Local Attractions

The Hanson House is close to many attractions throughout Western New York! Below you can find locations and descriptions of some exciting activities to try during your stay!

Gerry Rodeo

Today the rodeo consists of the same competitive events it did 75 years ago: bareback bronc riding, tie-down roping, saddle bronc riding, bull riding, steer wrestling, team roping, and cowgirls' barrel racing, with all the entrants competing for cash which counts toward qualification for the National Finals Rodeo. In addition there are specialty acts such as trick riding, animal acts, and clowns. A recently added feature allows young spectators to enter the arena to compete for prizes as they chase ribbons tied to calves' tails.

Panama Rocks

​Come explore an enchanting world of towering rocks, deep crevices and passageways, cool, cavernous dens, and small caves! The rock formations are a unique outcrop of 300 million year old quartz conglomerate sedimentary rock that extend about half a mile and reach upwards of 60 feet tall. Grotesque roots snake down the rocks and delicate ferns, mosses, and lichens add to Panama Rock’s unique, jungle-like charm. The forest at Panama Rocks is recognized and included in The Sierra Club’s Guide to the Ancient Forests of the Northeast and is home to 800+ year old hemlocks, and other species of venerable trees, including ash, beech, black cherry, elm, red maple, and sugar maple.

Chautauqua Lake

The lake is used primarily for recreation, such as boating and fishing, and tourism. The majority of tourists flock to the Chautauqua Institution, which contains a wide variety of stores and restaurants and is home to live music entertainment and many public lectures during the summer months. Chautauqua Lake is known for its muskellunge fishing and sailing. There are two very popular boating locations on the lake, "Sandy Bottoms", and Long Point State Park, located near Maple Springs. On busy, warm weekends, it is not uncommon to see nearly 100 boats in this area of the lake. Every fourth of July, fireworks are launched from communities around the lake.

Southern Tier Brewing Company

The Empty Pint is the taproom at our state-of-the-art production brewery in Lakewood, New York. Since our founding in the early 2000s, The Empty Pint has poured fresh beers and served as the launching point for Saturday brewery tours. Our expansive outdoor beer garden is open seasonally. We offer a wide selection of cold packaged beer to go, along with growlers and crowlers of 14 draught beers, a gift shop, and killer pub fare. We’re here for beer, but our lunch and dinner menu is widely known for pairing perfectly with your beverage of choice. Our sandwiches and tacos are piled high with meats from a hickory fired in-house smoker.

National Comedy Center

The National Comedy Center in Jamestown, New York, is the first state-of-the-art museum dedicated to telling the vital story of comedy in America. As a nonprofit cultural institution, the museum celebrates comedy’s great minds and unique voices, from Charlie Chaplin to Dave Chappelle. Exclusive collections and world-class exhibits give comedy fans an unprecedented behind-the-scenes look at the time-honed creative processes that have elevated entertainment to an art.

Midway State Park

Midway State Park continues to offer the same family friendly atmosphere that visitors have come to love. Patrons can take a nostalgic ride on the vintage carousel, play a game of mini golf, take a spin on the tilt-a whirl and ride the go-karts or watch their children enjoy themselves on the many kiddie rides. And, while some may prefer to relax while enjoying an old fashioned candy apple or cotton candy, others can test their skills at classic midway games.