May 26, 2023
With the return of summer, longtime favorite Chautauqua County destinations are opening for the season while exciting new additions are welcoming guests for the first time.
Soar and Splash at Peek’n Peak Resort
Peek’n Peak Resort is an all-seasons resort located in Clymer, NY, with many fun activities available for all ages. Mountain Adventures is opening in time for Memorial Day Weekend. Starting on Friday, May 26th, guests can climb through the treetops and experience spectacular views on the Aerial Adventure Course which features 69 obstacles and 8 courses in varying difficulty levels including cargo nets, ladders, ziplines and more. Visitors can explore the course at their own pace during a 3-hour self-guided experience suitable for all ability levels. In addition to the Aerial Adventure Course, guests can cruise 2,000 feet on their Giant Dual Ziplines or fly over the Peak at 130ft up on a 1,400ft zipline for breathtaking views of the resort on their Soaring Eagle Zipline. Also opening in time for the holiday weekend is their outdoor Pool and Cabana Bar.
Round out your visit to the resort with a round of golf on their championship caliber Upper Course, a night of family fun at the Peek’n Putt mini golf course or relax and rejuvenate with a spa treat at their Spa.
Celebrate Chautauqua County History
The Bemus-Point Stow Ferry Celebrates 212th Season
The historic Bemus-Point Stow Ferry returns for its 212th season on Friday, May 26th. Take a journey through time and the across the narrowest part of Chautauqua Lake on one of the last few remaining cable ferries in the U.S. Ride with your car, bike or walk on board with the cost being a donation. Many use the ferry as an easy way to access the quaint town of Bemus Point to enjoy dining, shopping and more.
Midway State Park Celebrates 125th Anniversary
Beloved Chautauqua County destination, Midway State Park, is celebrating their 125th Anniversary. Midway State Park is one of the oldest continually operating amusement parks in the nation and was originally operated as a trolley park beginning in 1898. Midway will open for special hours on Saturday, Sunday and Monday of Memorial Day Weekend and open on weekends regularly starting in June. On July 12, 2023, a special celebration of the 125th anniversary will be held featuring extended hours and fireworks. Midway has also recently added several new attractions to highlight the history of the park.
Chautauqua Institution 149th Summer Season Kicks off on June 24th
Chautauqua Institution is gearing up for the start of their 2023 Summer Season on June 24, 2023. The nine week season will run through August 27th and is featuring some noteworthy performers including Diana Ross, Patti LaBelle and Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons. All three of the performances will take place at the open-air Amphitheater.
In addition to Chautauqua Institution’s Amphitheater, the Chautauqua Lake Erie Region is home to several other picturesque outdoor venues with full schedules for the summer some of which include The Sunset Bay Beach Club, Dunkirk’s City Pier Park and the Heron Farm and Event Center. See our event calendar for a full list of performances at these outdoor venues and more.
Grand Opening of the NEW CHQ Marketplace
CHQ Marketplace is a new destination for unique shops and eateries open in full force for Memorial Day Weekend. Located close to Chautauqua Lake and Chautauqua Institution, the marketplace is a destination full of a diverse collection of local businesses ranging from artisanal boutiques to a specialty market and restaurant perfect for everyone proclaimed foodie. Below is a list of all businesses located with the plaza:
Casual, yet upscale restaurant that offers a unique and delicious culinary experience featuring small plates and pizzas meant to be shared that center around their wood fired oven and using only the freshest and finest ingredients.
The Truffle Honey Market is a specialty food market bringing the best of New York’s artisanal foods to their customers. Guests can shop a selection of cheeses made only in NY, charcuterie meats, jams, honey, snacks and more all from local sources.
Browse this eclectic boutique’s curated collection of products meant to elevate your style and enhance your home. Offering a wide selection of home goods, women’s clothing, baby goods and more, visit Art Cloth & Craft to find the perfect gift or just to treat yourself!
Visit PeaPod & Juniper’s summer pop-up boutique floral shop for a romantic bouquet or striking centerpieces. These expert florists use only the freshest flowers to perfectly capture your vision.
Spend a day touring Lake Erie Wine Country on the Locale Wine Tour Bus. Tours include a sommelier guide who will walk you through the history of the region, curated flights of wine at each winery as well as food at one stop. Rent our the entire 12-passenger bus or join a weekly wine tour that picks up at the CHQ Marketplace or in Bemus Point.
- END -