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, or Snug Harbor Marina. For service on your boat check out these locations or Westfield Boatworks. 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 check out new equipment at Jamestown Cycle Shop or Pearl City Cycle or can get their bikes serviced and ride-ready at Fredonia Cycling.

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 22 with Martina McBride on the Amphitheater stage. The largest Spiritualist encampment in the region opens at Lily Dale Assembly June 21 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.

FIRST FRIDAYS BEGIN IN WESTFIELD JUNE 7

First Friday in Westfield offers something for everyone!

You can enjoy the open businesses along Main Street and in the vicinity, along with street vendors, live music, and much more.

Vendors are welcome for this summer season. This year a small vendor registration fee is being charged to help cover the costs for marketing, promotion, and street closure for the event. This helps to create a safer and more successful event for both vendors and customers. Participating as a vendor offers valuable networking and sales opportunities. The price for business vendors is just $20 per event. For nonprofits its $10 for those selling goods, and no charge if you are a nonprofit setting up an information-only table (no sales.)

Sponsorships are also available for First Fridays. Learn more or sign up now on the Chamber’s web calendar at www.chautauquachamber.org and join us for First Friday. Dates through the summer are June 7, July 12 (reunion weekend), August 2, and September 6.

BEACH BASH SHOWCASE IS JUNE 13

The Chamber’s Hanover Committee is hard at working planning the first ever Beach Bash Showcase from 6-8pm, Thursday, June 13 at the Sunset Bay Beach Club. This will be an opportunity for many local businesses to connect in a fun and inviting atmosphere.

A number of Hanover area businesses will have displays available so you can see what products and services they offer. There will be acoustic music, opportunities for networking, food, half-priced drinks, and a basket raffle. This event will help to raise funds for scholarships for graduating seniors from Silver Creek and Forestville Central Schools.

The Beach Bash Showcase is sponsored by Farrell Roofing, Financial Trust Federal Credit Union, M&T Bank, ADD Lumber True Value, and Brooks-TLC Hospital System.

Tickets are $12 per person for Chamber members or $15 for nonmembers. You can sign up online now through the Chamber’s web calendar at www.chautauquachamber.org or pay at the door.