Make the Most of Your Trip to the Enchanted Mountains of WNY
Make the Most of Your Trip to the Enchanted Mountains of Western New York
Sometimes life goes faster than we hope. You look up, summer’s almost gone, and you haven’t spent any time doing the things you enjoy with the people you love! Luckily, right now is the perfect time of year to explore the Enchanted Mountains of Cattaraugus County, New York and there is still plenty of time to do just that!
DISCOVER NEW YORK’S AMISH TRAIL
Enjoy the changing of seasons from summer to fall along NY’s Amish Trail. Adventure from one small shop to the next to find unique handiworks and learn about the culture of these people, who live separate from the modern world. You will find yourself relaxed and renewed as your cares seem to disappear to views of farmlands, open spaces, and charming backdrops filled with sunshine. You will see horsedrawn buggies and meticulous gardens. Look for freshly made baked goods, birdhouses to decorate your yard with or plants from their greenhouses. Follow handpainted signs down the side roads to the Amish businesses where you can purchase a wide variety of goods, each made with incomparable hand craftsmanship.
PLAY WITH ALPACAS, WORK UP AN APPETITE
While you’re in the area, make impromptu stops at an Alpaca Farm including Cardinal Acres Alpacas, or Simply Natural Alpaca Gift Shop to experience these lovely animals who are extra playful in the summertime. Grab a foot-long and curly fries - with Loganberry of course - at Racer's Restaurant in South Dayton, or enjoy a delicious meal at Zollinger’s Restaurant, known for their prime rib. If you're not hungry enough for a full meal, South Dayton Supermarket has quick snacks and gas (try the amazing Duper Donuts)!
LEARN ABOUT THE SENECA CULTURE
Explore Seneca Nation culture at the Seneca-Iroquois National Museum which is now part of the stunning Onöhsagwë:dé Cultural Center in Salamanca. Learn about the history through the exhibitions, view antler carvings and ornate beadwork in their collections, and shop their store for original art.
GO FOR A HIKE!
Spend a delightful summer day with your family exploring the great outdoors and the beautiful scenery at Allegany State Park. Look for iconic spots like the Stone Tower, the Thomas L. Kelly covered bridge, or the picturesque Administration building. Try a different family hike each year or kayak and swim in one of the two lakes. Kayak, canoe, stand-up paddleboards, and bike rentals are all available. Don’t forget to pack a picnic lunch!
Rock City Park in Olean offers scenic views as you hike over, under and through rocks several stories tall! There is a paved one-mile-long path to follow with plenty of places to rest (either on a rock or a bench) and visit with each other. Be sure to grab a souvenir at the gift shop.
Griffis Sculpture Park has been welcoming families back year after year since the 1960s! Dotting the hills, valleys, and woods are huge steel sculptures. Kids love this place because you can climb on the sculptures. Adults love it because it has art and beauty like few other places. Laugh as you take turns getting your photo on a steel praying mantis or riding the back of a giant snake! Then head to the quaint village of Ellicottville for a delicious meal at any of their delicious restaurants.
PADDLE THE WATERS
Plan for a day of fishing or paddling with friends on 50 miles of the Allegheny River as it winds through the Enchanted Mountains. Launch points and mileages are mapped out for you. Visit www.EMFun.us/paddle for more information.
Request your Enchanted Mountains Activities Guide at EnchantedMountains.com or call 1-800-331-0543. Be sure to follow Enchanted Mountains on Facebook for upcoming events!