Suddenly September

And the colors are much brighter now. It's like they really want to tell the truth

We give our testimony to the end of the summer.  It's the end of the summer.

You can spin the light to gold            -- Dar Williams

Like a shock to our systems it's suddenly time to move from the lazy hazy days of summer into a life of less forgiving S.C.H.E.D.U.L.E.S. Yes, it's time to pick up where we left off not so long ago. The college kids have moved back into their dorms & apartments after a flurry of spending and packing; our co-ed left yesterday and today our home is suddenly quieter than before she left. School is starting and with it comes schedules for sports, clubs, lessons of all kinds and the carpools that revolve around them.

But wait - let's not forget that autumn is famous for some of the most beautiful weather of the year. Fall festivals take center stage as we enjoy the fruits of summer's bounty. The air becomes cooler, the grapes are ready for harvest, leaves begin to show their brilliant colors. Don't miss out on Chautauqua County's many autumn splendors - we're ready to dazzle you with our wines, art, galleries, shops and restaurants. 

Come for the day or an overnight stay
we're close to home but far from everyday life! 

Calendar of Events

Friday, September 3 - Sunday, September 5, 2010

13th Annual Findley Lake Harvest Festival

Join us as the fun begins Friday night with auditions for the Annual Findley Lake Idol contest. The weekend-long event features live music, farmer’s market, crafters, samples from local wineries, kid’s crafts and much more. Throughout the weekend talented singers will vie for the coveted title of “Findley Lake Idol” accompanied by a  $1,000 grand prize. And don't forget about the 2nd annual "Jr Idol" Talent Show and "Pretty Baby" Contests. We'll celebrate the close of another fun summer with flares at 9:05 pm and an amazing firework display at 9:30 pm. Information & entry forms can be found at http://www.findleylakeinfo.org

 Sunday, September 5, 2010

"Light the Lakes" celebration

The 3rd Annual "Light the Lakes" will take place during Labor Day weekend with the big “take-off” on Sunday, September 5. Celebrate the spectacular 3rd Annual Light the Lakes on Sunday, September 5 as multiple locations around Chautauqua Lake take part in an explosion of color and noise and blast off at 9:31 pm in one of the largest fireworks displays in North America!

http://www.ilovenylakes.com

Saturday, September 4, 2010    4:00 - 6:00 pm

Sunday, September 5, 2010       5:00-7:00pm

Nostalgia @ the Blue Heron Inn

Area columnist and author Elizabeth Rose Way will read and discuss her 2nd book, "And I Will Love You from Heaven".

Friday, September 3 - Sunday, September 5, 2010

A 3-day weekend retreat filled with drumming, dance and personal growth workshops. All on the gorgeous grounds of the Great Blue Heron Music Festival in Sherman, NY.

Presented by Jim Donovan  and the folks that bring you The Great Blue Heron Music Festival. Information: http://www.greatrhythmrevival.com/

July 30 through October 2, 2010

“Nights Lights” at the Heron opens at dark, (approx 8:15 pm) and closes at 11pm. The Cafe-in-the-Woods will have hot beverages, sodas, snacks & Night Lights and Blue Heron merchandise. http://www.heronnightlights.com

The Irish are Coming!

Sun, June 6, 2010; 1:00 - 3:00 pm
Irish Sunday at the Blue Heron Inn

On the 1st Sunday of the month a group of Irish players from all over the region gather for an impromptu jam. Come listen as they play and discover your own "little bit o' Irish"! Join us for lunch, tip a pint and tap your toes! Blue Heron Inn, Main Street, Findley Lake, NY. For info & reservations: P: 716.769.7852 or stay@theblueheroninn.com

Findley Lake Merchants promote 3/50 Project with “I’m Here to Shop Local” promotion

Findley Lake has taken the National 3/50 Project one step further. “I’m Here to Shop Local” is a shopping program open to customers who make a purchase while visiting Findley Lake, NY. The premise is simple, we want to show our appreciation and offer a potential reward to the customers who make our businesses successful:
1. Buy any item in participating shops and restaurants
2. Fill out an entry form each time you make a purchase
3. Each month the entry forms will be collected and one lucky patron will win $100 Findley Lake “Fun Money”.
A new drawing will be held each month, so Shop Often, Stay Often, Register to Win Often!

The 3/50 Project
The 3/50 Project is a national movement that supports locally-owned businesses by inspiring consumer loyalty to the storefronts that directly fund their communities.

The 3/50 Assertion
Think about which 3 independently own businesses you miss most if they were gone. of Stop in. Say hello. Pick up a little something that will make you or someone else smile. Your contribution is what keeps those businesses around. If half the employed US population spent a total of $50 each month in independently-owned businesses, their purchases would generate more than $42.6 billion in revenue. Imagine the positive impact if ¾ of the employed population did that. Pick 3. Spend 50. Save your local economy.

The 3/50 Mission
• To promote and strengthen independent brick and mortar businesses owned by people in the community
• To thank consumers for their patronage
• To expand local revenue streams by showing how a small dollar amount can translate into enormous financial stability
• To shine a light on the stark contrast between what an independent, locally owned brick and mortar business contributes to the local economy versus the significantly lower amount big boxes, franchises, chains, and internet purchases return. For more information, please visit www.The350Project.net

Findley Lake, located in Chautauqua County, NY, is situated in the scenic southwest corner of New York State, just inside the NY/PA state line. One mile south of Interstate 86, exit #4, Findley Lake is less than three hours, less than one tank of gas, from Cleveland, Pittsburgh, Rochester, Niagara Falls and Toronto and within an easy drive from Buffalo and Erie. Findley Lake is around the corner from Peek ‘n Peak Resort and Spa and is convenient to the Chautauqua County Snowmobile, Wine and Art Trails. Findley Lake’s downtown shops, restaurants and Inns sit on Findley Lake’s picturesque north shore and offer a year ‘round destination perfect for a single day’s pleasure or a relaxing overnight stay. For more information, please visit www.findleylakeinfo.org.

The Chautauqua-Lake Erie Art Trail "2010 Annual Open Studio Tour"

Did you know that Chautauqua County, NY is the home of a community of 2 dozen artists? Read on for more information about this weekend's Open Studio Tour, sponsored by the Chautauqua Art Trail. Make the Blue Heron Inn your "home base" while discovering our talented local artists, wineries, shops, & restaurants. There's a lot to love about Chautauqua County!


The Chautauqua-Lake Erie Art Trail
2010 Annual Open Studio Tour
Memorial Weekend - May 29 & 30
10:00 am - 5:00 pm - No Charge


The 2010 Chautauqua- Lake Erie Art Trail (CLEAT) Open Studio Tour will take place Memorial Day weekend. CLEAT runs from Silver Creek, NY to Sherman, NY, and features 25 artists and 35 art related businesses. The artists work in a variety of art forms, including paintings, photographs, ceramics, sculptures, fabrics, stained glass, pottery, jewelry, drawings and wood turning.

A Personal Invitation
As artists, the work we do is always personal – our responses to the world in which we all live – responses that take a variety of forms: paintings, photographs, ceramics, sculptures, fabrics – myriad, creative, expressive, beautiful forms. Now is your opportunity to see for yourself, to visit the personal places where we live and create our work, and get to know us. We live in and find our inspiration in one of the most beautiful, picturesque regions of New York State. As you travel to visit us, see what we see every day - verdant vineyards and fields, lush forests, rolling hills, and a spectacular Lake Erie shoreline. There are plenty of places to eat and find lodging along the way so come and visit, and stay awhile. For information and downloadable maps, go to www.ChautauquaArtTrail.com or P: 716.679.9154.


Make a weekend of it!
Enjoy a 2-night stay at the Blue Heron Inn along with the following amenities:
   Full breakfast each morning
   $50 dinner voucher for two in the Blue Heron dining room
    (menu includes soup or salad to start, choice of dinner entree and dessert)


Add Sunday night to your stay and enjoy breakfast while watching Findley Lake’s annual Memorial Day parade from the comfort of our lake view deck!


Package Rates:
  2-night package: $299 per couple
  (cost does not include alcoholic beverages, sales tax or gratuity)
  3-night package: $349 per couple
  (cost does not include alcoholic beverages, sales tax or gratuity)


Reservations: P: 716.769.7852  *  E: stay@theblueheroninn.com  *  Web: www.theblueheroninn.com

An Evening with Claudia Schmidt

The Blue Heron Inn welcomes acclaimed singer/songwriter Claudia Schmidt this Friday, May 21st. Schmidt, who plays 12-string guitar and mountain dulcimer, has been performing for almost four decades and has released 14 albums that explore folk, jazz, and blues.

Work in clubs, theaters, festivals, TV, radio has added depth and dimension, and since she has always included her original work along with very personal versions of the work of others, what you get is a unique look at the world from someone who says what she sees with clarity, humor, and wonder. The San Francisco Bay Guardian said: Schmidt's shows are a lot like falling in love. You never know what's going to happen next, chances are it's going to be wonderful, every moment is burned into your memory and you know you'll never be the same again." Having appeared on "Prairie Home Companion" Garrison Keillor said "when Claudia sings a song, it stays sung".

Seating is limited and cost is $14 per person. Cash bar & light bar fare will be available. Advanced ticket purchases are available at: http://www.eventbrite.com/event/667505527, by e-mail: stay@theblueheroninn.com or by phone: 716.769.7852.

Join us for a magical evening!