Discover something new with your love this winter by showing how much you care with an escape to the bucolic charm of Chautauqua County. Valentine’s Day is quickly approaching but we invite you to turn any weekend into a special occasion that will forever be remembered.
Southern Tier Brewing Company and Stella a Kitchen & Bar – Lakewood, NY
Since its inception in 2002, Southern Tier Brewing Company’s commitment to using the finest ingredients to craft outstanding beer won it a following. As the young brewery continued to grow, so did its fan base. By 2009 the brewery was so popular that they built a 20,000 square foot brewhouse in order to keep up with the ballooning demand.
What better way to enjoy this marvel of brewing excellence than with a tour? Every Saturday, tours of their state-of-the art facility are available on a first come, first serve basis for $15 per person. Tickets may be purchased in the Empty Pint Brewpub. The tour concludes with beer samples in the Schalander Tasting Room overlooking the new brewhouse.
Continue your night out with a five minute car ride down to the heart of Lakewood, with dinner at Stella a Kitchen & Bar. Being the newest dining experience in the Chautauqua region, Stella offers a diverse menu of both contemporary and traditional dishes with American regional influences. Try their creative salads, small plates, fresh seafood, meats, pasta dishes and homemade desserts that utilize local ingredients when possible. The menu is complemented by a comprehensive list of beer, wine and cocktails.
Forte and The Landmark – Jamestown, NY
Forte vows to make your Valentine’s date an evening to remember. In addition to their exceptional seasonal menu and fresh daily specials, a creative holiday menu will be offered. The items on the Valentine’s Day menu will be selected closer to the big day to ensure the finest ingredients are on hand. We can share that specials will highlight locally sourced ingredients.
Have a drink at the bar and with any luck you will receive insights from local mixologist, Nick Dean. Dean has a knack for creating the perfect concoction to satisfy your taste buds and enhance your evening. Hang out with him at the bar and enjoy the steak and beer special (bar and lounge only). With all the action and great food, you may not even want to leave the bar for a table. It is strongly recommended that you call ahead for reservations.
After finishing your delicious meal at Forte and still want some action, swing up to The Landmark? The Landmark has been heralded throughout Chautauqua County for exceptional dishes. The long comfortable bar is presided over by exceptional bartenders who would be happy to make you a carefully crafted digestif or cordial to go with a mouth-watering dessert.
Peek n’ Peak for a Lovers’ Retreat – Findley Lake, NY
This English Tudor styled ski resort is the perfect place to get away with your love to enjoy the slopes. With Peek'n Peak's Stay & Ski/Ride Packages you can pamper your partner without breaking the bank. The Romantic Getaway for 2 Package starts at $164 and includes an overnight stay for two, $50 dining credit, and a bottle of champagne.
After dark, enjoy romantic runs down their 26 lighted trails, which vary from the bunny hill to black diamonds. Tuck in to dinner and drinks at one of their many dining facilities. If you’re feeling adventurous, take a trip out to Pine Junction, a unique bar/restaurant that is nestled in the pines outside of Sherman, NY. They are known for having excellent craft beer on tap, generous portions of food and delicious BBQ. Then settle into your lodging back at The Peak and toast to your good fortune with a bottle of bubbly.
When you wake in the morning, the fun is far from over. The pool facility offers a full workout room and a breathtaking indoor/outdoor whirlpool. Additionally, you can sweat out some of the night’s debauchery in their sauna or swim some laps in their large indoor pool. Then, why not head to their onsite spa for a couples massage.
Once you have recharged your batteries, it’s time to indulge again with their award-winning brunch buffet. The brunch includes your choice of complimentary Bloody Mary’s and Champagne but the real showstopper is the food. There is everything one could want from a hearty brunch, but save room for the menagerie of fresh baked desserts. Many visitors compare the brunch to the finest offered in regional cities such as Cleveland and Pittsburgh. After 24 hours of eating and playing at Peek n’ Peak you will feel renewed.
Five and 20 Brewing and Downtown – Westfield, NY
Taking your special someone to Westfield, NY is a great idea for a romantic outing. The town is dotted with beautiful Victorian houses and has a classical feel that harks back to the days when the Welch’s grape company had their headquarters there. Visit Rosie's Workshop to shop for unique, handmade products including home decor, lighting and gifts.
Next, head on over to Mazza's Five & 20 Brewing and Spirits, located in the heart of Lake Erie Wine Country. Mazza is the only brewery/distillery/winery in New York State and the friendly staff told me that they are one of eight such establishments in the entire U.S.
After entering the building, while walking toward their tasting room, you can see stills and other shiny stainless steel equipment that they use in their production process. The tasting room is a comfortable place where you can mingle with other revelers and discuss the finer points of their expertly crafted bourbon or the subtle complexity of their hearty Five and 20 Stout.
Round out your trip to Westfield with a bite to eat at one of the local restaurants on or near Main Street.
EBC West and Downtown – Fredonia, NY
Ellicottville Brewing Company has three unique locations, two of which are located right here in Chautauqua County. Bring your date to EBC West in the exciting village of Fredonia, NY, home of Fredonia State University of New York. Enjoy a flight of six carefully crafted beers; you just may find your spirits lifted with each beer you hoist. The menu at EBC West features comfort food favorites with a gastropub twist. Their Buffalo Mac 'n' Cheese, Philly Beer Cheese Steak Sandwich and Fresh Cut Truffle Fries are the perfect, stick-to-your-rib meals for cold winter nights.
If you finish your meal and are still looking for excitement, stroll along downtown and explore the multiple nightlife options
Bellini Lounge and Webb’s Captain Table – Mayville, NY
Begin your evening with sophistication and a cocktail at the Bellini Lounge, located in the Chautauqua Suites Meeting and Expo Center. Tall padded chairs will invite you to cozy on up to the handsome and well-stocked bar. Order any drink your imagination can conjure, or try one of their signature cocktails.
Reservations are always highly recommended for dining at Webb’s Captain Table, but essential for their annual Valentine’s Day Dinner Celebrations. On any given evening, you can expect a menu highlighting regional favorites, hearty classics, refined flavor combinations and notably, grass-fed beef. The Valentine’s Day Dinner offers a complete experience: piano music, a romantic horse-drawn carriage ride, fresh chocolate strawberries and flowers for each couple in addition to a four course meal. Call well in advance to request a seat by the fireplace or in one of the private booths.
For more information on the restaurants, accommodations and attractions in Chautauqua County, visit www.tourchautauqua.com.
Guest blog by Loren Mayshark.
When he is not bartending or freelance writing, Loren Mayshark spends his time cooking and mixing cocktails for family and friends or attempting to get better at the often frustrating sport of golf. He is a regular contributor to The Jovial Journey, a website dedicated to food, drink, and travel in Chautauqua County and beyond.
The original post was published on February 1, 2017. This version was updated by CCVB staff on January 20, 2022.