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12 Best Things to Do in Chautauqua County

12 Best Things to Do in Chautauqua County

Searching for the best things to do in and around Chautauqua Lake, New York?

Adam and I had been wanting to do a road trip around Upstate New York for a long time, and we finally had an opportunity to this spring!

The first stop on our trip was to beautiful Chautauqua County, where we stayed at the gorgeous Chautauqua Harbor Hotel.

We spent two days in Chautauqua County, and we actually got pretty lucky with the weather, considering we visited during rainy late April.

Here are some of the best activities and things to do near Chautauqua Lake and Jamestown, New York!

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Best things to do by Chautauqua Lake


Chautauqua Harbor Hotel in Celoron, NY

I was kindly hosted by the Chautauqua Harbor Hotel for this review. As always, all opinions are my own.

Stay at the Chautauqua Harbor Hotel

The Chautauqua Harbor Hotel is literally a slice of paradise, and it’s located right by Chautauqua Lake.

This gorgeous AAA Four Diamond waterfront resort is nestled on the shores of Chautauqua Lake, and it’s the perfect stay if you’re looking to do a relaxing getaway.

Chautauqua Harbor Hotel in Celoron, NY

The luxury 4-star hotel features 135 deluxe guest rooms and suites, many of which have balconies and views of the lake!

Chautauqua Lake, NY

We absolutely loved our stay at the Chautauqua Harbor Hotel – our room was very spacious and everything was extremely clean.

I especially loved the modern bathroom, and the glass shower was really nice.

I’d highly recommend booking one of the rooms with a lake view and balcony, so you can enjoy the gorgeous views of the lake while sippin’ on your morning coffee or enjoying the sunset.

The Chautauqua Harbor Hotel has great amenities, including a fitness centre, indoor pool, seasonal outdoor pool, and outdoor mini golf.

If you’re visiting during the summer months, you can hit up the outdoor Carousel Bar, which is an homage to the amusement park that was once here!

Dining at the Lakehouse Tap & Grille

The Chautauqua Harbor Hotel’s in-house restaurant, the Lakehouse Tap & Grille, is also a fantastic spot for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

Lakehouse Tap & Grille at the Chautauqua Harbor Hotel in Celoron, NY

You can enjoy classic breakfast staples like omelettes and pancakes, as well as unique options like their Corned Beef Hash and Eggs (unique to us Canadians!) and Blueberry Stuffed French Toast.

Fried Calamari, Hot Crab Dip, and Artisanal Charcuterie Board are all must-try starters, and we absolutely loved the Grilled Filet Mignon and Pan Seared Aukra Salmon.

They also offer a changing selection of lunch and dinner specials, and the Tuna Poke and Seafood Chowder were both fantastic specials we enjoyed during our visit.

The bread baskets are great too, with their olive bread and olive spread being our faves.

I love trying local craft beers when I travel, and I enjoyed a blood orange wheat beer from Ellicottville Brewing and a strawberry cider from a local cidery.

The restaurant has massive windows, so you can enjoy plenty of daylight alongside pretty lake views!

Definitely book reservation for the window seats so you can enjoy the views overlooking Chautauqua Lake.

Book a stay at the Chautauqua Harbor Hotel

The Chautauqua Harbor Hotel is the perfect destination for a couple’s romantic getaway or a family-friendly vacation.

They even host many weddings and corporate conferences and events at the hotel!

They also host a really fun Fire & Ice Celebration every winter, where the hotel grounds get turned into an adult playground with ice sculptures, fire pits, cocktails, and more.

You can check out rates for the Chautauqua Harbor Hotel on Expedia!

LOCATION: 10 Dunham Ave, Celoron, NY


Big Tree Ice Cream in Lakewood, NY

Grab ice cream at Big Tree Ice Cream

If you’ve got a sweet tooth, you’ll definitely want to make a stop at Big Tree Ice Cream.

This beloved local spot serves up an extensive list of soft serve, sundaes, hard ice cream, and so many more delicious treats.

You’ll find a wide variety of soft serve flavours, including the classic Vanilla and Chocolate, alongside more fun options like Espresso, Mango, and Blue Moon!

Big Tree Ice Cream in Lakewood, NY
The menu at Big Tree Ice Cream.

You can also take your pick from unique hard ice cream flavours, including their Raspberry Chip Cheesecake, Banana Cream Pie, and Carrot Cake (cinnamon spice ice cream with cream cheese frosting and carrot cake slices!)

We tried their Pistachio Almond ice cream, which was delicious.

Pistachio Almond ice cream from Big Tree Ice Cream in Lakewood, NY
Pistachio Almond hard ice cream from Big Tree.

If you’re looking for non-dairy options, you can enjoy options like their Raspberry-Pomegranate Sorbet or Blood Orange Sorbet.

This little pastel-coloured shop operates like an ice cream stand, and there’s even a drive-thru if you don’t feel like getting out of your car.

Big Tree Ice Cream in Lakewood, NY

Big Tree only opens starting at 4 PM on weekdays, but they open at 12 PM on weekends!

Take note that they also only accept cash, and there is an ATM on-site.

LOCATION: 4403 W Fairmount Ave, Lakewood, NY


Sip wines in Lake Erie Wine Country

If you’re a wine lover, you’ll definitely want to visit one of the many wineries in Lake Erie Wine Country.

Lake Erie Wine Country stretches from New York to Pennsylvania, with over 20 wineries spanning across 50 miles along the shores of Lake Erie.

You just drive straight up north from Jamestown over to the shores of Lake Erie, with the closest wineries being about 40 minutes away.

Fun fact: Chautauqua is actually the largest grape growing county in the US, outside of California!


Snap a shot of the Celoron Lighthouse

The Village of Celoron has history dating back almost 300 years, and you can visit historical sites like the picturesque Celoron Lighthouse.

It’s a small lighthouse, but it’s still really cute and photo-worthy!

It’s especially nice to visit during golden hour when you can catch the sunset in the background.

The lighthouse also located right by the Chautauqua Harbor Hotel and Lucille Ball Memorial Park.

LOCATION: 1 Dunham Ave, Jamestown, NY


Take in the views from Luensman Overview Park

We really wanted to visit Luensman Overview Park during our trip to Chautauqua, but sadly it was too early in the season and wasn’t open yet!

The park opens from June through November, and you can enjoy stunning views of Lake Erie (and Canada on a clear day!)

Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy at the lookout, or enjoy some light hiking on the trails.

Luensman Overview Park is located about a half hour drive away from Jamestown.

LOCATION: Thayer Rd, Portland, NY


Long Point State Park by Chautauqua Lake, NY

Hike at Long Point State Park

Long Point State Park is a 360-acre state park located right by Chautauqua Lake.

There are some nice hiking and biking trails here, and there’s also a beach where you can swim.

Long Point State Park by Chautauqua Lake, NY
We saw this little guy while we were exploring the park.

You can explore the park year-round, but I bet it’s the most beautiful during fall with all the foliage!

There is a vehicle entrance fee of $7, or you can enter with the Empire Pass (an $80 yearly pass that gives you access to most New York State Parks).

LOCATION: 4459 NY-430, Bemus Point, NY


Skillmans in Bemus Point, NY

Shop at Skillmans in Bemus Point

Skillmans is a clothing and gift shop that’s been around since 1908, and it’s been run by the Skillman family for four generations!

They’ve got all kinds of cool Chautauqua Lake-branded merch and other clothing and accessories, including brands like Patagonia.

We really wanted to stop in during our visit, but they open everyday other than Tuesdays and Wednesdays (which is when we were there!)

Skillmans is located in Bemus Point, a cute little village located right on Chautauqua Lake.

LOCATION: 9 Main St, Bemus Point, NY


National Comedy Center in Jamestown, NY

Check out the National Comedy Center

If you’re a fan of all things comedy, you’ll definitely want to stop into the National Comedy Center.

You’ll get to learn about some of the best and most iconic comedians in US history, as well as comedy in all its forms, from vaudeville to viral memes.

The coolest thing about the museum is that it’s completely personalized to your own comedic tastes, and it’s very interactive!

The National Comedy Center was created based on Lucille Ball’s vision of Jamestown becoming a destination for comedy.

They even host the annual Lucille Ball Comedy Festival each summer!

LOCATION: 203 W 2nd St, Jamestown, NY


Lucille Ball Memorial Park by Chautauqua Lake in Celoron, NY
One of the two statues of Lucille Ball at Lucille Ball Memorial Park.

Explore Lucille Ball’s hometown

Fun fact: Lucille Ball, one of the most iconic names in Hollywood’s history and the star of sitcom I Love Lucy, was from Jamestown!

You can stroll around Lucille Ball Memorial Park, where you’ll find statues of the comedian, and it’s actually conveniently located right beside the Chautauqua Harbor Hotel.

The Lucille Ball Desi Arnaz Museum in town is dedicated to the success of I Love Lucy, featuring costumes, memorabilia, photographs, and even a set recreation of their apartment from the show.

Fun fact: I Love Lucy pioneered using multi-cam setups in TV shows, as well as having multiple sets adjacent to each other on a sitcom.

You can also visit Lucille Ball’s childhood home, which is privately-owned by super fans of I Love Lucy who have restored the home, as well as her final resting place at Lake View Cemetery, where she’s buried alongside her father, mother, and brother.

If you walk around downtown Jamestown, you’ll also find some murals that are dedicated to Lucy and Desi!


Chautauqua Institution in Chautauqua, NY

Visit the Chautauqua Institution

The Chautauqua Institution is a nonprofit education centre and summer resort, and they’re known for their cultural events and programs for adults and youth.

You can dine, shop, and stay in this historical lakeside village, and you’ll have to get a gate pass or ticket in order to enter the grounds.

The colourful and picturesque houses make for super Instagrammable photo backdrops, and the views of Chautauqua Lake are gorgeous!

Chautauqua Institution in Chautauqua, NY
A bell tower at the Chautauqua Institution.

It’s only open throughout the summer, from late June through late August, and you’ll have to get a gate pass or ticket to enter.

It’s a pedestrian-only community, but you can also bring your bike to cycle around the neighbourhood!

LOCATION: 1 Ames Ave, Chautauqua, NY


Chautauqua Belle in Chautauqua County, NY

Hop aboard the Chautauqua Belle

The historic Chautauqua Belle sets sail from June through September, and it’s a super fun way to enjoy Chautauqua Lake.

You can enjoy a regular scenic cruise or book one of their cocktail, dinner, firework, or fall foliage cruises!

We visited too early in the season to experience it, but we did get to snap a photo with it on shore.

The Chautauqua Belle is located in the village of Mayville, NY, and you can wander around the area while you’re here.

Lighthouse in Mayville, NY

We came across this neat little lighthouse, and there are also some historical sites here, including the Mayville Depot Museum and Pennsylvania Railroad Station.

LOCATION: 78 Water St, Mayville, NY


Chautauqua Lake, NY

Kayak on Chautauqua Lake

If you’re visiting Chautauqua Lake during the summer months, you absolutely need to get out on the water.

We’d definitely love to rent a kayak or standup paddle board if we visit during the summer one day, and there are several businesses that offer kayak rentals in Chautauqua County!

You can even rent a boat if you’re not much of a kayak or SUP board person.


Best things to do by Chautauqua Lake in Chautauqua County, NY:

  1. Stay at the Chautauqua Harbor Hotel
  2. Grab ice cream at Big Tree Ice Cream
  3. Sip wines in Lake Erie Wine Country
  4. Snap a shot of the Celoron Lighthouse
  5. Take in the views from Luensman Overview Park
  6. Hike at Long Point State Park
  7. Shop at Skillmans in Bemus Point
  8. Check out the National Comedy Center
  9. Explore Lucille Ball’s hometown
  10. Visit the Chautauqua Institution
  11. Hop aboard the Chautauqua Belle
  12. Kayak on Chautauqua Lake

These were some of the best things to do around Chautauqua Lake, NY!

I’d highly recommend visiting Chautauqua Lake during the summer or fall months when the weather is nicer and more things are open, but it’s also a great destination during the winter and spring months.

Have you been to Chautauqua County or Jamestown before? What are some other fun activities and things to do? Let me know on Twitter or Instagram!

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Jessica Lam | Toronto lifestyle, fashion, beauty, and travel blogger | Diary of a Toronto Girl, a Canadian lifestyle blog


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Best things to do by Chautauqua Lake, NY

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