Once a year the Chautauqua Institution has Buffalo Day. Free entree and free parking for Buffalo residents. You have to request the tickets ahead of time. The institution is a wonderful place to just walk around, enjoy the architecture, lectures, cooking demonstrations or church services. Bestor Plaza is the town square with some shops and restaurants around it. Once a week it also has an outdoor market and food trucks. You can walk around, it's a bit hilly here and there, but there are other options. Golf carts on smaller loops and shuttle busses on loops all around the institution. For the first time ever, Chautauqua Institution hosted a Naturalization Ceremony. 30 people from 18 countries got their citizenship after the Pledge of Allegiance to the USA. There were 500+ people watching the ceremony, most of them not family members; just people who wanted to witness this moving event. read more

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We drove down for Buffalo Day. This occurs once a summer. Free entree to the Institute and free parking, but you have to request the tickets to enter and to park ahead of time. It is a lovely, walkable community with lectures, cooking exhibitions, church services among the things one can do/participate in. Some are free; some have a fee. Although we did not stay for it, there was going to be a chef preparing a special dinner tonight which would be served tonight in Bestor Plaza, the town square. There were also some food trucks and other vendors on the plaza today. What was very special today was a Naturalization Ceremony. It was the first time this has been done in the Institute. It was well attended, maybe 500-600 people. There were 30 new Americans, from 18 countries, who took the Pledge of Allegiance to the USA. The spectators were not family members, just people who wanted to witness this commitment by these 30 adults. It was beautiful and very moving. After this ceremony, I found out that most Naturalizations are often in a court house with few in attendance. The ceremony today had to be very, very special for the 30 new Americans. There was lots of applause! There are mini-buses and golf carts circling the grounds throughout the day, so getting around is very easy, if your walking is limited. read more

Chautauqua Institution - Map of the Institute - Community Service/Non-Profit Near Me - Chautauqua, New York

We've now visited Chautauqua four times, and we've already booked our fifth trip. That probably tells you how much we enjoy this place. If you've never been, Chautauqua is unlike anywhere we've traveled. It's a gated community on Chautauqua Lake filled with historic homes, beautiful gardens, walking paths, and a summer calendar packed with lectures, concerts, theater, classes, and other events. There's always something happening, but it never feels rushed. One of our favorite things to do is simply wander the grounds. Every street seems to have another beautiful porch, garden, or historic building waiting around the corner. We also love walking along the lake in the morning and ending the day with a concert at the Amphitheater. My biggest piece of advice? Don't overschedule yourself. Of course, attend the lectures and performances that interest you, but also leave plenty of time to explore. Some of our favorite memories have come from slowing down, sitting on a porch, or discovering another quiet corner of the Institution. I've included lots of photos because it's hard to capture the charm of Chautauqua with words alone. read more

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Lovely grounds. Good cultura events (plays, operas, concerts). I went during Climate Change week. The lecturers were knowledgeable and presented well. But much of what they said was preaching to the choir. This audience was already well versed in the perils of climate change. A ridiculous and hypocritical regulation was the restriction on entering any venue with a bag larger than 5X8 inches that was not transparent. This required thousands of people to acquire plastic bags and backpacks (many bought in the Chatauqua shops) all while hearing about the damage being done by overconsumption of plastic. What made the requirement especially outrageous is that if a number of items are placed in a plastic bag or backpack it's impossible to see all items inside so this was significantly less effective than the search of opaque bags usually done at theatres. The requirement was not always enforced. However, when a security guard refused me entrance because I had a canvas bag, I went back to my room and stuffed the entire bag with its contents info a plastic bag. I was then allowed to enter the amphitheatre with no problem. Ridiculous! The Chatauqua website is very user unfriendly. When I asked about submitting a suggestion to the management, I was given a sheet which directed me to a "link" to a survey. It was extremely difficult to find the link but when I did, I got a message that the survey had expired. The sheet of instructions also said that I would receive an email survey but that never happened. So I've been unable to convey these complaints directly to Chatauqua. The map of the Chatauqua facilities is extremely difficult to follow. Like the website, it seems designed to make new visitors to the Insitution feel unwelcome. read more

Chautauqua has held a special place in my heart since I was young. I've always loved Chautauqua and wished I could live there. It's beautiful in the summer and full of amazing events, from lectures to church services to art classes and more. There is something for any one of any age. I almost don't want to keep sharing for fear that TOO many people would know about it! But seriously, this place is amazing and nestled right on Chautauqua Lake. Views of the lake are incredible and it's fun to go kayaking or canoeing at the boat shop. Go during July 4th! You'll wish it was like that everyday! read more

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Chautauqua Institution over 10 years ago Words can't describe or can't begin to explain how much I love it here. This place is pure paradise a getaway from the work week but still includes learning and fun. So what the Chautauqua institution is it's a place near the Chautauqua lake that has just about everything you could ask for. Classes to learn how to make a mosaic. Sitting in on a lecture at the amphitheater or just taking a dip in the lake. This place has it all. You can rent bikes to go for fun bike rides around the property. There is a huge park in the middle for tossing a ball around our hanging out on the lawn. They have cool shops cafés. And there isn't a moment that goes by where you are sitting inside bored out of your mind. We keep coming here because my aunt has a really cool apartment and she let's us use it when she is away. And it is just the perfect vacation even if you stay for just a week I promise your drive home will be memorable. Chautauqua Institution Chautauqua, NY Then vs. Now Series - Entry #4 Updated in 2025 If you've never heard of Chautauqua Institution, let me be the first to introduce you to one of the most magical hidden gems in New York State. This isn't just a vacation spot--it's an experience, a tradition, and for my family, a meaningful piece of our history. THEN (Early 2000s Me): We'd visit Chautauqua when staying at my aunt's nearby place--not far from our ski trips to Peek'n Peak. It always felt like a bonus adventure: we'd drop in for a few days and get swept up in this lakefront world filled with lectures, music, and art. Back then, I was in full kid mode--learning to sail on the lake, playing tennis until sunset, and once crafting a mosaic hot plate for my mom for Mother's Day (she still has it). There was even a festival celebrating the Mars Rover that blew my young mind. It was brain food and beach fun all in one. NOW (2025 Me): Looking back, I wish I had the words then to express what I feel now. Chautauqua wasn't just fun--it was formative. This place made space for thought, creativity, family, and joy in a way few others do. My dad, a devoted birder, adored it here. The serenity, the nature, the intellectual energy--it was his happy place. Every visit brought him peace, and watching him light up during a seminar or quietly admire a warbler in the trees left a lasting imprint on all of us. The Institution's four pillars--Arts, Education, Religion, and Recreation--are alive and well. Whether it's a symphony concert at the amphitheater, a speaker discussing global ethics, or simply lounging lakeside with a book you picked up from the on-campus bookstore, there's something here that recharges your soul. ELITE TIPS: Check out the theme weeks--there's something for every curious mind. Book sailing and tennis early; they fill up fast (for good reason). Don't skip the birdwatching trails--especially during migration season. Stay near Bestor Plaza for max access to talks, treats, and live music. Would I recommend Chautauqua? Without hesitation. Would I go back in a heartbeat? Absolutely. Will I forever treasure the mosaic hot plate I made at arts & crafts? You bet I will. Chautauqua is a place that grows with you, and every visit deepens the story. If you're lucky enough to go--pause, breathe, and take it all in. You'll understand what I mean. read more

It's a semi-closed "community of artists, educators, thinkers, faith leaders and friends dedicated to exploring the best in humanity". It's a summer resort with a specific vibe from the past. Entering and exiting is under strict control. Don't hesitate to visit Chautauqua Institution. It's an interesting place to check out at least once. A visit could be free or pricey, so do your research and find which option fits best for you. An invitation from a property owner would be best. Being a part of a summer program connected to a church, or non profit organizations is also possible. People can work and volunteer to become part of this unique place. Lots of activities happen during a nine-week season at Chautauqua Institution. The first impression is like a senior facility. It could be an older person's summer paradise -- extremely quiet and safe place, perhaps with a long list of rules to keep things in order. A rabbit could get in trouble for messing around in someone's perfectly designed garden. I didn't see any animals outside besides dogs on leashes. No single outdoor cat wandering around. My main interest was the one-day Scandinavian event. The annual Scandinavian Festival in Jamestown was cancelled this year. So the Chautauqua Institution partnered with the festival people to include in their "Culinary Week". The Italian Festival also joined on their day. The 'culinary' part didn't reach my expectations. I liked the scenic view of Chautauqua Lake and the beautiful setting at Miller Park. All tables were covered with real fabric cloths which added an elegant look and feeling. Even the outdoor furniture sets were upscale and high class. They definitely care and have money to provide the best for their residents and visitors. I was ready for a culinary experience on the Chautauqua Institution level. It was a surprise that only one Scandinavian food truck was at the event, a big disappointment. 3C's Catering underestimated the amount of food to be served. Their very limited menu offered 'Korv Burger' and 'Swedish Meatballs' with sides. The event started at noon and with a steady long line. They were sold out of the important dishes in two hours. At four everything was gone. Imagine, the event should have been going on until eight. Luckily people had fun with scheduled music and exploring vendors. The Atheneum Hotel Bar and Lounge was very popular, offering beer and wine. Good thing, the Chautauqua's food truck and the bar 3 Taps with Asian fusion-inspired cuisine also were on the grounds. In general, it's a pretty area and I enjoyed it a lot. The late Victorian houses, gardens, and parks are well maintained and beautiful. It wasn't actually my first time visiting, so I knew what to expect. Soaking feet in the water of Pier Beach was refreshing. Hanging out around the Hall of Philosophy felt very calm and relaxing. Even the heartburn from the "Korv Burger" soon left me. It wasn't bad food, but I don't think I would have it again. My curiosity was satisfied. Maybe next time I'll try 'Swedish Meatballs' if the planning is better and more variety of food is available. read more

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We came on a Sunday and rollerbladed around the campus. It was a great afternoon! We took a break by the little beach and were glad that the bathrooms were open and very clean. We took some paper towels to dry off our wet feet before putting our roller blades back on and continue exploring. read more

Chautauqua Institution - rollerblading the road by the shoreline - Community Service/Non-Profit Near Me - Chautauqua, New York

This place is primarily geared towards elderly people. It's a gated community on Chautauqua Lake with plenty of old hotels, pedestrian streets, stores, and restaurants. They also host some events, which are held in an ampitheatre. The catch? It's boring. The stores are nothing to write home about, the food is bland and overpriced, and the events are a total snoozefest. The music concerts are alright, the sound is too quiet, but most of the events consist of lectures and speakers. I guess it comes down to personal taste, but I would rather do anything else than sit for 2 hours listening to some person no one's ever heard of talk about philosophy and politics. So that's why I say this place is definitely geared towards old people. There's a beach here, but it's incredibly small and flooded with toddlers. The transportation is also incredibly unreliable. Same with the parking. You have to park wayyyyy outside the entrance and have a bus take you to the actual place. The bus constantly smells of marijuana and urine, and plus classical music at what seems like full volume. The plus side? This place looks gorgeous. I did love walking around, but I think if I went to this area again, I wouldn't stay here, and instead opt for a lake house, because this place is very inconvenient read more

Chautauqua Institution - Thought this building looked cool - Community Service/Non-Profit Near Me - Chautauqua, New York

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Loved the trip recently to the Chautauqua Institution. A gorgeous community that couldn't be any easier to get to from Hamburg. We enjoyed just walking around, lunch, getting treated to band practice in the amphitheater, and kayaking. Cons: Kayaking was definitely a bit choppy (go to the right to avoid much wake), the food locations need more (or any) vegan options, and the bookstore needs more books. read more

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Last week I was gifted tickets for IiDivo, disappointed by the terrible sound system. It was clear a 'sound check' was not done because the music was too loud to hear the singers. People from the audience began to yell, "turn it down ". But no one did and after less than fifteen minutes the audience began to exit the experience. We hoped it would change but it didn't and after a half hour we made our exit. How very disappointing and unprofessional the whole evening was. I have to many great events there this was not one of them. read more

The Chautauqua Institution is a treasure within in community. Quaint is an understatement. It oozes charm... feel like you are walking back in time. Narrow streets and every house has a welcoming front porch with gingerbread trim galore. The landscaping is superb... beautiful flowers everywhere. And the concerts? Wow. Just wow. If I had a complaint, it would be this - they need to improve upon their shuttle system that operates during shows and concerts. I have gone a few times with my elderly father... and it is NOT senior citizen friendly. Very long waiting for a shuttle... too long for a senior citizen to stand, and there are not enough benches for all to sit. The walk is much too far for the elderly back to their car, so they must rely on the shuttle. If they could run it more efficiently (more often) that would be a much needed improvement. Before tonight's show (Jay Leno) they made everyone stand in long lines - not permitting anyone in - for a very long period of time... again, not something a senior citizen can do. My father walks with a cane, and cannot stand for long periods of time. The show was suppose to start at 7:30 (we were in line at 6:40 and there were a ton of people ahead of us), and people were not let in until 7:25pm. A wall of people in a pretty tight space, with clearly not enough benches for seniors to use. If anything, the handicap and seniors needing assistance should have been permitted to enter and be seated. The shuttle drivers and staff should be a little more friendly, enthusiastic and vocal when it comes to explaining when and were the shuttles come and go to. They pretty much looked at everyone like a deer in headlights when you would stop them and ask them where they were going. Not exactly friendliest crew. Add more seating for seniors and run the shuttle faster read more

Chautauqua Institution - Welcoming porches... - Community Service/Non-Profit Near Me - Chautauqua, New York

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Lovely grounds. Gorgeous lake views. Naturally expensive. Fairly (low quality, overpriced) weak drink (with way too much ice. Asking the gate check guys about the grounds, we were met with disbelief. Like the whole world should know about the Institution. Many shops closed early, because the owners wanted to get home and change to go to the concert!! Probably won't be back. read more

Week 7 2024. The theme is Awe and Wonder. Attendees range from parents of small children ( there is a "school for ages 2-10 , another for kids older than that, and a teen center) , Older adults of every size and shape, probably less people in the 29-40 age group. But a lot of these day visited. I ( age 81) went with my daughter and we saw an art festival, a play, a best selling author, a physicist, a rock group that was for the whole family, ballet, orchestra, a crafts festival, a rock group from tick tock and a guy that sang Sinatra etc. etc. The restaurants were varied and we saw kosher and asian food trucks. A church did barbecue. We made breakfast in our rental condo, but there were many places to eat. We had a Lot of fun, learned good stuff in optional classes( mine was a meditation class taught by a retired endocrinologist) . My daughter studied writing poetry. Had we been sporty, we could have golfed, hiked , sailed played volleyball or english bowling, swimming in the lake or pool, biking and many more activities. You kind of had to decide what kind of vacation you wanted. No one pressured you to do anything but it was a cafeteria of opportunities. Going again next year, you bet! read more

The Amphitheater at Chautauqua Institute is the tops; the finest, most historic of its rare kind in the world kind. Just being seated in it, though plank board creaky uncomfortable, is like taking a seat inside a book of cultural history. No matter what you may think of it, you can't help but respect it, the timelessness of it, its age and the thousands of cultural performances that have taken place upon its stage over the years. To me it's a thrill just being outdoors in fresh air, being cuddled and surrounded by the Institute itself with a view of the Amphitheater's Massey organ If Chautauqua Institute had a heart, the Amphitheater would be the heart of it. As I forgot my camera and since I'm not much of a photographer anyway, I've taken the liberty of posting pictures of the Amphitheater from the Internet. read more

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This old-fashioned guest house in Chautauqua is a pure joy. With friendly hosts, a great location on campus, kitchen that can be used, and friendly people all around, this place is a gem. If you need a large room and bathroom and like a sterile environment, this place is not for you. For the rest of us, we look forward to coming back for many years. read more

The Chautauqua Institution is a not-for-profit, 750-acre educational center beside Chautauqua Lake in southwestern New York State. It was founded in 1874 as an educational experiment in out-of-school, vacation learning. Their mission is, "The exploration of the best in human values and the enrichment of life through a program that explores the important religious, social and political issues of our times; stimulates provocative, thoughtful involvement of individuals and families in creative response to such issues; and promotes excellence and creativity in the appreciation, performance and teaching of the arts." This private community really is the very definition of charming. Pedestrian-only streets, lovely (and perfectly maintained) Victorian cottages, a sweet little village center, and beautiful historic gardens all nestle along the shore of the lake. Interspersed with private residences are performance, practice, classroom, and lecture venues where residents and guests can partake of the daily seminars and workshops, watch a performance by the opera company or symphony, or enjoy a performance by one of the many national touring performers who stop through this venue. (On this visit, we watched a conversation about the creative process between Paul Simon and US Poet Laureate Billy Collins; earlier in the season, filmmaker Ken Burns was in residence.) If you're at all interested in history, this is a fascinating place to visit, as it was the start of a huge self-education movement (for adults) in the US at the turn of the 19th century. Thomas Edison was also a regular visitor (his second wife's father was a co-founder of the Institution). Franklin D. Roosevelt's historic "I hate war" speech was delivered from the podium in the Chautauqua Amphitheater in1936. The Chautauqua Institution Historic District is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places. read more

Chautauqua Institution - The amphitheater. - Community Service/Non-Profit Near Me - Chautauqua, New York

Rich people on vacation. Mainly a bunch of bike riding Grandma's and Grandpa's. AMAZING architecture. Yuppies...... Oh and most importantly if you ever come here you will quite easily spot me out of the crowd. Apparently I didn't get the no jeans memo. Only khaki pants, khaki shorts, khaki skirts and khaki dresses are allowed . . . This place is the HOTNESS. I hope to come back one day before I die. Maybe I can come when I'm a grandma and hop on a bike!! read more

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The place is beautiful that's for sure..lots of walking. The houses are amazing and one more beautiful than the next. And the hotel it's right on the lake is exquisite.. The streets are very very narrow and lot of one ways and you have to drive very careful. Some of the restaurant serve lunch and then close early? It looks like Lily Dale on steroids.. very beautiful peaceful place so quiet you could hear a pin drop read more

This place is amazing, but the roads are very narrow and it is NOT easy to get around and find places. However, it gets a four star review from me because it's also the home of Koinonia weekends! The entire place needs some work - but memories I have because of this place are too great to rate it any lower. However, those that go there will most likely rate it lower - it's in dire need of some major work! read more

One of the best ways to get to know Chautauqua is to take the 90 minute bus tour of the grounds which is offered three times each day. The tour is very popular and they only except reservations on the day of the tour. So you might want to buy your tickets soon after the ticket booth opens. Our guide, Art, was excellent. read more

Chautauqua Institution - One of the best ways to get to know Chautauqua is to take the 90 minute bus tour offered 3 times a day. Our guide, Art, was excellent. - Community Service/Non-Profit Near Me - Chautauqua, New York

I worked and lived here for a summer while in college. I spent 3 months roaming about the place and I never really understood what was going on here or the purpose. It took time and a little perspective to "get" what they do here. Its all cultural events lectures, ballet, opera, theater, concert, symphony ect. It really is a VERY unique environment. It took a few years but now I now appreciate the experience much more. read more

IT'S A TOWN, IT'S A DISNEYLAND OF VICTORIAN HOMES AND MUCH MORE. It's not cheap especially for a family but it is an educational experience for young and old to share. It's cleaner than Disneyland and that is clean. Each home has their own well kept garden and all homes are kept in first class condition. There is a tourist center for tickets, restrooms, lockers, and information..Parking is a little walk away and the admission charge is cheaper after noon on some days. A word to the wise wear good walking shoes ,grab your camera and enjoy read more

Chautauqua Institution - Community Service/Non-Profit Near Me - Chautauqua, New York

I just attended my brothers wedding this past weekend at the Chautaqua Institution. The area is absolutely gorgeous. The setting was perfect for a wedding (the lake, peaceful environment, etc). Guests stayed at the Athenaeum Hotel, which is a really cool old hotel on the premises (one of the first hotels built with electricity, since Thomas Edison lived in a house in the Institution at one point. If you get the chance to explore the area, I highly recommend it. Keep in mind though if you are going here for an event after 'in season' then the stores/shops/venues on the Institution grounds will be closed. read more

Old and outdated. The amphitheater and opera house both are lacking in any sort of modern amenity. The opera house in particular is really bad with 100 year old seats and paint. If you are over 5'8", your knees will be against the seat in front of you. The restaurants are much too small for the demand. The hotel restaurant is overpriced with microwaved food and an untrained wait staff. It sure is pretty though. I suggest visiting Chautauqua Lake but avoiding the institution. read more

While we agree with many of the reviews - both good and bad - something must be said about how poor the institutional communications are. The maps of the grounds omit facilities where programs take place, the website lacks coherence and information and the first time attendee is often unable to find crucial information. A good example happened to us when we saw a reference to an event that interested us. After some difficulty in finding out how to purchase tickets we were able to obtain them. They arrived and while they had a time and date on them, no venue was specified. And when we looked on the weekly calendar the event was no where to be found. These are simple things that suggest that more complicated ones may be suffering the same fate. read more

I attended the Dawes concert Friday night, August 16, 2019, at the amphitheater. The concert started on time, pretty amazing in itself. But it was all downhill from there! The bass drum was amplified to the point that it was so loud that the pews seemed to vibrate with every beat. The words being sung by the members of the band were totally unintelligible and the drummer seemed determined to take over the entire show by his volume while beating his various percussion instruments... We were fooled by the Band's YouTube videos which are mixed to allow the words being sung and the instrumentalists, including the drummer, to be heard at a reasonable sound levels. In summary, the noise level from the band was deafening and extremely unpleasant. We left after the first set and will be careful to avoid this disaster ever again. I pity the other fools who spent $45-60 to attend this noise festival. In general, the Friday night "music" in the amphitheater is played at a level that is far higher than necessary in this venue which has excellent sound acoustics and needs little amplification for listening pleasure. read more

It is an experience that is almost indescribable. You must come to expand your mind and to tantalize all your senses, the grounds are kind of like an adult fairy tale, you can come for a day a week or a summer and always find something new and exciting. Great for kids!! read more

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A wonderful summer festival from the mid 19th century Spiritualist Revival period, initiated by the Methodist Church, but ecumenical in practice. A center for lifelong learning with lectures, current events speakers, literary speakers, and outdoor recreation opportunities. @nini coleman read more

The original travelling "Chautauquas" brought the arts, music, and culture to the common person, it lifted the spirits, and provided a sense of hope, and promise during the great depression. Everyone finds their own particular purpose for visiting the Chautauqua Institution today, but for me personally it serves as a reminder that each and everyone of us has an obligation to use whatever gifts, and talents we have to try to improve upon the human condition. Returning every summer for the 9 weeks of programming, arts, lectures, concerts, recreation, etc., (or whatever I can fit into my schedule) on the scenic shores of Lake Chautauqua, can help connect, re-energize and revitalize an individual with that sense of purpose, and meaning that they can then take and share with others, and "pay forward" after even a short stay and upon leaving the gates of the Institution. There really is something for everyone at Chautauqua Institution, but you really have to leave that sense of entitlement behind, and realize that this place runs primarily on volunteers, a handful of full-time staff, and people who simply share a passion and love for the kind of things that bring people from many different cultures and faith's, including atheists, together. The arts, music, discourse, recreation, dance,... all these things elevate the human condition, and allow us to transcend our differences to the betterment of mankind. It's a place that's hard to describe, and you can only understand once you've visited, and participated, but it is hard to visit this place and not walk away feeling inspired, and motivated to aspire to add more meaning, and purpose to whatever it is you do for an occupation, or in other aspects of our everyday lives, while feeling restored, and rejuvenated with a little rest and relaxation added in between. Chautauqua is a place for children, and adults alike, but mostly for children at heart, those who come with an open mind, and sense of inquiry, and want to be engaged, and involved in any sort of mental or physical "play" whatever that is, who have a love for life, and living, and are not content with just sitting on the sidelines, watching what is going on. Our kids get on their bikes and explore, meet new friends from all over the country (that they keep for life), play in the creek, have a pickup game in the plaza with kids they've never met before, go to "Club" (the day camp), or the "Children's School", where our daughter flourished one summer, and we had to move her to a more challenging school upon returning home that year in the fall. We walk (cars are limited) to programs at the beautiful Hall of Philosophy, or Amphitheater, sit and talk on porches, meet and interact with people of different faiths, politics, and culture from across the country, and around the world. Probably the only place in the world you can be fishing one minute, and within a short walk be sitting watching ballet recital on an open air stage, or listening to a best selling author discuss her new book on the porch of the oldest book club in America. My six year old son and I stopped after fishing one day to watch a ballet recital, and I said to him "isn't this great", thinking of the cultural experience, and of course his reply was "yea, I can see their butts", and so I realized art has it's own particular meaning for us all, but it was the shared experience that was important to us. It's a place to try new things, like attend a performance from a popular artist on Friday evening you've never heard of or seen before, or would normally go to; take a class on photography, see a play or an opera, go for a bike ride, learn to sail, catch and cook up some lake perch, or bass, chase a miniature white ball around the links, and nearly an unlimited host of other options available. It does take a healthy dose of self-reliance to navigate through the ticketing process, finding accommodations, and figuring out how you want to spend your time there, but this is also what makes the experience that much more rewarding and unique to each individual who goes there. Like any destination, do your research, try to find and talk to people who currently and frequently visited, and the experience will be that much more positive for the effort you put into it. I'm a "Seasoner", but still find new things to explore, and do after 20 years of annual summer visits to the Institution. read more

I like Chautauqua Institution when it is not in season. I like it enough that my wife and I got married there. It's got beautiful grounds and really interesting historic buildings. The history of the location itself is rich. I just really dislike it when it is in season. Ridiculous to get in, super crowded and just a lot pretentious. If you don't have an address in the Institute, you're just part of the hoi polloi. There's plenty to do around the lake without making this your final destination. read more

Crowded!! Used to be a nice place - but something has changed. Also, it's no longer a Christian place. People are pushy and rude Very, very sad. read more

We recently attended a show in the ampitheater(Garrison Keiller) & when entering found out they had sold more tickets than seats. A lot more!! So,for $50 we stood for the whole show. The next week's show---same thing, No seats for all the tickets sold. We won't be back for any future events. Hopefully the institute changes this policy. read more

It is an amazing place, opera, several daily lectures and talks. On the downside, it is a gated community that costs an absurd amount of money just for access to the grounds and the whole place has a very Stepford Wives vibe as you walk around. If you've never been here, check out lecture and music calendars and make a trip during the summer and be sure to allow time to walk the grounds. It's one of the WNY/southern tier's best kept secrets (evidently by design), but well worth the trip.l read more

No place on earth like this place! Arts, Education, Recreation and Religion with so much history that it is impossible to overstate the effect this place has had on the world for the past 137 years. Their last birthday celebration had someone that had been coming there yearly for 94 years! The place does have a Norman Rockwell-like feel to it- but in a good way. Expensive to stay here for the season- we estimated it would take $13,000 for rent and gate fees for a small family of 3 to stay there May-Sept. read more

Lived here and grew up every year at Chautauqua and it was an incredible place to visit. Waterskiing in the morning, lunch on the dock, head bag to the house by bike, stop by the Amphitheater and watch the ballet dances practing head to an art class, chill on hall of philosophy and listen to one of the worlds greatest minds, enjoy some ice cream in the party, head back back to the Amphitheater for a full production show and then out for drinks with friends.. it doesn't get any better than this place for life. read more

Wow. I miss this quaint little place so much. My family has a house on the Lake and although I thought that it was so boring and stupid growing up, I wish I could teleport there for a little getaway whenever LA gets too stressful. The Institution is so quaint and cute. I love it there! Yes it is a "theme park for senior citizens" but the houses are gorgeous and the vibe is so relaxing. I'm 24 and still I liked it when I was 14. read more

Quite possibly my favorite place on the planet. I'll spare everyone the complete and unabridged history of the place but it is a beautiful place that is a center for learning, culture, and religion. A typical day could include grabbing coffee from the kiosk in bestor plaza, then going for a walk of the grounds and shopping at the farmers market at the gate. Maybe do little reading on one of the many porches then grab some lunch before going to see one of the numerous speakers. In the evening opportunities abound such as seeing a pops concert or the opera (my last one there was Tosca). In short this is a can't miss experience is you have the opportunity and the means (it's not cheap) read more

Awesome place to visit. Peaceful atmosphere, well kept grounds, cute boutiques and a lot going on. It's worth the cost for a vacation.

An American institution that isn't well known outside the northeast, but is a singular experience every summer for 9 weeks. Imagine daily Ted Talks by renowned speakers, supplemented by optional specialty classes on anything from "The Law of War" with a national expert, to "Mountain Dulcimer Lessons" just for fun or "Writing Poetry or Prose" with a well known author and far more for any interest. Add a big dose of arts (Theater, Symphony, Opera, Dance, Jazz) on a beautiful 1880's village on the shores of Lake Chautauqua. Imagine inspiration, continued education, stimulating conversations and full days of biking, sailing, or relaxing if that's your thing. About an hour south of Buffalo, NY in the wine country near Erie. We love it. Various places to stay from B&Bs to small Inns to private homes to a huge old hotel. Food is a little bit of an issue with not enough choices for longs stays, so we try to rent something with a kitchen. Love the farmer's market near the firehouse every day, the kids who play duets and trios and quartets on the green in the evenings, the open air concert and lecture halls, the safe atmosphere that lets kids have a lot of freedom to bike and explore on their own, and the family-centric activities. read more

Chautauqua Institution - Evening music - Community Service/Non-Profit Near Me - Chautauqua, New York

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