Fewer of us want to travel through airports, or hop on a plane, these days. That’s for sure. Road trip USA is in – hop in the luxury car for a long drive, get out of town, and see where the wind pushes you. If the plan is to drive south of the U.S.-Canada border, Chautauqua County is an idyllic summer community destination, with its beautiful natural spaces, as a wonderful backdrop, making it a true one-stop vacation experience.
We’ve taken the liberty of planning a seven-day itinerary of summer vacation experiences, which years from now you’ll look back on as something that was unique and special.
Road trip USA: Day 1
Escape the summer heat at Sunset Bay Beach Club. The combination of sandy shoreline and shallow water makes it an ideal spot for a day of summer fun. Enjoy tropical-inspired cocktails and delicious food on the deck of Cabana Sam’s Beach Bar & Grill, located right next to the beach club.
Spend time in Dunkirk, a small city situated right on the shores of Lake Erie. Explore the unique shops, restaurants, an ice cream shop and visitor information center located along the Boardwalk Marketplace. Visit the beaches of Point Gratiot Park and Wright Park. Walk along the Dunkirk Pier where you will see anglers fishing daily. Visit the Dunkirk Lighthouse and climb to the top of the tower for a sweeping view of Lake Erie.
Stay in a hotel or B&B.
Dunkirk Music on the Pier
Dunkirk Lighthouse
Sunset Bay Beach Club
Dunkirk Boardwalk Market and Pier
Day 2
Grab a locally roasted coffee and breakfast in Westfield at Full Strength Coffee Company. Go fishing. Lake Erie is well-known for trophy-size walleye (8-10 lbs) found in deeper waters. Lean on the expertise of area sport fishing guides, many of whom have years of experience and are happy to share the wisdom that could help land the catch of a lifetime.
Take a drive along picturesque Lake Erie Wine Country, made up 30,000 acres of vineyards. Twenty-three wineries produce award winning wines including vinifera, ice wines, fruit wines, and specialty wines such as brandies and ports. Purchase a bottle to enjoy in your hotel room. Visit Barcelona Lighthouse State Park and the adjacent Barcelona Harbor Beach. Stay at a B&B in Westfield, or a hotel or B&B in Mayville.
Lake Erie Charter Fishing
Barcelona Harbor Beach
Road trip USA: Day 3
Have coffee and breakfast at Music For Your Mouth in Mayville. Beverage selections range from espresso to cold brew and everything in between. Play a round of golf at Chautauqua Golf Club. Located just across the street from the Chautauqua Institution, the Chautauqua Golf Club is one of only two 36-hole courses between Cleveland and Rochester.
Shop and dine in Lakewood. Stay at a B&B or the lakeside Chautauqua Harbor Hotel in nearby Celoron.
Chautauqua Golf Club
Chautauqua Harbor Hotel
Road trip USA: Day 4
Have breakfast and coffee at Lake Life Cafe in Bemus Point. Golf at the Bemus Point Golf Club & Tap House. Visit Bemus Point shops, and grab dinner at a lakeside restaurant.
Drive onto the Bemus Point-Stow Ferry. Stay at a B&B, vacation home, or the lakeside Chautauqua Harbor Hotel in nearby Celoron.
Bemus Point Stow Ferry
Day 5
Visit museums in Jamestown – National Comedy Center, Lucy-Desi Museum, Fenton History Center, Robert H. Jackson Center, Roger Tory Peterson Institute. Stay at a B&B or the Double Tree by Hilton downtown.
National Comedy Center
Lucy-Desi Museum
Roger Tory Peterson Institute
Day 6
Take a country drive into the quaint communities of Findley Lake and Sherman, for shopping, dining, and relaxation. Visit Panama Rocks Scenic Park to see massive rock formations and hike through an ancient forest.
Play a round of golf at Peek’n Peak Resort. Glamp at Panama Rocks or stay at the Inn at Peek’n Peak Resort.
Panama Rocks
Peek’n Peak Resort
Day 7
Enjoy outdoor adventures, an indoor/outdoor pool complex, or a visit to the spa at Peek’n Peak Resort. Enjoy brand-new professional Sand Volleyball courts, a Paintball Arena, and Cornhole courts at Peek’n Peak. Stay at Peek’n Peak Resort.
Lots of variety and once-in-a-lifetime experiences, when driving through Chautauqua County.
Chautauqua Belle
I am a 50-something Torontonian who loves everything about my city. It’s been my home, my playground, for my entire life. I went to school here. I met my wife here. I own real estate here. I love writing about the transformation of my city on the world stage, which hasn’t been anything short of dramatic. That continues on, as I write this. I write on the real estate scene. I write on travel and fashion. I like following the world of luxury watches.
But I love writing about cars – check that, luxury cars, a level of superior, engineering sophistication, high performance and style, that transports you not just from one destination to another but also out of whatever you are going through on a particular day, whatever mood you are in, all to another head space. It’s complete and total exhilaration, head to toe.
Check out my stories, and email me direct at mkeast@regardingluxury.com
