Hidden (and Historical) Gems in Chautauqua County [LIST]

The name says it all. And with a new expansion, an incredible annual comedy festival, 5k, and tons more, it's a real walk through time. Click the link above, and even more here.

Three floors of art collection, antique furniture and historical documents are in this 1818 museum home.  Did you know Lincoln made a stop there in 1861?  A bronze statue commemorates it in the Lincoln-Bedell Statue Park.

Many'a'summer I spent at the amusement park with my grandparents here.  There's also picnic shelters, fishing, and free docking for day-guests.

This is for the true WNY history buff. I can remember taking field trips there as a kid, and it never got old! Located in New York State's 22nd Governor, L.E. Fenton's home, you time travel to 1863 the minute you walk through the door.

I spent a (grueling) summer working in this incredibly beautiful and historic hotel. It was grueling because I was a waitress for breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner, 6 days a week in the dead of a HOT summer.  If you eat there, be extra nice to the waitstaff, for me. ;)  But there's a LOT more to it. Ask to see the Edison Table, then sit back and listen.

With a 9 week season (where I spent the summer of 92 in the aforementioned hotel), it's not just a getaway -- it's a recharger.  Daily lectures, workshops, and other activities are nice...but the real peace is in the beautiful cobblestone streets, quaint shops, and gorgeous access to Chautauqua Lake.  Some pretty big names come to the amphitheater too....where the JHS graduation is held every year.

If you're into psychics, mediums, astrology, and all things spiritual, you MUST go to the worlds largest spiritual community.  Even a drive through is worth it.  It's beautiful, and the energy is palpable!

Stepping on to a narrated cruise along the Chautauqua Lake is a step back in time.  They also cater to weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, and other events to remember on an authentic steam-powered stern-wheeler.

Guided tours are available, with an incredible Lake Erie view. Built in 1875 by the Department of the Interior, the museum houses tons of military and maritime artifacts.

This restored 1859 mansion is named after the former Supreme State Court Judge (1941-1954).  They organize many youth-centered educational events throughout the year, as well as events for continuing law education for adults...the next one features Sabres alumn Martin Gastin Biron!