More than 40 miles of Lake Erie shoreline constitutes Chautauqua County, New York’s northwestern border. Tucked in among the region's shale escarpment are three harbors home to three distinct communities: Westfield, Dunkirk, and Sunset Bay. Travel by boat or by land to discover an abundance of things to do, places to eat, and experiences to be had in the Chautauqua-Lake Erie Region.
Westfield and Barcelona Harbor
Traveling west to east, Barcelona Harbor provides the first opportunity for both docking and launching. The town docks at Daniel Reid Pier/Monroe Marina have several transient slips or purchase a launch ticket from the Harbor Master at Barcelona Harbor.
Wineries and Watering Holes
Westfield, once home to Welch’s and now headquarters of the National Grape Cooperative Association could be considered the seat of Lake Erie Wine Country, a collective of 23 wineries along Chautauqua County's Lake Erie Grape Belt. The Grape Discovery Center offers a history lesson detailing a more than 150-year growing tradition, plus the opportunity to sample and purchase many local wine and grape products including artisanal food items and grape-inspired art.
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Noble Winery: Sit back and relax at Noble, where a covered porch offers incredible views of Lake Erie from its elevated perspective.
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Johnson Estate Winery: New York State's oldest estate winery should be on your must-visit list. Check for events like vineyard walks and garden picnics happening during your trip. Samples of craft spirits distilled across the State are also available.
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Mazza Chautauqua Cellars/Five & 20 Spirits and Brewing: New York's first winery-brewery-distillery has a craft beverage for everyone. Enjoy your drink of choice on their beautiful patio.
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21 Brix Winery: Snap a photo with Ella, the pink elephant before visiting the tasting bar. 21 Brix serves a spectrum of palate-pleasing wines and regional craft beers that pair well with their everyday charcuterie boards.
- Sparkling Ponds Winery: Serving up a "sparkling" wine tasting experience, this winery has an idyllic outdoor tasting area that is perfect for sipping great wine and frozen wine slushies on a hot day.
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Big Inlet Brewing: This newer, small-batch brewery is worth the mainland trek. Head into to the reclaimed hoop barn to order a beer made from NYS ingredients, pick up your food truck fare, then grab a board game before taking a seat in the loft.
A Charming Downtown
After checking out the Barcelona Lighthouse and information center adjacent to the marina, which bears the distinction of being the first natural gas lighthouse in the U.S., spend an afternoon browsing shops in the classic Main Street village center of Westfield. Antique stores, art galleries, bakeries, and independent restaurants fill the storefronts. Visit Abraham Lincoln-Grace Bedell Statue Park to uncover its interesting significance. Outside the village center, Portage Hill Art Gallery presents a fine array of work from Chautauqua County artists, many inspired by our verdant vineyards, rolling hills, and calming waters.
Stretch Sea Legs
Hike the Chautauqua Rails to Trails system, enjoying the task of identifying local flora and fauna along the way. Make your hike or bike ride a picnic by packing a lunch with local food items purchased at the Westfield Farmers and Artisans Market or a delicious pie from Portage Pie.
Lodging & Waterfront Dining
In addition to downtown Westfield, the immediate Barcelona Harbor community offers several waterfront dining opportunities including Jack’s Barcelona Drive-In, the Barcelona Market Café, and When Pigs Fly BBQ Pit. If you’re looking for unique regional eats, stop by Westfield Fisheries for smoked Lake Erie whitefish.
You won’t find any major hotels in Westfield but several bed and breakfasts, campgrounds, and vacation homes are available for those looking to overnight.
Dunkirk and Chadwick Bay
Dunkirk is Chautauqua County’s only city situated on Lake Erie. It presents guests with multiple dining and lodging options, including popular hotel brands. The Dunkirk Clarion Hotel is located adjacent to the Holiday Harbor at Chadwick Bay Marina, making it easy to dock for the night. Holiday Harbor also offers visitor slips, convenient for a day of exploration. The Dunkirk Boardwalk Marketplace at City Pier Park is a unique establishment with several eateries and retailers.
Historic Significance
The Dunkirk Lighthouse and Veteran’s Museum sits not far from where the War of 1812 was first fought on Lake Erie, when Captain Martin Tubbs and local militiamen fired on the Lady Prevost, a British schooner moored nearby. This fact coupled with the lighthouse innkeeper and U.S. Military artifacts on display fuels rumors that the Dunkirk Lighthouse is haunted. Join a daytime tour or book a nighttime paranormal investigation to find out. Haunted or not, the lighthouse features a truly spectacular view of Lake Erie from the 60-foot tower.
Whispering Giants is a series of public art sculptures that depict Native American people by Peter Wolf Toth, an Akron, OH resident. New York’s sculpture, named Ong-Gwe-Ohn-Weh, is in the City of Dunkirk at Lake Shore Drive W. and Pike Streets. Toth created it over the course of two months during the summer of 1973. It was carved from the lower trunk of a dead elm tree.
Hanover and Sunset Bay
This hideaway community is a real treasure! Reserve a visitor slip at Sunset Bay Marine Park in Irving or drop anchor at Sunset Bay’s sandy, shallow cove. Lodging here is mostly limited to beach-themed cottages and vacation homes.
Island Vibes
The wide and sandy shoreline at Sunset Bay Beach Club attracts people by boat and land, ensuring it’s a hub of activity on beautiful summer days. Share the water with kiteboarders, SUP yogis, and kayakers, all of whom can rent boards and equipment from SUP Erie Adventures. Grab a seat at Cabana Sam’s tiered outdoor deck or order an island-themed beverage from the beach bar.
World-Class Fishing
The eastern basin of Lake Erie that runs along Chautauqua County is known for its trophy-size walleye and excellent bass fishing. Charter captains are readily available to increase the odds of landing the catch of a lifetime. Additionally, Lake Erie’s tributary streams receive an annual run of migratory rainbow trout called “steelhead.” From October through April this area transforms into the renowned Steelhead Alley as thousands of trout ascend Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Canadaway, and 18-Mile Creeks on their mission to spawn. For the sportsman, excellent fly-fishing opportunities await.
For more information about events and attractions in Chautauqua County, call 1-866-908-4569 to request a free travel packet or visit TourChautauqua.com.