JAMESTOWN, NY — Is it time to tap the summer vacation bonanza?

While a perfect European vacation was not in the cards for me this summer, there is something to be said for the thrill of a road trip.

You can say goodbye to long travel days and wait times and hello to a new and accessible destination just a few hours away.

Located at the westernmost end of New York State, Chautauqua County (pronounced shuh-taa-kwuh) beckons with its unique blend of rural charm and lakeside vistas.

Its proximity to larger urban centres, such as Toronto, Niagara Falls in Ontario, and Buffalo, NY, makes it an easily accessible getaway, promising a stress-free and enjoyable journey.

During the peak summer season, Chautauqua County comes abuzz with vibrant activity. From one-of-a-kind museums to festivals, sandy beaches, lakeside dining, wineries, and more, everything is waiting to be explored and enjoyed.

Lucille Ball is one of many entertainers celebrated at the National Comedy Center in Jamestown, NY

So, where do we start?

SIP-N-SWIRL WINERIES

Touring the Lake Erie Grape Belt, an 80-km trail peppered with 23 wineries famous for Concord grapes, is an area highlight for wine enthusiasts.

More notably, the county boasts the largest U.S. grape-cultivating region east of the Rockies and the largest Concord-growing region in the world.

One of our wine stops is the Johnson Estate Winery, founded in 1961, markedly the oldest estate winery in New York State. Here, Fred and Jennifer Johnson, proudly the third generation of the Johnson family, shared their thoughts on the family’s generational success, the intricacies of growing grapes, and how their wines resemble those produced in Germany due to comparable climates.

Johnson Estate Winery’s Jennifer Johnson

“Perhaps the best part is the appreciation,” reflected Johnson. “In building and creating new traditions on this century farm, we continue to be stewards of the family land, its business, and our community in ways that leave each in a little better condition than we found it,” he continued.

Another significant historical connection to the region is the Welch family. Who can forget the renowned founders of the world-famous Welch’s grape juice and jelly? Their decision to move their plant to Westfield in 1897, to be in the heart of Concord grape country, is a testament to the region’s rich heritage and deep-rooted connection to the grape industry.

The Grape Discovery Center in Westfield is a quirky official visitor center where you can learn ‘all things grape’ and view a nostalgic exhibit dedicated to Welch’s brand over the years.

EXPLORING JAMESTOWN

It’s easy to spend a day in Jamestown, which in its heyday was known as the furniture capital of the world. Today, it’s a year-round cultural hub exuding a unique mixture of serene charm, making it a fun place to explore with local shops and cafes.

A claim to fame, Jamestown was the home of the legendary comedienne Lucille Ball, where she was both born and buried. The iconic Lucy-Desi Museum is a must-visit in the area. This sprawling museum showcases the decades of the ‘first couple of comedy’ careers. The museum features a live interactive set, movie clips, and original costumes and is a great place to learn more about their lives and work. Also worthy of note is a visit to the local cemetery nearby, where Lucille Ball is buried.

Another fun twist is the National Comedy Center, which opened in 2018 near the Lucy-Desi Museum.

This designated cultural institution showcases comedy’s history and preserves its heritage for generations to come. The Center’s exclusive  collections, world-class exhibits, and cutting-edge technology are featured throughout the 37,000-square-foot attraction. Over 50 immersive one-of-a-kind experiences educate, inspire, and entertain visitors as they take an interactive journey through comedy history.

“It is the most interactive and immersive museum experience in the world,” shared Megan Eckwahl, marketing and communications manager. “Upon entering, you will complete a humour profile, and the content will be geared to you personally via the interactive exhibits.”

Each summer, the annual Lucille Ball Comedy Festival, held for over thirty years, showcases rising young comedians and comedy legends, including Jerry Seinfeld, Lily Tomlin, Joan Rivers and Ellen DeGeneres. You can purchase tickets in advance for this event, but word to the wise – it’s a one-week event only, and tickets sell out quickly.

Other Jamestown attractions for visitors are the Robert H. Jackson Historial Center and the Roger Tory Peterson Institute, home to the most extensive collection of the artist’s works.

LEARN & PLAY

Nestled on the shores of Chautauqua Lake is the renowned community of the Chautauqua Institute, a hidden gem celebrating its 150th anniversary season this year.

Open only nine weeks out of the year, this charming community features beautiful historical homes – some passed from generation to generation – and grand historic hotels like the Antheneum, established in 1881.

The institute, also coined the ‘adult summer camp’, instills lifelong learning and provides a rotating mix of world-renowned speakers, performing arts, and recreational activities. For concert-goers, a covered amphitheatre with superb acoustics showcases summer concerts with various performers, from Boy II Men to Tribute to ABBA to the five-time Grammy-award-winning Renée Fleming and the Chautauqua Symphony. Ticket sales are available to everyone.

WHERE TO STAY

The Harbor Hotel, a property located on the southeast shore of Chautauqua Lake, is a great option with easy access to all the sights and attractions.

A premium 135-room lakefront resort, it features the Tap & Grill for dining, indoor and outdoor pools, and firepits surrounded by Muskoka chairs where you can catch a stunning lake sunset.

For more information on Chautauqua County visit www.tourchautauqua.com.