Chautauqua Institution: Chautauqua, New York
Chautauqua, New York: August

The view from the Athenaeum (a grand hotel) is breathtaking. From the porch, you can gaze at the Lake and the passerby’s strolling down the road.
The “season” in Chautauqua is from the end of June until the end of August. We opted for the last week of August to save money — just missing the in season schedule of events. Our condo cost $1000/week as compared to $2500/week in season. We quickly determined that next year we would pay the additional fees — it is just worth it to be amidst the buzz of tourists and families during their summer getaway all the while getting to enjoy the concert and lecture schedule.

More views from the Athenaeum
Our final day ended as our first began; Strolling (bike rental shop was closed for the season) up and down the streets and admiring the beautiful, old homes; Sitting on the rocking chairs on the porches of the grand hotels – reading and enjoying the scenery, and watching the kids splash in the Lake.
The Chautauqua Cinema: My sister took the kids to a viewing of Pride & Prejudice in the old movie theater. With two movies to choose from on this particular night, in they went to experience this old fashioned, tiny theater. They do sell popcorn, soda and a few candies – but it is nothing like the movie theaters we have now. It was fun!
Midway Amusement Park: Exit the Institution and take a right, go through the town of Mayville, taking a right at the Jail House. Keep driving until you see Midway Amusement Park on your right. This amusement park has been around since my grandmother was a little girl. It was pure fun for the little kids! An “all you can ride” wrist band cost $13 and we stayed the entire afternoon. This is the last year that MidWay will be privately owned. The state bought the park and will take over ownership this year.

The view from the Athenaeum (a grand hotel) is breathtaking. From the porch, you can gaze at the Lake and the passerby’s strolling down the road.
More views from the Athenaeum …
More …
The Lake provides hours of fun for the little ones. This section is the “deep” area, located to the left of the public beach.

This was taken in the “Square”. The building in the background is the library where those of us who are addicted to checking our email even on vacation can go and utilize the computers for free.