“250 Ways to Explore Cattaraugus County” Part 2 of 5

“250 Ways to Explore Cattaraugus County” *Five-Part Series*

Ready to discover the Enchanted Mountains like never before? Whether you’re a local looking for fresh inspiration or a visitor planning your next adventure, we’ve created the ultimate guide: “250 Ways to Explore Cattaraugus County.” This isn’t just a list—it’s your year-round invitation to experience every corner of our beautiful region, from wild outdoor escapes to the coziest small-town moments, and what better way to celebrate America’s 250^th all year long?!

To make exploring easier (and more fun), we’ve divided these 250 ideas into a five-part series. Each post spotlights a different way to fall in love with Cattaraugus County:

• Part 1: Outdoor Adventure – 60 ways to enjoy the great outdoors!
• Part 2: Small Towns & Villages - 40 experiences celebrating our welcoming communities, charming main streets, and local gems.

Start your journey with the ideas below and stay tuned as we reveal the rest of the series. However you choose to explore, Cattaraugus County is ready to surprise you, inspire you, and welcome you back all year!

Ready to fill your day (or your whole weekend) with discovery? Here are 40 fun ways to explore, shop, and soak up all the local flavor that Cattaraugus County’s small towns have to offer:

Part 2: Small Towns & Villages

1. Stroll the historic streets of Ellicottville and admire its Victorian architecture.
2. Attend Franklinville’s Annual Maple Festival in April.
3. Attend the Ellicottville Fall Festival for crafts, food, and fun. Held annually in October.
4. Shop for antiques at Salamanca Antique Mall.
5. Explore Amish markets for handmade goods.
6. Hike the trails at Griffis Sculpture Park.
7. Visit the Seneca Iroquois National Museum in Salamanca.
8. Sample wines at the Winery of Ellicottville.
9. Enjoy a scenic drive through Allegany State Park.
10. Dine at a farm-to-table restaurant like Woodside Tavern on the Range.
11. Discover local history at the Cattaraugus County Museum in Machias.
12. Browse unique boutiques in Olean’s downtown district.
13. Attend a Festival, like the BasilicaFEST in Olean. Held annually in June.
14. Fish in the creeks and rivers.
15. Visit local farmers’ markets for fresh produce and crafts.
16. Tour the historic Haunted Hinsdale House or Wildwood Sanitarium.
17. Go horseback riding at a local ranch.
18. Experience the charm of the Leon Historical Society Museum.
19. Enjoy maple syrup tastings during Maple Weekends, held annually in March.
20. Buy your favorite chocolate at Enchanted Mountain Chocolates in Hinsdale.
21. Relax at a cozy bed and breakfast.
22. Try your luck at the Seneca Allegany Casino.
23. Join a pottery workshop at Tri-County Arts Council.
24. Indulge in maple all year long at Sprague's Maple Farms.
25. Attend the Allegany Nature Pilgrimage weekend. Held annually in May.
26. Hike to the sunflower field at The Songin Farm.
27. Attend a “Cruise-In” event.
28. Attend a Tractor Pull event.
29. Enjoy ice cream from one of our many ice cream shops.
30. Listen to music at a community’s Summer Music Series.
31. Bike along the Pat McGee Trail from Salamanca to Cattaraugus.
32. Tour the Pfeiffer Nature Center in Portville.
33. Attend Ellicottville’s Mardi Gras festivities held annually in March.
34. Find one-of-a-kind gifts at a craft fair.
35. Join in all of the fun at the Cattaraugus County Fair.
36. Take a scenic train ride during fall foliage season from the Gowanda Depot.
37. Go for a tour at the African American Center for Cultural Development. 
38. Watch a local play or performance at the Ray Evans Seneca Theater.
39. Buy fresh cheese from Valley View Cheese Company.
40. Take a tour at Eden Valley Creamery.

Photo credit: Mike Basher