‘Travitude’ is a mood

Isn’t it finally time to get away? Your local oasis awaits!

We can all agree that it has been a tough year! We have been distanced from our loved ones, our routine lives, and we have lost opportunities to travel to our favorite vacation spots.

Have you ever heard of the term Travitude? No, well we have…, and we’d love to share what it means with you…

Travitude is ‘when you get grumpy and sassy due to of a lack of traveling’. (Don’t check that with Mr. Webster, he may not agree with us). This year, we feel pretty confident that many are suffering from a little bit of Travitude, if you will (insert wink here)!  So, if you are “chomping at the bit” to get out and about and make some travel plans, be sure to add the sweet hometown of Ellicottville, NY to your destination calendar! And, book your home away from home today!

  • Do you love hiking, biking, and all things outdoors? ✔️
  • Are you hoping for a much-needed get-away for you and your significant other? ✔️
  • Are you looking to decompress, window shop, and unplug from the everyday? ✔️
  • Are you hoping to create the most amazing memories that will make you want to come back year after year? ✔️💯

If yes, then read on, friends!

Elkdale Country Club

Nestled in the rolling hills of New York’s Southern Tier, Elkdale Country Club offers a challenging 18-hole golf course, beautiful scenery and complete restaurant and lounge facility. The front nine at Elkdale was built in 1927 and is cut through varied terrain and mature trees. The back nine was added in mid-1960’s and is a bit longer with larger greens. The 6132-yard par 70 layout is designed to provide an interesting challenge for players of all skill levels. Our modern tee-to-green watering system insures maximum playability through-out the season. The course includes a challenging 555-yard par 5 followed by a 215-yard par 3. The course men’s rating is 70.2 and the slope rating is 122.[1]

Holiday Valley

Fill your days at the Sky High Adventure Park: 13 courses (largest in NYS and 3rd largest in US), 142 platforms, 170 elements, 43 ziplines, tallest platform is 68 feet & the longest zip line is 350 feet![2] If that doesn’t get your heart racing, I’m not sure what will! If that seems a little too extreme, check out the biking options and journey on one of the several trails via mountain bike or rent an e-bike for the afternoon! Finish your day with a challenging game of golf. The course is a pleasing blend of a mountain and flat terrain.

Rock City Park

A piece of history and a local hidden gem, Rock City Park is the perfect opportunity to take the family for a day of hiking through giant rock formations and trails that descend into crevices. There are spectacular views of the area to enjoy, and events planned all throughout the summer!

Griffis Sculpture Park

450 acres located eight miles outside of Ellicottville, Griffis Sculpture Park is not only a tremendous regional attraction, but holds the distinction of being one of America’s largest and oldest sculpture parks. The park features over 250 large scale sculptures dispersed through miles of hiking trails. Each sculpture was placed with the natural setting in mind, creating a truly unique experience between art and nature.[3]

Holimont

Now if you have heard anything about Holimont, you might think if there is no snow, there is nothing happening there. Let’s talk about biking and trails in this gorgeous area! Access to a fun and flowy, 1 mile trail from the top of our Greer slope to the main chalet area. Recently added is a trail that connects the top of Sunset to the top of Greer. This trail can be found by climbing up the HoliMont multi-purpose trail or from the 30+ miles of single track in the McCarthy Forest. HoliMont has direct access to some of the best trails in Western New York. Whether you like to hike or bike, the single-track trails in McCarthy State Forest has something for everyone. There are over 40 miles of IMBA Epic trails to ride in EVL and surrounding area.


After exploring the area, you are going to be ready to pamper yourself with a fun night out. Vacation calories do not count, right? So, while you are here, make sure you visit one of the 23 eateries or pubs in town. Just to mention a few favorites:

  1. Dina’s Restaurant, rated #1 by TripAdvisor and a fan favorite in I LOVE NY’s Restaurant Challenge. For a more refined palate, check out their extensive wine list and pair it to their filet mignon or their lobster ravioli.
  2. Ellicottville Brewing Company, ranked one of the best bars and brew pubs in NY State. They also serve a mean menu; tasty dishes range from ‘loaded brewer tots’ to Persia Salmon and NY Strip Steak.
  3. The Gin Mill, a house favorite of Bills running back #34, Thurman Thomas. He and his wife say they have, “the best fries around”[4].
  4. Katy’s Café, lighter fare and a morning option for early risers. Come enjoy the local artwork while sipping on a made to order espresso, grab a breakfast bagel or sit and enjoy some homemade French toast. If you get a hankering for something sweet after perusing the town all day, head back here for ice cream or a milkshake.
  5. Villagios, another favorite of Thurman Thomas, Bills running back #34!  Fine, Italian cuisine working with local growers, farmers, and businesses. Winner of 2016’s Taste of Buffalo: Pat Sardina Memorial Award for Best Comfort Food — Meatball.

Enjoy your adventure, you deserve it!


[1] Elkdale Country Club | Salamanca, NY – The Course (elkdalecc.com)

[2] Holiday Valley: New York Canopy Ziplines Aerial Adventure Park

[3] Griffis Sculpture Park » Griffis Sculpture Park (griffispark.org)

[4] Bills Legend Thurman Thomas’s Guide to Buffalo and Greater Niagara (iloveny.com)

New Chautauqua Vacation Rental Properties

Team VP Vacation Properties had recently added 4 new rental properties to their Chautauqua Area rental pool! Team VP is known for offering superior vacation rental accommodations in both the Chautauqua and Ellicottville areas. As the summer season draws near vacationers are planning their summer getaways to Chautauqua Lake and Chautauqua Institution. Team VP offers fully furnished and equipped vacation rental homes, cottages, condominiums and town homes. Team VP excels at helping you find the right rental property to fit the needs of your stay! Call Team VP (800) 344-2138 to book your vacation today!

The following four rental properties are the newest additions to Team VP’s rental pool:

5483 East Lake Road – Chautauqua Lake Luxury Home

4 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms – sleeps 8

Treat your friends and family to a vacation they won’t soon forget on beautiful Chautauqua Lake. Constructed in 2000, this is one of the areas premier lake front properties. You’ll delight in the beautiful furnishings throughout this professionally designed 4 bedroom, 2.5 bath Craftsman style house. Offers a fully equipped kitchen, glassed sunroom, family room and amazing views from the large lake side deck. Master Bedroom (king bed) with custom marble bath, fireplace, nursery, and private covered porch. Bedroom #2 (queen bed); Bedroom #3 (king bed) Bedroom #4 (queen bed). Need More Room? No Problem! Next door is another work of art, a custom built Guest House offering 1800 sq. feet. Downstairs offers kitchen w/microwave & dishwasher (no stove/oven), livingroom with french doors to lake, dining room with seating for 6, full bath w/stall shower, washer/dryer. Upstairs you’ll find 2 bedrooms (2 sets of bunks/1 queen) plus 2 built-in alcove style beds, 2 full baths, and a 20 foot glassed turret office with beautiful lake views.

9 Root 3B – Chautauqua Institution 3rd Floor Condo

1 bedroom, 1 bathroom – sleeps 4

Fantastic Chautauqua Location! A short walk to either the lake or Bestor Plaza! Bright, modern, elegantly decorated 3rd floor condo features one bedroom with a Queen bed and a murphy bed in the living room. One bathroom with tub/shower. Private porch off of living room/ kitchen area with great views, is a perfect place for your morning cup of coffee or tea! Condo also features ceiling fans, wall a/c unit, tv, and dishwasher.

46 South Lake Drive – Chautauqua Institution Lakefront Home

4 bedrooms, 1.75 bathrooms – sleeps 8

Great 4 bedroom lakefront home in Chautauqua Institution. Large lakeside porch offers amazing views of the lake. Full kitchen with dishwasher. Bdrm #1: twin; Bdrm #2: two twins; Bdrm #3: double w/ half bath; Bdrm #4: 2 twins w/ half bath. Sofa sleeper in parlor. Full bath on 2nd floor. Window a/c’s, washer/dryer, grill, WiFi, cable, parking for 1 car-must purchase pass from Chautauqua Institution. Click here to view slideshow.

12 Morris #3 – Chautauqua Institution 2nd Floor Condo

1 bedroom, 1 bathroom – sleeps 2

Modern 1 bedroom 1 bath condo centrally located in Chautauqua Institution. Located on the 2nd floor (1 flight of stairs-8 steps) in the Lawson Terrace building. Full kitchen, living/dining area w/ Cable TV/VCR, wireless internet. Ceiling fans throughout. Whirlpool bathtub! Covered back porch (private) w/ Adirondack rocking chairs. Sleeps 2 max! Bedroom has KING bed.

Visit Team VP’s entire list of vacation rental properties here.

For more information call a reservationist today at (800) 344-2198.

Chautauqua Institution Week 9 Rental Promotions

Team VP Vacation Properties is offering a great Vacation Rental Promotion for Week 9 in Chautauqua Institution.  A featured selection of Chautauqua Institution Rental Properties will be offered for “10% off the Rental Rate plus one extra night FREE” when rented for Week 9 (August 19, 2012 – August 25, 2012).

Chautauqua Institution’s Week 9 theme is “The President’s Club”.  According to Chautauqua Institution, Week 9 will address the following, “With the U.S. presidency a singular position that only those who have occupied the White House can understand, relationships between current and former presidents cross political boundaries. How do they relate to each other? Where are the boundaries? What role do families play in the presidency? In a week that takes its title from a new book by Time’s Nancy Gibbs and Michael Duffy, we’ll examine historic relationships between the president and former presidents and their families.”

The following list of Chautauqua Institution Vacation Rental Properties are being offered as part of Team VP Vacation Properties’ “Week 9 Rental Promotion”:

Rent any of these great Chautauqua Institution Properties for Week 9 and save 10% off the Rental Rate plus stay an extra night for FREE!


Arcade 34
1 bedroom, 1 bath
sleeps: 4

Lakeside Location in Chautauqua Institution, just off of Miller Park!

Promotional Rate: $1215.88


15 Ames #5
1 bedroom, 1 bath
sleeps: 2

Beautifully appointed 3rd floor condo, completely renovated in 2006

Promotional Rate: $1238.13


St. Elmo # 407
1 bedroom, 1.5 baths
sleeps: 6

St. Elmo condo with central AC and porch off of living room, overlooking Ames

Promotional Rate: $1793.25


Glen Park C4
2 bedrooms, 2 baths
sleeps: 6

2nd floor, centrally located condo, just off of Bestor Plaza. Nice porch facing the Plaza

Promotional Rate: $1871.62


Pines 2
2 bedrooms, 2.5 baths
sleeps: 7

Modern tri-level condo at the North end of Chautauqua Institution. Central AC

Promotional Rate: $2171.25


Pines 25
2 bedrooms, 2.5 baths
sleeps: 6

Modern tri-level condo at the North end of Chautauqua Institution. Central AC

Promotional Rate: $2171.25


34 A Forest
3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths
sleeps: 6

Centrally located w/ shared front porch & patio. Finished basement w/ washer/dryer

Promotional Rate: $2292.63


28 Morris
4 bedrooms, 2 baths
sleeps: 6

“The Breezeway” Classic Chautauqua Cottage. 1 block to the Lake and Bestor Plaza

Promotional Rate: $2419.76


Gatehouse Commons #3
3 bedrooms + loft, 3 baths
sleeps: 9

Large, modern North end townhome. Deck with gas grill. Central AC. Bright & sunny!

Promotional Rate: $2981.00


87 Harper
3 bedrooms, 2 baths
sleeps: 6

Great North End Chautauqua Institution home with 1950s decor. Full kitchen, central AC

Promotional Rate: $1974.13


39 Scott
5 bedrooms, 4 baths
sleeps: 10

“The Samurai House” Classic Chautauqua home. Central location. 3 levels!

Promotional Rate: $3256.38


28 Foster
6 bedrooms, 3.5 baths
sleeps: 14

Large home, centrally located in Chautauqua Institution. 2 porches & deck. 2 kitchens

Promotional Rate: $4016.13


47 Foster
7 bedrooms, 3 baths
sleeps: 15

South end Chautauqua Institution home. Central AC on 1st 2 floors. Private front porch

Promotional Rate: $4066.13

For more information about any of these
properties, or Team VP Vacation Properties
Rental program
, call 800.344.2198 OR
716.789.9298 to speak with a reservationist

Enchanting Retreats Fit for a Royal Couple (in Chautauqua & Ellicottville)

In honor of the Royal Wedding (occurring in just 1 week) all of us at Team VP – Vacation Properties have compiled a list of great get-a-way ideas fit for Royalty!  Are you within driving distance of Chautauqua Lake, New York or Ellicottville, New York?  If you are looking for a nice weekend retreat, a week long get-a-way or a month long vacation, we are very easy to find!

Ellicottville, NY: 1 hour South of Buffalo, NY; 3.5 hours from Pittsburgh, PA; 3 hours from Cleveland, OH; 2.5 hours from Toronto, Canada
Chautauqua Lake, NY: 1.5 hours South of Buffalo, NY; 2.5-3 hours from Pittsburgh, PA; 3 hours from Cleveland, OH; 3 hours from Toronto, Canada

85 Stoessel, Chautauqua Institution – 4 BR + loft, 4.5 BA – sleeps 10

2932 sq. ft. home at the North end of Chautauqua Institution – This home offers an open floor plan with lots of living space in 3 levels. Full kitchen, large dining area open to living area with gas fireplace all on main level. Nice porches, central A/C , washer/dryer & 3 parking spaces. **Rents SAT-SAT** Click here for more info, or to book online!

Willowtree Point #9 – 3 BR, 2 BA – sleeps 8

Located just 1 mile from the Chautauqua Institution, on Route 394. RENTS YEAR ROUND! Terrific ground floor lakefront condo with 3 bedrooms/2 baths, central a/c, washer/dryer, deck/patio with a gas grill, cable tv/vcr/dvd (with movies!) Sleeps 8 max BD#1-King with bath, BD#2-2 twins, BD#3-2 TW bunks. HEATED swimming pool at the complex. No dock space included. Arrangements for boat dockage can be made next doorfor an additional fee. facebook is down **Rents SAT-SAT** Click here for more info, or to book online!

Ellicottville Escape – 4 BR, 2 BA – sleeps 10

Enrich yourself while nestled in the charming setting of the Ellicottville Escape. Whether it’s healing your inner spirit or challenging your outer soul, this place is it!! Discover the enchanting care free charm of a special place where stress and worry have no lodging. This once upon a time barn, has been cleverly converted to a luscious rustic escape with all the cozy modern amenities to quench anyone’s comfort needs. Encircling this escape, are the breathtaking views of nature’s spectacular frontier. Whether it’s the summer fragrances …or the intense vivid fall foliage …or maybe the inner warmth that you feel, snuggled next to a glowing fire… Your visit here is definitely time will spent. Click here for more info, or to book online!

Share the Chautauqua Experience!

Friends & Family of Team VP: To celebrate the national premiere of the PBS documentary, “Chautauqua: An American Narrative,” Team VP is presenting a special Chautauqua Vacation Rental offer to our customers who refer new customers!

Here’s How it Works…

Guests*: Receive 10% (up to a maximum of $300) off the rental charge on your next reservation with us when you refer a new guest that books a reservation with Team VP!

Owners**: Refer a new guest to Team VP and if they book a reservation with us, you’ll receive a gift certificate equal to 10% (up to a maximum of $300) of their rental charges** to be used towards housekeeping and maintenance services provided by Team VP!

For additional information on this offer please call: (800) 344-2198 OR
(716) 789-9298 or email: rentals@vacationpro.com

 

*To qualify for promotion, guest must not have rented with Team VP – Vacation Properties in previous years. Discount will be computed based on rental charges of qualifying new guest excluding taxes, fees and insurance. Promotion cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. web hosting server . Offer excludes weeks 3, 4 and 6. Not valid on existing reservations. Offer ends 3/31/11.

**To qualify for promotion, guest must not have rented with Team VP – Vacation Properties in previous years. Gift certificate amount will be computed based on rental charges of qualifying guest excluding taxes, fees and insurance. Promotion cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. web hosting server . Offer excludes weeks 3, 4 and 6. Not valid on existing reservations. Offer ends 3/31/11.

What Is Chautauqua Institution?

For those of us living in the area of Chautauqua Institution, this may be a difficult question to answer when asked by someone who has never been here.  Chautauqua Institution is such a special and unique place, that it is almost impossible to explain everything it has to offer unless it can be shown in person.  How do you explain a community where people from all over the world gather to teach, learn, perform, relax, listen and enjoy arts, education, religion and recreation…?  This January all of us who love Chautauqua will have the opportunity to share the “Chautauqua Experience“.

Save the Date!  On January 31, 2011, at 10 pm, PBS will feature a documentary about Chautauqua Institution, called ‘Chautauqua: An American Narrative’.  You can view the trailer below (provided by Chautauqua Institution)

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s14fhI3pdRU&feature=player_embedded]

According to the official website of Chautauqua Institution, “The documentary, which was filmed at Chautauqua during the 2009 Season, uses personal testaments from a series of individuals and emphasizes Chautauqua’s four pillars of the arts, education, religion, and recreation to capture the Chautauqua experience. Those interviewed include U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor, historian David McCullough, the Rev. Otis Moss III, and pianist Alexander Gavrylyuk, as well as Chautauqua’s own Tom Becker, former board chair William Clinger, and artistic directors, faculty and students.”

All of us at Team VP – Vacation Properties would like to encourage you to watch this documentary on PBS and share Chautauqua with all of your friends and family!  We’d also like to let you know that we are here to answer any of your questions about real estate in Chautauqua Institution and the surrounding areas, or the state of the real estate market in our area.  As Chautauqua’s leader in Real Estate since 1983 any one of our Realtors® is just a phone call away!  Here are a few words about Chautauqua from our Chautauqua Institution Real Estate Specialists:

We are very blessed to have Chautauqua Institution in our wonderful county. It truly is a ” Cultural Gem” and really represents a dynamic cross-section of our world with a desire to “Live, Love, and Enjoy” all that life has to offer through Education, Religion, and the Arts” – Dale Sandberg

I often hear customers and clients of mine expressing the fact that Chautauqua Institution is an experience as well as a vacation. I feel Chautauqua Institution has done an excellent job conveying that message” – Jane Grice

Don’t hesitate to call  (716) 789-2600  OR  (800) 789-2600 and ask to speak with one of our Chautauqua Institution specialists!

Team VP also has a full service vacation rental management department, so if you are interested in visiting Chautauqua we can help you find a place to stay!
(800) 344-2198

For more information about Chautauqua Institution and their programs for the 2011 season visit their official website.