With so many great attractions in the area, it'll be hard to run out of things to do this summer. And as gas prices continue to rise, you'll be thankful you stayed a little closer to home.
Chautauqua Institution, just a short drive from Jamestown, has much to offer. If you don't think you can afford the numerous concerts and lectures held there, why not take a day trip on one of their featured ''Free Sundays?''
''It gives people a chance to experience Chautauqua Institution and see what it's all about without having to pay the full gate ticket price,'' according to Andrew Nixon, executive director of Tour Chautauqua.
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Chautauqua Institution’s Bestor Plaza offers shopping opportunities. The Institution features “Free Sundays” which allow visitors admission to the grounds free of charge.
For just a $6 parking fee, visitors can enjoy Victorian-era grounds, gardens, paths and lakeside areas, swimming at one of Chautauqua's four beaches and shopping in the Chautauqua Bookstore and Bestor Plaza in addition to a free concert performance by the Bemus Bay Pops on the floating stage every Sunday afternoon. Visit www.ciweb.org for additional information.
If you'd like to stay in the area for a few days, Camp Chautauqua is among the most highly recommended campgrounds in the area. It has space for tents and RVs and, if you don't have your own, you can rent one of the cabin sites instead.
''There are a lot of good things here; it's a nice campground,'' said Lisa Vergith who works at Camp Chautauqua. For more information, call 789-3435.
For something different, but still fairly local, you could try Lake Erie State Park, which is listed as one of the nation's top 100 campgrounds. The campground boasts a public swimming area, trails, recreation area and memorable Lake Erie sunsets. Admission for the day is $7 for parking. More information is available at www.nysparks/accomm.