ERIE PA, WESTERN NY

On the Water

Those who want to see Chautauqua Lake from a different perspective can book a ticket on the Chautauqua Belle. The steam-powered paddlewheel excursion ship premiered in 1976 as a tribute to the original steamboats that ferried passengers out onto the lake. A historical tour is offered throughout the summer from various points of departure along the shore. There are also dinner cruises with cocktails throughout the season, and buying tickets in advance is a good idea to get the time you want. Marinas along the lake offer boat rentals, and there’s likely one nearby no matter where you’re staying in the area. Evergreen Outfitters in Mayville at the northern end of the lake offers kayak tours and lessons throughout the season.

Lucy & Laughs

Famous comedian and actress Lucille Ball was born in the city of Jamestown, and her legacy is celebrated there today with a museum that pays tribute to her and husband Desi Arnaz. The Lucille Ball Desi Arnaz Museum highlights the lives of the couple and their on-screen work, featuring artifacts, wardrobe and more from the TV series “I Love Lucy.” Jamestown is also home to the National Comedy Center, a fun museum that celebrates all that has made us laugh over the years, from vaudeville to modern memes. The interactive museum asks guests their comedy tastes and tailors an experience to match it. The National Comedy Center also hosts the multiday Lucille Ball Comedy Festival each August.

Outdoor Adventures

A trip to this part of western New York puts travelers close to a variety of state parks and forests, as well as other outdoor destinations, that offer a multitude of trails. The expansive Allegany State Park has 18 trails that stretch a total of more than 35 miles, and those who want to stay overnight can book one of the more than 400 campsites or 375 cabins. Long Point State Park — a day park that sits along Chautauqua Lake offers a beach and boat launch. Take the 1-mile loop trail for beautiful panoramic views of the lake. Panama Rocks, a privately owned attraction just 15 minutes south- west of the lake, is home to a fun and rugged 1-mile hike along a rocky ridge.

Food & Drink Finds

When it’s time to eat, Guppy’s Restaurant & Tavern in the eastern shore town of Be-

When You Go

Chautauqua Belle 269belle.com

Chautauqua Institution chq.org

Ellicottville Brewing Co. ellicottvillebrewing.com

Evergreen Outfitters evergreen-outfitters.com

Guppy’s Restaurant & Tavern guppystavern.com

Landmark Restaurant landmark.restaurant

Lake Erie Wine Country Trail lakeeriewinecountry.org

Lucille Ball Desi Arnaz Museum lucy-desi.com

National Comedy Center comedycenter.org

New York State Parks parks.ny.gov

Panama Rocks panamarocks.com

Southern Tier stbcbeer.com

Webb’s Captain’s Table webbscaptainstable.com mus Point offers a fun atmosphere and fare ranging from fried fish to burgers to specialty pizzas. Ellicottville Brewing Co.’s Chautauqua Lake location is also in Bemus Point, while fans of Southern Tier’s craft beers frequent the brewery’s taproom in its birthplace of Lakewood, New York. Webb’s Captain’s

Travelers enjoy the Lake Erie Wine Country Trail (left). The Lucille Ball Desi Arnaz Museum is a Jamestown, New York, favorite (opposite page).

Table in the town of Mayville offers a lakefront deck, while the Landmark Restaurant in Jamestown has a large outdoor patio for summer diners. Wine lovers can follow the Lake Erie Wine Country Trail, a string of 20 wineries that stretch across this portion of New York into Pennsylvania.