Rainy summer days can be two things: a downer or an opportunity to explore some cool Chautauqua County attractions you might have otherwise missed. Want to add all of these suggestions to your Trip Itinerary?
LEARN: Escape indoors and learn about the fascinating work of two past Jamestown, NY residents; Supreme Court Justice Robert H. Jackson and Roger Tory Peterson, one of the most important nature artists and conservationists to this day.
The Grape Discovery Center in Westfield tells the story of our 150-year grape growing tradition through engaging exhibits and sensory experiences such as wine, grape juice, and grape-inspired food samples.
CREATE: The Fowler-Kellogg and Strohl Galleries at Chautauqua Institution are guaranteed to delight. Each week of Chautauqua Institution’s 9-week summer program season ushers in a new exhibit featuring nationally recognized contemporary artists.
Try your hand at being an artist and pick up a paintbrush, your intrinsic creative abilities may blossom under the guidance of local makers during art classes and workshops at both Mayville Watercolors and Two Lakes Studios.
LAUGH: The National Comedy Center in Jamestown is a must-visit no matter the weather. This highly engaging museum tells the story of comedy in America through interactive exhibits that serve comedy clips, scripts, and jokes tailored to each visitor’s unique sense of humor. Guests have the opportunity to draw a comic strip, make a meme, perform standup comedy karaoke, or insert themselves into a scene from one of comedy’s greatest moments. Plan to spend at least three hours here.
Once your cheeks ache from grinning and you can’t take another rib-splitting bout of laughter, head to the Lucy-Desi Museum to learn about Lucille Ball, Jamestown’s hometown gal. Discover the lasting impact her professional life as a pioneering female comedienne and producer have had on the art form, and get to know Lucille; mother, wife, and daughter. Dual admission to both attractions is available.
PLAY: Explore the beauty, intrigue, and mystery of the natural world from the shelter of the Audubon Community Nature Center’s 3-story Nature Center Building. The Lawson Boating Heritage Center in Bemus Point is a great place to spend a rainy afternoon. Explore antique boats and let kids play captain and crew of a catboat or build their own balloon-powered vessel.
Little ones will enjoy the Children’s Activity Corner of Jamestown, where play and learning are combined to create an entertaining experience. Teens and adults can test their wits at Escape Rooms Jamestown, where a riddle must be solved to escape the game room before time is up.
Peek’n Peak Resort’s indoor pool complex is a great place to hang out on a rainy day. The adjacent indoor play area is a bonus for families with kids. Day passes are available at the Inn at Peek’n Peak.
RELAX: Lana’s the Little House is straight out of a storybook! Sip tea in the cozy English cottage. Reservations are required. If the rain catches you by surprise a trip to Labyrinth Press Company in Jamestown or Stedman Corners Café in Mayville offer the perfect reprieve. Enjoy a cup of locally roasted coffee while watching the drizzle. Both serve food.