FAM Tour

WELCOME TO
CHAUTAUQUA COUNTY, NY

Familiarization Tour
March 15 – 17, 2024

PLAY, LAUGH, AND LEARN IN CHAUTAUQUA COUNTY

Chautauqua County is an extraordinary destination boasting a wide and varied assortment of attractions, activities and experiences that can be found nowhere else in the United States.

From scenic Chautauqua Lake to the award-winning National Comedy Center, from the world-renowned Chautauqua Institution to historic downtown Jamestown, from Lake Erie Wine Country to the hometown of Lucille Ball, the “first lady of comedy,” Chautauqua County offers something for everyone. Throughout this FAM, attendees will experience the history, creativity, tranquility and beauty of this special part of Western New York, where travelers have been coming for over 150 years to refresh, revitalize and reconnect with friends, family and the natural environment. Learn more at TourChautauqua.com.

The Lucy Desi Museum celebrates the remarkable lives, careers and legacies of Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz as well as the pioneering role and influence that I Love Lucy and Desilu Studios (Star Trek, Mission Impossible) had on the entertainment industry for generations to come.

Often called the “Cooperstown of Comedy,” the National Comedy Center is the nation’s official cultural institution for the art form and one of the most interactive and immersive museums in the world.

Chautauqua County’s Lake Erie Wine Country is the largest U.S. grape-cultivating region east of the Rockies and the largest Concord grape growing region in the world.

The world-renowned Chautauqua Institution is dedicated to lifelong learning and civil dialogue on matters that shape our world. Nine U.S. Presidents have spoken here, along with three U.S. Supreme Court Justices.

Two of Jamestown’s native sons are also celebrated: Robert H. Jackson, former U.S. Supreme Court Justice and Chief U.S. Prosecutor of the International Military Tribunal at Nuremberg, and Roger Tory Peterson, naturalist, ornithologist, illustrator, educator, a founding inspiration for the environmental movement and creator of the Peterson Field Guide.

The host hotel is the stylish Chautauqua Harbor Hotel, a nine-acre resort on the shores of beautiful Chautauqua Lake. Independently owned and operated, the Chautauqua Harbor Hotel was designed to evoke the spirit of the grand hotels of yesteryear while offering modern amenities for today’s traveler. This idyllic property brings a new level of luxury accommodations, supreme comfort and world-class service to Western New York, welcoming visitors from around the world who come to the area to enjoy outdoor recreation and water sports, as well as popular local attractions.

The hotel’s deluxe guest rooms and suites are generously sized, featuring 135 guest rooms and suites – many with patios and panoramic views of the lake. The Lakehouse Tap and Grille offers American Cuisine serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. Weather permitting guests can enjoy outside dining with a perfect view of the lake. Learn more at TheChautauquaHarborHotel.com. Contact: Natalie Green – [email protected]

Friday, March 15, 2024

9:00 am: Depart Hyatt Regency Buffalo with National Comedy Center/Lucy Desi Museum representative Shirley Davis Conner.

10:00 am: Brief stop at Dunkirk Lighthouse and a drive through Lake Erie Wine Country

The historic, 61-foot stone Dunkirk lighthouse and attached keeper’s house was built in 1876. During the season you can climb up the 55-step spiral staircase for a beautiful view of Lake Erie and the surrounding area. Learn more at DunkirkLighthouse.com. Contact: David Briska – [email protected]

Lake Erie Wine Country features more than 30,000 vineyard acres along a 50-mile wine trail, including 23 wineries in Chautauqua County, NY and neighboring Pennsylvania. It is home to the largest U.S. grape-cultivating region east of the Rockies and the largest Concord grape growing region in the world. Learn more at LakeErieWineCountry.org. Contact: Linda Nissley – [email protected]

10:30 am: Arrive at 21 Brix Winery for tasting and tour

At 21 Brix Winery, the love for wine runs deep — as deep as the roots in their 250 acre vineyard. There are currently seventeen varieties of grapes grown on the farm including Riesling, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Concord and Vidal. Learn more at 21Brix.com. Contact: Chelsea Barmore – [email protected]

11:10 am: Depart 21 Brix Winery for the Grape Discovery Center

11:30 am: Arrive at the Grape Discovery Center for tour and shopping

The Lake Erie Grape Discovery Center is the official Visitor’s Center for the Lake Erie Concord Grape Belt, designated a New York State Heritage Area in 2006. The Discovery Center showcases local grape-related products and serves as a venue for sharing the rich history and culture of the region. Learn more at GrapeDiscoveryCenter.com. Contact: Deb Howser – [email protected]

12:15 pm: Depart the Grape Discovery Center for Chautauqua Institution for lunch, presentation and driving tour

12:45 pm: Arrive at Chautauqua Institution

The world-renowned, historic Chautauqua Institution on Chautauqua Lake is dedicated to the exploration of the best in human values, lifelong learning and civic dialogue on matters that shape our world. From world-class speakers, artists, performers and religious leaders to hands-on activities, a Chautauqua experience is unlike any other. Each summer, the Chautauqua Institution offers a variety of ballets, choral and symphony orchestra concerts, and rock, pop, country and folk music performances by major artists. Nine U.S. Presidents have spoken here, along with three U.S. Supreme Court Justices. This summer marks the Institution’s 150th anniversary. Learn more at CHQ.org. Contact: Scott Beresford – [email protected]

2:15 pm: Depart Chautauqua Institution for the Roger Tory Peterson Institute

2:45 pm: Arrive at Roger Tory Peterson Institute

A nature art museum showcasing art that matters to the planet – informing, inspiring and illuminating the beauty of nature through world-class art exhibitions and programs. Inspired architecture complements the natural beauty of Western NY to present a living embodiment of Jamestown native Roger Tory Peterson’s legendary field guides to birds. Learn more at RTPI.org. Contact: David Niles – [email protected]

4:00 pm: Depart Roger Tory Peterson Institute for Southern Tier Brewing Company and The Empty Pint taproom

4:30 pm: Arrive at Southern Tier Brewing Company and Empty Pint taproom

Since its humble beginnings in 2002, this acclaimed brewery has grown into an industry leader and one of the top craft beer producers in the U.S. Their handcrafted ales are now available in more than thirty states and beyond. The Empty Pint is the taproom at this state-of-the-art production brewery. Learn more at STBCBeer.com. Contact: Andrew Jasper – [email protected]

5:30 pm: Depart for Chautauqua Harbor Hotel

5:45 pm: Arrive at Chautauqua Harbor Hotel on beautiful Chautauqua Lake for check in and rest

7:00 pm: Dinner at Chautauqua Harbor Hotel, Park Room

8:15 pm: Join us for some fun Improv Comedy activities with Jane Fischer presented by the National Comedy Center

Jane Fischer has been a professional Improv Comedy performer for 20 years, currently performing with ComedySportz Buffalo and as part of an all-women improv group, Twisted Sister Act. Her passion is to help individuals, teams, and organizations generate brighter ideas, embrace creative and collaborative solutions, and to do so through positive, joyful mindsets.

9:00 pm: End of Day One

Saturday, March 16, 2024

8:00 am: Breakfast at Chautauqua Harbor Hotel, Park Room

9:00 am: Depart Chautauqua Harbor Hotel for the LucyTown Tour

Our step-on guide will take you on a guided tour of Lucy’s historic hometown, including her childhood home, her final resting place at Lakeview Cemetery, five larger-than-life Lucy murals in downtown Jamestown and two statues in Lucille Ball Memorial Park honoring her (including the infamous statue known as “Scary Lucy”). Learn more at LucyDesi.com/LucyTownTour. Contact: Elizabeth Galeazzo – [email protected]

10:30 am: Arrive at Lucy Desi Museum

In this guided tour, we’ll explore the lives, careers and legacy of Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz and the incredible impact that they had on the world. The Lucy Desi Museum features artifacts and wardrobe from the most beloved TV comedy of all time, I Love Lucy, plus exact, full-size re-creations of the sets. Learn more at LucyDesi.com. Contact: Elizabeth Galeazzo – [email protected]

12:15 pm: Lunch at Ricky Ricardo’s Tropicana Club

Join us for a unique, once-in-a-lifetime dining experience in the legendary Tropicana Club, a replica of Ricky Ricardo’s nightclub from I Love Lucy, with catering by 3C’s Catering. Learn more at LucyDesi.com/GroupTour

1:15 pm: Depart Tropicana Club for the Robert H. Jackson Center

Dedicated to promoting liberty under the law through the examination of the life and work of Jamestown native Robert H. Jackson, Supreme Court Justice and Chief U.S. Prosecutor for the Nuremberg Trial. Exhibits demonstrate the contemporary relevance and applicability of Justice Jackson’s ideas and work, as the Center envisions a society where the universal principals of equality, fairness and justice prevail. Learn more at RobertHJackson.org.
Contact: Kristan McMahon – [email protected]

2:30 pm: Depart Robert H. Jackson Center for Chautauqua Harbor Hotel

2:45 pm: Arrive at Chautauqua Harbor Hotel for rest and/or tour of the hotel at 3 pm

4:45 pm: Depart Chautauqua Harbor Hotel for the National Comedy Center

5:00 pm: Arrive at National Comedy Center

Named the “Best New Museum” in the country by USA Today and one of the “World’s Greatest Places” by TIME magazine, the National Comedy Center is the United States’ official cultural institution for comedy and one of the most interactive museums in the world. Put yourself in classic movie and TV comedies, explore the connections between comedians on our interactive Comedy Continuum, enjoy our new exhibits on comedy legends Johnny Carson and Carl Reiner, and see iconic artifacts and collections from Comedy‘s biggest stars. Learn more at ComedyCenter.org. Contact: Elizabeth Galeazzo – [email protected]

6:30 pm: Dinner at National Comedy Center catered by the Landmark Restaurant

Nestled in the heart of Jamestown, the Landmark Restaurant is a popular favorite among local residents and groups alike. Fine dining in the old school tradition with a new school approach. Learn more at Landmark.Restaurant. Contact: Pati Centi – [email protected]

7:30 pm: Stand-Up Comedy in the National Comedy Center’s Karaoke Lounge, starring comedian Turner Sparks

Award-winning comedian Turner Sparks has performed in 15 countries and draws rave reviews for his razor sharp punch lines, quick wit and cross-cultural appeal. Sparks was awarded “Best of the Fest” at the Burbank Comedy Festival and performed at the National Comedy Center’s 2023 Lucille Ball Comedy Festival. Learn more at TurnerSparks.com