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Small-Town Magic: Chautauqua Edition
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items Whether you’re a local looking for something new, or just passing through for the weekend, this list is packed with the places that make Chautauqua County feel like home. 🏡
From tucked-away ice cream stands 🍦
to lakeside walks 🚶♀️
to must-see ge...
Map
Sections
4
🍦 Ice Cream Stops
🍽️ Family-Friendly Restaurants
🛏️ Places to Stay
🥾 Places to Explore
🍦 Ice Cream Stops
The best kind of summer decisions are made at the window of a walk-up ice cream stand. These are our go-to spots for cones, sundaes, and sweet treats the kids will 100% get all over their shirts.
First summer under new ownership and they’re already winning hearts. The ice cream is creamy and classic, but don’t skip the burgers — seriously, they’re better than they need to be for a place that also hands out cones with sprinkles. A perfect litt...
Farmer's Daughter
Portions here are no joke — prepare to be delightfully overwhelmed. It’s a classic stop after a day on Chautauqua Lake. Friendly service, huge scoops, and enough variety to keep everyone happy (even the picky ones). Bonus: it’s walkable from the wate...
Boxcar Barney's
Newer to the scene but already making waves. Handcrafted flavors, creative cones (they do a cone-on-cone thing you just have to see), and fun seasonal twists. Definitely one of those “let’s take a photo before we eat it” kinds of places.
The Pine Cone Creamery
Voted best ice cream in the county for a reason. It’s nostalgic, affordable, and always hopping in the summer. The kind of spot where you can hear kids laughing before you even park.
Big Dipper Ice Cream Parlor
Worth the scenic drive. Homemade flavors, flavor flights (yes, really), and a little gift shop to wander through while you wait. Feels like stepping into a Hallmark movie — in the best way.
Krasa's Kove
An old-school favorite with that classic soft serve charm. No frills, just good ice cream, quick service, and prices that still make you do a double take. Great pit stop after errands or a playground run.
Frosty Treat
🍽️ Family-Friendly Restaurants
Whether you’re craving lakeside pizza, homemade pierogies, or a diner breakfast that hits the spot—these are the places we keep going back to. Kid-approved, budget-friendly, and totally worth the detour.
Tucked away in the woods like a little hidden lodge, this place nails the rustic charm. Big burgers, hearty sandwiches, and a comfort-food menu that hits just right after a day outdoors. Great for families — it’s casual, welcoming, and the kind of sp...
Pine Junction
Yep, it’s back again — because it’s that good. New owners, fresh energy, and a food menu that’s way more than an afterthought. The burgers are juicy, the fries hit the spot, and it’s a perfect family stop after the beach or a long day of running arou...
Farmer's Daughter
Not just for the grownups. Great kids menu, beautiful lake views, and a chill patio vibe that somehow makes you feel like you’re on vacation — even if you only drove 20 minutes. The mac and cheese is elite. So are the soft pretzels.
Ellicottville Brewing on Chautauqua
Sit-down Italian with pizza, pasta, and big portions. It’s family-friendly without feeling overly casual — great for when you want something a little nicer but still totally okay if the kids show up in soccer cleats.
Andriaccio's Restaurant
A small-town staple that’s been doing breakfast right for decades. Pancakes the size of your head, fast service, and prices that feel like 1997 in the best way. Super family-friendly — nobody blinks if your kid drops a crayon or asks for more syrup a...
WESTFIELD MAIN DINER - Restaurant Reviews, Photos & Phone Number
Laid-back, loud in the best way, and great for families who just need good food and a relaxed vibe. The wings are legendary, the pizza is a sleeper hit, and they’ve got a big enough menu to keep everyone happy. Bonus: no one cares if your kid’s color...
Guppy's Restaurant & Tavern
🛏️ Places to Stay
Looking for a cozy overnight? These spots make the perfect base for your Chautauqua adventures. Whether you’re planning a weekend escape or hosting out-of-town guests, these are easy picks with small-town charm.
If you’re looking for somewhere special and artsy, this place has character for days. Each room is themed after a different author (yes, really) and it’s right inside Chautauqua Institution — perfect for summer weeks when you want culture, quiet, and...
The Spencer Hotel & Spa
Big, bright, and right on the lake. This one’s great if you want a hotel feel with resort perks. There’s an indoor pool (huge win with kids), a nice restaurant on site, and walking paths along the water. Close to Jamestown if you’re hitting the museu...
Chautauqua Harbor Hotel
This one feels like a postcard. Cute cabins, amazing sunsets, and enough space between rentals to actually relax. It’s not fancy, but it’s peaceful and perfect for low-key lakefront mornings with coffee in hand and no one yelling. Great for extended ...
Lakeview On The Lake Erie Hotel | Waterfront Resort Cabin Cottage ...
Right across from Chautauqua Lake and walkable to the boat docks, ice cream shops, and restaurants. They’ve got a small indoor pool, mini golf on-site, and a little old-school charm that just works. Plus, the candy shop next door? Instant bribery.
Home | Webbs Year Round Resort
Technically just over the county line, but we’re including it because it’s a hit with families. Ski in the winter, zipline in the summer, and spa if you can sneak away for an hour. Plenty of space, multiple dining options, and room for the kids to bu...
Peek'n Peak Resort
🥾 Places to Explore
From beach glass walks at Barcelona to climbing through Panama Rocks, these are the must-see spots that make this area so special. Perfect for unplugged afternoons, memory-making, and a little adventure without the chaos.
Straight-up magical. Giant mossy boulders, winding trails, and little crevices kids love to climb through. It’s like nature’s playground — minus the swings. You will take a million pictures. Totally worth the small admission fee and always a hit with...
Panama Rocks
This one’s a little off the beaten path, but if your crew likes a mix of woods, rocks, and water — it’s a win. The trails are peaceful, the gorge is gorgeous, and you can pack a lunch and eat creekside. Bring water shoes and a change of clothes… some...
Chautauqua Gorge State Forest
Easy loop, gorgeous views, and plenty of space for the kids to run without you worrying they’ll fall off a cliff. There’s a little beach, a playground, and even a boat launch if you’re coming in by water. One of our go-tos when we want fresh air but ...
Long Point State Park on Lake Chautauqua
Short walk, big view. On a clear day, you can see forever — especially in the fall. Not much effort needed to feel like you’re somewhere special. Great for quick stops, lazy Sunday drives, or those “we need to get out of the house before we all lose ...
Luensman Overlook Park
Wide, quiet trails built on old railroad lines — so no steep hills, just easy walking or biking through the woods. Ideal for little ones on scooters or anyone who needs a nature reset. Bonus: wildflowers, songbirds, and very few people most days.
Chautauqua Rails To Trails