Best Ways to Spend a Summer Day in Western New York

When in Western New York, plan extra days to explore more — nature, arts, sip-and-dine, hiking or relaxing poolside. There are plenty of places to tee up and wind down. Here’s a sampling of ways you can stow away summer memories.

A Sanctuary and Serene Escape

It’s ground zero for birders — and a tribute to Roger Tory Peterson whose illustrated field guides help us all stop, look around and experience the little-big things the earth offers just because.

The Roger Tory Peterson Institute in Jamestown is a walkable, living, growing embodiment of the Peterson Field Guide that, for 90 years, has ignited wonder in both the everyday person taking a walk and intrepid birders who globe-trot with binoculars and lists of rare ones to spot.

The museum holds the largest collection of Peterson’s artwork and supports budding artists. “We nurture the next generation of nature artists who are as impassioned as Roger was in drawing us into a deeper appreciation for the beauty of nature and raising awareness of the critical conservation challenges of our times,” says Arthur Pearson, the institute’s chief executive officer.

On exhibit now through July 27 is “Art That Matters to the Planet: Wild America.” (See rtpi.org for more of the institute’s summer events.)

When you’re done inside, head outdoors to tromp around the 27-acre nature preserve with wildflower gardens, pollinator meadows and stands of hemlock trees. Some 2.5 miles of trails wind through the site with spots to sit — benches, a gazebo — along with bird feeders where you can capture pics.

Holiday, Summer Style

Sail away from skis and careen down a Sky Flyer Mountain Coaster at Holiday Valley in Ellicottville. Take on the Aerial Adventure Park or tee up at the 18-hole par 70 Double Black Diamond golf course. Even airmail balls come with amazing mountain views.

Toting tots? Holiday Valley’s pools include wade-and-splash options, while Spruce Lake offers nature walks along the shore, and gem mining is fun for the big kids, too.

All ages can holiday in this valley.

“More advanced courses at Sky High Adventure Park are perfect for middle schoolers ages 12 to 14, including zip lines and higher,” says Dash Hegeman of Holiday Valley. “For those who love speed, our mountain bike trails offer exciting terrain to explore and they can cool off in the pool afterward.”

Just looking to dine and do views? Check out Edna’s at the Tamarack Club with an evolving seasonal menu. holidayvalley.com

Bonfires & Brews

From ski to s’mores and slopes to swimming — this transition happens annually at Peek’n Peak in Clymer. Book a getaway for family or go big with a group.

The Gazebo Grill Main Stage hosts Saturday Bonfire & Brews gatherings throughout the summer, with a beer tent, all the eats, green mountain views and a breather from the everyday. Add golf, an indoor-outdoor pool and bar, fine dining and high-ropes courses with a range of summer adventures. Put-put or gem mining, anyone? Rent or take your own clubs to the par-72 golf course with five teeing options. pknpk.com

A Legacy Experience at Chautauqua

Summer at Chautauqua Institution officially kicks off June 21. But early-bird visitors can save on gate rates by either going earlier or after Labor Day. Never been? There are so many ways to experience this lakeside retreat.

Learn – Take a class and pick up something new from writers and poets in residence or attend a lecture.

Play – Chautaqua Golf Club has two public courses and there’s tennis, sailing, kayaking and pontoon boats available.

Dine – Heirloom Restaurant offers elegant meals in the historic, lakefront Athaneaum Hotel, or go casual at 3 Taps and The A Truck waterside lounge and food truck.

Browse – From exhibitions at the institution’s art galleries to mementos at the bookstore or Bestor Plaza shops, you won’t go home empty handed. chq.org

Laughs for All

There’s fun for the whole family at the National Comedy Center, which spans 37,000 square feet in Lucille Ball’s hometown of Jamestown. It’s been named a Top 25 Family Weekend Getaway by U.S. News & World Report along with giants like Disney.

Comedy lovers and greats make pilgrimages to the museum, which honors and has welcomed artists like Nate Bargatze, Amy Poehler, John Mulaney, Jeff Foxworthy, Margaret Cho and more.

“Adults love to explore our Comedy Continuum touch-screen video wall, our stand-up lounge and TV living room along with exhibits celebrating Johnny Carson, Lucille Ball, Carl Reiner, Joan Rivers, Don Rickles and more,” says Gary Hahn, the center’s senior marketing executive.

The basement Blue Room is for the 18- plus crowd and loaded with comedy roasts and unfiltered content that challenges social norms and tackles taboo topics.

Kids go head-to-head in Laugh Battle, design their own cartoon characters and memes, and charge the stage for Comedy Karaoke.

You’ll plan for a couple of hours but end up staying the day and plotting a return trip. Reserve time to dote over eclectic displays in the gift shop for cool finds. comedycenter.org

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