Follow country roads to nostalgic lakeside resorts and one-of-a-kind attractions in this region of “enchanted” mountains, picturesque waterways and bountiful vineyards. You can play in New York's largest state park, visit a museum dedicated to comedy, and shop in Amish Country for hand-made quilts and fresh local produce. Ride a raft through an old-growth forest or a wild mountain rollercoaster. Stroll amid monumental sculptures at a nature preserve or hike amid towering rock formations on an ancient ocean floor. Bike along tree-lined lanes in a Victorian village at the Chautauqua Institution, featuring a summer season filled with world-class performances.
This region is full of homegrown flavor, too. Roadside stands and farm markets offer sweet corn, apples, berries, maple products, cheeses, and tons of grapes. Whether you follow the southern or the northern route, Chautauqua-Allegheny will delight you!
Chautauqua-Allegheny - Northern Route
A. Ellicottville
Start your trip with zip, at Holiday Valley’s newest outdoor adventure: Sky High Adventure Park. Make your way across the forest from one treetop platform to another, on suspended bridges and zip lines. Ride down the mountain in a zigzagging spiral on the wild new Mountain Coaster.
Slow down and relax with a tranquil stroll at Nannen Arboretum, amid a Japanese garden, nature halls, and perennial and sweet-scented herb gardens.
B. East Otto
Nature meets art at Griffis Sculpture Park, a 400-acre preserve with 250 monumental sculptures on display in meadows and forests, along trails and ravines, and even in ponds. Just northwest of Ellicottville, it’s the largest sculpture park in the US.
C. Gowanda Think adventure and join
Adventure Calls Outfitters on a guided whitewater rafting or kayak trip in the Zoar Valley, one of western NY’s wildest areas.
D. Dunkirk
Head west to the Dunkirk Lighthouse, a beacon on the shores of Lake Erie since 1875. The adjacent Veteran’s Park Museum shows an extensive collection of military artifacts.
E. Fredonia
Take in a performance at the beautifully restored 1891 Fredonia Opera House, set in the heart of this historic town.
F. Westfield
For a side-trip option, drive southwest to pick up the Chautauqua/Lake Erie Wine Trail. The scenic 50-mile route runs along Lake Erie, from Ripley to Silver Creek, passing lush green vineyards and more than 20 wineries. Tours include tasting, so please remember to choose a designated driver.
G. Mayville
Just south of Westfield, treat your sweet tooth on a tour of Webb’s Candy Factory. Sample goat’s-milk fudge and other confections made in old-fashioned copper kettles.
Catch the summer breezes and warm sunshine aboard the Chautauqua Belle, an historic paddle wheeler sailing on Chautauqua Lake. Options range from lunch to evening fireworks cruises.
H. Chautauqua
A few miles south, the Chautauqua Institution presents a summer season of world-class performing arts. Before heading home, take a refreshing lakeside stroll or bike ride through this graceful Victorian village.
Chautauqua-Allegheny - Southern Route
A. Panama
Start big with a hike amid the towering rocks at Panama Rocks Scenic Park. Trails lead through crevices and passageways, over 15 acres of Paleozoic ocean floor covered with amazingly massive boulders.
B. Bemus Point
Drive northeast to Long Point State Park, a day-use park with swimming beaches, hiking trails and a boat launch. Fishermen come for Chautauqua Lake’s famous giant muskies--that must be at least 40-inches-long to keep!
C. Celoron
Follow a southeast route along the lake to take a sightseeing trip with Summer Wind Cruises on their 130-passenger double-decker ship.
D. Jamestown
Head east and step into television history at the Lucille Ball-Desi Arnaz Center. The Lucy-Desi Museum features memorabilia of America’s First Couple of Comedy, and the Desilu Playhouse has recreated sets from their world-famous 1950s TV show, I Love Lucy.
E. Randolph
For a side-trip, drive northeast and pick up New York’s Amish Trail. From Randolph it runs through an area called the Enchanted Mountains to more than 100 shops with hand-crafted items like quilts, furniture, baked goods and homegrown fruits and vegetables. Follow signs or take a tour with Fisher’s Amish Country Store.
F. Salamanca
Just east of Randolph, find great outdoor adventures as well as hundreds of cabins, cottages and campgrounds at the 65,000-acre Allegany State Park. Get out on the trails with a guided wildlife walk or relax and swim at the sandy beaches. There are bike and bridle paths, boat launches and some fine old fishing holes, too!
Just down the road from Allegany State Park, the Seneca-Iroquois National Museum highlights the culture of the Seneca People and five nations of the Iroquois Confederacy. Events and artifacts reflect centuries of Native American heritage.
It’s a good bet that you’ll be comfortable at the
Seneca Allegany Casino & Resort, with 220 luxurious rooms, fine dining, entertainment and world-class gaming.
G. Olean
Head southeast to Rock City Park and explore a world of amazing rock formations, stone bridges and giant boulders of all shapes and sizes. Paths lead over, under and even through ancient rocks towering as high as 80 feet and offer panoramic views of the Enchanted Mountains.
H. Cuba
Travel northeast to pick up tasteful souvenirs at the Cuba Cheese Shoppe. Delightful delectables include a vast selection of cheeses, smoked meats, breads, maple products fruit preserves and chocolate cheese fudge made with NY cheddar!
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