Chautauqua
- For other places with the same name, see Chautauqua (disambiguation).
Chautauqua is a small village in Chautauqua County, in the Southern Tier of New York State. It is home to the Chautauqua Institution, which has served as a national model for adult education retreats since its founding in 1874.
Understand
In 2014, the magazine Smithsonian named Chautauqua the best small town to visit in the United States, beating out famous destinations like Sedona and Williamsburg.
Get in
Chautauqua is on the west side of Chautauqua Lake and can be accessed by taking Interstate 86 to Exit 7 (Steadman Rd) or Exit 8 (State Route 394), then traveling north a few miles. From the north, you can take I-90, the New York State Thruway, to Exit 60, then take State Route 394 southeast through Mayville; Chautauqua is just a couple of miles beyond Mayville.
Get around
The Chautauqua Institution campus is walkable. To get anywhere else, you'll need a vehicle.
See
Do
Learn
- 1 Chautauqua Institution, 1 Ames Ave, toll-free: +1-800-836-ARTS (2787). Nine weeks, late Jun - late Aug. Thousands of people every summer descend on the tiny village to relax their bodies and improve their minds on the 750-acre campus of the Chautauqua Institution. Perhaps the main attraction is the lecture series, with each of the nine weeks featuring a different theme and a different set of distinguished speakers. Also on the grounds are literally hundreds and hundreds of classes for the visual and performing arts, computer skills, writing, philosophy, sports and hobbies, and even professional development. Considering there are also plenty of recreational and cultural activities for your off-hours, it's no wonder people have been flocking here since 1874. Gate pass (required for most activities, lectures, and classes; not needed for single concerts; also not needed on Sundays; also not needed for those residing off-campus if attending a Special Studies class or Youth Program): $14-76 daily or $4004/season ($311/season for youths; free for under 12, over 89, and active-duty military; discounts available for early registration). Access to the grounds is free on Sundays and during the off season. Course fees vary by class. Parking: $8.50 daily (with discounts for 5-day, weekly, and season passes).
Buy
Eat
Drink
Chautauqua Institution has a dry campus (no alcohol can be bought or brought onto campus).
Sleep
If you're coming during the Institution's season, you'll need to be flexible with your accommodation needs. There are hotels, guest houses, apartments, condominiums, cabins, and more. All are privately owned but the Institution offers a nice central clearinghouse and search engine for availability.
Off-season, accommodations are more traditional, but there are a lot of options for a village of this size.
- The Spencer Hotel & Spa, 25 Palestine Avenue, ☏ +1 716 357-3785. The Spencer Hotel & Spa features a literary theme in each guest room and throughout the hotel. It also features a spa and offers services for events and weddings.
Connect
Go next
- Jamestown, the Chautauqua County seat, is the nearest city, though not a large one. It is a short drive away on State Route 394 South.
- You can view the enormous expanse of Lake Erie from Westfield, an easy drive on State Route 394 North through verdant, rolling hills.
- A bit further east are the towns of Dunkirk and Fredonia, the home of State University of New York at Fredonia.
- Erie, Pennsylvania is easily reachable by driving on Route 394 South and then taking I-86 West and I-90 West, then following signs.