Here is an example of what 3 days and 2 nights in Chautauqua County can look like for your group. We’ll explore some options across the county allowing you to experience the best of what there is to do and see.
Day One
We’ll begin with the historic Chautauqua Institution offering guided history tours with meal options during their off seasons (Spring and Fall) which allows visitors to learn about the notable guests, speakers, and performers who have come through their gates over the 150 years since being established. The Chautauqua Institution is a unique lakeside destination that has a time to tour of about two hours.
Just down the road is Webb’s Candies where you’ll experience the old-fashioned way of making candy. A local favorite since 1942, your group can shop their selection of sweet treats including their famous sponge candy and goat milk fudge. With shopping your group can expect to spend 60 to 90 minutes at the candy shop.
Before ending your group’s first day in Chautauqua County, they will enjoy one last activity, a 90-minute dinner cruise on the famous Chautauqua Belle steamship. Learn about the history of Chautauqua Lake and enjoy a relaxing end to a fun-filled day.
Your group would return to their hotel to rest up for a day of laughter and learning about the first lady of comedy and one of Chautauqua County’s most famous natives Lucille Ball!
Day Two
The second day of the tour would include a visit to the National Comedy Center which is an interactive and personalized experience for every guest that walks through their doors. Using state-of-the-art technology, the National Comedy Center delivers a unique experience based on each person’s comedy profile that evolves as they make their way through the museum and based on how they interact with the exhibits. This one-of-a-kind telling of the story of comedy is a hit for groups of all ages and has a time to tour of up to two and a half hours.
Next your group will travel just a few blocks away to the Lucille Ball Desi Arnaz Museum where they can get an intimate look into the lives of “The First Couple of Comedy”, featuring replica sets, costumes, a variety of Lucille Ball’s awards, rare memorabilia, and two gift shop areas to explore. Time to tour with shopping will be between 90 minutes and two hours.
After finishing up some shopping in the gift shops, they will have a catered lunch in the recreation of the Tropicana Room from the hit show I Love Lucy overlooking the classic Tropicana stage complete with Ricky’s bongo drums. Lunch will take around an hour.
From there your group will depart on a step-on-guided bus tour of Lucille Ball’s hometown where they’ll visit places of significance including her childhood home, the Lucy statues, her final resting place, and the various murals across the area. Time to complete is one hour.
After returning from the Lucytown Tour the group will head over a few blocks to the Robert H Jackson Center which hosts exclusive exhibits surrounding the life and career of Supreme Court Justice and Chief U.S. Prosecutor at Nuremberg, Robert H Jackson. Time to tour of 90 minutes.
Next on the itinerary is the Roger Tory Peterson Institute which is home to the largest collection of original artwork, films, and more of the famed naturalist and father of the modern field guide. The beautiful facility is located on 27 acres of natural preserve and features two half-mile trails where your group can do some bird watching and look for the wood carvings along the paths. Time to tour between 60 and 90 minutes.
Before heading back to the hotel, enjoy dinner at one of the downtown Jamestown area restaurants including options such as The Chophouse on Main, Forte the Restaurant or Landmark Restaurant.
Day Three
On your group’s final day in Chautauqua County they'll head up to the northern part of Chautauqua County, first making a stop at The Dunkirk Lighthouse and Veterans Museum. The 61-foot tower's observation deck provides unparalleled views of Lake Erie, and they feature a newly built outdoor pavilion with rolldown covers that can be rented for group events. Time to tour 60 minutes.
From there the next stop is Lake Erie Wine Country wine trail to visit some of the 20+ wineries featuring some of the best award-winning wines from the region. For a complete list of group friendly locations and group sales contacts, email meetings@tourchautauqua.com. Time to tour will vary depending on which wineries your group visits, but each stop should take between 90 minutes to two hours. If your group wants a bit of variety, Mazza Cellars and Five & 20 Brewery is a great option featuring wines, beers, and spirits all in one spot!
The Grape Discovery Center located along the wine trail is a place for your group to learn about the history of grape growing in the region and features an extensive gift shop as you walk in. They can also accommodate tastings and offer indoor and outdoor seating if you would like to have a meal catered there along the wine trail. Once your group is ready to go, you'll be just a few short minutes from getting back on I-90 to head home.
Whether you’re considering your first tour of Chautauqua County or are looking to plan a return trip, the Chautauqua County Visitors Bureau is here to help support you in building a great itinerary for your group. The CCVB can provide a variety of itinerary suggestions along with lodging and dining recommendations. If you would like a group sales contact with any of our area attractions, please reach out to us and we would be happy to assist.