Hellooo May! That means warmer weather and the opportunity to get outside and watch nature blossom! The Enchanted Mountains of Cattaraugus County boasts many locations to take in the fantastic views of the budding trees, plenty of places to stop and smell the flowers, and lots of ways to warm up those muscles after a long, cold winter! The first of May welcomes the opening of three of the most popular attractions here: Rock City Park, Griffis Sculpture Park and Onoville Marina!
Rock City Park offers visitors a top spot to take in the surrounding landscapes via "Signal Rock”. Discover 80-foot tall rock formations leftover from the ice age. Hike the trail that leads under, around and sometimes through these magnificent rocks, then check out the souvenir and rock shop or the Fluorescent Light Rock Room. Plan a trip to the park May 9-10 for their annual Arts and Crafts Show. Artisans will display watercolors, oils, sculptures, photography, glass, metals and much more! This park is a great way to start your springtime fun! 505 Route 16, Olean, NY, phone 716-372-7790, www.rockcitypark.com.
The grass is always greener at Griffis Sculpture Park, where nature combines with art for a memorable experience each time you visit. Hike along the trail and discover over 250 enormous sculptures. Adults are fond of this park because it possesses a beauty like no other, while children like the park because they can climb on some of the sculptures! Pack a picnic and bask in the warmth of the sun while resting next to a giant giraffe or beside the ladies of the lake. Griffis Sculpture Park is located in East Otto, NY. For directions, photo gallery and more information, head to griffispark.org.
"Put in" at Onoville Marina, the largest inland marina in New York State. Campsites, dock space and a fuel dock are available as well as great dining nearby at the Horseshoe Inn and the Nic-L-Inn. View the beautiful scenery of rolling hills, crystal clear water, and wooded areas as you drift or speed along! Boat rentals are available at the Bayview Mini-Mart and Ice Cream Parlor. Mark July 25 on your calendar for Onofest, a day-long event filled with music, food, crafts and fireworks! 704 W. Perimeter Road, Steamburg, NY, phone 716-354-2615, boat rentals 716-354-2021, onovillemarina.org.
Slow down and enjoy a simpler way of life along the Amish Trail. Meander your way along the back roads of the western side of Cattaraugus County, which is home to a community of Old Order Amish. Adventure through this area to find unique handiworks and learn about a culture which lives separate from the modern world. You’ll appreciate their beautiful gardens and witness animals that have just been born this spring! Stop by one of the many Amish greenhouses for beautiful flowers, house plants, and small vegetable plants to improve your own garden. Schedule a guided tour by calling 716-358-9701 x 208 or travel at your own pace. You can request an Amish Trail brochure at amishtrail.com.
Ski slopes, snowmobiling trails, and snow-covered fields have bloomed into area golf courses! Whether you prefer a quick 9-hole game or a challenging 18-hole excursion, Cattaraugus County offers premium golfing at affordable prices. Choose from one private, four miniature, and seven public golf courses. Each is surrounded by the beauty of our county and has many extras to offer. For convenience, stay at one of the cabins at Elkdale Country Club, or aim for the fairways at Cardinal Hills Golf Course in Randolph after spending the morning exploring the Amish Trail. For a complete list of courses, visit enchantedmountains.com/activity/golfing.
It's time to get that motorcycle out of storage! Take a ride on the open road and join in one of the spring motorcycling events planned in this area. Gowanda Harley-Davidson will host its annual Ride to Remember on Memorial Day. Honor and respect those who served and the reason behind the day. Then let loose at the Hollywood Happening, one of the area's largest motorcycle events. Three days of live bands, contests, vendors and rides to benefit the ongoing restoration efforts of the Hollywood Theater. Full details on this year’s Hollywood Happening can be found at www.gowandahollywoodhappening.com.
Start your Spring-to-Summer adventure by making a trip to the Enchanted Mountains of Western New York. For free information on any of these activities or events, or to request a free Activities Guide, call 1-800-331-0543 or visit EnchantedMountains.com.
