Bemus Point Takes You Back to Yesteryear
By Carl Francis Penders (2010), travel writer from West Seneca NY
When Dan Dalpra bought the Bemus Point Shoreline Diner in 1992 and converted it into The Italian Fisherman with the idea of offering outdoor dining, his plans were met with something less than enthusiasm. He was regularly reminded that "no one eats outdoors."
Today, however, driving the entrepreneurial engine propelling Bemus Point's emergence as one of Western New York's most popular resorts, Dalpra's primary challenge is keeping up his ever-expanding vision.
Dalpra and his colleagues have turned Bemus Point, one of Chautauqua Lake's two pedestrian communities .. the other is the Chautauqua Institution .. into a family-fun and entertainment destination. The Italian Fisherman serves excellent steaks, seafood and pastas in a welcoming waterfront setting.
In 1998, with the goal of making Bemus Point a destination, the 40-member Bemus Bay Pops was born on the roof of The Italian Fisherman drawing thousands to the shore. Recognizing the roof's limitations as a concert venue, Dalpra looked out to the lake and on the water found a home for his orchestra and an outlet for his creativity conceiving the world's original floating stage. People come on foot and boat to the 60x60 structure taking in shows like Chautauqua Lake Idol, the Pops and a variety of acts throughout the summer.
Light the Lakes is the latest Bemus Point initiative, a Labor Day weekend fireworks extravaganza. Described as one of North America's largest displays, fireworks are launched all around Chautauqua Lake at nearby Midway Park, Lakewood, Findley Lake and also in Barcelona, a Chautauqua County town on Lake Erie. Visitors are drawn to Bemus Point and all around Chautauqua County from Ohio, Ontario, Pennsylvania and beyond for the weekend of activities highlighted by the massive fireworks over the water providing all with a super summer send-off and celebration!!
Of course, Bemus Point happens to be one heck of a cool haunt to simply hang out and plenty are content to do just that. Carol Skillman is owner of the 102 year old specialty retail store bearing her name. She says, "Everybody just loves to walk around the village. A walk around Bemus is also a stroll back in time."
The Hotel Lenhart, a landmark in operation since 1880, is a favorite for tourists and locals alike. The Lenhart's 53 rooms ranging from large parlor types on the ground floor to single bed rooms on the top floor continue to draw guests returning through a family's third and fourth generations.
The Victorian-era dining room serves breakfast daily and off the lobby is a formal parlor where upon looking hard enough you'll find one of the hotel's few concessions to modern life, a television enclosed in a cabinet. Adjacent to the parlor, the sun room, decorated with Charlotte Lucille Lenhart's artwork, grandmother of current owner John Lenhart Johnson is the choice for game players. And featuring a rainbow-like array of rocking chairs, the Lenhart porch is an attraction for those intent on watching the world go by and soaking in a Bemus Bay sunset.
Taking you even further into yesteryear is the Stow-Bemus Point Ferry connecting the two Chautauqua Lake points since 1811. Operating on summer weekends the ferry is a ride into a bygone era. Once on Bemus Point grounds awaiting your arrival is The Village Casino, a hub for ice cream, lakeside dining and nighttime entertainment. Upon leaving the Casino you will be greeted by the village park with its basketball courts and playground which provides a venue for games, classic boat, car and art shows.
"Bemus has a bit of Mayberry in it, with old-time values," says Laurie Miller, owner of the Bemus Point Inn, the classic diner known for its jumbo delicious cinnamon rolls and breakfasts.
I hope you enjoyed reading this 2010 historical article featuring all that was Bemus Point. Fast forward to 2019 when we experienced a Pops' name change and location change. The Chautauqua Lake Pops held its first official summer concert series in Mayville, NY behind the historic train depot. In 2020, the difficult decision to cancel the Pops summer concert series due to COVID-19 was made by CEO and founder, Dan Dalpra. Now, in 2021 Dan and his staff are making plans to relaunch the Pops for all to enjoy, again! It's time!
Music Matters, now more than ever!
Pat Locke
Maestro Muse
