The Chautauqua Institution is an extraordinary place found on the shores of Chautauqua Lake. It was founded in 1874 by two Sunday school teachers who were seeking to enhance religious study and reflection through education. Today's Chautauqua Institution has a year round population of about 400, which swells to 7,500 daily during a nine-week summer program season.

It's best described as a pretty little community of stately homes intermingled with colourful gingerbread homes nestled along tree-lined streets that overflow with a plethora of shaded gardens. It has the immediate effect of relaxing the soul. A village green consisting of a book store, post office library, the Refectory Restaurant and shops anchors the community. Don't be surprised to see a group of musicians rehearsing chamber music on the lawns. The institution is a bundle of unique experiences.

Each day is filled with lectures, lakeside walks, perhaps a vigorous game of tennis, a round of golf, or relaxing on a sandy beach. For children, there's a Boy's and Girl's Club where you can enroll your children for a week. Kids have two hours off (12:00-2:00) for lunch where they can go to family members' or meet parents for lunch.

You don't have to be religious to visit. However, there are 20 religious denominations with year-round headquarters here. This is an ecumenical place. There are 9:15 a.m. worship services for people of all faiths. It really is a place of peace. On early morning walks you can hear the silence. Daily thought provoking lectures are offered in the afternoon in the outdoor Hall of Philosophy (it looks like a Greek coliseum).

Musical performances in the institutions 5000 seat outdoor amphitheatre are also a hit. This past summer Bob Newhart, Pat and Debby Boone, and Neil Sedaka are a few of the artists who filled the amphitheatre for evening performances. The Chautauqua Symphony and Opera Company are regulars. Franklin D. Roosevelt gave his famous, "I Hate War" speech here in 1936.

If You Go: Where to Stay The historic Athenaeum Hotel, inside the grounds, has been serving guests since 1881 and offers the gracious warmth of yesteryears. This hotel operates on the American Plan. This means that the daily room rate includes three meals. There is no alcohol available in any public facilities found on the community.The Spencer is a charming Victorian Inn with luxurious rooms. Every room has a literary theme. Owner Helen Edgingten has travelled the world to furnish the hotel with priceless antiques. Both hotels are open year-round and offer seasonal packages. Joan Piper, who lives most of the year in Niagara Falls, Ontario, owns the cozy Englewood Guest House near the village green. Joan said, "Chautauqua grows on you. It's a bit surreal. There's no place like it". There are plenty of motels and B&Bs available outside the grounds. Accommodations prices do not include your gate pass which is extra. Admission Fee The grounds of Chautauqua Institution are open free of charge for 10 months of the year. However, during the nine-week summer program season (late June to late August) there is a fee to enter the grounds. Automobile traffic is limited then and it becomes a walking community. It's open daily 7 a.m. to midnight and the average daily pass includes performances in the amphitheatre. Before you wander take a $4.00 bus tour of the grounds. For More Information: Chautauqua County Visitors Bureau at TourChautauqua.com or 800-242-4569. The Athenaeum Hotel at 1-800-821-1881. The Spencer www.thespencer.com or phone: 800-398-1306. Englewood Guest House at Englewood@hotmail.com or phone: 716-357-3300. George Bailey is a professional photographer and writer. He is a member of the Travel Media Association of Canada and writes a regular column for Canadian CAA Magazine. He can be contacted at Wonderful.life@sympatico.ca.

Chautauqua, Boulder, Colorado The Colorado Chautauqua in Boulder, one of three remaining Chautauquas in the United States, is also open to the public. Twenty-six acre Chautauqua Park is not only a local landmark but it on the National Register of Historic Places. The 60 cottages and two lodges can be rented by the week and are comfortably furnished in the lovely rustic setting. Just to walk the ground is to begin to relax. The auditorium built in 1898 is a big wooden structure with a ‘we’re at summer camp’ feel and is known for its excellent acoustics. The former Dining Hall still serves food as a restaurant open all year (reservations are recommended) and the charming Community House (1918), a lovely example of the Arts and Crafts architecture, hosts small programs. In the closing years of the 19th century the Chautauqua movement provided educational speakers and experiences before the advent of television and easily accessible college courses. At the height of the movement thousands of small Chautauqua formed a circuit for speakers and performers through much of the midwest, all focused on education and self-improvement through learning and culture. Lasting into the early 20th century, when other formats for professional and educational experiences appeared, the movement lost much of its power. By the mid-1930s it had shrunk to less than a handful. Today, the Boulder campus is still vital with a full program of activities. And, it’s also the site of the Colorado Music Festival each summer. Neala Schwartzberg

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