Western New York

Bordered by Lake Ontario and Canada in the northwestern corner and Lake Erie and Pennsylvania to the south, western New York marches to its own beat. Tourists come to gawk at the spectacular Niagara Falls (actually three falls); NFL fans scramble for tickets to cheer on the Buffalo Bills; and many flock to Chautauqua where the cultural programs are a summer staple.

In 1825, the opening of the Erie Canal, affectionately known as the "Big Ditch," brought trade and prosperity to the area. Today kayaks and other pleasure craft have replaced the shipping barges and the tow path is a popular hiking trail.

Western New York has about 50 golf courses ranging from designer tracks like Seneca Hickory Stick Golf Course in Lewiston designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr., to family-friendly nine-hole layouts such as Hillview Golf Course in Fredonia and Sugar Hill Golf Course in Westfield. Miles of shoreline blessed by beaches along with a gently rolling terrain characterize the northwestern landscape reflected in the designs of courses such as Batavia Country Club and Brockport Country Club near Lake Ontario.

In the southern tier, the foothills of the Appalachians create dramatic elevations for golf courses such as Peek 'n Peak Resort's two tracks, Lower and Upper featuring some scary carries over deep ravines. Chautauqua is a magnet for those who love new ideas and art. A major deal, the Chautauqua Institution, offers a nine-week program featuring an eclectic melange of renown speakers, religious leaders and entertainers. For your golf fix, tee up at The Chautauqua Golf Club's two courses: the historic Lake Course designed by Donald Ross and the newer Hill Course (1994) revealing views of Chautauqua Lake.

Off-course take on the thrills at the Six Flags Darien Lake Resort or visit the 700-acre Genesee Country Village & Museum in Mumford, a 19th-century living history museum, home to the new hot air balloon, "Intrepid," a Civil War replica.

And here's an idea. Play great golf while cruising down the 454-mile New York State Seaway Trail starting south of Buffalo and running along Lake Erie, the Niagara River, and Lake Ontario. You can even spend a night in the circa 1875 Three Mile Point Lighthouse in Golden Hill State Park near Lockport after playing at Willowbrook Golf Club. You need to bring your own linens and towels, but hey, the three-bedroom lighthouse is only $200 a night.