Discover Chautauqua County: NY Wine, Comedy & Outdoor Guide

Chautauqua Belle on Chautauqua Lake, NY. Photo courtesy Chautauqua County Visitors Bureau

Discover Chautauqua County in New York

In this episode of Big Blend Radio’s Food, Wine & Travel Show—presented in partnership with the International Food Wine and Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA)— host Lisa D. Smith is joined by Victoria Burch from the Chautauqua County Visitors Bureau to explore one of New York State’s most charming and versatile getaway regions. Located in Western New York along the shores of Lake Erie and Chautauqua Lake, Chautauqua County blends small-town hospitality with rich culture, historic legacy, and endless nature adventures.

Whether you're exploring the Grape & Grain Trail across Lake Erie Wine Country, diving into comedy history at the interactive National Comedy Center, strolling the grounds of the historic Chautauqua Institution, or hiking among 60-foot rock formations at Panama Rocks, Chautauqua County offers something for every generation in every season.

Watch the episode below or listen/download the audio version on Podbean:

Episode Highlights:

Getting to Chautauqua County: Where Chautauqua County is located in Western NY and convenient travel routes via Buffalo, Cleveland, and Pittsburgh airports.
Lake Erie Wine Country & The Grape & Grain Trail: Exploring 50+ miles of vineyards, local breweries, distilleries, and the region’s 150+ year legacy as the eastern leader in Concord grape production.
The Chautauqua Institution: Inside the 150-year-old seasonal retreat offering 9 weeks of world-class arts, lectures, music, and cultural programming every summer.
Lucille Ball’s Hometown Legacy: Exploring Jamestown, NY—the birthplace of Lucille Ball—featuring the Lucy Desi Museum, memorial parks, statues, and local historic sites.
The National Comedy Center: How the state-of-the-art interactive museum tailors personalized humor profiles for a custom dive into the world of comedy.
Roger Tory Peterson Institute: Blending nature and fine art through the legacy of famed bird guide illustrator and artist Roger Tory Peterson.
Four-Season Outdoor Recreation: Boating, fishing, and hiking across 5 regional lakes, plus winter skiing and peak autumn leaf-peeping.
Where to Stay: Lodging options ranging from the historic Atheneum Hotel and lakeside luxury at Chautauqua Harbor Hotel to cozy historic inns, bed & breakfasts, and glamping.
Deep Historic Roots: Visiting the Robert H. Jackson Center (Nuremberg Trials chief prosecutor) and the Fenton History Center in the former governor's mansion.
Nostalgic Family Fun & Local Treats: Midway State Park (one of the oldest operating amusement parks in the U.S.) and local ice cream favorites like Box Car Barney’s.
Geology & Steamboat Tours: Exploring 60-foot ancient rock crevasses at Panama Rocks Scenic Park and cruising Chautauqua Lake on the historic Chautauqua Belle steamship.
Major Annual Events: Summer highlights including the Lucille Ball Comedy Festival and seasonal cultural events.Seafood gumbo by Joyce Bracey, courtesy NewOrleans.com