TourChautauqua.com Blog

Mayville, NY‘s President's Day Weekend Winter Festival 2011

2011-02-22T13:13:00.012-05:00

Guest Post By: Donny Kemick, protocol 80, Inc.

From sunny and warm to windy and frigid, this year’s Winter Festival on Chautauqua Lake was an event to remember! Despite missing out on the warm weather we had Friday, I was able to attend the Festival Saturday afternoon when most of the activities were taking place, and returned in the evening for the fireworks display, illuminated castle, and giant bonfire. Here’s a short video I put together of my visit:

Family Fun On The Ice of Chautauqua Lake

The families that adventured out on the frozen lake had a wonderful time. Whether they were sliding around on tubes or just trying to stay on their feet, many people took a walk out on the ice.

Horse Drawn Rides around the Festival

The kids really enjoyed rides around Lake Side Park, courtesy of the beautiful horses!

The Snow Mountain

Several kids brought their sleds and snow suits to scale and ride the huge snow mountain at the Festival. The igloo-like hole in the side made for a great shelter from the wind and snow when the kids wanted a break.

Vendor Demonstrations

I was lucky enough to be able to watch this vendor creating art!

The Ice Castle

Due to the unseasonable warm weather on Friday, the castle suffered from melting and wasn’t in top form when I saw it during the day. It was still a very impressive setup, and if you skipped past the video, I would highly recommend watching it to see the castle lit up at night.

Lucille Ball Hometown Wedding Giveaway

2011-02-09T09:22:00.008-05:00

You only have a few more hours to register your vote for one of the five couples vying for a chance to be married in Jamestown, NY, the birthplace of Lucille Ball on July 30, 2011.

This once in a lifetime event is a celebration of the Queen of Comedy's 100th birthday. Voting ends at 12 midnight on Friday, February 11, 2011.

According to Media One Bridal representative, Rebecca Rosen, nearly 60,000 votes have been cast. The winning couple is scheduled to be announced across the radio waves (Media One)between 8:30am and 12:00pm on Valentines Day, February 14,2011. It has been reported that three of the five couples may be on hand for the occasion.

Starting February 15th and continuing each week until mid July, the public will be voting on the wedding colors, the brides dress and the cake among several other details.

Cast your votes at Lucille Ball Hometown Wedding.com and tune in Monday, February 14th to hear the results!

Snowmobile "Ride In" Event

2011-02-04T15:13:00.003-05:00

The snowmobile clubs of Chautauqua County area hosting a huge Snowmobile Ride In event on Saturday, February 12, from 11 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The gathering will take place in Stockon at the Fireman's Grounds, just off County Route 58. As many as 1,000 people are expected to attend, many of them with their snowmobiles. The area's brand new 2011 Prinoth Husty snow groomer will be on display as well as a couple dozen more groomers from the area's six snowmobile clubs. Enjoy rides, food, and fun.

For more information about snowmobiling in Chautauqua County, check out TourChautauqua.com or call 800-242-4569, #2, then #5 for trail conditions. Enjoy the snow!

Finalist Chosen/Voting Begins "Lucille Ball Hometown Wedding Giveaway"

2010-12-21T12:22:00.005-05:00

Save the Date - July 30, 2011. This will be the day one lucky couple from the list of 5 finalists will be married in Jamestown, NY during a 1950's inspired Lucille Ball/Desi Arnaz Wedding Ceremony.

Each couple has been very creative in producing their application video. They are enjoyable to watch and I can only imagine how difficult it had to be to choose these 5 finalists. Each groom speaks to how much winning this wedding would mean to their bride.

Take a moment and watch each then vote for the couple you think should win. Voting is taking place now through February 13, 2011. Visit http://www.lucilleballhometownwedding.com/

Last Saturday to Shop....

2010-12-13T11:30:00.004-05:00

It hardly seems possible that this Saturday, December 18th, 2010 will be the last day you can shop at The Cross Roads Farm & Craft Market until May of 2011!

No matter what the weather, this is a unique place to shop, eat, and enjoy the beautiful sights of Chautauqua County! The Cross Roads Farm & Craft Market features dozens of individual vendors known for their crafts, artwork, woodwork, imported gifts, specialty supplies, unique collectibles, foodstuffs, candy, coffee, hand-made clothing and home decor, and an eclectic assortment of retail gifts. There is also a snack bar you won't want to pass by!

This collection of vendors is located at 6017 Sherman Westfield Rd., Westfield, NY 14787.

Get in the Jingle Ball Groove

2010-12-07T12:46:00.004-05:00

Don’t miss the 1st Annual Jingle Ball: A Santa Night Fever Disco Gala, Wednesday, December 15, 2010 at the Jamestown Savings Bank Ice Arena. Dust off your platform shoes, fluff up your ‘fro, put on your best ‘70s outfit and get down to the biggest party in Town, a disco to rival Studio 54! Warm up on a lighted dance floor with the DJ before The Boogie Wonderband rocks the arena with groovy hits from the 70’s. Prizes will be awarded for the best 70s outfit, and a portion of the ticket sales will benefit St. Susan’s Soup Kitchen in Jamestown. Visit the Jamestown Arena for details.

Get Your Snowmobiles Ready!

2010-12-01T10:02:00.007-05:00

Snowmobilers will have to wait for consistent cold temperatures to arrive and Jack Frost to blanket the hundreds of miles of trails throughout Chautauqua County. With the right weather conditions, trails can open after hunting season ends on December 21st. But, remember, not all trails may be open. This is a Lake Effect snow area. This means it could be snowing like crazy in one place and we have bare ground 5 miles away. Keep up to date by calling our Trail Conditions Hot-Line for all Chautauqua County Snowmobile Clubs: Call 1 (800) 242-4569, press 2, then press 5. This information is updated 3 times per week during the season and more often, as needed.

In the meantime, riders can be sure to register their sled(s) in New York and join a local club. For registration and club information visit http://www.tourchautauqua.com/Snowmobiling.aspx.

Celebrate Chautauqua County's History

2010-11-22T10:25:00.002-05:00

Celebrating Chautauqua County’s vibrant history is important, and one of the region’s historical centers is inviting everyone to take part in a special day in December.

December 4th is the Fenton History Center in Jamestown’s Family Day event. From 10 am to 4 pm that day, enjoy crafts and games for the kids, treats for all, and explore Governor Fenton’s Mansion “dressed” in its holiday finery.

Start a family tradition! Children are half price at $2, with a paying adult admission of $5. The Fenton Junior Docents will also be available December 4th to answer questions and assist younger readers with the many books in the exhibit.

Speaking of exhibits, the Fenton history Center’s 31st Annual holiday exhibit will be available for viewing on Family Day. The exhibit focuses on the stories of Christmas with the famous Clement Moore holiday poem, “A Visit of St. Nicholas”, among the dozen children’s books placed throughout the Mansion among the festive exhibits. The holiday exhibit is open now through January 15, 2011.

The Fenton History Center is located on Washington Street just south of the Washington Street Bridge past the Forest Avenue traffic light in Jamestown. The museum is open year-round Monday through Saturday, 10 AM to 4 PM. For more information visit the Fenton History Center’s website (www.fentonhistorycenter.org) or call 716-664-6256.

Chautauqua County has a rich heritage, and Family Day at the Fenton is the perfect way to start exploring our area’s past.

An Afternoon at the Audubon

2010-11-15T11:26:00.011-05:00

I had the opportunity to enjoy the great weather this weekend and learn all about "Liberty", an American Bald Eagle by visiting with her at the Jamestown Audubon Society. Via special arrangements with the Center and volunteer Linda O'Brien, ten of us set out on a "behind the scenes" Liberty experience tour.

Liberty has been living at the Center for about 8 years. A dedicated group of volunteer "Eagle Keepers" prepare and measure her food, track her intake and generally make sure she is very well taken care of. Behind the scenes are freezers full of fish from the Randolph Fish Hatchery and another big freezer of "rodents". She never eats live food. When Liberty looses feathers, they must be picked up by the volunteers and stored until they are sent to the National Eagle Repository in Denver.

After spending about an hour with Liberty, a walk through the Audubon Center building was in order. I met Milton and Lincoln, turtles who actually come out and visit with you. But, don't try to pet them - they bite!

The Jamestown Audubon Center & Sanctuary on Riverside Road, off Route 62 three miles south of the city, is a great learning experience for the whole family. There are five miles of nature trails, gardens, and lookouts allowing you to see much of the woodlands and wetlands of the 600-acre sanctuary. Inside the multipurpose educational facility there is a bird museum, exhibits and a nature store. Educational programs for kids and adults are offered year ‘round. For more information on hours and programs, visit http://www.jamestownaudubon.org/ or call 716-569-2345.

After Thanksgiving at Cross Roads!

2010-11-11T11:03:00.013-05:00

Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving, is historically the busiest shopping day of the year. While some enjoy heading to the shopping malls early in the morning and fighting the crowds to get those special deals, many others would rather shop in a quieter setting. That’s where the Cross Roads Farm & Craft Market, located outside of Westfield, NY, comes in handy. Cross Roads is WNY’s Premier country market for arts, crafts, collectibles, and specialty food products. While Cross Roads is normally open on Saturdays only, the market will be open both Black Friday, November 26 and Saturday, November 27 from 9AM - 5PM. As a special treat, Santa will be coming to Cross Roads. Started in 1996, the Cross Roads Farm & Craft Market features dozens of individual vendors known for their woodwork, imported gifts, specialty supplies, foodstuffs, and so much more. According to Cross Road's website the market is situated near the spot of an original settlement in Chautauqua County along the historic Portage Trail (now Chautauqua County Route 21) connecting Lakes Chautauqua and Erie. So, avoid the malls this Black Friday and come to Cross Roads!

Chautauqua - Lake Erie Art Trail's Open Studio Tour

2010-11-01T13:28:00.003-04:00

Ever thought of buying a piece of art, but always wondered what to purchase or where you should go to buy that masterpiece? The Chautauqua-Lake Erie Art Trail’s Open Studio Tour can help. On Saturday, November 13, from 10AM - 5PM - The North Shore Arts Alliance invites you to travel the trail of 25 artists as they open their studios. You can see displays and watch as the area’s premiere artists work on their latest creations. The Chautauqua-Lake Erie Art Trail Open Studio Tour is a great opportunity to visit the personal places where the region’s artists live and create their work. It’s also a great chance to travel the highways and byways of Chautauqua County as you travel to visit them. At http://chautauquaarttrail.com/, you can also click on the names of each of the 25 artist's of the Chautauqua-Lake Erie Art Trial to access the individual's portfolio page. There you will find samples of their work, studio locations and contact information. You can also call the Chautauqua-Lake Erie Art Trail at 716-679-9254. Just imagine how excited your friends or family would be if you presented them with a sculpture, painting or other inspired creation for the upcoming holiday season!

Mistletoe Mart 2010

2010-10-20T13:32:00.008-04:00

The holiday shopping season is fast approaching, and a local organization that provides services to many area residents will be holding one of their most popular events next month. Mistletoe Mart 2010 is coming to the Jamestown YWCA on November 12^th and 13^th. Over 30 vendors will be offering a number of unique items for purchase, including works of art, spa products, hand-carved ornaments, and so much more. There’s also a Used Book Sale and a Pie/Cookie Sale that takes place throughout the event. 2009’s Mistletoe Mart was a major hit, and this year’s event aims to build on last year’s success. Mark your calendars to attend Mistletoe Mart 2010; Friday, November 12^th from 10 – 5:30 and Saturday, November 13^th from 10 – 3. The Jamestown YWCA is located at 401 North Main Street in downtown Jamestown. Some of the services they provide include the Kids & Company Child Development Center, the TEAM (Teenage Education and Motherhood) Program, and the Transitional Housing Program. You can find more about the Jamestown YWCA and Mistletoe Mart 2010 by visiting the Jamestown YWCA's website.

Concord Grapes and Chautauqua County

2010-10-19T11:59:00.010-04:00

Grapes are an important part of Chautauqua County’s heritage, and a facility dedicated to promoting the almighty fruit is well on its way to becoming a reality. 30,000 acres of land in Chautauqua County and neighboring Erie County, PA (known as America’s Grape Country) are used to produce Concord grapes. The Concord Grape Belt Heritage Association is a non-profit organization that has, with help from many others, been able to move forward with plans to build a Grape Discovery Center outside of Westfield, NY. Phase I of the Grape Discovery Center Conceptual Plan has been achieved, and the Board of Directors of the Grape Belt Heritage Association is inviting the community to a “Discover Our Grape Progress” event, which will be held on October 28 at 8305 West Main Road (Route 20), Westfield, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Come and learn about the progress, hear about the hopes for the future, and consider becoming active in supporting the completion of the Grape Discovery Center. There will also be refreshments with a Concord grape flavor to them. For more information on “Discover Our Grape Progress”, and to register for the open house, visit the Concord Grape Belt Heritage Association's website. Speaking of learning; the Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Awards Banquet is also taking place on October 28. The dinner will feature guest speaker Roger Brooks, the founder and CEO of Destination Development International. Brooks is one of the world's leading specialists on community branding, development, marketing and tourism, and worked with the Chautauqua County Visitors Bureau and various organizations to develop a brand for Chautauqua County: 'The World's Learning Center.” So, October 28 will not only be a great day for you to learn more about Chautauqua County’s grape heritage, it will also be a day where members of the County’s Chamber of Commerce will find out why Chautauqua County truly is “The World’s Learning Center.”

Harvest Wine Weekends

2010-10-13T11:53:00.005-04:00

Wineries between Silver Creek, NY and North East, PA will welcome hundreds of visitors in November during the Chautauqua-Lake Erie Wine Trail’s Annual Harvest Wine Weekends. Twenty wineries will treat visitors to a wine tasting and provide a delicious fall food paired with a special wine over the two special weekends. Ticket holders will receive a wine glass, recipe booklet, a $5 voucher for wine purchase, and a gift. Tickets are now on sale for the event at $35 per person for either weekend, November 6 and 7 or November 13 and 14. They may be purchased online at www.chautauquawinetrail.org or by calling (877) 326-6561. The best part is that ticket holders will set their own agenda, enjoying each winery at their leisure between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. each day. The Harvest Wine Weekends are not only a great value, but also a great opportunity to get out and visit all the gift shops, restaurants, and other attractions located in Lake Erie wine country. Tell your friends and family, and be a part of Harvest Wine Weekends in November!

Peek'n Peak Autumn Events

2010-10-05T14:42:00.009-04:00

The first weekend of Peek’n Peak’s Fall Fest is just days away, and sunny skies and warmer temperatures look to return just in time. The festival, now in its 23^rd year, features activities for the whole family. Over 90 crafters and a Farmers Market will be located in and around the Main Ski Lodge, along with kid’s crafts, a climbing wall, petting zoo, and the pumpkin cannon! An opportunity to purchase season passes to Peek’n Peak and a snow sports equipment sale are also part of Fall Fest, taking place October 9, 10, 16 & 17. Admission is free, when you bring a can of food for charity! And, if you like locally crafted beers and regionally produced wines, you’ll love Peek’n Peak’s Beer & Wine Festival. Happening October 23^rd, the event features beer and wine from local wineries and breweries. It truly is a great opportunity to sample some of the finest wines and best beers the area has to offer. The first 1000 guests to the Beer & Wine Festival will also receive a souvenir glass. For more information on Peek’n Peak’s Fall Fest and Beer & Wine Festival, visit www.pknpk.com, or call 1-800-772-6906.

Autumn on Chautauqua Lake

2010-09-29T15:57:00.004-04:00

Cooler temperatures and shorter days are sure signs that autumn is here, and that means the leaves will soon be displaying magnificent fall colors. One of the best places to see the foliage is from the waters of Chautauqua Lake. The Summer Wind will offer narrated sightseeing cruises on October 3, 10 and 17. For more information, visit www.thesummerwind.com.

Fall foliage fans can also take in the beautiful autumn colors from the Chautauqua Belle. Weekend cruises will continue until October 24. Visit http://269belle.com/ for the details.

Spotlight On Chautauqua

2010-09-17T14:25:00.003-04:00

Jamestown Community College will offer a three-part series exploring the rich history of Chautauqua Lake and Chautauqua Institution. The series which begins on October 12th will be conducted by Jonathan Schmitz, Chautauqua Institution archivist. Themes for the three programs are:

October 12--examination of the Chautauqua Movement through the "camp meeting", the American Lyceum, and the American Sunday School movement
October 26--science and religion at Chautauqua Institution
November 9--the importance of Chautauqua Lake to the area's history

Tuition for the series is $16. To register, call JCC's Center for Continuing Education at 716-338-1005.

Chautauqua Musky Cash Tourney June 19th,2010

2010-06-22T12:00:00.005-04:00

It's TRUE - Chautauqua Lake does have some pretty big fish! The weekend of June 19th, over 150 anglers from across the region launched into Chautauqua Lake to catch the big one! Read up on their experiences!

President's Day Weekend Winter Festival

2010-02-09T10:04:00.011-05:00

Mother Nature has been very good to Chautauqua Lake this winter of 2010. Over 750 blocks of ice weighing in at 400-500 lbs each have been cut from the lake and used to create what will be one of the largest Ice Castles ever built in the history of the event.

The President's Day I.C.E. Festival will kick off with the Grand Lighting by Digital Extravaganza at 6:00pm February 12 and then the presentation of the Medallion to the Treasure Hunt Winner. Evening entertainment by the Porcelain Busdrivers starts at 10:00pm at the Lakeview Hotel across from the train station.

Saturday and Sunday will be filled with winter activities, contests, "Kids Corner", raffles, food and craft vendors, ice carving, horse-drawn and snowmobile rides and more. Be sure to be there for the POLAR BEAR SWIM - 12:00NOON on Saturday!

For more information visit the Mayville-Chautauqua Chamber website or call 716-753-3113 after 12 Noon - Mon-Fri.

Horse and Sleigh Parade at Chautauqua

2009-12-30T10:57:00.004-05:00

Even though the official Sleigh Rally is cancelled this year, the State Line Draft Horse Club has invited several more teams and clubs to join them at the Chautauqua Institution on Sunday, January 31, 2010 for a parade. There will be NO classes or judging on this day.

Teams will meet in the South parking lot of the Institution to prepare for the 1pm start of the parade through the streets of this beautiful Victorian village. Following the parade, clubs will be offering sleigh/wagon rides to the public. Tickets may be purchased at the Chautauqua Bookstore on Bestor Plaza. $3/adults, $2/kids.

50% off Lift tickets for NYS Residents!!!

2009-12-23T11:17:00.009-05:00

Come ski in "your backyard"! Peek'n Peak Resort and Spa is offering a special for the weekend of January 9 and 10. Open to all New York State Residents with a valid NYS ID, you can purchase a lift ticket for 50% off - RIDE OR SKI ALL DAY for just $27.00!

Peek'n Peak Resort and Spa, 1405 Olde Road, Findley Lake, NY 716-355-4141.

You will NOT find this special on their website!!

Snowmobile Economic Impact Survey

2009-12-23T10:24:00.002-05:00

We are requesting that everyone who rides snowmobile in Chautauqua County fill-out a paper survey, found in over 25 restaurants, hotels, motels and taverns or go to the on-line version to fill-in your information. Click here to take survey online

There are several prizes which will be awarded to lucky participants! Any questions, please call the visitors bureau at 866-908-4569.

For information on Trail Conditions - Call 800-242-4569 press 2 then 5.

As of 12/23/09, trails ARE NOT open due to the lack of a good base of snow.

Local Ski Resort Announces Opening!

2009-12-08T15:30:00.004-05:00

Peek'n Peak Resort and Spa - SLOPES OPEN Thursday, December 10 at 9:30am!
Check out the packages!

TourChautauqua.com Blog: Sleigh Rides at Chautauqua

2009-12-01T11:53:00.000-05:00

TourChautauqua.com Blog: Sleigh Rides at Chautauqua

Sleigh Rides at Chautauqua

2009-12-01T11:42:00.002-05:00

Sleigh/wagon rides at Chautauqua start Dec. 26 and run every weekend (Sat. & Sun. 1-3 pm.) thru Feb. Tickets at the Chautauqua Bookstore. $3/adults, $2/kids.

Holiday Shopping in Chautauqua County

2009-10-26T11:43:00.005-04:00

Did you realize there are only 8 more Saturdays until Christmas????

Plan to save at least one of these days to visit the Cross Roads Farm & Craft Market located between Westfield and Sherman on County Road 21.

Harvest Wine Weekends Nov 7-8, 10-11

2009-10-20T10:44:00.004-04:00

Westfield, (NY) - The Chautauqua-Lake Erie Wine Trail, located in the heart of America’s Grape Country between North East, PA and Silver Creek, NY, will hold its Harvest Wine Weekends at twenty-two wineries, the first two weekends of November. It is an auspicious year to begin this new tradition of Harvest Wine Weekends – for the harvest will be a late one for many of the wineries. Each winery will be pairing fall food with a special wine, and as in the past, ticket holders will receive a wineglass and recipes. In keeping with the Trail’s desire to “buy local”, the gift for the event is a Wendell August Forge boxed coaster, manufactured in Grove City, Pennsylvania.
Tickets are now on sale for the event and are $35/person for the weekend event, or $30/person for Sunday Only. They may be purchased on-line by clicking here or by calling 877-326-6561.

Accommodation packages are available.

Western NY Fall Foliage Report

2009-10-07T13:37:00.003-04:00

Most of the Chautauqua-Allegheny region will be at midpoint of color change by weekend. Color is advancing rapidly in most areas of Allegany State Park, with 50 percent transition expected by the weekend. Predominating fall colors are red, orange, yellow and gold; however there are some areas of the park that remain mostly green. Foliage spotters in Cattaraugus County expect 45 percent color change, with red, orange and yellow leaves of average brilliance. Chautauqua County foliage will be approaching midpoint by the weekend, with 40 percent color change and shades of orange and yellow steadily emerging over the green backdrop. Also expect around 40 percent color change with red, orange and yellow leaves of average brilliance in the Belmont area of Allegany County.

Source: New York State

Night Lights at the Heron

2009-09-14T12:55:00.004-04:00

Wow - what a wonderful opportunity to get out in the fresh fall Chautauqua night time air! The Night Lights at the Heron is a unique outdoor light show attraction that is set throughout the forests and ponds on Waits Corners Road in Sherman, NY. This area has been better known as the site for the Great Blue Heron Festival which takes place every July for the past 18 years.

Steve and Julie Rockcastle have some very interesting things going on at their farm. Certified organic chickens, beef, veggies and even shiitake mushrooms! Check out how they are grown here!

Light the Lakes - September 6 - "Chautauqua Sky"

2009-08-25T13:50:00.004-04:00

Light the Lakes is receiving great media attention ! Billed as an Historic Record-Breaking Event for the entire region, 5 locations around Chautauqua County will feature one of the largest fireworks displays in North America. For more details visit http://www.ilovenylakes.com/ .

The Great Grape Race - August 15-21, 2009

2009-08-11T11:01:00.005-04:00

Intended to raise awareness about the area's agricultural heritage, this is the inaugural year for the Great Grape Race! This is a"scavenger hunt". Questions on a Race Form are intended to "teach, amuse, and instruct" racers - whether visitors or locals about the area. Race forms can be found at 18 participating wineries where purple pennants will be flying outside and staff will be wearing purple bandanas. Seventeen non-winery businesses, ranging from restaurants to ice cream stores to inns and galleries, will also be a part of the race and will be flying purple pennants.

Participating local businesses have contributed an impressive line-up of prizes valued at over $1700! The prizes, one group for adults and one group for youth, are intended to permit the winners to enjoy the Chautauqua area in many ways and range from baseball and ski tickets to a chauffeured limo and restaurant certificates in wine county.

Race forms will be available at 11:30am on August 15 in Moore Park, Westfield and the County Fairgrounds in Dunkirk. They will also be available throughout the week at any of the wineries along the wine trail. You must submit your forms back to any winery, Jack's Barcelona Drive-in, The Sugar Shack, or Parkview Ice Cream Parlor by 5:00pm on August 21. Winners will be announced at 12:00 noon, August 22 in Moore Park. You do not need to be present to win!

ENJOY!

Lucille Ball's Birthday Celebration

2009-08-04T14:33:00.009-04:00

Mention the "Queen of Comedy" and everyone knows who you mean. Starting Friday, August 7 and continuing through Sunday, August 9, you will have the chance to enjoy events centered around Lucy and her life from 9am until well after 10pm daily. CLICK HERE for the complete guide. There will be plenty of FREE activities to enjoy in addition to the ticketed experiences.

ORDER TICKETS

Celebrate America's Grape Country Week, August 15-23, 2009

2009-07-29T11:27:00.004-04:00

Delight your senses in the Lake Erie Grape Region, home to America's native grapes, the Chautauqua-Lake Erie Wine Trail, farm markets, lighthouses, scenic vistas, Victorian-era villages, and historic trails. With 30,000 vineyard acres, this is America's Grape Country, the largest grape growing region in the United States outside of California and the oldest Concord grape growing region in the world!

Celebrate our regional flavors during America's Grape Country Week, August 15-23, 2009.

Chautauqua-Lake Erie Art Trail

2009-04-02T14:40:00.004-04:00

Twenty Chautauqua-Lake Erie area artists and galleries have combined forces to offer an Open Studio Tour, May 23-24. To download an art trail brochure and map, visit ChautauquaArtTrail.com. This new website and brochure also list other local art events throughout the year.

Here's a quote from one of the regional artists in the Art Trail group [Tom Malinoski]:

" We live in and find our inspiration in one of the most beautiful, picturesque regions of New York State. As you travel to visit us, see what we see every day--verdant vineyards and fields, lush forests, rolling hills, and a spectacular Lake Erie shoreline".

To plan a visit to the area or to see a complete events calendar, visit TourChautauqua.com.

Roger Tory Peterson Birding Festival

2009-03-24T12:42:00.005-04:00

The Roger Tory Peterson Birding Festival will take place in and around Jamestown, NY from June 4-7, 2009. This is the first in a series of annual festivals intended to honor the legacy of Dr. Roger Tory Peterson.

The focus of the Festival will be Eastern North American Warblers on the Allegheny Plateau. 25 warblers are known to breed in the area so the goal for participants is to visit every habitat that is likely to hold singing males on territory. Field trips will be from early morning until noon with afternoons spent in bird related workshops. Workshops, meals and keynote addresses will be held at Jamestown Community College whose campus is contiguous with the Roger Tory Peterson Institute of Natural History.

To register, download the registration form and mail it to Birding Festival, 311 Curtis Street, Jamestown, NY 14701. You can also download a schedule of events and a checklist of the birds of Chautauqua County.

Snowmobiling Chautauqua

2008-12-17T16:17:00.005-05:00

More than 200 inches of snow and still counting!! This year is shaping up to be one of the best snowmobile seasons in years.

Official snow reports from the Chautauqua County Snowmobile Federation are available by calling 800-242-4569, then selecting 2 for Chautauqua, then 5 for snowmobile report.

Prior to visiting, be sure to have a valid NYS snowmobile registration, available through the NYS Dept. of Motor Vehicles. This is very important as snowmobilers can no longer purchase a temporary registration at area hotels and taverns/shops. The Dept. of Motor Vehicles office will be open Saturdays until Feb 14, from 9a-3p in Mayville at the Hall Clothier County Building. For detailed registration suggested and links, go to TourChautauqua.com.

Remember, you can save about half the cost if you are a member of a local club. The clubs groom and take care of the trails so that everyone can ride. They do a great service for everyone:

Chautauqua Lake Snowmobile Club, chautauquasnow.com

Cherry Creek Snow-Goers, cherrycreeksnogoers.com

Ellery Sno-Cruisers, ellerysnowcruisers.org

Lake Effect Trailbreakers, trailbreakers.com

Sunset Drifters, sunsetdrifters.com

For local visitor and lodging information or to request a travel guide, check out TourChautauqua.com.

Birding Highlights

2008-09-18T15:24:00.004-04:00

There are several great locations in the Chautauqua Region for bird watching. Here is a recent quote by a couple from Towson, MD:

"The birding site information in your travel guide enabled us to spend a lovely day on the Ralph C. Sheldon & Laurie A. Baer sections of the Rails to Trails. Our finding a Sedge Wren and Connecticut Warbler on the Sheldon Trail were the highlights of a very pleasant visit to western New York."

Currently representatives of the Roger Tory Peterson Institute and the Aubudon Nature Center (both in Jamestown, NY) are working on information about several new birding sites. We will have that information included in the 2009 Chautauqua County Travel Guide & Map.

Click here to view current birding location information.

Subaru Road Trips

2008-06-25T11:25:00.004-04:00

Drive Magazine, "the magazine from Subaru" recently showcased Chautauqua Institution and the Chautauqua region in its summer 2008 issue. The four page article was written by western New York native Christine Smyczynski, who also maintains a regular blog on things to do in New York.

The magazine is provided to everyone in the nation that owns a Subaru and suggests road trip ideas for recipients. The article focuses on Chautauqua Institution, the historic Athenaeum Hotel, the Chautauqua Belle steamboat cruises, the Lucy-Desi Museums in Jamestown, the Chautauqua-Lake Erie Wine Trail, Peek'n Peak Resort & Spa, and the Amish Country in the Chautauqua area.

To check out the full article, check out Subaru Drive Magazine

Also, check out Christine's Explore Western New York blog

Cycling Chautauqua

2008-06-02T14:20:00.005-04:00

Chautauqua County Visitors Bureau has just added several cycling routes to TourChautauqua.com. Each suggested route has been developed by a local cycling organization, club, or race organizer. The routes range between 25 and 100 miles in length. The information posted on our site includes a map and description of each route, in a printable PDF format. Some of routes will also be included in the 2009 Chautauqua County Travel Guide.

Cycling in the Chautauqua region of New York is increasing popular due to wide, pave shoulders, beautiful and varied scenery, and plenty of spots for stocking up on essentials.

Link to the Cycling Routes and let us know what you think.