Lakeside Chautauqua
Lakeside Chautauqua
4.5
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About
For more than 140 years, Lakeside Chautauqua has welcomed families to the Lake Erie shore to take part in a summer Chautauqua experience dedicated to nurturing mind, body and spirit. Lakeside Chautauqua is an historic community in Ohio that offers an abundance of spiritual opportunities, educational lectures, cultural arts performances and recreational activities during its 10-week summer programming season. It is also a year-round destination for groups of all sizes.
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Lakeside Chautauqua
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
147 reviews
Excellent
98
Very good
25
Average
10
Poor
5
Terrible
9
Jubilee Jer
Springfield, OH2,671 contributions
Apr 2021 • Couples
I visited here for a week every summer while I was a child and we rented a cottage during the United Methodist Conference every year. I haven’t been to lakeside in over 40 years. Many things remain the same several things have changed.
I did not realize there was a fee to enter lakeside and that it was a gated closed community. We visited here in early April before they started charging for entrance in May so we got in without a paying the fee. I guess we came at the right time to go down memory lane. I probably would not have entered if they wanted me to pay to enter.
We really enjoyed walking along the shore line and out on the peer. Many memories of playing in the park, watching movies at the theater, riding bikes as a child. The entire community was very peaceful and quant.
I did not realize there was a fee to enter lakeside and that it was a gated closed community. We visited here in early April before they started charging for entrance in May so we got in without a paying the fee. I guess we came at the right time to go down memory lane. I probably would not have entered if they wanted me to pay to enter.
We really enjoyed walking along the shore line and out on the peer. Many memories of playing in the park, watching movies at the theater, riding bikes as a child. The entire community was very peaceful and quant.
Written April 10, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
writerbarbking
Cincinnati, OH183 contributions
Aug 2020 • Friends
If you are looking for vibrant nightlife, Lakeside is not for you. If you need high speed excitement, motorboats and alcohol to feel great about your vacation, do not come to Lakeside. If you are looking for peace, serenity, and a beautiful place to reconnect with family, friends, nature and faith, you’ve found your place.
Written August 1, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sandy K
Marblehead, OH224 contributions
Jul 2020
Lakeside is a beautiful, quiet, peaceful place to enjoy a day of rest and relaxation. Visit the quaint gift shops, eat lunch along the lakefront, enjoy an outdoor concert. Despite fewer entertainment options due to COVID-19 restrictions, there's plenty still available to fill a day. Miniature golf, shuffleboard, basketball and volleyball courts are open, and canoe and kayak rentals are available. Always a rejuvenating visit!
Written July 7, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Beckie P
3 contributions
Aug 2021 • Family
Lakeside draws awesome people who really are optimists... but this is an honest review.
Pros:
1) Friendly community
2) Nice playgrounds
3) Splash pad
Cons:
1) Annual prices went up due to the addition of the new swimming pool. I feel like Lakeside was purposely deceitful in keeping info that this new pool was going to be closed M-F (starting August 8th) although the prices remained high ($17/day per person over 12) due to staffing issues. I tried to stay connected before our trip online and even with people who lived there and although it was announced they reduced it to every other day, they never announced anywhere that it would be closed M-F.
2) Events that were listed on the calendar were canceled due to the regatta (but they should have known that the regatta was occuring and update event calendar ASAP)
3) If you arent intimately familiar with Lakeside, it is difficult to understand where events are taking place.
Bascially, the 2 largest draws for my family and why we were OK with the steep prices were things that weren't available. Lakeside was potentially purposely decietful or maybe just poorly managed.
We are optimists and still had a great vacation but spent significantly more $$ visiting places outside of the community that we had not anticipated as we would have preferred an easy going vacation with the lake and pool combination.
Pros:
1) Friendly community
2) Nice playgrounds
3) Splash pad
Cons:
1) Annual prices went up due to the addition of the new swimming pool. I feel like Lakeside was purposely deceitful in keeping info that this new pool was going to be closed M-F (starting August 8th) although the prices remained high ($17/day per person over 12) due to staffing issues. I tried to stay connected before our trip online and even with people who lived there and although it was announced they reduced it to every other day, they never announced anywhere that it would be closed M-F.
2) Events that were listed on the calendar were canceled due to the regatta (but they should have known that the regatta was occuring and update event calendar ASAP)
3) If you arent intimately familiar with Lakeside, it is difficult to understand where events are taking place.
Bascially, the 2 largest draws for my family and why we were OK with the steep prices were things that weren't available. Lakeside was potentially purposely decietful or maybe just poorly managed.
We are optimists and still had a great vacation but spent significantly more $$ visiting places outside of the community that we had not anticipated as we would have preferred an easy going vacation with the lake and pool combination.
Written August 12, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Roving48094937277
1 contribution
Aug 2023 • Business
This is the creepiest place I have ever visited in my life. Had a horrific nightmare on my second night there about creepy things happening here in the past. The next morning, a local told me that her family used to own property further down the lake when she was a teenager. Her father would not let them go to any events here because of the local "reputation". I left that am. I will leave it at that.
Written May 30, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
RICART75
Peru, IN2,358 contributions
Sep 2024 • Couples
We came upon this interesting area during our exploration of the Lake Erie coastline, from Cleveland to Port Clinton.
We drove around the grounds, enjoying the architecture and landscaping. We walked out on the pier; and sat above the small beach, in the covered waterfront building. Being Labor Day Monday, we were somewhat surprised at how few people were about; as it was a beautiful day.
Though we read the onsite plaques regarding the area's history; it wasn't until after we left (actually, while doing this TA review), that we learned of the communities "policies". We're not sure what route we took to enter Lakeside, as we were just following whatever roads followed closest to the water from Cleveland. The only "gate" we ever saw was as we were leaving the area (we stopped and took a picture of it). Coming into Lakeside, we never encountered any "gate", or any other structure/sign indicating this was a closed community requiring a pass.
We now have learned a pass is unnecessary after Labor Day; but are still unsure how we came into the town center.
Something to ponder & explore; if we ever return, to this historic and quizzical little gem by the Lake.
We drove around the grounds, enjoying the architecture and landscaping. We walked out on the pier; and sat above the small beach, in the covered waterfront building. Being Labor Day Monday, we were somewhat surprised at how few people were about; as it was a beautiful day.
Though we read the onsite plaques regarding the area's history; it wasn't until after we left (actually, while doing this TA review), that we learned of the communities "policies". We're not sure what route we took to enter Lakeside, as we were just following whatever roads followed closest to the water from Cleveland. The only "gate" we ever saw was as we were leaving the area (we stopped and took a picture of it). Coming into Lakeside, we never encountered any "gate", or any other structure/sign indicating this was a closed community requiring a pass.
We now have learned a pass is unnecessary after Labor Day; but are still unsure how we came into the town center.
Something to ponder & explore; if we ever return, to this historic and quizzical little gem by the Lake.
Written September 16, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Craig K
Blue Springs, MO190 contributions
Jul 2020
I have been going since I was a kid and was able to return over 4th of July. Wonderful to see how it has progressed and stayed in it's roots as a wonderful place to visit as a couple or with families. You can rent a house for a week and enjoy the shuffleboard, swimming, fishing, mini golf, pickelball, entertainment etc... Absolutely a 10
Recommendations: Rent a golf cart for the week, Enjoy the local food, head to Put-in-Bay for the day, Visit Cedar Point (if they ever open) ...
Recommendations: Rent a golf cart for the week, Enjoy the local food, head to Put-in-Bay for the day, Visit Cedar Point (if they ever open) ...
Written July 12, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
sandra99999
cleveland, ohio150 contributions
Jul 2023 • Solo
Very disappointing. Went for the Cottage Tour and had a very bad experience with one of the women organizers. She does not know how the internet works and was put in charge of ticket sales. She wanted to blame me for buying a ticket on the Lakeside site, which was completely caused by her lack of knowledge. Stayed at the new Lakeside Hotel for 3 nights. Only 6 parking spaces. If you don’t get one you have to park at entrance and be shuttled down to hotel. Room was okay. A/c was freezing at any temp. No one ever came to clean up or change towels. Had to go to front desk to get towels. Ate at old Lakeside Hotel. Brunch was a joke, and dinner food was over salted. Food at the town restaurants was really good. Town is okay but nothing much to do. First and last visit for me. Chautauqua NY is much better.
Written December 17, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
snpkelley
Uniontown, OH535 contributions
Aug 2020 • Friends
I love this place! Aside from the fact that it's ridiculously expensive to get in, it is always a retreat and a place I would love to stay longer. I did not appreciate having to wear a mask outside while playing shuffleboard far from anyone around me I don't know. This is a bit over the top.
Written August 31, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
laura t
Avon Lake, OH1 contribution
Jul 2013 • Family
The charm of Lakeside is undeniable it is a quaint little snippet of all American years past.
I wanted a great getaway for the kids, and the arts and crafts were part of the draw for us. However the classes are on a lottery and are difficult to get into. Note, there is an additional fee for each class/not included in the gate fees ($133 per adult and $93 per kid over 12 for the week). I signed up for several classes (5 for each kid) and my son did not get any classes and my daughter only got one for the whole week.
The shuffle board is free and fun, my kids liked that a lot. Renting a club-car is very important if you are not staying close to the center of town. Walking back and forth to the cottage was very difficult and disruptive for the kids when we needed to grab a towel, swimsuit or have a quick bite at home.
The pizza at Sloopys is tasty, and the Patio's fresh donuts are totally awesome! However, stay away from the all you can eat Fish-Fry at the Patio on Fridays, the fish is flavorless and is not crispy and the fries came cold.
The water was dirty with foam and dead fish - you would think with the gate fees, the water along the shore would be better kept - perhaps skimmed??!! Finally, and perhaps the biggest turn off was that the residents gave off an air of entitlement, and seemed to be annoyed by the visitors. The old world charm was ruined by the snobby people and the grumpy demeanor of the folks who live there year round.
I wanted a great getaway for the kids, and the arts and crafts were part of the draw for us. However the classes are on a lottery and are difficult to get into. Note, there is an additional fee for each class/not included in the gate fees ($133 per adult and $93 per kid over 12 for the week). I signed up for several classes (5 for each kid) and my son did not get any classes and my daughter only got one for the whole week.
The shuffle board is free and fun, my kids liked that a lot. Renting a club-car is very important if you are not staying close to the center of town. Walking back and forth to the cottage was very difficult and disruptive for the kids when we needed to grab a towel, swimsuit or have a quick bite at home.
The pizza at Sloopys is tasty, and the Patio's fresh donuts are totally awesome! However, stay away from the all you can eat Fish-Fry at the Patio on Fridays, the fish is flavorless and is not crispy and the fries came cold.
The water was dirty with foam and dead fish - you would think with the gate fees, the water along the shore would be better kept - perhaps skimmed??!! Finally, and perhaps the biggest turn off was that the residents gave off an air of entitlement, and seemed to be annoyed by the visitors. The old world charm was ruined by the snobby people and the grumpy demeanor of the folks who live there year round.
Written August 3, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I am looking to rent a cottage at Lakeside for most of July 2019. Does anyone have any leads other than the Sotheby's/LC Realty sites? Looking for a small place for 2 adults, 2 kids under 8 and a small (10lb) dog. Please let me know!
Written September 27, 2018
I rented mine through VRBO. It really is a question of how much you want to spend, but it looks like just two companies control most of the rentals. Consider renting just outside lakeside and just buying passes. Look east of lakeside. Updated houses and an easy bike ride into lakeside every day.
Written September 28, 2018
Has anyone tent camped here? If so how was it and were there lake view camp sites ?
Written August 11, 2018
If you want to camp on the water I would go to East Harbor State Park. It is close to Lakeside and camping is on the water.
Written October 3, 2018
Yes it is dog friendly, but if you're looking to stay within Lakeside, it can be difficult to find a place that is pet friendly. But as far as walking around and hanging out, you're definitely good to go!
Written July 19, 2017
Is everything at Lakeside open year round?
Written May 11, 2017
No, not everything. Most of the restaurants close. Hair/nail place and some of the restaurants open. Grocery store, etc. And the concerts/entertainment in the auditorium taper off in Sept. But there are some activities in Oct. and throughout the year. More people are living there year round than used to. More facilities opening year round. Fitness center just opened.
Written May 12, 2017
Spurdue1
Cincinnati, Ohio
What is the best way to get a nice house for the week for 9 people?
Written January 12, 2017
Your best bet is to visit the Lakeside Chautauqua website.
Click the Accomodations tab, and check out the houses available for rent through the two Real Estate offices located in town. Lots of options in every price range. This is going to be an exciting summer with the new pool and wellness center scheduled to open in July. Hope to see you in Lakeside!
Written January 17, 2017
kuhnkathy33
Celina, Ohio
If you rent a house with your all adult family, how much are passes for 3 days?
Written October 5, 2016
The daily admission for adults is $21.25. Children under 12 and adults over 90 are free. The daily rate for cars is $10.50. Parking is very difficult unless your cottage has parking. Parking is available outside Lakeside at Danbury school for a nominal fee and there is a shuttle available to get you inside Lakeside. These rates were in effect for the 2016 season. I couldn't find info for 2017 rates. The website has not been updated yet. I would check back after January 2017 to find new rates.
Written October 6, 2016
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