NY/PA Weekender

Sat-Sun June 28-29

Curves, Canyons and Culture

Greetings, ZBimmers!
 
Our interstate ZBimmers, Rich Lipchik and Gary Madar, have organized Curves, Canyons & Culture for your driving pleasure on the PA/NY Weekender, June 28 and 29.  They've packed a lot of neat stuff into the weekend, so fasten your seat belts and enjoy the ride!
 
This is how Gary describes the weekend:
 
Curves, Canyons & Culture officially starts in Erie, PA at the McDonalds off I-90, Exit 27, with a 10 am departure (7855 Perry Highway, 16509, 814.866.3596).  The ZBimmers will cruise several resorts in the region, including Peek'n Peak Golf and Ski Resort, and catch a panoramic view of rural Western New York scenery from the mountaintop.  Then it’s around Findley Lake to Bemus Point for lunch on the waterside deck of a locally renowned eatery, the Italian Fisherman.
 
After lunch, the ZBimmers will experience the spectacular view of the South Basin of Chautauqua Lake and be able to gather travel info and brochures for their return trip to WNY.  They'll also get a brief introduction to Ellicottville, 'the ski town that Aspen used to be’! where we'll return later for dinner and lodging. 
 
In keeping with Curves, Canyons & Culture, the Grand Canyon of the East, aka Letchworth State Park, is on the route and you will definitely want your camera and binoculars to fully appreciate the views from the overlooks.  The park also offers an inn with gift shop, a museum, the Middle Falls and an awesome opportunity for a ZBimmer group photo!
 
We’ll be back in Ellicottville between 6-6:30 pm in time to imbibe and dine at Tips Up.  Options after dinner include walking the town to sample a micro-brewery, numerous bars (some with entertainment) or sharing some of your gas money with the Seneca Indian tribe at the Seneca Allegany Casino just about 10 miles down the road in Salamanca.
 
Between breakfast and lunch on Sunday, the ZBimmers will check out the local wineries.  (Hey, would you believe this is Rich’s idea?)  Curves, Canyons and Culture officially ends after lunch at the Chautauqua Institution.  (This where the Culture comes in!)  Since the 1870's, the Institution has been the cultural center of education, religion and the arts in WNY.  The Chautauqua Institute is 100% Americana at its best and is well worth seeing.  The ZBimmers are free to walk the grounds, enjoy the Victorian architecture, the beautiful gardens and the serenity of Chautauqua Lake.  There is a free concert by the Washington (PA) High School Steel Band at 2:30 pm in the Amphitheatre for those who wish to attend.  If you want some dinner before heading back to Ohio, hook-up as you will at Olive's Restaurant, just down the road about a quarter mile from the Institute.  
 
Please be advised that there will be an entrance fee of $6 per car at the Letchworth State Park.  All state parks in NY have entrance fees.  There may also be a $6 parking fee at the Chautauqua Institute.  Our leaders will collect monies each morning to expedite getting the ZBimmers into these areas in an efficient manner.
 
For those traveling to Curves, Canyons & Culture from northeast Ohio, you're invited to join a convoy to Erie from the Arabica Coffee House in Richfield (4174 Wheatley Road, 330.659.2030).  Departure time is 7:30 am.  There will be a gas stop in Ohio prior to entering the eastern lands because we're advised it will be cheapest gas we'll see all weekend.

Please call 716.699.6000 to make your hotel reservations before June 5 at the Ellicottville Wingate by Wyndham.  Mention the ZBimmers for the group rate of $125.10 plus tax for 2 queens and a hot continental breakfast.
 
 
We're looking forward to seeing everyone again and driving many PA/NY miles together on Curves, Canyons & Culture.  Hope you can make it!
 
Rich, Gary and Cindy