WINTER 2009 - CHAUTAUQUA COUNTY, NY-STYLE

Don't hibernate because it's winter - plan a Chautauqua County, NY Get Away! Treat your Sweetheart to a special winter package in the middle of snow country. Shop for Valentine gifts along the Chautauqua Wine Trail, ride a sleigh through the historic grounds of Chautauqua Institution, or play in the snow at ski centers and festivals. For more information about winter in Chautauqua County and a comprehensive calendar of events, visit Getaway New York for specials and winter retreat packages. Fri & Sat, Feb 6th & 7th - Wine & Chocolate Weekend $530.00 - 550.00 per couple (includes taxes & gratuity) Celebrate Valentine's Day early as the Chautauqua-Lake Erie Wine Trail presents its annual "Wine and Chocolate Lovers" 2-day wine event. The package includes 2 night's stay, breakfast each morning, limousine to the Wine Trail Event & event tickets and dinner for two on your Saturday evening return to the Inn. Each winery will pair a unique chocolate creation with a special wine and courtesy of the event guests will receive a souvenir wine glass, recipes & a special gift. Create your own itinnerary and visit only the wineries of your choosing. Why not show that special someone how much they mean to you by melting their heart on a crisp winter’s day with fine wine and chocolate? Now that’s a perfect pairing! (limo ride depends on full occupancy; wine trail tickets good for sat & sun, feb 7 & 8, 2008). Ready - Set - Ski! Tube! Snowboard! The snow keeps falling in Chautauqua's Winter Paradise and the ski centers in the Chautauqua Region are rolling out the white carpet! Peek'n Peak Resort & Spa in Findley Lake has recorded 220" of natural snowfall since November and the resort boasts a 24" to 50" base with 27 slopes and 5 lifts open until 10 p.m. Snowmobile! With 600 miles of groomed trails and several feet of lake effect snow, Chautauqua County is a snowmobiling paradise. To ride the trails, snowmobiles must be registered in New York State. Registration forms can be obtained through an official DMV office. Take advantage of Special Snowmobile Packages at the Blue Heron Inn in Findley Lake. Stay & Ride Friday, Saturday or Sunday and get a 2nd night at half price. Or, stay 2 mid-week nights and get a 3rd night free. Present your Chautauqua Lake Snowmobile Club card & receive a 10% discount on all food purchases (alcoholic beverages not included)

Sleighride!

Sleigh Rides are held every Saturday and Sunday on the grounds of Chautauqua Institution until February 22nd, from 1-3 pm. (Adults $3, children $2) Tickets must be purchase at the Chautauqua Book Store on Bestor Plaza. Come out and enjoy the snow!

FESTIVAL Spend Valentine's weekend with the Family at the 2009 Mayville I.C.E. Festival on Chautauqua Lake. Organizers for the annual event scheduled for February 13-15, 2009 anticipate a true winter wonderland surrounded by snow! Daily events kickoff at 11 a.m. Saturday and last until after the fireworks at 8 p.m. Schedule activities include snowmobile, carriage and pony rides, Kids Corner, balloon sculptures and face painting, a snowball "softball" tournament, tethered hot air balloon rides - weather permitting, chili cook-off, snowshoe and ice fishing demos, and boat displays. Look for art exhibits, special sales, and wine tasting at businesses around the village. More Upcoming Events:

Snowflake Festival, Jamestown Audubon Center, February 1, 2009

Wine & Chocolate Weekend, Chautauqua-Lake Erie Wine Trail, February 7-8, 2009

Maple Weekend, NYS Maple Producers, March 21-22 and 28-29, 2009