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Well, we say it every year, but I don't know where summer went. Of all the seasons, its the one that always seems to run out of gas before we've mentally arrived at our destination.
And what's with all the leaves changing before October 1st? Fall just couldn't get its foot in the door fast enough. At the end of August a little red leaf twirled by me when I was sitting outside--a short introduction to what was just around the corner--an early fall. And while fall lovers may be rejoicing, don't forget there were Halloweens as children when we trick-or-treated with our snowsuits on. Be careful what you wish for.
How are you sizing up summer? It rained quite a bit but I loved how green everything was in mid-July. Our lawn stayed pretty until the end of August, so there's the silver lining.
I have to say, not sipping a rocker on a rocker at the Lenhart Hotel changed the true texture of summer for me. The Lenhart was truly missed by many. A Post-Journal article July 23rd said "plans by a Pittsburgh-area couple to turn the historic Hotel Lenhart into a year-round destination are still very much in the works." On August 2nd, it was announced the project received $1.9 million in state aid, along with $500,000 from the county. It's truly wonderful to see so many people stepping up to save that yellow icon.
A check on the Lenhart's website says the hotel and three residential houses are currently for sale and "not under contract as of July 24, 2023." I think it's a game of wait and see as the Lakeside Hospitality Group continues to pursue funding. What's for sure is that there is widespread agreement that the hotel is a treasure and worth saving and we're not likely to see condominiums built in its place, which is the one hill on the rollercoaster for which everyone covered their eyes. I'm still mad they tore down the Hare 'N Hounds and put up a parking lot, so it's not as if these kinds of horrible mistakes don't happen here. It's up to us to ensure we protect our special places. Never forget that the city of Buffalo tore down a Frank Lloyd Wright house to--you guessed it--put up a parking lot. I am so very hopeful we will be sipping a rocker at a new and improved Lenhart Hotel one day in the future and I'll be the first one there.
It was a busy summer for me, so I didn't do a hundred things I wanted to do. I didn't make it to Midway to sit and eat a ball of pink cotton candy on a bench. I wanted to go to the Farmers Market in Westfield but never got there. And I didn't go blueberry picking or strawberry picking. I was a terrible summer participant.
I did make it to Chautauqua Institution a few times and I hiked the Chautauqua Gorge twice. I told my grandsons they were lucky I'm still able to make it down to the creek bed and that I never remember my grandma taking me there, thank you very much.
I was disappointed to see the Watermark Restaurant closed for the summer, but was always happy to drive to the Lighthouse Point Grocery for great steaks to bring home for the grill. I had a nice late-night meal at The Fish in Bemus Point with my husband, and I found myself at the Ashville General Store more times than I care to count for pizza, wings, and salads. That place is just quintessential Chautauqua Lake, speaking of treasures. I just like being there and wish they'd reopen the soda fountain, as dangerous as that would be for my girlish figure.
I'm still wondering what the Lakewood Village Board is going to do about rentals in the village. Nothing was announced this summer. When my children came to town for my mother's funeral, I was happy there was an affordable place to rent across the street from my brother's house.
I did make it to the Chautauqua Harbor Hotel, too, but left when after thirty minutes we hadn't been acknowledged at our table. It's a wonderful venue but the restaurant and bar service has been slow and untenable since it opened. We also went there for a drink one night in July and after twenty minutes, we still did not have a drink in front of us. I hope management recognizes there's a problem and fixes it because it's a great destination. I know Covid has been hard on the service industry.
Big Tree Ice Cream in Lakewood is a serious attraction. People can't get enough of their soft serve. Whenever we drive by, we always check to see how long the line is as a kind of hobby. And thank you Schuylers Restaurant for another season of amazing breakfasts. Their service is so absolutely perfect they should win some kind of award for diner efficiency.
Enjoy fall friends. Get out and enjoy it.