I truly enjoyed the atmosphere of this location. My favorite thing was sitting in the rocking chair on the porch of the Atheneum Hotel. The serenity and the breeze off the lake was wonderful. Food in hotel was good but not anything to write home about. Entire area is quite costly as it costs to get in, to park, and the accommodations are quite pricey. Lottery system for the one place to stay in I looked into. Book early as you can go online for that place in February. Wonderful family atmosphere. They say you can get in on Sunday for free to attend church. Enjoyed hearing the symphony orchestra rehearse for an evening program mid day.

This was our first visit to the Chautauqua Institute. We went for Week 3 and joined some of our friends from California for the week. We had no idea what to expect - and even after the first few days, we were still taking it all in. This gated community has a rich past with hundreds of historic buildings and homes right next to Chautauqua Lake. We enjoyed a lot of the activities that week - from lectures and concerts at the Amphitheater to plays at the theatre to a steamship tour around the lake on the Chautauqua Belle. We looked forward to our morning walks along the lake and up and down the streets to look at the lovely homes. The only thing we didn't like was the hotel we stayed at - the Spencer Hotel & Spa. I'll write about that experience in another review. We've already reserved our room for next year at the Athenaeum Hotel.

The grounds are beautiful! There are many quaint old Victorian homes and beautiful gardens. On Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday afternoons there is an artist/craft market in an old fire garage by the front gate. The vendors change so we check it out every time we go!