Greenboys

Suggestions?.....I am trying to come up with ideas for a last-minute mini-vacation for our family of four (incl 2 boys 12 and 10). I need to squeeze it in between other summer activities here in NE Ohio: would start Sat 7/26 and return home Tues 7/29. Chautauqua seems like a logical choice: it is a short drive away (2+ hours) and it seems like there is a lot to see and do. In fact, having virtually no knowledge of Chautauqua, and little time, I am a little overwhelmed trying to put together an itinerary in short order, so I am looking for suggestions. First question - is it too crowded this time of year? I am thinking that we would stay outside CI but visit for a day. Lodging - we are generally more "hotel-people" than cottage or cabin, but open to trying something different. Interested in: a concert (orchestra-type) or play, some water sports (kids - swimming, tubing or possibly water skiing). tour a local attraction or two, hiking, interesting shops and restauarants. Basically we'd like to make it fun for the kids and learn and experience some new things. Any suggestions appreciated. I read other posts here and they were helpful.

mclaurie

Did you see this trip report?

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...1&tid=35144683

Greenboys

Yes, thanks. It was helpful and I will look into Chautauqua Suites. I was looking for other responses geared more towards a trip to Chautauqua with kids.

Jed

CI has many activities, most intellectual - lectures, concerts, classes, opera, dance, etc. There is some swimming in the lake, but not much, and I don't think you that you should consider water sports at CI. At most times it is not too crowded, but an occasional great show at night is.

Since the schedule is varied, you should check to see what will be there when you plan to go.

http://www.ciweb.org/schedule.html

My wife and I are not sure that boys of your age would enjoy CI, but you would. Perhaps a one day would be best. I'm not familiar with the surrounding attractions.

LindainOhio

I see that Monday night at Chautauqua, they are presenting First Person: Stories from the Edge of the World. It is also one of their Community Appreciation nights so you might have to get there a bit early--no assigned seating. I googled it-- It is a multimedia presentation by National Geographic Society--sounds great.

Kenny Loggins is at Chautauqua on Fri night 7/25; The symphony Sat 7/26

If I was going to the area with our children, I would probably rent a boat and spend the day or at least part of it on the lake. I notice there are a lot of marinas in the area. It is really a large lake. There are also some really nice parks in the area.

We just spent a day at Chautauqua this week. My girlfriend and I are returning during their Food theme week. We stayed at the brand new Chautauqua Suites. They have a midweek internet special $152 inc tax)that includes a day/evening pass, breakfast. It would allow admission (for 2 adults) to the show I mentioned above. There are also some packages available on the New York tourism website.