Top 7 Things to do in Chautauqua, United States

July 20, 2017 Alice Mieles

Chautauqua is a town and lake resort community in Chautauqua County, New York, United States. The population was 4,464 at the 2010 census. The town is named after Chautauqua Lake. The traditional meaning remains "bag tied in the middle". The suggested meanings of this Seneca word have become numerous: "the place where one is lost"; "the place of easy death"; "fish taken out"; "foggy place"; "high up"; "two moccasins fastened together"; and "a bag tied in the middle".
Restaurants in Chautauqua

1. Chautauqua Institution

1 Ames Ave, Chautauqua, NY 14722-2501 +1 800-836-2787
Excellent
74%
Good
17%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
3%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 373 reviews

Chautauqua Institution

Chautauqua Institution is a community on the shores of Chautauqua Lake in southwestern New York state 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 100,000 visitors will stay at Chautauqua and participate in programs, classes and community events for all ages-all within the beautiful setting of a historic lakeside village.

Reviewed By Lorne29 - Claremont

This town/campus is special. The setting, architecture, amenities, and landscaping are worth a visit, which will cost around $20 for half a day. On Sunday afternoon, you can stroll the grounds for free. We bought tickets to a show at the amphitheater which enabled us to enter the grounds just before 4 PM. We went to a lecture, had a drink at the hotel, and dinner at the cafeteria-style restaurant before attending the show ("The Capitol Steps". We enjoyed the entire experience.

2. Chautauqua Belle Steamboat

78 Water St, Mayville, NY 14757-1323
Excellent
49%
Good
31%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
3%
Terrible
7%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 82 reviews

Chautauqua Belle Steamboat

Reviewed By josiestone - New York City, New York

What a nice way to spend a few hours on Chautauqua lake with interesting information presented by the captain during the tour. The view was so beautiful but I especially appreciated all the info about the lake and the area.Thank you so much for this review! We can't wait to have you back on board again next summer!

3. Midway State Park

4859 Route 430, Bemus Point, Ellery, NY 14712-9638 +1 716-386-3165
Excellent
31%
Good
43%
Satisfactory
19%
Poor
6%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 76 reviews

Midway State Park

Our 2016 Pricing, Operational Calendar and other information is available on our webpage and our our facebook page. Please note that on all normal operating days, the rides close from 3-3:30 pm; the arcade and concessions will remain open during this time. Located on the shores of beautiful Chautauqua Lake, Midway State Park is a family treasure. Originally established in 1898 as a trolley park, Midway State Park is one of the oldest continually operating amusement parks in the nation. The first owners of the park constructed playing fields, tennis courts, bath houses and a dance hall to entice customers to ride the trolley on weekends. In 1915, a new building was constructed with a kitchen, a large dining room and space for dancing and roller skating. Today, this building is home to a museum, gift shop, concession stands and other facilities. Midway State Park continues to offer the same family friendly atmosphere that visitors have come to love. Patrons can take a nostalgic ride on the vintage carousel, play a game of mini golf, take a spin on the tilt-a whirl, ride the go-karts and bumper boats or watch their children enjoy themselves on the many kiddie rides. And, while some may prefer to relax while enjoying an old fashioned candy apple or cotton candy, others can test their skills at classic midway games. Several picnic shelters are available for family reunions and company picnics. Accessible by the waters of Chautauqua Lake, Midway also is a great place for fishing and free docking is offered for day visitors. Household pets only, must be caged or on a leash no more than 6 feet and have proof of rabies inoculation. No pets in public buildings or in the amusement area.

Reviewed By denver60 - Denver, Colorado

Our nephews loved Midway State Park - the rides are classics and everything is designed for the younger child. Midway is very clean and all the rides appear well maintained and in excellent shape. Recommend!

4. Chautauqua Point Golf Club

5687 E Lake Rd, Dewittville, NY 14728-9734
Excellent
20%
Good
70%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
10%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 10 reviews

Chautauqua Point Golf Club

Reviewed By DOUGANDPOLLY - GRAND ISLAND

this is a simply terrific little nine-hole golf course, well-maintained, with a view of Lake Chautauqua from almost every hole... signature hole is the eighth, a preciptious drop of some 50 yards into what looks, at first, like an island in the lake... nice personnel, reasonable prices, lacking only in adequate post-round food and drink... that is, there is some, but quite mundane

5. Chautauqua Bookstore

Chautauqua, NY +1 716-357-2151
Excellent
89%
Good
11%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 45 reviews

Chautauqua Bookstore

Historic bookstore founded in 1874 in tents.

Reviewed By LauraJean - DeKalb, IL

A great bookstore. Of course there are the sweatshirts and candles, but there are also lots of good books, especially in the areas of the institute's interests: religion, arts, politics, media. Prices are reasonable, and this is the best place to shop for gifts. Excellent location in the middle of campus.

6. Reverie Creamery

3943 Route 394, Mayville, NY 14757-9600 +1 716-789-5757
Excellent
80%
Good
15%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
5%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 19 reviews

Reverie Creamery

Reverie Creamery is a small scale cheesemaking company, cheese store, and cheese destination in Mayville Chautauqua County, New York. Reverie produces its own seasonal cheeses as well as carrying a variety of cheeses and goodies from around the world with a focus on American, artisanal companies. Reverie is committed to using local ingredients and collaborating with local artisans.

Reviewed By GNR80 - Richmond, VA

My family loves cheese, all kinds, including more adventurous cheese. So, stopping here was a necessary excursion. They carry not only their products, but others as well.

We sampled cheeses and found the shopkeeper patient and hospitable. We ended up buying numerous cheese, salami and honey and fig spread, which we and our extended family promptly devoured at home. Their roasted garlic goat cheese was especially amazing.

They have some nice crusty bread in the freezer in the back. Ask for this and you can warm it up at home to go with your cheese.

They told me that Whole Foods will be carrying their cheeses soon, so I will definitely be looking for them there!

7. Barcelona Lighthouse

Hwy 5, Chautauqua, NY
Excellent
40%
Good
22%
Satisfactory
35%
Poor
3%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 31 reviews

Barcelona Lighthouse

The First Natural Gas Lighthouse. Finished in 1829, the 40-foot tall Barcelona Lighthouse (Portland Harbor) was the very first natural gas lighthouse in the country. It was in Federal Lighthouse Service until 1859. At that time it became privately held through various owners until 2008, when New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation acquired it. Though it no longer has the original lens, nor is used for navigational purposes, it is still lit and visible today through an agreement with the Town of Westfield. The lighthouse is listed on the U.S. National Register of Historical Places. The Keeper's cottage is open in a joint partnership with the Town of Westfield Visitor Center and a seasonal weekend docent with NYS Parks. The lighthouse itself is not open to public ascent due to structural issues at this time.

Reviewed By Charlene C

I love this section of Route 5 from North East Pa to Dunkirk NY it's a nice easy relaxing drive along the Lake Erie Shoreline. While driving you will come to Barcelona Harbor where you can pull in and check out the harbor overlooking the harbor is the lighthouse. This area is very scenic great for sightseeing You can take this way instead of the New York Thruway I90 check it out.

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