Originally a Chautauqua was an institution that provided popular adult education courses and entertainment in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Today in New York State Chautauqua is a lake, a county, a concept, and an all-season destination. The word “Chautauqua” comes from the Iroquois language meaning “bag tied together.” An Arial view of Chautauqua Lake makes the meaning visually clear. The lake is pinched in the middle – like a bag tied together. Another interpretation of the Iroquois word is “jumping fish” and if one thinks of “jumping fish” as ideas that were spawned or jumped out of the Chautauqua area then that translation works, too. The famed
Chautauqua Institute began in the southeast corner of New York State in 1874 as an adult education movement that featured lectures, plays, and musical performances founded on the belief that everyone “has a right to be all that he can be - to know all that he can know.” Chautauquas flourished in many places until the early 20th Century when some died out, but NYS’s Chautauqua Institute has continued to flourish. Visitors still seek out the Institute’s summer programs and sublime location as a place of renewal and learning but Chautauqua County is a destination for all seasons, including those looking for a place to relax, play, learn, and laugh.
With a dramatic lakeside setting and the beauty of its National
Historic Landmark architecture the Chautauqua Institute and its summer programs that feature arts, entertainment and learning form the most widely known aspect of Chautauqua County. While the Chautauqua Institute is not operational except during the summer all is not dormant within the confines of the Institute. The picturesque Victorian village is perfect for a Currier & Ives sleigh ride through the snow-covered Institute grounds and the unique Spencer Hotel, located within the Institute, receives guests year round. The Spencer Hotel, which has been welcoming guests for 100 years may look Victorian from the outside but rooms are a literary trip –literally! Each room is 
designed and dedicated to a specific author. The Arabian Nights room has a border of elephants parading around the wall of the bathroom. In the Jules Verne room the bed skirt resembles the gondola of a hot air balloon complete with “sand bags.”
Snow lovers can get their fill at Peek’n Peak, a quaint European-style ski village. Enjoy the dozens of slopes and trails during the day or under the lights at night. Plus, there are all sorts of fun in the snow activities including snow shoeing, snow boarding, snow mobiling, and tubing. With an indoor swimming pool, indoor children’s play zone, and an arcade it is a great getaway for families. When the snow disappears the sport enthusiasts turn in their winter toys, dust off their clubs and head to the two golf courses.
Jamestown, the area’s largest city, was the home of America’s favorite redhead comedienne, Lucille Ball. The Lucille Ball-Desi Arnaz Center’s mission is to “to preserve and celebrate the legacy of Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz and enrich the world through the healing powers of love and laughter.” The Lucy-Desi Museum features displays of costumes, awards, photographs, and other memorabilia including personal stories from Lucy’s
childhood pals. The Desilu Playhouse is devoted to the "I Love Lucy" TV series with recreated sets of the Ricardo's New York City apartment. A profusion of Lucy memorabilia can be purchased at the gift shop including Lucy chocolates and Vitameatavegamin bottles filled with heart-shaped candy.
Chautauqua Institute began in the southeast corner of New York State in 1874 as an adult education movement that featured lectures, plays, and musical performances founded on the belief that everyone “has a right to be all that he can be - to know all that he can know.” Chautauquas flourished in many places until the early 20th Century when some died out, but NYS’s Chautauqua Institute has continued to flourish. Visitors still seek out the Institute’s summer programs and sublime location as a place of renewal and learning but Chautauqua County is a destination for all seasons, including those looking for a place to relax, play, learn, and laugh. 
designed and dedicated to a specific author. The Arabian Nights room has a border of elephants parading around the wall of the bathroom. In the Jules Verne room the bed skirt resembles the gondola of a hot air balloon complete with “sand bags.” 
