All of the reasons I loved growing up in Lakewood, NY

If you’ve never heard of Lakewood or Jamestown, NY, you’re certainly not the first. Technically I live in Lakewood, the village of approximately 3,000, but Jamestown is the adjacent city of approximately 30,000 where I also spent a lot of my time.

To most people Lakewood is just a blip on the map, and I usually end up describing it to people who ask where I’m from as “a small town near Buffalo.” Without the constant business and nightlife of a big city, smaller towns often get written off as tragic and boring.

Yes, big cities have a lot to offer, but small cities definitely have their own unique perks. I wanted to share a few of the reasons why I loved growing up in this small town near Buffalo.

Lake Days

Arguably one of the best features of Chautauqua County, where Lakewood is located, is Chautauqua Lake. Although it is frozen during the cold winter months, the summer is the time for spending entire days outside on the lake. Boating to the Bemus Point Inn for a bite to eat or just anchoring down in the middle of the lake always ends up being an adventure. I’m lucky to have spent countless summers boating, tubing and jet skiing across this body of water.

Lakewood is the birthplace of Lucille Ball

What many do recognize Jamestown for is being the birthplace of I Love Lucy comedian, Lucille Ball. She is a major part of Jamestown’s history, and the Lucille Ball Desi Arnaz Museum & Center for Comedy was created to honor Lucy and Desi’s legacy, since 1996. The museum includes a display of costumes and memorabilia, awards they were both given, photographs of their personal lives and television lives, and more. The disturbing sculpture of Lucille Ball located in Celeron, N.Y. has been criticized since its unveiling in 2009. The sculpture is even creepier in person.

The Chautauqua Lake Rowing Association

One of the highlights of my high school days was spending time with my Chautauqua Lake Rowing Association team on the lake during crew practices. If you’re considering joining the crew team and you’re from or around the Jamestown area, do it. Rowing out to the sunset is something I recommend everyone experiences at least once in their lifetime.

Being close with the team was so much fun, and we’ll always have memories like the exciting promposal that went down. The coaches of CLRA have brought hundreds of people from around the area to learn more about the sport. Since 2006, they have worked hard to develop a competitive rowing program for area high school students and have done an amazing job.

Forte

Aside from having an excuse to dress up and go out with friends, going to Forte for its food is a must. Located on 114 E. Third Street, this restaurant has some of the best food in Jamestown, with an “eclectic take on American cuisine.” The tuna crisps are to die for and it’s difficult leaving without a piece of the chocolate lava cake.

Dim lighting sets the mood and works of local artists line both the bar room and dining room. Its menu changes seasonally, along with new art that is brought in every six months. I’ve had a number of unforgettable nights singing and dancing to karaoke in this wonderful restaurant!

Chautauqua Gorge State Forest

The Chautauqua Gorge State Forest is located nearby in Mayville, a beautiful area that my friends and I enjoy taking full advantage of during the summer. The 538-acre forest offers plenty of room for activities. From roasting marshmallows around a campfire to hiking and jumping in the cool water, going to the gorge is always an opportunity for adventure. Warning: Raccoons may circle your campfire and creep up inches away from you for food.

The Sprinkle Cone

A shop selling locally made ice cream, the Sprinkle Cone is a fun place to grab some sweet ice cream during the summer. Since August of 2014, the Sprinkle Cone serves Addie’s Ice Cream on 207 Pine Street in Jamestown. Addie’s Ice Cream has a retail store in Findley Lake, and is made with local cream out of Titusville Dairy. The flavors change, so you can stop in for the delicious Coffee Bean one day and try the Mint Oreo Fudge on another. The shop has cute wooden seats to sit on while you’re enjoying the ice cream and playing with their fun bubbles and props!

All of my best friends

Last, but not least, connecting with my best friends is my favorite part about growing up in Lakewood. Even at separate colleges, we always come home (typically with pizza and wine) and fill each other in with every important detail we’ve missed out on. Growing up in a small town helped us bond through late night Wegmans runs, movie nights and Forte dates, and I’m so thankful for that.