A weekend spent with good friends is good for the soul, but often the logistics of planning such a trip can be a challenge. Everyone has different schedules, interests, and tastes. The Chautauqua County Visitors Bureau has put together this guide to help inspire your next friend vacation; whether it’s a quick overnight, weekend getaway or a whole week, you’ll feel refreshed and reconnected after a trip to the Chautauqua-Lake Erie Region.
Start with Laughter
Every friend group is different but no matter if you see each other every day or only once a year, the conversation just tends to flow once you are in each other’s company. Still, there might be no better way to break the ice and make new memories than by a shared laugh, or several. Start your getaway at the National Comedy Center and Lucy-Desi Museum, both located in Jamestown, NY.
The National Comedy Center tells the story of comedy in America through highly engaging exhibits. Realizing the vision of comedy legend, television pioneer, and hometown hero, Lucille Ball, the National Comedy Center has been recognized as a benchmark for modern museums and one of the “World’s Greatest Places,” by TIME Magazine. Choose duel admission and visit the Lucy-Desi Museum, which gives a warm salute to the First Couple of Comedy. Priceless costumes, awards, photographs, and other vintage memorabilia are on display from the estates of Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz, as well as I Love Lucy set replicas, displays, and exhibits.
Nourish the Body and Soul
There is no shortage of excellent dining opportunities throughout the Chautauqua-Lake Erie Region however, we do recommend making reservations when the option is available as all restaurants. Many have outdoor seating options, which should continue well into the fall. Warm days can lead to brisk evenings this time of year so pack an additional layer for comfort.
While wine, craft beer, and spirits may not be considered essential nutrients, for those who appreciate them there is no denying their enveloping warmth and solace when enjoyed with friends. Tour Lake Erie Wine Country’s more than 20 unique wineries along the Lake Erie shoreline. Sip wine amongst the vineyards, farm gardens, and handsome tasting rooms.
Craft breweries and distilleries are mainstays across the region. Many prioritize using Chautauqua County local and New York State ingredients to deliver the most flavorsome brews and spirits. Plan a tour of local craft beverage makers with the help of our Craft Beverage Tour Guide.
Take Time for Indulgent Pampering
The ceremony that is drinking tea might be paradoxically one of the simplest, yet most grandeur self-care elixirs. To participate in a tea tasting feels both indulgent and sophisticated in the best kind of way. Lana’s The Little House is just the destination for “tea junkies,” and Lana herself affectionately refers to them. The Little House is a beautiful, handcrafted, storybook English Cottage complete with English Gardens in Lake Erie Wine Country. The address is kept a secret on purpose and reservations are required.
Of course, spas are an excellent option for some pampering with friends. Serenity Spa at Peek’n Peak Resort offers a soothing range of spa treatments, from Swedish and Hot Stone Massage, to body treatments, and hand & foot rituals. St. Elmo Spa, located on the picturesque grounds of Chautauqua Institution, is another destination for rest & relaxation. Facials, massage packages, nail care, lip micropigmentation, and microblading treatments are available.
Retail Therapy
An assortment of locally-owned shops and national retailers will satisfy retail therapy cravings. Hunt for antiques, souvenirs, and quality Amish goods across the entire Chautauqua-Lake Erie Region. Each city, town, and village features stores and markets filled with character and charm all its own. Find home décor to recall sweet memories from a lakeside retreat, artisan food products to reminisce over the flavors of the region, and handmade goods including art and jewelry inspired by the unrivaled natural beauty of Chautauqua County
Have Fun Outdoors
Stick with activities you know or get out of your comfort zones on an outdoor adventure in Chautauqua County. Book tickets for a leisurely paced steamboat excursion aboard the Chautauqua Belle. Take in the beautiful lake views and some interesting facts about the history and ecology of the Chadakoin River, Chautauqua Lake’s outlet. Rent kayaks or standup paddleboards, book a fishing trip, or take a hike along lakeside or wooded trails. There are five lakes and numerous trail systems right here in Chautauqua County!
Navigate the treetops, climbing nets, and ladders. Zip-line from platform to platform, all while encountering obstacles along the way at Peek’n Peak’s Mountain Adventures. Featuring 69 obstacles and 8 courses of varying difficulties. This 3-hour, self-guided experience allows visitors to explore the course at their own pace and to try any (or all!) of the eight different courses, working their way from platform to platform. Race down to mountain via the Giant Dual Zipline, soar above the Inn on the Soaring Eagle, and then soothe fatigue muscles at The Peek’s stunning Midcentury Modern indoor pool and hot tub complex.
Play a challenging round of golf in one of the best and most affordable golfing destinations in the Northeast U.S. The tradition of golf began in Chautauqua County a century ago with the development of the Chautauqua Golf Club at Chautauqua Institution, whose Lake Course was named one of Golf Advisor’s Best of 2018, ranking No. 5 in the listing of publicly accessible courses that delivered the best playing conditions.
Today, more than a dozen courses, some of which are four-star rated, and a Learning Center offer numerous choices for hitting the links during spring, summer, and fall. Tee off with a spectacular view overlooking Chautauqua Lake, near the majestic cliff-lined shores of Lake Erie, or at Peek'n Peak's challenging Upper Course, which has hosted several PGA Tour events.