Beautiful Blooms around Chautauqua & Lake Erie NY

Chautauqua Institution is a picturesque, lakeside National Historic District campus that buzzes with activity during their nine week summer season, but outside of their programming of music, dance, opera and more, the grounds are peppered with beautiful public green spaces and gardens. Most notably during spring, colorful tulips can be found in Bestor Plaza.

The Roger Tory Peterson Institute is the best combination of art and nature around. Tour the museum's exhibits to see the original works of famed ornithologist and nature artist, Roger Tory Peterson as well as works from current well-known nature artists. Explore the 27-acre nature preserve complete with walking trails and two gardens, the Native Wildflower Demonstration Garden and the Eleanor's Sanctuary Butterfly Garden.

Johnson Estate Winery is known for their award-winning wines and being the oldest estate winery in the state. In addition to curating over 100 vineyard acres, they also maintain beautiful lavender and iris gardens. Each spring, the winery hosts guided walks throughout the vineyards and gardens that concludes with wine tasting.

Panama Rocks is a destination for family friendly outdoor adventures in the spring, summer and fall. Visitors of all ages enjoy exploring the cool caves and crevices, massive rock formation and ancient forest. When opening in May, the season's first visitors can also enjoy seeing the colorful wildflowers that pop up throughout the park.