Area Guide

Picturesque Chautauqua County is a year round vacation destination offering something for everyone. Visitors flock to the area to enjoy outdoor recreation and watersports on its five lakes including the Lake Erie shoreline. The area boasts world- class arts and cultural programming at the Chautauqua Institution as well museums including the new National Comedy Center and Lucille Ball Desi Arnez Museum in nearby Jamestown, the legendary comedian's hometown. Other attractions include the Lake Erie Wine Trail, offering 30,000 contiguous acres of fragrant vineyards, and Frank Lloyd Wright's Graycliff Estate, showcasing the venerable architect's ideal of organic architecture. During winter months, abundant snows make this the perfect destination for alpine and cross- country skiers.

Celoron, New York is a small Village with a population of about 1250 at the southwestern end of Chautauqua Lake. The village has over 2000 feet of public access lakefront with a seven-acre public park. The Lucille Ball Memorial Park has a boat launch, lighthouse, band shell, pavilion, picnic area, playground, and a community center.

National Comedy Center

The National Comedy Center is the first state-of-the-art museum dedicated to telling the vital story of comedy in America. It celebrates comedy's great minds and unique voices, from Charlie Chaplin to Dave Chappelle. Exclusive collections and world class exhibits give fans and unprecedented behind the scenes look at the time –honed creative processes that have elevated comedy to an art.

Chautauqua Institution

Chautauqua Institution is a community on the shores of Chautauqua Lake in southwestern New York that comes alive each summer with a unique mix of fine and performing arts, lectures, concerts, interfaith worship and programs, and recreational activities. Over the course of nine weeks, more than 100, 00 visitors will stay in Chautauqua and participate in programs, classes, and community events for all ages- all within the beautiful setting of a historic lakeside village.

Lucille Ball Desi Arnaz Museum

“I Love Lucy” is widely regarded as one of the greatest sitcoms in the history of television. Tour the museum dedicated to the show's success in star Lucille Ball's hometown of Jamestown, New York. Admission to the Lucille Ball Desi Arnaz Museum &Center for Comedy proudly display the show's costumes, memorabilia, photographs and much more, including recreations of sets and educational exhibits highlighting the lives and careers of Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz, one of the most influential couples in American comedy. It is an absolute must-see for fans of the show.

Robert H Jackson Center

An historical center located in Jamestown, New York, dedicated to the life and legacy of Robert H. Jackson, U. S. Solicitor General, Attorney General, Supreme Court Justice and Chief United States Prosecutor at the Nuremberg Trials.

Roger Tory Peterson Institute of Natural History

Center devoted to fostering knowledge of the natural world and preserving the legacy of the pre-eminent American artist-naturalist of the 20th century .

Audubon Community Nature Center

Nature preserve seeks to build and nurture connections between people and nature by providing positive outdoor experiences, opportunities to learn about and understand the natural world, and knowledge to act in environmentally responsible ways.

Fenton History Center

Local history center and museum housed in the landmark Italianate mansion (1863) of Civil-War Era Congressman, NY Governor and US Senator Reuben E Fenton. Historical and genealogical research center is located next door in the Greek Revival Hall Home (1846)

Upcoming Area Events:

Chautauqua Food Festival, Celoron, NY, August 17-25, 2019
2X Jam, Lakewood, NY, August 17, 2019
14th Annual Celtic Festival and Gathering of the Clans, Mayville, NY, August 23-25, 2019
Bmus Point Fall Fest, Bemus Point, NY, September 13-15, 2019