The 1866 book "Over the Atlantic and Great Western Railway", written by an English financial reporter, described Jamestown as: "... a sweet place, with sweet surroundings. It is to Ohio, and particularly Cincinnati, what Hastings or Southend is to London - a quiet, middle-class watering-place. Already [May 15, 1866] every vacant house has been secured for the summer months."
The attractions of Jamestown are its cheerful look, it fine prospects from the mountains, and its glorious lake. The lake, Chautauqua, is barely a mile from the town, and is reputed to be the highest navigable water on the American continent, Fish of all sorts abound; but the favorite is the pickerel, which not unfrequently weighs 40 lb.
Jamestown is located in the southwestern corner of New York State and is about 10 miles north of the Pennsylvania border. With the sun sparkling against the surface of Chautauqua Lake, a a picturesque landscape is painted no matter what the season.
The name 'Chautauqua' comes from the Native American word for the county's largest inland lake - Jad-da'gwah.' An abundance of natural, cultural, recreational and educational resources allow us to boast a superior quality of life.
With the beauty of its natural surroundings, Jamestown is a haven for the outdoor enthusiast. The Earl Cardot Eastside Overland Trail, Fred J. Cusimano Westside Overland Trail and Rails to Trails, a trail system of abandoned rail corridors that have been preserved and converted, provide miles of trails for hiking, biking and horseback riding traversing the countryside.
Nearby, the Lake Erie State Park and the Long Point State Park offer additional trails as well as picnic areas, beaches and campgrounds. Dozens of privately owned campgrounds may be found, well within reach of Jamestown. Additionally, Allegany State Park is just a short drive away.
If you're into golf, than you've come to the right place! Jamestown was named as the number one place for a golfer to live in America by Golf Digest magazine. Golfers may choose from more than a dozen public and private golf courses. In season, big and small game hunting is a popular activity.
Lake effect snow sweeping in across Lake Erie creates the perfect conditions for cross-country and downhill skiing at the two ski resorts, just a stone's throw away! Over 400 miles of snowmobile trails provide for a very active winter recreation season.
From Amish goods to national retailers, you're sure to find what you're looking for in Chautauqua County. Major retailers and shopping plazas are centered in Jamestown. Scattered throughout the area are a countless array of boutiques and specialty shops offering one of a kind treasures and antiques creating active downtown areas in many municipalities.
Ride a 1946 restored carousel or take a whirl around an historic open-air roller skating rink at Midway Park, the 16th oldest operating amusement park in the United States. Nature, education and conservation combine at the Roger Tory Peterson Institute, home to the collection of America's preeminent naturalist offering exhibitions, programs and special events, and at the Jamestown Audubon Nature Center, where you can enjoy bird watching on the 600-acre wildlife sanctuary. Take a boat tour around Chautauqua Lake on the Chautauqua Belle or experience shipwreck diving on Lake Erie aboard The Horizon.
Jamestown is home to the Jamestown Jammers, single A affiliates of the Atlanta Braves, and Russell E. Diethrick Jr. Park. Skaters will enjoy the new Jamestown Ice Arena. A short drive up the Thruway puts you in easy reach of the Buffalo Bisons, Buffalo Bills, Buffalo Sabres, Buffalo Bandits (indoor lacrosse) and Buffalo Destroyers (arena football). Babe Ruth Baseball League plus high school and college level sports round out the competition.
Homes in this part of New York state will come as a pleasant surprise for those moving away from the "Big Apple"! With prices as low as $100,000 for a three bedroom home, you can get a lot of bang for your buck. Of course, there are brand-new homes and apartments available and they range widely in price.
Jamestown has retained much of the English and Dutch roots that made it such a strong community in the first place. This is a place that takes great pride in its history and it shows!
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