Jamestown

Jamestown’s main claim to fame is that it was the hometown to comedienne and actress Lucille Ball (nee Lucy Ricardo) of the 1950s hit television series I Love Lucy. The Lucille Ball/Desi Arnaz Center is full of memorabilia from the show and includes their Desilu Playhouse with recreations of the Ricardo’s New York City apartment from the show. That being said, the surrounding area, Chautauqua County, offers a host of things to do. The Chautauqua-Lake Erie Wine Trail brings you through 45 miles of lush vineyards highlighting 21 wineries. The Audubon Center and Sanctuary’s 600 acres are dotted with hiking trails and observation towers ...

Jamestown’s main claim to fame is that it was the hometown to comedienne and actress Lucille Ball (nee Lucy Ricardo) of the 1950s hit television series I Love Lucy. The Lucille Ball/Desi Arnaz Center is full of memorabilia from the show and includes their Desilu Playhouse with recreations of the Ricardo’s New York City apartment from the show. That being said, the surrounding area, Chautauqua County, offers a host of things to do. The Chautauqua-Lake Erie Wine Trail brings you through 45 miles of lush vineyards highlighting 21 wineries. The Audubon Center and Sanctuary’s 600 acres are dotted with hiking trails and observation towers for views of Chautauqua Lake. For those seeking spiritual solace and mind-body rejuvenation there’s Lily Dale Assembly, the largest spiritualist community in the world and the Chautauqua Institution known for its non-denominational contemplative programs. Escape from civilization to hike and climb amid the towering rocks and mossy forest of Panama Rocks. Tour Graycliffe Estate built in 1931 by the renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright. The Seneca Iroquois National Museum is a repository of exhibits detailing the rich history and culture of the Seneca Tribe in New York State.

About the Expert

Frances Folsom is the author of CitySpot Palermo, a contributor to the Reiskits guides to Milan and Italy's Lakes Region, and Thomas Cook's Independent Traveller USA.