With more and more states being added to New York’s quarantine list, we have a strong recommendation for local vacationers this summer: try a STAY-cation. There is plenty to see and do right here in Chautauqua County, and there may be some local things you’ve never experienced.

Chautauqua County’s wineries, breweries, and distilleries are open for tastings. You can sample and purchase some terrific locally made beverages. Social distancing is still required, but some have outdoor venues and others have created outdoor spaces in order to make visitors more comfortable.

Beaches and boat rentals are available. Soak up the sun and relax on the water on any of our fabulous lakes. There are beaches available on Lake Erie, Chautauqua Lake, Findley Lake, and the Cassadaga Lakes. Marinas are readily available where you can rent a boat for the day and give your family a nautical adventure.

Fishing and golf opportunities abound, with numerous waterways and golf courses. There are trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. Panama Rocks Scenic Park is a spectacular outdoor adventure as well.

As if all those recreational activities aren’t enough, most of our great local museums and attractions are open again too. Spend some time touring the National Comedy Center, the Lucy-Desi Museum, any one of the fascinating local history museums or the Robert H. Jackson Center, and see great art at the Roger Tory Peterson Institute or one of the small local galleries located throughout our county. We urge you to call first or check their websites to learn about appointments and protocols.

Our region offers an enormous amount of great summer tourism activities. Take some time to enjoy what you have right here in your back yard. Remember, too, that we have some terrific local cuisine and plenty of outdoor dining options, takeout, and socially distant indoor dining is also available.

You can learn more about recreational and cultural experiences available in Chautauqua County from the Chautauqua County Visitors Bureau. Find them online at www.tourchautauqua.com and treat your family to a great stay-cation this year, right here in Chautauqua County!

REGISTER NOW FOR EARLY BIRD PRICING: THE CHAMBER GOLF TOURNAMENT IS AUG. 27

While numerous events have been canceled this summer, we are proud to be able to bring you the 2020 Chamber of Commerce Annual Golf Tournament, Aug. 27. This great event will once again be held at the beautiful Peek’n Peak Resort in Clymer, with an 11 a.m. shotgun start.

A few things will be managed differently this year as we adhere to new social distancing regulations. We are asking that all golfers register and pay online in order to avoid gathering at a sign-in table before the tournament. Please check our web page at www.chamberrsvp.org to learn more or to register. Space is limited and early bird pricing will be honored through Aug. 7th. The deadline for all registrations is Aug. 20th.

The 2020 Chamber Golf Tournament is sponsored by: A Automotive, AW Farrell & Son, Bush Industries, Community Bank, Dahlstrom Roll Form, DFT Communications, Insurance Management Company, Jamestown Mattress Company, Koester Associates, Lake Shore Savings Bank, Lawley Insurance, National Grid, OBSERVER, The Post-Journal, and Shults Auto Group.

CHAMBER/MAST SEEK YOUR INPUT ON WEBINAR SERIES

For more than three months the Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce and Manufacturers Association of the Southern Tier have been holding online gatherings each week with our local business community. These Monday web conferences began as a sounding board where we could all discuss relevant issues in a dramatically changing business environment, and grew to become important topical opportunities for business people to learn about the depth and variety of resources available to help through challenging times.

Now we are seeking your input as we look to restructure and move these webinars into the next phase. We have developed a very short (just one minute) survey to get your take on the timing of these events and topics that may be helpful now and going forward. Does your business need marketing assistance? How can you keep your employees healthy and engaged? Are you struggling to bring both workers and customers back to your business? Take our quick survey and let us know. You’ll find the link on our COVID-19 Business Resources pages or you can type it into your browser at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/7BRMFJC. Thank you.

SILVER CREEK YARD SALES AUG. 1

The Hanover Community Chamber of Commerce will hold the 28th Annual Silver Creek Yard Sales on Saturday, Aug. 1. You can shop all day at dozens of garage and yard sales throughout the Village of Silver Creek and the surrounding area. Sale maps will be available to purchase for $1 each at the Village Park in Silver Creek starting at 8:30 a.m. on the sale day. Sales are held rain or shine from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Those who want to participate by holding a sale can register only for a $10 fee and be covered under the blanket permit for the sale. Proceeds go to the Hanover Community Chamber to help support year-round programming, including scholarships for local graduating high school seniors. You can learn more on the calendar at www.chautauquachamber.org.