A Unique Snowbird Retirement: Chautauqua Style
Category: Best Retirement Towns and States
February , 2022 — Depending where you live, you might be familiar with the concept of a Chautauqua community, those seasonal assemblies dedicated to four pillars: the arts, education, recreation, and religion. As such they offer the perfect snowbird retirement for people who love culture.
Chautauqua assemblies expanded and spread throughout rural America in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. They were part of an adult education and social movement in the United States that brought speakers, teachers, musicians, showmen, preachers, and specialists of the day to communities. Lakeside Chautauqua on the shores of Lake Erie was the first assembly in 1873, followed the next year by the Chautauqua Institute on western New York’s Chautauqua Lake. Although at one point there were several hundred Chautauquas, these two are among the few independent Chautauquas that persist in the 21st century. The drawback to a Chautauqua retirement is that they are seasonal – after summer ends you need to find a place to live the rest of the year.
For culture loving people – you can’t beat a Chautauqua retirement
Comments on "A Unique Snowbird Retirement: Chautauqua Style"
Alex says:
I have heard of the Chautauqua Institute, but not the others, and I think this would be a delightful and educational way to spend the summer. Is the Chautauqua Institute in NY geared mainly for adults ? Just in case grandchildren visit we would need to entertain them. Would like to hear from someone who has stayed at Chautauqua and their thoughts.
Jim says:
Alex! Check out visitbemuspoint.com and then drill down to Directory and then recreation. Bemus Point is a short drive across the lake. Have fun!
John Brady says:
We have visited Chautauqua with kids and there is plenty to do, starting with the lake (you can also stay in nearby towns like Bemus Point or elsewhere on the lake as well). Looking at the Chautauqua Institute there is an incredible array of children's programs for all ages. From day camps to classes to babysitting. Looks like a home run! https://chq.org/schedule/youth-and-family/
Alex says:
Thank you Jim and Editor, you have been helpful and have me excited about both Chautauqua Institution and Bemus Point. Appreciate your input!