Six Reasons to Learn at the Chautauqua Institution with Road Scholar
For more than 140 years, inquisitive adults have been coming to the Chautauqua Institution seeking intellectual growth and taking part in events led by some of the leading thinkers of our time. Located in the southwestern region of New York State, Chautauqua is a community offering superb educational programs in a serene and breathtaking environment.
There are lots of reasons to love Chautauqua, but we’ve put together six of our favorites.
1. Enjoy a Road Scholar-exclusive environment.
Summer is peak season at Chautauqua, but programs still take place during the fall and spring sessions. Those sessions are particularly special, exclusive to Road Scholar participants, they offer a more intimate atmosphere in this world-renowned campus. If you’ve already experienced the excitement of Chautauqua’s summer season, you might find an entirely different experience in the off-season.
2. Learn from expert instructors.
Just like all Road Scholar adventures, an educational experience in Chautauqua is led by expert instructors from a variety of backgrounds. Originally established as a teaching camp for Sunday school teachers in 1874, it’s always been a center for learning. Over the years, Chautauqua has hosted several U.S. presidents — Ulysses S. Grant, Franklin D. Roosevelt and Bill Clinton have all spoken at Chautauqua.
3. There are always new topics to learn about.
You’ll never be bored at Chautauqua! In the summer, each week is devoted to a different topic, while spring and fall sessions bring several topics to each week. This means that you could come to Chautauqua many times and learn about something new each time. Topics have included lectures and discussions on America’s National Parks, literature and foreign policy.
4. Stay at the historic Athenaeum Hotel.
Road Scholars enjoy comfortable lodgings at the charmingly quirky Athenaeum Hotel while at the institute. Located in the heart of the Chautauqua campus, this Victorian-style hotel dates back to 1881, one of the largest and oldest wooden hotels left in America. Nicknamed Chautauqua’s “Grand Dame,” this hotel is full of old-world charm, and it is on the list of National Historic Landmarks because of its high ceilings, grand staircases, columns and verandas. The Athenaeum includes modern amenities, so you’ll definitely stay in comfort in this fascinating building.
5. Immerse yourself in cultural performances.
Chautauqua Institution is a hub for the arts, offering a rich schedule of cultural performances that include concerts, theater productions and dance performances. Enjoying a classical music concert in the Amphitheater or watching a contemporary play, you'll find that the arts are an integral part of the Chautauqua experience. Providing both entertainment and deep cultural insights, these performances make your visit even more enriching.
6. There are many easy ways to make new friends!
Between lectures, classes and performances, there are many educational experiences to discuss with your fellow Road Scholars. But Chautauqua is also well-suited for social opportunities during your down time. In the summer months, you can try kayaking or walking around the lakeside campus with your new friends or sit back and relax together on the porch of the Athenaeum. There will be lots of chances to engage and bond with other Road Scholars, so you can anticipate heading home with some new friends.
Want to discover even more reasons to learn at Chautauqua? Learn more about this impressive institution on our website.
Want a first-hand look at Road Scholar at Chautauqua? Check out our video here.