Suddenly it’s June and the summer weather has arrived in Chautauqua County. For many of us, this time of year is exactly why we live here: so we can enjoy the sun, balmy temperatures, and outdoor recreation. Fortunately, Chautauqua County has a lot to offer for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you’re into boating, fishing, hiking, golf, bicycling, or other activities, you’ll find something to love this summer right here in our own backyard.

Summer is a great time to get onto one of our numerous lakes. Luckily, there are plenty of marinas and boat rental businesses available as well as marine equipment sales and service. Whether you want a kayak, a jet ski, or a pontoon boat for an afternoon, you can find it. For the truly bold, try stand up paddle boarding or kite surfing at SUP Adventures on Lake Erie at Irving. Take sailing lessons at Chautauqua Lake Yacht Club. Take a boating safety course or rent a boat at Chautauqua Marina or check out the other numerous boating options at Lawson Boat & Motor, Ready About Sailing, Smith Boys of Chautauqua, or Snug Harbor Marina. If you need recreational ethanol free gas, you can find it at some local stations including some Robo Convenience stores, or Witco Convenience in Cassadaga, and others. To take a leisurely ride on a vintage watercraft try One Fine Day Boat Charter in Bemus Point or book a trip on the Chautauqua Belle.

Bicyclists can get their bikes serviced and ride-ready at can enjoy Pearl City Cycle – Mobile Bike Shop, Fredonia Cycling, or check out the new equipment at Jamestown Cycle Shop.

Golfers have a number of options in Chautauqua County. Try the Bemus Point Golf Club & Tap House, Chautauqua Golf Club, Moon Brook Country Club, Peek’n Peak Resort in Clymer, Shorewood Country Club, Vineyards Golf Club, and all the others.

If you’re interested in horseback riding, summer is the perfect time to give it a try. Double DAB Riding Stable in Ripley can help you get started.

Take me out to the ball game with the Jamestown Tarp Skunks. Their season got underway this past week and runs through July.

Take a hike in Chautauqua County! In addition to the numerous State and County parks featuring hiking trails, you can check out the trails at the Audubon Community Nature Center and Roger Tory Peterson Institute. And don’t forget the incredible hiking experience at Panama Rocks Scenic Park in Panama where you’ll get a closeup look at nature’s extraordinary handiwork featuring glacial rock formations.

Summer is also a perfect time to enjoy locally grown produce. Stop at one of the many farmers markets in communities throughout the county, or at farm markets and produce stands including Abers Acres in Kennedy, Betts Farms in Westfield, Carlberg Farm in Kiantone, Double A Vineyards in Fredonia, Enjoy Able Acres in Fredonia, Haff Acres in Mayville, Green Heron Growers in Sherman, and Peterson Farms in Jamestown. You can find an interactive Chautauqua Grown map on the Cornell Cooperative Extension Chautauqua County website.

And we cannot forget about the outstanding entertainment options each summer in Chautauqua County. The Chautauqua Institution summer season opens June 24 with Bonnie Raitt on the Amphitheater stage. The largest Spiritualist encampment in the region opens at Lily Dale Assembly June 24 featuring the return of the Tibetan monks.

All of this is just a starting point. With events galore on tap, we hope you’ll routinely check out the summer calendar hosted by the Chautauqua County Visitors Bureau at tourchautauqua.com.

Save the Date for a Spectacular Marketing Presentation June 26

Save the date now for a unique opportunity to tackle marketing issues with a regional expert. Molly Haungs is the Marketing Manager at LandPro Equipment, LLC where she oversees marketing, online sales and outreach for this well known John Deere dealership with 20 stores in New York, Pennsylvania, and Ohio. Molly is a Buffalo State graduate with 18 years of experience in advertising, public relations, marketing, event planning, communications, and business development. Some of the details are being hammered out as we work to maximize her time with our local business community. This event will start at 1pm in the Jamestown Mattress Arena Club at Northwest Arena in Jamestown. The Chamber of Commerce is pleased to present this in partnership with the Gebbie Foundation in Jamestown. It is open to all. We welcome your registration through the Chamber’s web calendar now, or you can wait to learn more in the days ahead.

Hanover Beach Bash June 15

The Hanover Community Chamber of Commerce Committee is hosting a summer kickoff Beach Bash, Thursday, June 15 at the Sunset Bay Beach Club in Irving. Enjoy live music by Two Towns, food, beverages, door prizes, and a chance at the basket raffle, from 5-7pm. The whole community is invited! The price is $12 for Chamber members or $15 for the general public and your ticket includes your first drink free. Tickets are available at Dave’s Outlet Store in Silver Creek, Hey Jude Custom Signs in Silver Creek, or Tavern on the Mall in Forestville, or you can register through the Chamber’s online calendar at www.chautauquachamber.org. Sponsors are Brooks-TLC Hospital System, Cabana Sam’s Sunset Bay Grill, Community Bank, Dave’s Outlet Store, DFT Communications, Hanford Country Market, H & R Block, Imagine Forestville, Kuppel Tires, and M&T Bank. Proceeds will support the Hanover Community Chamber scholarship fund which provides scholarships for graduating seniors from Forestville and Silver Creek Central Schools.

Chamber Golf Tournament is August 17

Register now and take advantage of the Early Bird Special for the Chamber’s Annual Golf Tournament, August 17 on the spectacular Upper Course at Peek’n Peak Resort in Clymer. The Early Bird Price is just $185 per golfer and it includes lunch, snacks, beverages, and dinner as well as cart and golf fees. Watch for more details or register now through the Chamber’s web calendar.