PhotoStory Friday! {Chautauqua Institution}

Hosted by Cecily and MamaGeek

My favorite place in the world is Chautauqua Institution. Let me tell you a little bit about this fabulous place and why it is one of my favorite places in the world. It is a place to renew and learn about the arts, education, religion, and recreation. It is located on Chautauqua lake-another favorite place of mine. I studied music here for many years. I have performed in the amphitheater more times than I can count throughout my life. I have walked the grounds and taken in all of it's beauty and energy since I was a small child. I graduated high school on the amphitheater stage. It is meaningful and beautiful to me. People from all over the world come to visit this beautiful mysterious place-and leave renewed and refreshed each time. The Chautauqua Institution was founded on the belief that everyone “has a right to be all that he can be -- to know all that he can know.”

When I graduated from high school, my mother gave me a gold Bell Tower Necklace that is somewhat of a staple if you own one and live in this area. They are all handmade by an elderly woman that lives in Chautauqua Institution. The time on my necklace is engraved at 1:00pm-when I was born. My birth date is also engraved on the back of it. It is one of my favorite pieces of jewelry.

Here is a photo of the piece of jewelry...

{not my actual necklace because I don't have a good close up picture of it, but this is the charm itself}.

This last year Ron, Brayden and I spent an entire day there walking around-eating the gourmet food and relaxing while taking in this beautiful place and day. It was our 6th year Wedding Anniversary. We took many beautiful photos so I could create a collage to put in the house. Here are some gorgeous photos from our day there.

This is the main entrance into Chautauqua Institution:

Once inside, here are some of the breathtaking views, architecture, homes and scenery you can expect to see as you walk the small hand laid brick sidewalks:

Almost everyone has Gladiolas out on there front porches on display

{and we all know how I just LOVE Gladiolas}

Here is the Hall of Philosophy. Weddings, famous speakers, church sermons and so much more are held here on a daily basis.

Ahhh-the lake...

Here is the gorgeous Athenaeum Hotel:

Here is my favorite-the Miller Bell Tower on the lake:

{the necklace I posted above}...

And to end with a funny-here is Brayden in his stroller enjoying the scenery.

No Bikes & No Cars are allowed

{but}

The Brayden chillin' in his stroller is permitted

{he's such a rebel}

What a hoot eh?

Happy Friday!

-The Snow Family

{ If you want to see more beautiful photos others have taken click HERE.

To read more about Chautauqua Institution itself or to visit their website, click HERE. Enjoy!}