• Explore the cultural and historical attractions in southwest New York.amish travel image by Pix by Marti from Fotolia.com
  
  The Southwest New York region encompasses Allegany, Cattraugus and Chatauqua counties. The area is home to a variety of cultural, historical, scenic and recreational attractions. Visitors can explore the region's history, taste local products, such as wine and cheese, and explore the Amish culture on self-guided or escorted tours. Learn about the region's famous residents, or get back to nature in the scenic Enchanted Mountains. No matter where your interests lie, southwestern New York offers a range of destinations.
  
  

Lucille Ball Desi Arnaz Center

• The Lucille Ball Desi Arnaz Center honors entertainer Lucille Ball, who was born in Jamestown in 1911, and her husband and fellow actor Desi Arnaz. The center is home to two attractions, the Lucy-Desi Museum and the DesiLu Playhouse. Both feature displays and exhibits of costumes, photographs, awards, and audio and video presentations. The playhouse also features an exact replica of the set of the New York apartment used on the "I Love Lucy" show. The center is open year-round with the exception of major holidays.
  
  Lucille Ball Desi Arnaz Center
  
  2 West Third St.
  
  Jamestown, NY 14701
  
  716-484-0800
  
  lucy-desi.com
  
  

Chatauqua Lake Erie Wine Trail

• Wine enthusiasts will enjoy a self-guided tour of the wineries and vineyards in Chatauqua County. The Lake Erie region is the "largest grape-growing region east of the Rockies," according to the Chatauqua Lake Erie Wine Trail website. Tour the wine trail, a 45-mile drive that starts in Silver Creek, New York and passes more than 20 wineries. Special events are held each month throughout the year, such as wine and cheese weekends. Popular wines from this region include Labruscas, Cabernet sauvignons, Merlots, Rieslings and a variety of specialty wines, such as cream Sherries and dry Concords.
  
  Chautauqua Lake Erie Wine Trail
  
  2627 Chapin Rd.
  
  Silver Creek, NY 14136
  
  877-326-6561
  
  chautauquawinetrail.org
  
  

Cuba Cheese Museum

• Southwestern New York has a long history of cheese making. In the early 1900s, there were more than 1,000 cheese plants in the region and a weekly cheese market thrived in the town of Cuba. Though today most cheese making in the U.S. is centered in Wisconsin, the Cuba Cheese Museum pays tribute to this once-thriving industry. Learn about the cheese making process and history and try some samples of locally-produced wares.
  
  Cuba Cheese Museum
  
  22 Water St.
  
  Cuba, NY 14727
  
  585-968-2893
  
  cubacheesemuseum.org
  
  

Finger Lakes Trail

• Get out into nature on the Finger Lakes Trail. The trail stretches for 561 miles from the Allegany State Park border with Pennsylvania to the Catskills Forest Preserve and includes 351 miles of branch and spur trails. Several group hikes and camping trips are scheduled throughout the year. The Finger Lakes Trail Conference especially recommends the Huckleberry Bog Nature Trail and a hike through the Sweedler Nature Preserve at Lick Brook.
  
  Finger Lakes Trail Conference
  
  6111 Visitor Center Rd.
  
  Mt. Morris, NY 14510
  
  585-658-9320
  
  fltconference.org
  
  

Amish Trail

• Travel to a different era on the Amish Trail. You can take a guided tour through Randolph, New York's Amish settlement, complete with lodging and breakfast, or explore on your own. The residents of Amish country eschew modern amenities, such as electricity and cars, and live much as their ancestors did. Expect to see horse-drawn carriages on the roadways and keep your eyes open for the many home-based shops along the trail, selling everything from handmade quilts to furniture and baked goods.
  
  Amish Trail Welcome Center
  
  72 Main St.
  
  Randolph, NY 14772
  
  800-331-0543
  
  amishtrail.com