Celoron, NY

Situated along the southern tip of Chautauqua Lake right next to Jamestown, Celoron offers a quiet village setting with a fun claim to fame. This friendly lakeside community is best known as the childhood hometown of comedy icon Lucille Ball. Back in the early 1900s, people traveled from all over to visit the village's sprawling lakeside amusement park. While the historic roller coasters and dance halls are gone, that classic resort-town charm still shapes the neighborhood today.

ATTRG. Edward Johnson / CC BY 4.0

Much of daily life here revolves around the water. Lucille Ball Memorial Park is the main hub in town, complete with a lakeside boardwalk, boat docks, picnic spots, and summer concerts at the bandshell, plus two life-size statues honoring Lucy. Residents enjoy an active boating and fishing scene through the warm months, along with peaceful lake views year-round. It is an easy place to slow down, while still keeping Jamestown's shops, restaurants, and everyday conveniences just a few minutes down the road.