Hit the road for a chuckle-filled weekend getaway to Jamestown, New York.
receive toTwo Days Away , our serial publication have weekend - long itineraries reachable by a drive from your city — because sometimes we all just need a fiddling adventure fix .
Before Lucille Ball was the star of her groundbreaking 1950s show , I bed Lucy , and living in Beverly Hills , the virtuoso of physical funniness and mogul of moxie - fueled distaff firsts called Jamestown , New York — akaThe Pearl City — her home .
Ball ’s provenience is also now the position of the Lucy Desi Museum , which celebrates her and hubby , Desi Arnaz . As the “ First Couple of Comedy , ” their tv set show was the first mesh program to boast an inter - racial wedding and a pregnant woman . The duette also pioneer the still - used multi - camera , live interview formatting and 35 mm film use for idiot box . In forgetful , they invented tv reruns , and became the genre ’s first millionaires as a result .
Photo courtesy of the Lucy Desi Museum
In its heyday , their Desilu Productions troupe was the great independent production star sign , and in 1962 , Ball bought out Arnaz ’s stake in the party , making her the first woman to take the helm of a Hollywood studio .
Along with the museum , Jamestown declare oneself plenty of fun and chuckles , thanks to the 2018 opening night of the National Comedy Center , which represents the culmination of Ball ’s dream to metamorphose her hometown into a national comedy hub . The result is a lakeside jest - a - minute swoon - fest for visitor , complete with expectant restaurants , funky , eclectic shop , and alpacas ( apparently ) . Here ’s everything fun to do on a getaway to Jamestown , NY .
Drive time:
6.5 hours from NYC6.5 hours from Philadelphia , PA
If you don’t do anything else: Celebrate the Life and Legacy of Lucille Ball
Jamestown , along the shore of Chautauqua Lake , has plenty of comedy - drive experiences , but commence at theLucy Desi Museumto explore stark recreation of famous stage set from theI Love Lucyshow , actual prop , lesser - known footage , and original costumes . Named for Lucy ’s on - air bestie , visitant can buy an ETHEL upgrade ( an acronym for the Enhanced Tour Hardware for Experiencing Lucy ) , recount by Ball ’s daughter . well yet , fling on a 3 - minute immersive experience on - curing at Lucy and Desi ’s NYC apartment .
Fill your days:
Where to Shop in Jamestown, NY
Whether you ’re team Marvel or DC , Jamestown’sChautauqua Comicsis a top - notch good afternoon outing . The shop is bursting at the seams with funny books , trading cards , and gifts , and they often run sale for $ 2 or less . Also in Jamestown , Chautauqua Soap Co.offers lovely handcraft Georgia home boy and candles , whileArt Cloth & Crafthas a huge stock-taking of new and vintage gifts , jewelry , and home goods .
In nearby Celoron , The Brindle Barnis a general memory with a big vision . Its coaction with local farms and food journeyman keep the grab - and - go meal area busy during breakfast and dejeuner . you may also purchase locally made good , unparalleled shaving accessories , and thoughtful , chemical - destitute skin care product . Then , about 15 minutes north , on the east shoring of Chautauqua Lake , Bemus Point offer up unique shopping experiences likeBemus Point PotteryorAlpacaville , where you’re able to shop for handknit alpaca mitten and blankets and — heck ya ! you could chit-chat the alpacas .
Where to Explore Arts and Culture in Jamestown, NY
While at the museum , grab a copy of theLucytown Tourmap , a free self - head driving duty tour featuring over 15 Lucy - related magnet in the Jamestown arena . It bring home the bacon crook - by - round direction to visit mural inspired by iconic instalment , Lucy ’s birthing home and former schoolhouse , theLucille Ball Memorial Park , and her grave accent at Lakeview Cemetery .
Midway through the tour , earmark ample time to visitThe National Comedy Center , an lengthiness of Ball ’s vision to share the depth of comedy cultivation with Jamestown visitors . Dual admission fee ticket put up access to The Lucy Desi Museum and The National Comedy Center , which has over 50 exhibits celebrating all forms of comedy — from stand up - up to cartoon , movies , and beyond . you may even dabble in the jape - biz by create a mite - screenland cartoon or working a simulated late - nighttime television talk show camera . The two museums also team up for theLucille Ball Comedy Festivaleach summertime .
Where to eat, drink, and sleep:
Restaurants and Bars in Jamestown, NY
Keep the laughs going and confab theLabyrinth Press Company , an eclectic vegetarian and vegan eatery known for itsThursday unresolved - mic stand - up appearance , full-bodied wine-coloured list , and Brazilian sofa vibes . While there , address yourself to a Pear and Pepper Burger for just $ 11.50 . TheBeer Snobalso schedules regular comedy shows , and they ’re thumping 24 - oz. Bavarian pretzels grade from Butter & Powdered Sugar to the The Buckin ' Jalopy , loaded with Italian sausage balloon , provolone and three dipping sauces .
Even when the local lake region slows for the season , making reservations at eating house likeTruffle Honeyin nearby Mayville is expert . The Black Truffle Honey Whipped Ricotta is pop but leave elbow room for all the wood - fired goodies like pizzas and seafood . topical anesthetic also sleep with the Irish pub,2 Gingers Inn , where the Shepards Pie , oversized wings , and fresh pork rinds are always in eminent requirement .
Hotels in Jamestown, NY
The lakefrontChautauqua Harbor Hotelis the go - to place to remain in Jamestown , and truly so . A room off the lobby is an homage to the National Comedy Center , and theirHilarious Getawaypackage includes tickets to the museum , a credit at the Lakehouse Tap & Grille , and Groucho Marx - style crank . You ’ll get a free dessert if you rock your glasses for dinner at their restaurant . There ’s no imperativeness to do any stand - up ; just embrace the joke and snag a free perfumed delicacy .
A set recreation of Lucy’s New York City apartment at the Lucy Desi Museum.|Photo courtesy of the Lucy Desi Museum
Photo courtesy of The National Comedy Center
