Lovers of comedy should make it a point to visit Jamestown, home of the National Comedy Center, the Lucille Ball Desi Arnaz Museum, and Desilu Studios. In this small town, there are plenty of attractions and historic sites to keep visitors busy and entertained for a weekend.

Updated: 6/5/24

FRIDAY

4 pm: Settle into your stay

Book convenient accommodations right in the heart of Jamestown at La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Jamestown, the DoubleTree by Hilton Jamestown, or for a truly luxurious stay, the Chautauqua Harbor Hotel. At the Chautauqua Harbor Hotel, located in a beautiful and quaint lake front community on the shores of historic Chautauqua Lake in Celoron, deluxe guest rooms and suites feature luxurious sleep sets with spa inspired amenities, and patios with views of the lake!

7 pm: Dinner at the Pub

Credit: @macs_eats_ on Instagram

Settle in with top-notch pub fare at the popular spot, the Pub. Blend in with the locals and order a regional specialty, beef on weck. 

SATURDAY

9 am: Fuel up at Crown Street Roasting Company

Start your day off with a Cortado (equal parts espresso and velvety steamed milk) and a bagel sandwich at Crown Street Roasting Company, a spot that roasts and grinds all its own coffee in-house. Fresh baked goods are also available.

10 am: Laugh with Lucy
Recreations of the "I Love Lucy" set on display at the Lucille Ball Desi Arnaz Museum

The Lucille Ball Desi Arnaz Museum is a tribute to Jamestown's most famous daughter, offering a personal look at the lives and careers of TV's first couple of comedy. It features an array of permanent and interactive exhibits, as well as a significant collection of the comedy duo’s personal belongings. Costumes, gowns, photographs, letters, scripts, and awards are among the memorabilia on display. You can also visit Desilu Studios, which is devoted to I Love Lucy with complete re-creations of Lucy and Ricky Ricardo’s New York City apartment and other sets. The museum even features the Tropicana Room, a re-creation of the one and only Tropicana nightclub— although not open to the public, you can book any special occasion here! Leave yourself up to 2 hours to enjoy everything the museum has to offer.

12 pm: Live like Lucy
The I Love Lucy Mural in Jamestown

Continue your tour of Lucy’s life and legacy by stopping by her birthplace at 69 Stewart Avenue in Jamestown, as well as her childhood home at 59 Lucy Lane in Celoron. Jamestown also honors “America’s Favorite Redhead” with five larger-than-life murals painted by local artists Gary Peters and Gary Peters Jr., found all throughout town.  

1:30 pm: Lunch at Labyrinth

Drop in to Labyrinth Press Co. & Brazil Lounge for lunch, an eclectic hangout featuring vegetarian fare, fair-trade coffee & live music in an art-filled setting. The diverse menu features items like the Peruvian tofu sandwich, African peanut burger, mushroom fajita tacos, and Korean beer fries– just to name a few.

3 pm: Marvel at the Museum
Fenton History Center

The Fenton History Center, which was the former mansion of New York State Governor Reuben E. Fenton, who went on to serve in Congress and the Senate, is now a museum and research center focused on the heritage of Jamestown and Chautauqua County.

5 pm: Walk along the river
A photo of Jamestown and the Lucy-Desi museum

Soak in stunning views from the Jamestown Riverwalk, a 1.2 mile paved trail that runs along the Chadakoin river. This trail is ideal for walking, jogging, biking, and rollerblading. The Jamestown Riverwalk connects with several municipal parks including Chadakoin Park, Comedy Park, and McCrea Point Park and Boat Launch.

7 pm: Fine Dining at Landmark Restaurant

Enjoy a fine dining experience at local gem, Landmark Restaurant, an inviting venue serving pasta, upscale American comfort food, and elevated small plates. Featuring surf & turf options, you don’t have to choose between lobster or filet; you can have your steak and eat it, too!

SUNDAY

10 am: Brunchin’ at Phil N’ Cindy’s

Have a brunch feast at Phil N’ Cindy’s Lunch, a classic hometown diner with large portions. With menu specials daily, you can enjoy your favorite dishes and try something new any time you want.

1 pm: Adventures at the Audubon

The Audubon Community Nature Center is the ideal place for nature and animal lovers alike. Their three-story nature center contains a small collection of live animals, interactive displays, and a gift shop. If the weather permits, set out on the wetland preserve’s five miles of beautifully maintained trails that include a native tree arboretum and several educational gardens. Admission is free for everyone on Sundays.

2:30 pm: Laugh it off

The National Comedy Center is the first of its kind, dedicated to the art of comedy, all of your favorite comedians, and laughter. With more than 50 interactive exhibits, special wristbands that let you into certain areas depending on your age and interests, and a variety of events, you'll definitely go home with a smile on your face.

GETTING THERE

By plane:

From Buffalo Niagara Airport International Airport (BUF): 1 hour 30 minutes

From Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE): 2 hours 30 minutes

From Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT): 2 hours 45 minutes

By bus: Service from Downtown Buffalo and Amtrak Station to Jamestown on Coach USA Erie Line

By train: Travel Amtrak from Toronto, Albany and New York City to Buffalo’s Exchange Street station (BFX) downtown. Then take a bus or drive to Jamestown.

By car:
From New York City: 6 hours 
From Albany: 5 hours 30 minutes 
From Boston: 8 hours 
From Philadelphia: 6 hours 
From Montreal: 7 hours 
From Toronto: 3 hours

Don't forget to post photos of your New York adventures on Instagram and Twitter with #iSpyNY and tag us on Facebook!