Take a Learning Vacation in Chautauqua County
Engaging in education for the sake of having fun
If a learning vacation is new to you, rest assured that visitors to Chautauqua County have been “leisure learning” as a means of relaxation for over 150 years. Each summer, since 1874, Chautauqua Institution has offered hundreds of classes for youth and adults in subjects ranging from music to fitness through its special studies program. Take a class, sit in on readings and craft talks from writers and poets in residence, or attend a morning or afternoon lecture dedicated to the important political, cultural, and social issues of the day.
Other area attractions and organizations offer dozens of workshops and experiences that can teach visitors and residents alike to master the art of painting with watercolors, clay making, or learning to sail, fish, golf, ski, or paddleboard. Enjoy and learn about the great outdoors in year-round Nature and Outdoors events.
Numerous summer camps offer children opportunities to make lifelong memories in beautiful settings throughout the Chautauqua-Lake Erie Region.
The Robert H. Jackson Center in Jamestown frequently hosts authors and speakers who present on topics related to humanitarian, international and domestic law. Additionally, their archives are a repository of documents and artifacts related to the life and ideas of Justice Jackson, the designer, and chief prosecutor of the Nuremberg Trials. The Center preserves collections of historical photographs, sound and video recordings, books, periodicals, and oral histories. There is also an exhibition gallery that rotates displays throughout the year.
Go birdwatching in the landscape that first inspired renowned artist, author, ornithologist, and conservationist, Roger Tory Peterson. The Roger Tory Peterson Institute offers a compelling mix of nature art and nature-based education and observation opportunities focusing on art that matters to the planet, including a weekly guided gallery walk.
Learn about the art of comedy at an award-winning museum in Jamestown. The National Comedy Center offers an unprecedented visitor experience using state-of-the-art technology, interactivity and personalization to create the first true 21st Century museum environment.
Take a guided boat tour of Chautauqua Lake, or learn to fish with a charter captain to land the perfect catch.
Tour a brewery, and explore the vineyards of Lake Erie Wine Country. Along the wine trail, you'll find the Grape Discovery Center, the official Visitors Center for the Lake Erie Concord Grape Belt, where you can experience and learn about all things grape.
Visit Lily Dale Assembly, the world's largest spiritualist community, which offers seminars, workshops, public clairvoyance and healing services during each 10-week summer season.
Try something new this year, book a Chautauqua vacation to learn a new skill, challenge your intellect, and expand your world view.
See the Learning on Vacation calendar for dates and times of scheduled workshops or look below for more general learning opportunities.
