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Welcome to Chautauqua, NY

Overview

Chautauqua is a town in central Chautauqua County, located on the shores of Chautauqua Lake and the largest town by mass in the county. The town is the home to the world-renowned Chautauqua Institution and was recently labeled as the “Best Small Town to Visit” in the country. The town includes the village of Mayville, which is the county seat, and several more hamlets. Chautauqua is bordered to the north by Westfield and Portland; to the east by Stockton and Ellery; to the south by Sherman and North Harmony; and to the west by Ripley.


Essentials

Chautauqua and Mayville are loaded with upscale, specialty, antique and gift shops, including Webb’s Candy Factory, Reverie Creamery, the Art Loft, Chautauqua Ironworks and more. Lighthouse Point Grocery is a small food shop in Mayville. For more grocery shopping, Mayville has a Tops Friendly Markets Store on Erie Street. There’s a Wegmans supermarket in Jamestown, about 14 miles southeast of Chautauqua. For a wider variety of retail shopping, nearby Lakewood has a Walmart Supercenter and the Chautauqua Mall, with anchor stores like JC Penney and Sears, a movie theater and more.



Recreation & Entertainment

The main attraction here is the Chautauqua Institution, a non-profit adult educational center and summer resort covering 750 acres in a lovely area. More than 8,000 people turn out for the annual summer session, which includes a variety of performances, music, classes, lectures, dance and more.



Transportation & Traffic

Route 394 and Route 430, which intersect in Mayville, are the two main highways around here. Along with cars, people can get around the lake on steamships and ferry boats. As might be expected, the busy summer season can lead to traffic congestion.



Pros & Cons

Chautauqua’s year-round population is about 4,500, but the number doubles or triples over the summer. This has long been a destination spot for those looking to refresh mentally, physically and spiritually. The natural beauty of Chautauqua Lake and the surrounding areas is amazing, and Chautauqua Institution is a special place.