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Bemus, you know we love you, but here's a vote to start calling Chautauqua Avenue in Lakewood "The Ave." It's a natural shortening that catches on when one avenue becomes the cultural heart of a community.
I've been truly enamored with the transformation of storefronts, new businesses, and the diversity of services. If you haven't walked The Ave lately, I highly recommend you do--on a Saturday, say, around lunchtime. And if you haven't sat on our hill at one of the Rock the Lake concerts in Hartley Park, well, you can't really call it summer anymore.
Take a walk with me here to some of my favorite spots, old and new:
Button's Toys and Treats: How can you not love the name? When you walk by, you might see a gaggle of bikes out front because kids around the village visit often for penny candy and novelties. This place is from yesteryear--and just as sweet as its name sounds. A great place for birthday gifts, too.
Cotton Thistle Boutique: This women's clothing store would be right at home on other iconic streets in Bar Harbor, Maine; Martha's Vineyard; or St. Augustine, Florida. Featuring thoughtfully curated fashions and accessories for women of every age and style, sizes range from Small to 3XL.
Shabby Shrub: The curb appeal is undeniable--elegant and sophisticated, yet welcoming. The shop offers a combination of cozy cottage, rustic farmhouse, French country, and shabby nautical finds. "Pairing rustic with refined, twigs with sparkles, or chandeliers with old barn doors is our specialty." Next summer, look for coffee and lunch to be served on their patio.
Good Neighbor Bookstore: The perfect cozy bookstore, well curated and much loved. This will become a favorite spot. Bonus: support a family, not another corporation.
Ryder's Cup: If you haven't stood in line for your morning joe here, you're not really living large. A local favorite. Find a corner spot and settle in with the Post-Journal. Just steps from the lake, enjoy your latte on a park bench some quiet weekend morning.
Bag & String: The iconic Lakewood wine shop. There is simply not a bad bottle of wine in the store. Enjoy expert advice, impeccable service, and a carefully curated selection of wine and spirits, along with regular weekend tastings.
Stella: A Kitchen and Bar: A much-beloved Lakewood dining establishment where reservations are highly recommended. Chic, consistently creative dishes, excellent staff, and a patio that's one of summer's simple pleasures.
Peapod & Juniper: Not just for elegant flower arrangements, the space in this florist shop is adorned with inspiration. Handcrafted treasures and delightful gifts accompany a thriving floral business. The old, classic building they call home perfectly suits the theme.
Vitality Natural Health: A village anchor that should be on all of our gratitude lists. Carefully selected vitamins, herbs, supplements, teas, local honey, cards, fresh eggs--and the best part of all: people who listen and offer expert guidance. A gem of a health store and the way shopping for our personal health should be.
Chautauqua Medical Aesthetics: skin care and rejuvenation, Botox, derma fillers--they are the only physician owned and operated medical aesthetic practice in Chautauqua County. Visit them online for a list of services.
Group Ther-Happy: Bring your boat. Dock at the Lakewood Public Dock. Find the patio here. Remember why you love summer. And chicken wings.
Triglia Jewelers (formerly The Watch Shop): Specializing in jewelry repair, battery replacements, along with lovely new and estate jewelry, including diamond necklaces, earrings, and rings. This iconic shop has built the trust of a loyal clientele for more than twenty years. The owner has been dedicated to his craft for fifty-four years.
The Lotus Flour Cakery is creating cakes for special occasions, and Calquhoun's is serving up subs and homemade ice cream. A handful of hair salons and dog groomers do a robust business on The Ave, while Eight Limbs Wellness Studio continues to offer yoga classes and massage.
What else does a village need?
How about live music?
Thanks to a forward-looking local government, generous sponsors, and the endless energy of Michelle Turner, Rock the Lake has brought music back to our shores. It's an impressive event, with tents for VIPs, a much-loved beer tent for everyone else, food trucks lining East Terrace and Chautauqua Avenue, and an impressive stage overlooking the water. Best of all, boaters bob gently offshore, listening right along with everyone on land.
Thousands attended July's Chicago tribute concert. I give the whole event a ten out of ten. Next up: August 9 -- Fleetwood Macked: The Ultimate Fleetwood Mac Tribute, beginning at 2:00 p.m.
Come early and check out The Ave's new businesses. Then find a spot on the hill, take in the music, and enjoy an afternoon that reminds you why summer in Lakewood is becoming hard to beat.