two statues of her located here. They make for a really fun photo op.
10:30 am: Grab Breakfast at Crown Street Roasting Company
Head back to downtown Jamestown for breakfast. Crown Street Roasting Company is hands down the best specialty coffee roaster in the area. They have single-origin drip and pour-over coffee, as well as a full espresso bar. The vibe is very calm and welcoming. This is the perfect place to grab some coffee on the go or bring your laptop and hang out for hours.
They also have a phenomenal breakfast sandwich which also makes this the perfect place for breakfast. Served from 7 am to 11 am, there are a variety of bagel sandwiches you can order. As I’m a bacon, egg & cheese connoisseur, I can confidently say that there’s passed the test with flying colors.
11:30 am: Explore Chautauqua Institution
After fueling up for the day, it’s time to explore Chautauqua Institution. This is the historic, cultural, and educational focal point of the county, which offers a unique and enriching experience to visitors and locals alike. Nestled on the shores of Chautauqua Lake, this charming community was founded in 1874 as a summer assembly.
The founders envisioned a place where people of all ages could come together to learn and grow. Initially, the focus was on religious studies and social reform. However, over time, it expanded to include various topics, such as science, literature, and philosophy.
Today, Chautauqua Institution is a vibrant and thriving community, offering a diverse range of educational and cultural programs and attracting thousands of visitors each year. As you explore the grounds, you’ll discover plenty of gems. Here are some you should consider checking out:
- Bliss Amphitheater– where renowned speakers, musicians, and performers have taken the stage
- Chautauqua Museum of Art & History– showcases an incredible collection of American art and artifacts
- Chautauqua Literary and Scientific Circle– the perfect place to experience a thought-provoking lecture or discussion
- Village of Chautauqua– super charming area where you’ll be able to enjoy boutique shops, restaurants, and historic homes
2 pm Discover the Magic of Panama Rocks
From there, head to Panama Rocks Scenic Park, which is much more than just a hiking trail. Here, you will enter a magical world of towering rocks, deep crevices, cool passageways, and small caves, all hidden in an ancient, moss-covered forest. I’m convinced that if fairies exist, this is definitely where they live!
The main trail at Panama Rocks is a one-mile loop. However, guests are encouraged to go off-trail, as that is where you’ll really get to explore the rocks and crevices. Please note that guests have to sign a waiver before entering, as you choose to go off-trail at your own risk. If you’re able to walk on uneven ground for at least a mile, you should have no issues exploring Panama Rocks.
There’s also glamping, camping, ax throwing, and they host parties! The trail is open daily from the first weekend of May through the last weekend of October (10 am to 5 pm) I promise, this is one place you do not want to miss!
5 pm Early Dinner at Truffle Honey
Close out your fun-filled two days in Chautauqua, New York with a bang. For an elevated dining experience, look no further than Truffle Honey. Located in CHQ Marketplace, this beautiful restaurant offers a delightful menu of gourmet, wood-fired cuisine in a very aesthetic, yet cozy atmosphere. I personally had a challenging time with the menu because everything sounded so good that I couldn’t make up my mind. Which isn’t the worst problem to have.
I ended up going with the roasted beet salad. It was SO incredible that I’m still dreaming about it. And then it just felt appropriate to have their signature Truffle Honey pizza, which did not disappoint! I even managed to save room for dessert, which was the best decision ever.
This was definitely a dining experience that left a lasting impression on me and I already cannot wait to go back again. If you plan to dine here while in Chautauqua County, I highly suggest making reservations, which you can do here. Enjoy!
Enjoy Your Time in Chautauqua, New York
This concludes our two-day Chautauqua, New York itinerary! I hope this has given you some insight and fun ideas for how to spend your time in this very special county of New York State. Please feel free to leave any comments or questions below and happy travels!
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