The Ice Cream Island is off-the-charts delicious. If only they were open past the last week in September! Go. Sit inside or out. And most importantly...grab a specialty sundae.
Only pizza place around these parts with a range of sizes (from the "bambino" to the "Big Daddy"). Classic pizza franchise.
The age-old rule applies here: it's delicious and the parking lot shows it. Don't expect anything jazzy, but if you're looking for great service and a great-tasting plate of eggs in the early morning, Jan's will not disappoint.
Oz's Homestay B&B is not just a place to stay, it's an experience! I fell in love with the landscape around this Pennsylvania gem, and mostly really enjoyed the company of Celeine and Ashley the innkeepers here. They have an incredible story and are fully willing to engage guests while remaining respectful. I had some of the best conversation of my life staying with them, and will DEFINITELY be back.
Oz's Homestay B&B could be described as authentically rustic. Ash and Celeine transformed a dairy barn into their home. Handmade screw-less beds retain the shape of the beautiful trees they came from (and even some bark too!). Most notably...the food is INSANELY DELICIOUS. Ash made me chai coffee in the morning along with a traditional Aussie breakfast of grilled pineapple, tomato, and a shrimp souffle wrapped in potatoes and onions.
What some of their advertising won't tell you, is that Ash is a hardcore and incredibly passionate skydiver. I went into the stay never thinking I'd "jump" in my entire life, and left ready to make an appointment to return and skydive.
Everyone will tell you that the Cider Mill is THE place to get your cider donuts and MASSIVE apple fritters. They also have home made syrup and all other forms of delicious donut-y cakey baked goods. People travel from Buffalo for this stuff so you know it's worth something. If you're headed there on Sunday morning get in early because the apple fritters don't hang around too long.
This is such a quaint B&B in a wonderful location. It backs up incredibly close to the Amphitheater, Bestor Plaza, and the Library. $100/Night Off-Season
$1450/Week in the Chautauqua Institution Season. As always, incredibly tiny streets so make sure you have parking worked out beforehand.
I have the best memories of coming to this library as a kid and hanging out for hours on rainy days coloring in their children's room. It's an amazing building in itself and serves as a bookend to the Bestor Plaza at the center of the Grounds. Buses and trolley's leave from outside its steps and it backs up onto the Amphitheater with a beautiful courtyard in the back where anyone can enjoy a lunch (or a book!)
This is the hub of all things that occur in the grounds. Head to the refractory nearby for some ice cream or just lay out and watch children throw gliders from the bookstore. There's always people laying out in the plaza or hanging by the fountain waiting for their next class, lunch date, or nothing at all. You don't have to look for this one--it will find you. Pro tip: there are two bus and trolley stops at either end of the Plaza. These services provide the major means of transport within the Institute's grounds.
Stroll by and see students working over the summer or just come to hang out on their beautiful green courtyard and take in the smells of pottery and paint. The Chautauqua Institution is historically known for its art and music schools as well as performance centers, so the buildings that make up the school are historic in their own right. Situated right outside the Bestor plaza area, there's a nearby playground for younger children and it's along a wonderful bike route and the tea cup house owned by the Institute's Orchestra Conductor!
I LOVE Willow Run. It's the cheapest golfing around and a great way for first time golfers to get out on the links. Grab a beer and a cart or just walk the short holes. The course can be completed in well under the average 2 hours for a 9-hole round, and the cute shack at the end always has snacks and beverages. Willow Run is not for the serious golfer or someone looking to get in a luxurious day at the links.