Creating family vacation memories in Chautauqua County, NY
By Mark Stevens
While planning a summer vacation is one of the most anticipated events of the year, it can also come with a bit of stress and anxiety. There are plenty of places in Chautauqua County and things to do in western New York to fill a summer with family traditions and memories to last a lifetime. I also have a few fun ideas for parents who may want to get a sitter for their kids as well.
My wife and I, along with our teen, have since passed that Midway Park tradition to our three-year-old daughter, who especially enjoys time on the kiddie sailboats, the Tilt-A-Whirl and the panoramic train ride around the perimeter of the park. I can already picture our newborn daughter walking around to the various attractions, hand-in-hand with her sisters on the park grounds getting a tutorial on each ride.
Cool notes
For a more sophisticated summer vacation experience, spend an evening of first-class popular entertainment under the historic Amphitheater inside the gates of the legendary Chautauqua Institution on Route 394 near Mayville. Though suitable for kids, my wife and I have taken the opportunity to leave the kiddos with Grandma and Grandpa so we could enjoy a date night concert. We’ve enjoyed seeing American Idol stars like Clay Aiken and Ruben Studdard take their talent center stage. We’ve also taken in such productions as Under the Streetlamp, a concert celebration of classic jukebox hits of the American radio songbook from the 1950s to the 1970s, featuring members of the musical group, The Jersey Boys.
During Week Nine of Chautauqua's 2017 season, the first ever Chautauqua Food Festival will be held. This week-long food, craft beverage and entertainment festival in Bestor Plaza will feature renowned speakers from the culinary world as well as a daily roster of food- and drink-themed events from cooking demonstrations and competitions to interactive experiences and tastings prepared by the best regional restaurants, farms, wineries and breweries. A special Food Festival Only pass is available for the week for those wishing only to partake in fest activities, and not Amphitheater performances. More information may be found here.
We’ve also watched hit movies like Frozen on the big screen outside at night under the stars. To top if off, the Bemus Bay Pops and the floating stage also play host to the popular local singing contest The Choice, where we’ve grabbed our lawn chairs and a pizza to hear local vocalists battle it out to become the newest voice of tomorrow. During the 2016 season, the Bemus Bay Pops tribute band lineup includes Journey, The Who, Rod Stewart, Pink Floyd, Bob Seger, and The Bee Gees.
The Summer Wind experience is not just for kids. My wife and I took a July 4th, Mardis Gras themed cruise not too long ago. The party-filled excursion featured a DJ, feathered party hats and masks, as well as festive and flavorful cocktails perfect for the occasion. We capped off the evening as part of a makeshift conga line that stretched from the lower to the upper deck of the ship. The ship launches from Lucille Ball Memorial Park in Celoron.
Blast into the past
I have taken many walks through the museum which beautifully chronicles the lives and careers of television’s first couple of comedy Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz. It’s a walk back in time complete with photos, home movies, vintage clothing and other precious artifacts like Lucy’s gold Mercedes.
The National Comedy Center, the first national-scale cultural institution and visitor experience dedicated to the comedic arts is scheduled to open summer of 2018. A visit is most definitely on our 2018 Chautauqua County bucket list.
Sandy Beaches
Taste the town
One of our most recent journeys included stops at Merritt Estate Winery, Johnson Estate Winery, Liberty Vineyards and 21 Brix. From sweet refreshing wine slushies to the more sophisticated dry reds, each winery offered its unique blend of taste and charm.
So whether it’s a fun-filled day at Midway State Park, a historic trip back in time at the Lucy Desi Museum or an excursion aboard the Summer Wind, an exciting summer vacation awaits the entire family.
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Originally from New England, Mark Stevens is a writer and journalist who lives in Jamestown, NY with his wife and three children. He enjoys travelling and spending time with family and friends.