When I moved to Fredonia, NY four years ago, the area seemed really boring. I had come from a much larger town and moving to a place like Fredonia left me worried that I would experience nothing but boredom here. Yet after making a few friends in high school, I learned of places to visit and formulated a list of things to do at and near the Fredonia area. Whether you have lived here all of your life or are staying here for the first time as a college freshman in the fall, this list should keep you busy.
1. Watch a movie at Dunkirk Movieplex
It may not be the most glamorous of theaters, but Movieplex 59 is always up to date on current films and occasionally holds midnight premieres for bigger blockbuster hits.
2. Buffalo is just around the corner
Museums, concerts, clubs, sports games, and the humongous Walden Galleria Mall: there's always something in Buffalo that will suite your needs. Just under an hour away, a day spent in this city is a day well spent.
3. Test out your bowling skills
The atmosphere at Lucky Lanes is great and the games aren't too pricey either. Pizza, snacks and cold drinks are served here as well, and a small arcade and bar sit at the entrance.
4. Attend Fredonia campus events
Not every event that SUNY Fredonia hosts is just for its students. There are several different events held throughout the year open to the public, and the musicals are always a pleasure to watch.
5. Visit Niagara Falls
No matter what season, the Falls are a beautiful attraction to visit. Tours like the Maid of the Mist are available and there are restaurants right next to the body of water as well, including Hard Rock Cafe.
6. Go to the beach
There are beaches everywhere in Chautauqua County. My favorite is the Barcelona beach. The area is clean and you can play some volleyball right on the shoreline at the restaurant When Pigs Fly. The celebrity chef of this popular barbecue joint was on several Food Network shows and was a contestant on Chef Gordon Ramsey's Hell's Kitchen show. The food proves it.
7. Dine out with friends
There are plenty of restaurants in Fredonia to choose from; just take a look! Love Italian food? Try DeJohn's Italian Spaghetti House. Looking for great atmosphere? Ellicottville Brewing Company West has that covered. There's also the buffet at China King, which has great variety if you're looking to grab a bite of Chinese food.
8. Spend a day at Lake Erie State Park
On a warm, sunny day, take your friends out for a picnic. There are tables already set up there and spots to grill. The beach is also right next door.
9. Try skiing, snowboarding, or tubing
There are several resorts not too far away that will keep you busy during the winter months. About an hour away, Holiday Valley has different sets of slopes to ski, snowboard, or tube on. They also have trails for snowshoeing, and the famous Sky Flyer Mountain Coaster. Having been on this coaster several times, I can say it is extremely fun. You control the speed of the ride and it offers some great sightseeing. The resort hosts summer activities as well. I highly recommend this place.
10. Take pictures at the Ice Castle
Another winter attraction, the Ice Castle is built every year when the weather starts to get cold enough. Only a 30 minute drive to the village of Mayville, the castle is best viewed at night when it's lit up. The Ice Castle is part of Mayville's annual President's Day Weekend Winter Festival for the community to enjoy winter outdoors.
This list is but a mere fraction of all the things available to you in this area. If I were to name off all the events, restaurants, attractions, and more, I would have to write a 20 page essay (and I really don't feel like doing that). However, here's a link to help give you an idea of where to start.
