It’s funny, we have traveled to the Lake Erie Shores and Islands a few times and I never knew that Lakeside Chautauqua existed until our most recent trip. Now that I have discovered this ‘Lakeside’ that has its own community, I truly have to spread the word.
Who knew that a 1 square mile by 1 square mile could have so much packed in it, from housing to activities, but this is the Pot Of Gold that families seek when vacationing. Travel time as a family is special and making the most of that time together is what memories are made of.
What I found is a way to effortlessly spend time together, taking part in fun activities, spiritual growth, entertainment, physical activities and in a community while bonding and enjoying time together. Lavishly live family travel out loud and learn the things to do in Lakeside Chautauqua.
FAMILY TIME
The best way to get to know Lakeside Chatautauqua is to just grab an overview and that is what we did. Our time there was hosted by Lakeside Chautauqua and we quickly learned what a special community this was. I want to preface this by stating we spent only 4 hours here, and there is so much to do, that we would need a week to truly uncover and discover all the potential. We covered as much as we could in the little time we had and it is a fascinating destination.
With full intent of returning and staying for at least 4 days, let me present to you an incredible family destination that offers so much that I can’t possibly share it all.
GROWING UP TOO FAST – THE SOLUTION
We all battle the ‘kids are growing up too fast’ thing and I am right there with you. Anytime I can sneak my kids away from their scheduled and active lives I do and each moment is treasured. What I found inside of Lakeside Chautauqua is a community that offers entertainment, culture, education, creativity, sports and a safe environment for families to come and spend time at.
Lakeside Chautauqua
The community prefers that cars not be driven around, that bikes and golf carts are used for transportation.
Everywhere we went, we saw kids driving on bikes, walking, and cars in the driveways. Golf carts are available at particular stops and transport you from the pool to the lake, which is a good hike between.
EDUCATIONAL COMPONENT
Earlier in the day, there were kids here, learning and doing a camp-type thing, as I mentioned there is a lot to do.
WHAT I LOVED
Lakeside Chautauqua is reminiscent of a place where time has stood still providing a safe family environment to vacation at, yet, the time has progressed with provisions of entertainment, education, socialization opportunities and more.
I love that vacationer’s bike and walk through the area, it is simple. Kids go around without their parents because the community is safe. We saw children everywhere on bikes, walking and running around it is family vacation perfection.
SHUFFLEBOARD
It seems like a lost sport/art but not here. In fact, Lakeside Chautauqua is actually home to a First Place winner who was part of the International Shuffleboard Association World Championship. Good old-fashioned fun that allows families to spend time together is what is inside of Lakeside Chautauqua, it’s just brimming with goodness.
THE STREETSCAPE
I am THAT person that loves a good streetscape, the old-fashioned looking streets where kids park bikes in the middle and buildings have the ‘gingerbread’ that makes each cottage and house pop! It’s all inside this area and one home is more incredible than the next. The cottages are available for rental some are full-time residents, and the community is open year round.
While we did not personally lodge here, and our time here was short, I can tell you that we saw different options for lodging from Beds and Breakfasts to hotels, to cottages and home rentals, there are multiple ways you can stay as a family.
SHOPPING
There are several stores for shopping in the community and we visited 2 of them. The prices are more than fair and they are lovely to shop in. My kids enjoyed these stops as well.
FOOD
There are multiple restaurants and food stops, the pool offers basic bottled drinks and some were bringing coolers, so don’t worry about eating. Of course, the homes and cottages provide the means to prepare meals so everything can be handled with ease.
THE POOL – Grindley Aquatic and Wellness Campus
The new swimming pool is certainly a star attraction, yet there were seats to be found. Boasting 6000 square feet this pool is for everyone. Location: Laurel Avenue and Sixth Street. From the slide to the waterfall, it is a grand old time. One thing to note, there is a whistle blown and it becomes an adult only which several children were upset about, not a big deal, but should be noted. There are clean showers and bathrooms as well as a water fountain and more were being built, so stay tuned!
LAVISHLY LIVING TRAVEL OUT LOUD
Families seeking the perfect vacation destination definitely want to make reservations here. Pack the car, bring the smartphones, snap the photos and let the kids be kids while the adults get to enjoy, relax and indulge in culture, movies, sun, fun and family time! Lavishly live travel out loud and catch some of that Lake Erie Love! ~ DANA XO