Romantic Weekend Escapes in Chautauqua County, New York

Located less than three hours from Cleveland, Pittsburgh, Rochester, Niagara Falls, and Toronto and within an easy drive from Buffalo and Erie is Chautauqua County, New York, a treasure trove of romantic weekend activities and escapes! From wine tasting, to skiing, to cozying up to a roaring fire at a country bed and breakfast - all the romance is in Chautauqua County!

Historic Chautauqua Institution is a Victorian community where visitors can experience intellectual and spiritual growth all year long. With a bustling summer season of lectures and musical programs it is popular during the summer, but the wintertime season includes romantic sleigh rides every weekend from December to February.

The Chautauqua County area boasts several ski resorts all within an hour's drive from Chautauqua Lake. While Cockaigne Ski Area is a family friendly center, it hosts Wednesday night Adult only skiing for that romantic evening on the slopes. In addition to skiing activities, Peek 'n Peak Resort and Conference Center has an indoor pool, hot tubs, fitness center and sauna. The Inn at Holiday Valley is nestled at the bottom of the slopes and is one of Snow Country Magazine's top rated hotels. So come take a lesson, ski the trails, and return to the fire for a romantic meal and hot drink.

After an afternoon of activity settle into a show at The Fredonia Opera House. From The Fredonia Storytelling Festival to the Bach and Beyond Music Festival, the opera house, built in 1891, hosts a wide variety of entertainment. Check out their website for Cinema Series listings and other show schedules.

Jamestown is the setting for the Jamestown Savings Bank Ice Arena, which hosts activities of all sorts. Take your special someone to the North Atlantic Regional Figure Skating Championships and watch the best of the best! Or take advantage of open skating times, and skate arm in arm together in the rink. You can figure out a way to warm up afterward!

The nature enthusiast is invited to visit Long Point State Park on beautiful Chautauqua Lake for romantic winter walks along the shoreline and acres of trails for cross country skiing. Summertime activities include boating and water skiing, fishing and picnicking in one of several beautiful picnic groves.

A short distance from Chautauqua Lake is New York's Grape Country with over 20,000 vineyard acres. Chautauqua's wineries produce a range of sweet to dry wines, and boast fifteen wineries to visit and tour, tasting as you go. Enjoy the Chautauqua Lake Erie Wine Trail's Wine and Chocolate Weekend which takes place in February - just in time for a Romantic Valentine's Day weekend getaway.

While in Chautauqua County dine at Webb's Captain's Table, a romantic lakefront restaurant featuring a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere. Entrée's include traditional American Cuisine with Prime Rib, Choice Steaks, Chicken and Veal dishes. Dine in one of five dining rooms or, in the summertime, on the open deck. Webb's Captain's Table is a delightful place to take that special someone for a romantic getaway dinner.

Stay at The Country House Bed and Breakfast in Bemus Point, NY. The Country House is owned by David and Misty Sack and is a year round retreat for the romantic in you. Walk the trails and explore the pond, go on a hayride, or a sleigh ride, or nestle up to the woodstove with a cup of cocoa and conversation. Better yet, retreat to one of six beautiful guest rooms and celebrate each other in luxury!

Chautauqua County, NY is a romantic destination for a relaxing weekend getaway. Come to enjoy countless activities, or just each other.