Chautauqua Lake, New York, is a destination rich in history, culture, and scenic beauty. Whether you’re a history buff, a craft beer lover, or someone who enjoys lakeside retreats, this itinerary offers a well-rounded experience filled with museums, breweries, and charming small-town discoveries. Follow this three-day guide to make the most of your time in this stunning region.
A trip to Chautauqua Lake from London, Ontario is an easy and scenic drive, taking approximately 3.5 to 4 hours depending on traffic and border crossing wait times. The most convenient entry points into the U.S. are the Peace Bridge in Fort Erie, ON, to Buffalo, NY, or the Rainbow Bridge in Niagara Falls, ON, both offering a straightforward route into western New York.
Once in New York State, the drive takes you through rolling countryside and past charming small towns before arriving at Chautauqua County, a region known for its deep ties to arts, culture, and outdoor recreation. Historically, Chautauqua Lake has been a vacation retreat for those from Cleveland, Buffalo, and upper New York State, drawing visitors seeking lakeside relaxation, intellectual enrichment at the Chautauqua Institution, and more recently, the thriving craft beverage scene.
Day 1: Exploring Indigenous History & Local Brews
Visit the Seneca Iroquois National Museum
📍 Seneca Iroquois National Museum – 82 W Hetzel St, Salamanca, NY 14779
Start your journey with a deep dive into the rich cultural heritage of the Seneca Nation. This museum offers an in-depth look at the traditions, artifacts, and history of the Iroquois people. From intricate beadwork to fascinating exhibits on Seneca history, it’s a meaningful way to begin your trip.
Highlights include:
- Traditional Longhouse Exhibit: Step inside a replica of a traditional Seneca longhouse and learn about daily life before European contact.
- Intricate Beadwork Collection: The museum has an extensive display of Seneca beadwork, showcasing vibrant patterns and deep cultural significance.
- Historical Artifacts: View ancient tools, wampum belts, and ceremonial masks that tell the story of the Seneca people’s enduring traditions.
After an this educational and intriguing exhibit we continue our journey to Chautauqua Lake —just an hour’s drive away.
Drinks & Appetizers at Southern Tier Brewing
📍 Southern Tier Brewing – The Empty Pint – 2072 Stoneman Circle, Lakewood, NY 14750
After an enriching museum visit, unwind at one of New York’s most famous craft breweries. Southern Tier Brewing Company is known for its bold flavors and innovative brews. Grab a pint and enjoy some light bites at their laid-back taproom, The Empty Pint.
Head to The Empty Pint, the brewery’s lively taproom, where you can sample:
🍺 Vodka Orange Crush – A fan-favorite like a Creamsicle but with vodka
🍺 2XIPA – A bold, hoppy double IPA.
🍺 Blackwater Series Stouts – Dessert-like stouts with flavors like crème brûlée and s’mores.
We ordered a 2X Lakewood Burger (cheddar, 2xIPA BBQ-mayo, bacon, crispy onions on a sesame bun) and a Grilled Chicken Sandwich (lemon basil aioli, pickled onions, arugula on a brioche bun). The meal was delicious and we also got to sample a few of the cocktails and beers! This is a great spot to listen to music during summer months. They also have a stones throwing course (think bocci balls but with obstacles).
Check-In & Dinner at Chautauqua Harbor Hotel
📍 Chautauqua Harbor Hotel – 10 Dunham Ave, Celeron, NY 14720
End the evening with a relaxing stay at this picturesque waterfront hotel. With its elegant rooms, lakeside views, and excellent dining options, it’s the perfect place to unwind after a day of exploration.
This a large luxurious hotel with plenty of activities to keep you on the property but it is also very close to Jamestown where you can have a great visit. What we loved about this hotel was how large the rooms were and comfortable the bed was.
With a lovely large balcony looking out on Chautauqua Lake, during the spring, summer and fall it gives you a spectacular view of the harbour. There is a large bar, quiet dining room and Starbucks coffee available on each floor at a coffee bar!
This hotel features:
🛶 A cozy lakeside fire pit
🏋️♀️Large fitness center and indoor pool 🏊♂️
⛳️ Putting green (with free clubs at the front desk
🌿Extensive Patio area with access to the waterfront boardwalk
On-site dining featuring regional specialties.
🍽️ After a long day, enjoy a relaxing dinner at the hotel’s restaurant before resting up for an exciting day ahead.
Day 2: Law, Laughter & Legendary Comedy
Walk Through Lucille Ball Memorial Park
📍 Lucille Ball Memorial Park, Celoron, NY – 21 Boulevard Ave, Celoron, NY 14720
Stroll through this lakeside park and visit the famous Lucille Ball statues. There is a large playground, picnic tables and seating area. There was also a dock, boat launch and lighthouse. Really a wonderful place to walk to from the hotel.
Tour the Robert H. Jackson Center
📍 Robert H. Jackson Center – 305 E. Fourth St., Jamestown, NY 14701
Housed in the historic Alonzo Kent mansion and former Masonic lodge this museum is extremely interesting and worth a stop. Delve into the legacy of Supreme Court Justice Robert H. Jackson, who played a pivotal role in the Nuremberg Trials. This museum and educational center offers exhibits on law, justice, and human rights, making it a must-visit for history enthusiasts.
Must-see exhibits include:
⚖️ Nuremberg Trial Memorabilia – Original documents and footage from the post-WWII war crime trials. The International Military Tribunal at Nuremberg prosecuted the leading Nazi war criminals following WWII.
⚖️ Jackson’s Supreme Court Contributions – Learn about his impact on civil liberties and international law.
⚖️ Perpetrator Exhibit – Chilling, this is an exhibit of lithographs created by artist Sidney Chafetz (1922-2013). The pictures depict the individuals who carried out the policies of the Third Reich during World War II.
Lunch in Downtown Jamestown
Walking through downtown is fairly easy. Just park your car and have a walk around. We wanted to have a light lunch and had a few option and decided to go with a vegetarian option. After a little bit of window shopping, we dropped by Labyrinth Press Coffee.
🍽️ Labyrinth Press Co. – 12 E 4th St, Jamestown, NY 14701
Look down or you might just walk by this great vegetarian café. We warmed up with some drinks and ordered a sandwich and a salad. It was pretty popular around lunch time but service was quick and it had a very cozy atmosphere.
Other suggestions:
Lisciandro’s. Cash Only. Their famous rigatoni is served on Thursday
The Cherry Lounge: Known for their chicken wings
Laugh Out Loud at the National Comedy Center
📍 National Comedy Center – 203 W. Second St., Jamestown, NY 14701
It is hard to imagine you could easily spend 3-4 hours in this museum but you do. I was skeptical at first but there are so many things to do in the National Comedy Center it is a must-see museum for comedy lovers. When you enter, you are given a bracelet which will track where you go in the museum but most importantly, you are asked an extensive series of questions to determine what type of humour you enjoy.
Everyone has a different sense of humour and to have a tailored experience for you in such a large museum is fantastic. This interactive museum is dedicated to humor in all its forms. From digital exhibits to classic stand-up performances, this center celebrates comedic legends while also highlighting modern talent.
From scriptwriting for sitcoms to stand up comedy routines, you will learn a lot about the business of comedy. Every year these is a Lucille Ball Comedy Festival with some of the greatest comedians of our time. It is worth the trip back in August to see that!
🤣 Create Your Own Stand-Up Routine – Step into the spotlight and test your comedy chops. You are on a stage, with your family or friends in the audience and you re-create one of your favourite jokes from a well-known comedian. My husband chose to recreate one of John Mulaney’s jokes. After the third time he felt more comfortable and loved the overall experience. Bring your camera to record your ‘rising star’!
🤣 Explore Props & Costumes – Get up close with legendary memorabilia from comedy greats like Steve Martin’s signature props, Robin Williams’ iconic outfits, and Joan Rivers’ dazzling wardrobe.
🤣 Step Inside The “Comedy Continuum” – This interactive digital timeline curates comedy history based on your humor style, making it a personalized and immersive journey through decades of laughter.
🤣 Discover the “Blue Room” – This area is restricted to those 18+ and delves into the racier or controversial side of comedy. From Lenny Bruce to George Carlin, David Chappel to Sarah Silverman – comedy can have a dark side but still find an audience. What we consider mainstream and easily accessible on Netflix today would have landed you in jail 50 years ago.
A Walk Down Memory Lane – Lucy-Desi Museum
📍 Lucille Ball Desi Arnaz Museum – 2 W 3rd St, Jamestown, NY 14701
A visit wouldn’t be complete without stopping by this museum to explore the legacy of Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz. Nestled in Lucille Ball’s hometown the Lucille Ball Desi Arnaz Museum opened its doors in 1996 to honor the legacy of this iconic comedic duo.
Visitors can explore meticulously recreated sets from I Love Lucy, admire Lucille’s Emmy awards, and view an array of costumes and rare memorabilia from the show. The museum offers an intimate glimpse into the lives and careers of Lucille and Desi, making it a must-visit for fans and comedy enthusiasts alike.
Step into the world of classic television with these three must-see exhibits:
📺 The “I Love Lucy” Soundstage – Walk through meticulously recreated sets, including Lucy and Ricky’s iconic New York apartment and the Tropicana Club, where Ricky performed his legendary musical numbers.
🎬 Behind-the-Scenes Memorabilia – Get a glimpse of rare production notes, vintage scripts, and unseen photographs, offering an insider’s view into how the show was created and why it remains a comedy classic.
👗 Lucy’s Wardrobe Collection – See original costumes worn by Lucille Ball, from her famous polka-dot dress to outlandish outfits from some of her most hilarious episodes.
Perfect for die-hard Lucy fans and casual visitors alike, this museum is a nostalgic and entertaining stop on your Chautauqua adventure! ❤️
Pro Travel Tip: Dual Admission: see both the National Comedy Center and the Lucy Ball Desi Arnaz Museum for one reduced price, with paid access to the ETHEL app (to guide you through the Lucy-Desi Museum). The Dual Admission pass gives you access to both museums over two consecutive days with in/out privileges. Trust me, it is worth it as the National Comedy Center is huge and you don’t want to rush through it.
Dinner in Jamestown The Landmark Restaurant
📍Landmark Restaurant – 516 W 4th St, Jamestown, NY 14701
🍽️ A Standout Dinner at The Landmark Restaurant
A short drive from the Chautauqua Harbor Hotel we wanted to savour the extensive menu. Even on a midweek night in November, The Landmark Restaurant was lively, with a busy dining room and a bustling bar. While reservations weren’t needed that night, I’d recommend booking ahead during peak season.
The ambiance was elegant yet inviting, with warm lighting and tasteful décor. Service was impeccable, and the food? Excellent. I started with a rich, creamy lobster bisque, followed by perfectly cooked salmon and scallops, while my husband enjoyed a generous portion of scallop risotto.
With its refined atmosphere, expertly crafted dishes, and top-notch service, The Landmark was an excellent choice—one I’d happily recommend to anyone visiting Jamestown, NY.
Day 3: The Charm of the Chautauqua Institution & Wine Country
🍽️ Breakfast at the Chautauqua Harbor Hotel – We had a delightful breakfast at the Lakehouse Tap & Grille in our hotel. Our meal was generous and the view to the Lake was spectacular!
Tour the Chautauqua Institution
📍 Chautauqua Institution – 1 Massey Ave., Chautauqua, NY 14722
This was a fascinating, and unexpected tour of an historic cultural center. This historic cultural center is home to renowned lectures, art programs, and beautiful lakefront views. Take a guided tour to learn about its impact on education and the arts. I recently joined the Chautauqua Literary and Scientific Circle (one of the oldest book clubs in America).
The Chautauqua Institution is a 750-acre educational center. Each summer, it hosts a nine-week season that attracts over 100,000 visitors who engage in programs addressing contemporary religious, social, and political topics. The Institution offers a diverse range of courses in fine and performing arts, writing, and other special interests. Additionally, it provides interfaith worship services, recreational activities, and specialized programs for children. Many of its events and performances are open to the public.
🌳 Visit the Amphitheater – The heart of Chautauqua’s summer programming, this historic venue hosts concerts, lectures, and performances, making it a cultural hub for visitors.
🏘️ Admire Victorian Architecture – Stroll through tree-lined streets filled with charming, well-preserved Victorian cottages and historic inns, offering a glimpse into the area’s rich past.
🗺️Afterward, enjoy some free time exploring the scenic grounds – walk the rolling hills of Palestine Park, the historic to-scale model of the Holy Land carved into our waterfront.
This stop was enchanting and I look forward to returning on day to take part in the Chautauqua Literary and Scientific Circle graduation in four years. I’ve already set aside the books for the 2025 lecture series. I will be following along on YouTube to watch previous year’s authors-lectures.
Lunch at Music For Your Mouth
📍 Music For Your Mouth – 21 S Erie St., Mayville, NY 14757
A delightful eatery offering delicious comfort food in a lively setting. The perfect spot for a relaxed meal before heading into wine country. I ordered a selection of salads and my husband ordered their famous grilled steak supreme (a fancy steak sandwich with brie cheese).
They are also known for their entertaining gourmet theme nights. From Mardi Gras to Japan , Brazil to Savannah – they host an evening for foodies looking to experience dishes from around the world.
Visit the Grape Discovery Center & Wine Tasting
📍 Grape Discovery Center – 8305 W. Main Road, Westfield, NY 14787
Nestled in the heart of Lake Erie Wine Country, this center showcases the region’s rich grape-growing history. Enjoy a tasting of local wines and learn about the winemaking traditions that define this area.
🍷 Learn About the Region’s Winemaking History – Discover how the Lake Erie Wine Region became one of the oldest and largest Concord grape-growing areas in the U.S., producing world-class wines for generations.
🍷 Taste Local Wines – Sip on award-winning wines made from native Concord grapes, known for their deep flavor and rich history in the region.
🍷 Book a Full Winery Tour – Extend your experience by visiting a nearby winery along the Lake Erie Wine Trail, where you can enjoy a guided tasting and vineyard tour.
Final Thoughts
This 3-day itinerary showcases the best of Chautauqua Lake—from its deep-rooted history and lively arts and comedy scene to its thriving culinary and wine culture. A leisure drive from Toronto or Southwestern Ontario, this region in northwester New York state has so much to offer those seeking a destination with rural, agricultural and cultural interest. I cannot believe living here 26 years, this was the first time we went to visit – it won’t be the last. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a returning traveler, this region always has something new to offer.🍷✨
Disclosure: We were guests of Chautauqua Harbor Hotel and were invited to explore Chautauqua Lake by the local tourism board. We would like to thank them for their generosity and hospitality. This FAM trip transpired in the fall of 2024. All opinion are genuine and our own.
Margarita Ibbott is a travel and lifestyle blogger. She blogs about travel in Canada, the United States and Europe giving practical advice through restaurant, hotel and attraction reviews. She writes for DownshiftingPRO.com and other online media outlets.