Upstate New York community named one of 10 most beautiful towns in America

Fall color at Chautauqua Lake in New York State's Southern Tier on Oct. 11, 2014. David Lassman | syracuse.com
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Upstate New York has no lack of picturesque small towns, but one has recently been named one of the top 10 most beautiful in the nation.

Western New York’s Chautauqua was placed at number 4 on TheTravel.com’s “The 10 Most Beautiful Towns In The US As Of 2022″ list. It is in company with towns in Vermont, California, Hawaii, Maine, and more.

The lake resort community is lauded by the website for its historic mansions, sparkling waters of Chautauqua Lake, wineries, and a “delightful downtown area.”

Some of the activities the publication recommends includes gazing upon the local architecture, hiking, and taking in a performance by the Chautauqua Symphony Orchestra.

It may come as no surprise to locals that the area was named one of the most beautiful as it is the home of the Chautauqua Institution and the birthplace of the Chautauqua Movement, a utopian community ideal nurtured in its serene setting.

The area is so supreme that even Bigfoot has been seen in the area, according to eyewitnesses. Hear those stories and more at the annual Chautauqua Lake Bigfoot Expo for Sasquatch’s believers and biggest fans.

Anglers wanting to reel in some whoppers will also want to be in Chautauqua.

The New York State Department of Conservation has called it’s waters, “a premiere, world-class muskellunge fishery, with many fish in the 40-50 inch class caught each year.” In addition to the muskies, fishermen will also find bass, walleye, and several species of panfish in the waterways here.

Hikers and explorers are not without outdoor recreation spots here as Chautauqua has many natural parks including Panama Rocks, one of the oldest privately owned parks in New York. Here there is a myriad of cave crevices and 60-foot pinnacles present themselves as the ultimate challenge for at-your-own-risk thrill-seekers.

Though it may get a bit of lake effect snow from time to time, Chautauqua is the ideal getaway for history, wine, and lake resort lovers.

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