Looking for a last-minute gift this holiday season? Many Chautauqua County destinations have options for even the hardest recipient on your list.
While single admission tickets to a destination in the Chautauqua-Lake Erie Region are a great gift idea, why not give a gift that keeps on giving? Purchase a membership to a local museum or attraction that lasts all year long! Here are some Chautauqua destinations that offer annual memberships:
Audubon Community Nature Center
A membership to Jamestown’s Audubon Community Nature Center makes a lovely gift for the nature lover on your list. The Audubon Community Nature Center is a wildlife sanctuary that strives to connect visitors with local nature through fun outdoor experiences, educational events and programs and more. Membership benefits include access to the grounds and trails, free admission to the Nature Center on Sundays, discounts at the gift shop and for events, plus more. There are multiple membership levels to choose from and gift wrapping is offered during the holiday season. Purchase your membership online or over the phone.
Fenton History Center
Interested in local history? The Fenton History Center is dedicated to the preservation of the history of Chautauqua County and is located in the historical home of Reuben Fenton, a Chautauqua County resident who would go on to become the governor of New York. Support the Fenton History Center by becoming a member. Membership benefits include complimentary admission to the Governor Reuben Fenton Mansion, unlimited access to the Hall House Research Library, reduced fees for Fenton events and programs, discount at the museum gift shop and members only email updates.
National Comedy Center & Lucy Desi Museum
Give the gift of laughter with a Dual Membership to the National Comedy Center and Lucy Desi Museum. The National Comedy Center is a museum dedicated to the art form of comedy. It is comprised of highly interactive exhibits utilizing state-of-the-art technology. Embark on a laugh-filled journey through comedy history, from early vaudeville to the latest viral memes. Visit the Lucy Desi Museum for an in-depth look into the lives of the First Couple of Comedy and their hit TV series, I Love Lucy. Dual Membership to both museums includes unlimited admission to both museums, access to online content, pre-sale tickets for the Lucille Ball Comedy Festival with a Members-Only special event, a discount on all gift shop purchases, membership sticker, membership card and a membership gift.
Panama Rocks
Explore an ancient forest, hidden caves and gigantic rock formations with a season pass for Panama Rocks. A season pass gives visitors unlimited access to the park all season long.
Peek’n Peak Resort
Visit Peek’n Peak Resort for outdoor adventures in winter and summer! Choose from one of their season pass packages for skiing and snowboarding for a winter full of fun. Options range from unlimited access, weekdays only and more. For summer adventures, buy a combo pass for their mountain adventures or individual passes for each option.
Roger Tory Peterson Institute
The Roger Tory Peterson Institute is a museum that offers a compelling mix of art and nature with art that matters to the planet. Visit to see nature art exhibits from world-renowned wildlife artists alongside the work of famed ornithologist and Chautauqua County Native, Roger Tory Peterson. Membership includes unlimited free admission, discounts on museum shop purchases and invitations to the special events held throughout the year.
Unfortunately, not all museums and attractions in the Chautauqua-Lake Erie region offer membership options, but others such as the Robert H. Jackson Center and the Grape Discovery Center do have unique gifts available for purchase at their on-site gift shops.
Don’t forget that one-of-a-kind gifts such as jewelry, art, home décor and more are also available at local shops throughout Chautauqua County. You also really can’t go wrong with getting someone a gift card. Instead of limiting recipients to a specific location, allow them to choose from a long list of Chautauqua businesses when you give a “Shoptauqua” gift card available from the Chamber of Commerce.