FAMILY TRAVEL continued...
It is located on the nine-acre site of the former Celoron
Amusement Park. In 1891 a Warren, Pennsylvania company
purchased the property from the estate of Mary Pendergast to
create a summer resort. It was renamed Celoron in memory of
the French explorer General DeCeloron. The park that included
the Hotel DeCeloron opened in 1893 and drew thousands over
the years until it closed in 1962. Lucille Ball, who grew up near-
by, was one of the many visitors.
The Hilarious Getaway package is popular and includes
tickets to the National Comedy Center and Lucy/Desi Muse-
ums, a meal voucher to the Lakehouse Tap and Grill (serving
breakfast, lunch and dinner) and even Groucho Marx glasses.
The glasses come with a voucher that reads: “No Joke! Wear
Your Groucho Marx glasses to the Lakehouse Tap & Grille and
enjoy a complimentary dessert.”
Be sure to visit the National Comedy Center Exhibition in
the hotel lobby for a preview of the laughs in store for you.
Stroll along the lakeside boardwalk on your way to Lucille Ball
Memorial Park adjoining the hotel, boasting statues of the First
Lady of Comedy.
Fascinating reproductions of old prints and photographs
featuring the amusement park and Lucy line the halls and pub-
lic spaces. Staff is very friendly and gracious. Everyone seems
quite proud to welcome guests to this beautiful hotel that man-
ages to blend many stunning arts and crafts style features from
the grand lakeside hotels of yesteryear with all the modern con-
veniences.
Although it is closed for the winter, the lakeside Carou-
sel Bar pays tribute to the carousels of old. It is connected by
footbridge to Sunset Island offering a special setting for private
ceremonies, receptions, and performances.
No detail is missed. Landscape architects have created
beautiful plant-filled grounds with inviting patio areas, fire pits,
and an outdoor pool area. Just inside is the indoor pool and hot
tub with an impressive wall of murals from the early days of
Chautauqua tourism. Next door is a large state-of-the-art fitness
center.
Rooms are spacious and many include balconies offering
a prime vantage spot for viewing the spectacular Chautauqua
Lake sunsets. Rooms come with thick bathrobes and refrigera-
tors. Coffee and tea is served every morning in a sitting area on
each floor.
The Fire & Ice Celebration takes place February 14-16 and
features more than 20,000 pounds of ice carved into ice sculp-
tures, luges and bars. There will also be music, drinks and food.
The President’s Day Weekend Winter Festival runs February
15-17 in Mayville with fireworks, a flare parade, bonfire, horse-
drawn wagon rides and more.
Deborah Williams is a veteran travel writer and author who
lives in Holland, NY. Her work has appeared in national and
international publications and she is the recipient of the Society
of American Travel Writers’ Lowell Thomas Gold Travel Writ-
ing Award.
February 2019 WNY Family 27