It’s 4:00 am… way too early for me to be waking up, but I’m not tired. I anxiously get out of bed and get ready for an eventful weekend. With a stomach full of coffee I load our luggage into the truck, chat with the babysitter about what to expect, kiss my youngest two kiddos goodbye, and drive to the airport. My oldest, David, and I are heading to Chautauqua County in New York for a weekend full of adventures just for the two of us. He could not be happier. Well, except for the boring plane ride!
Our first stay is at the Peek’n Peak Resort in Clymer, NY and let me tell you, it is absolutely perfect for kids. There are never-ending activities, indoor and out. Kids are my main focus when it comes to family vacations, so let me tell you David’s opinion; “This place has everything! Except for a Costco, they should have a Costco next door. Wait, does New York even have Costco?”
Peek'n Peak amenities we love:
One of the best amenities - They serve Starbucks coffee!
Indoor Pool is perfect for the evenings
Indoor/Outdoor Hot Tub - Yes, the hot tub has an opening so you can be inside or outside
A huge indoor playground that David could spend all day playing on
Bistro 210 located inside the Inn with delicious food
Best of all: You don’t have to travel anywhere to hit the slopes, you are RIGHT THERE!
If you don’t have any experience, their instructors are amazing
Next, we head to Jamestown, NY, just a short drive away. We get to take a tour of the National Comedy Center that is scheduled to open in August. Our tour guide and NCC Executive Director, Journey Gunderson, is sweet, funny, and super knowledgeable about all things comedy. She is exactly who you would want in charge of this project. If you love comedy, the National Comedy Center should be at the top of your must-see list. It is going to be the first of its kind, an interactive museum focusing on all things comedy. When you walk in you will get a wristband and take a quiz to determine the style of comedy you like. This wristband will then communicate with the exhibits, tailoring them to your sense of humor! This is going to be a kid-friendly museum full of laughs and I can’t wait to visit when it is open!
Our weekend is flying by, but it still not over! On our way to Holiday Valley in Ellicottville, we check out the Griffis Sculpture Park, created by Larry Griffis, Jr. This park is a must-see for any lover of art. Even the kids love climbing into these unique sculptures.
Let’s talk about Holiday Valley Resort. First of all, the chairlift is right outside our room! How convenient is that? It is just plain gorgeous here. One of the highlights for me is David’s snowboarding instructor. David has High Functioning Autism and ADHD. He finds it difficult to concentrate, to say the least. During his lesson, he has a blast playing in the snow, but his instructor does not get frustrated. Instead, he helps David build obstacles that he has to go around on his snowboard. I don’t think I would have even thought of that.
So, I cannot talk to you about Holiday Valley and not mention the Mountain Coaster. The Mountain Coaster is a roller coaster that you control the speed yourself. If you are a thrill seeker, this one if for you. Ups, downs, lefts, rights, and lots of trees!
Holiday Valley Resort amenities we love:
This place has an indoor/outdoor POOL!
The food is pretty amazing at John Harvard’s Brew House
Some more amazing instructors
THE MOUNTAIN COASTER!
Snowboarding, Skiing, Tubing
Flying home, we talk about our weekend. Yes, I am excited to see my two little ones, but this is one weekend we will not forget.
My son and I were hosted by Chautauqua County. Accommodations, activities, and meals were complimentary. No other compensation was received. All opinions and thoughts are my own.
