Funny I live in Ohio an hour ish away and I’ve only ever heard it called Lakeside and never that big “C” word!!
I think it’s more of a IYKYK situation.
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There’s a wealthy lady on social media who (allegedly) recently got kicked out of the hotel there. She (alleges) that there are many parts and amenities of the hotel that are blocked off to regular guests and accessible only to the upper most echelon of guests. She posted the signage to these areas. When she complained, she and her husband asked to vacate. She also said the hotel is run down and not worth the cost of staying there (take with a grain of salt since she is disgruntled).
The only reason I hung on for the drama is because I am from NY and had never heard of this place, so I was intrigued. Seems like a cool place!
I’ve never stayed at the Athenaeum, but an older relative and I regularly visited the lobby years ago as we were fascinated by the extravagant floral attangements.
There are, btw, plenty of affordable places to stay – many with cooking facilities. As I write that, I am reminded of another relative who always met interesting people during the day whom she would bring “home” to dinner. The delightful vegetarian rabbi who came for a dinner of burgers will always be a favorite. Which in so many ways sums up the wonderful vibe of this place!
I’ve resisted saying anything. I have not been to the Chautauqua Institute. I have visited one in my state.
To me, and this is my opinion, it’s a great place. It was set up as a Methodist community at the beginning of the last century to promote faith and community. It retains that today.
It’s a place that many went to summer camp as kids, their kids went and their grandchildren will go. It’s not plush, it has that built a century ago shabby chic, we aren’t all that worried about plush amenities type of place. I’ve only been in a few cottages and while they are starting to be renovated, they are not lavish.
If you are looking for lavish and plush accommodations, go down the road to the very expensive cottage community where see and being seen are what you do.
I can see where it’s an ideal vacation for some. I personally don’t feel like I would fit in.
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100%. It’s not everyone’s cup of tea. You’re right in your assessment, @deb922.
And if your vacation time is limited and you are looking for something that is culturally or geographically different (travel) or very sporty or posh, it’s not that.
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We just came back from a Seabourn expedition cruise to Iceland, the Faroe’s, the Shetlands, and Orkney Islands. The Faroe Islands were STUNNING!!! The highest cliffs in Europe, surrounded by fjords, very friendly locals, rich history, amazing seafood. Would be an amazing place to have an active vacation!
There are all kinds of small group hiking tours that do the Faroe’s, including one from Butterfield and Robinson which we heard from others is a great company.
Domestically, we had an absolutely stunning stay at Blackberry Mountain in TN. It’s the sister property to Blackberry Farm but they own an entire mountain. Everything from hiking, to bouldering, to zip lining, to kayaking, to horseback riding, aerial yoga, etc… Food, service, and accommodations were some of the best we’ve ever experienced.
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Did you do Blackberry Mountain on your own or through a group? I think that’s the place I was shocked when I saw the price of, but I could be incorrect.
Stayed there for an event which was heavily subsidized by a family member. It is gorgeous and fun- but definitely on the high end of high. The staff is incredible, you will literally not lift a finger unless you want to-- but there are no ways to keep the costs down at all.
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On our own. Yes it’s pricy but it is truly special.
Thank you! I visited Longwood in spring many years ago! It’s just a few hours’ drive for me, so it might be worth a mini-trip sometime 
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