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 September 2005 Back to Table of Contents Back to Archives Main Page Section: Travel The Joys of Chautauqua –off Season By Luann Roberts
Well, at least that is what I did. I had no commitments to hearth or home, so I just got in the car and hopped on the 90 heading west. Luckily, I came in short order upon the Angola rest stop, which gave me a destination idea, as well as a quick meal. I was looking for adventure, but a quiet and safe one that did not cost too much money. So when I saw the word "Chautauqua," in a rest stop brochure, I thought, Institute! The information I found had suggestions for accommodations as well as a few wineries. My adventure was shaping up nicely. When I got to the Chautauqua Institute I was pleased to find that there is no fee to go on the grounds during the off season. I found my getaway home base at the Maple Inn. The Inn would be out of my price range during the summer, but off season it was quite affordable. My charming room had its own bath, stove, coffee pot, refrigerator, microwave and sink. There was also a lovely porch with a table and chairs overlooking the grounds—perfect for reading, knitting or even painting. Since I unexpectedly had the means to cook, I decided to get myself some goodies. I headed for Stedman Corners, just two miles south of Chautauqua on Rt. 33. Stedman’s, the home of fresh roasted coffee beans and delectable baked goods, is only open Saturdays during the off season. After Stedman’s, I went to Mayville for the basics like fruit, cheese and crackers. Imbibing your favorite alcoholic beverage at the Institute is a discreet affair. Alcohol is not sold on the grounds but since we all know that wine has numerous health benefits, I purchased a bottle of the local vino for its therapeutic benefits and to go with the cheese and crackers. Most shops on the Institute’s grounds have limited hours during the off season, which gave me an opportunity to go shopping without spending a lot of money. One shop that was open is the Summer Gallery, a delightful yarn shop that stocks some unusual types of yarns, such as silks and bamboo. The shop also features fine art, jewelry and some funky clothes. Next was a visit the Institute’s library. Housed in a 1930s Georgian building, the Smith Memorial Library is open year-round, with evening coffee hours on the third Wednesday of the month. Everyone is welcome to drop in and read a poem, tell a story, play a tune or just listen. The bookstore on the Institute grounds is another off-season delight. It remains open seven days a week, 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m. all year round offering bestsellers, classics and tapes of the previous year’s lectures, along with journals, art supplies and the New York Times. Sunday was crossword heaven! I drank my Stedman’s coffee on the porch and did my Sunday New York Times crossword. The rest of Sunday I spent reading and knitting with a few cat naps thrown in for good measure, savoring a respite in the quietude that is the Chautauqua Institute off season. back to top back to table of contents Current Issue | About Forever Young | Where to Find | Advertise | Our Advertisers | Community Calendar | Contest | Clubs | Contact Us | Archives | Home |
