Exploring Chautauqua County
Fredonia, Dunkirk, Silver Creek, and Lake Erie Wine Country — all from one front porch
A base for northern Chautauqua County
The White Inn is at 52 East Main Street in Fredonia, NY, near the center of the northern half of Chautauqua County. From the front porch, the SUNY Fredonia campus, downtown Dunkirk, the Lake Erie shoreline, Silver Creek, and the vineyards of Lake Erie Wine Country are each well under half an hour away.
That makes the inn a practical place to stay whether you are here for a college weekend, a wedding, a wine tour, a summer week at Chautauqua Institution, or a night between flights out of Buffalo.
Driving distances from The White Inn
| Destination | Distance | Drive time |
|---|---|---|
| SUNY Fredonia | about 1 mile | 4 minutes |
| Downtown Dunkirk | about 4 miles | 8 minutes |
| Lake Erie shoreline & Dunkirk Harbor | about 5 miles | 10 minutes |
| Silver Creek | about 11 miles | 17 minutes |
| Lake Erie Wine Country (Westfield) | about 14 miles | 20 minutes |
| Chautauqua Institution | about 26 miles | 40 minutes |
What’s Around the Inn
Downtown Fredonia
Right outside the door
The White Inn sits on East Main Street in the village center. The Fredonia Opera House, the Darwin R. Barker Historical Museum, local shops, and coffee are all a short walk away, and the SUNY Fredonia campus is about a mile down the road.
Dunkirk & the Lake Erie Shoreline
About 4 miles — 8 minutes
Dunkirk is the inn’s neighbor to the north, with the harbor, the Dunkirk Lighthouse, Point Gratiot, and Lake Erie beaches roughly ten minutes from your room. Summer sunsets over the lake are the reason a lot of our guests come back.
Silver Creek & Northern Chautauqua County
About 11 miles — 17 minutes
Silver Creek, Irving, and the Cattaraugus Creek area sit a short drive up the shoreline. Guests visiting family, fishing the creeks, or working in the northern end of the county often use the inn as a base.
Lake Erie Wine Country
About 14 miles — 20 minutes
The Concord grape belt along Route 20 through Brocton and Westfield is one of the oldest and largest grape-growing regions in the eastern United States, with tasting rooms strung along the lake. An easy afternoon out, and an easy drive back to dinner at the inn.
Chautauqua Institution
About 26 miles — 40 minutes
The lecture, music, and arts programs at Chautauqua Institution run all summer. Staying in Fredonia is a common alternative to lodging on the grounds during the busiest weeks of the season.
Buffalo & the Airport
About 45 minutes
Buffalo Niagara International Airport is roughly 45 minutes northeast, which makes the inn a practical first or last night for travelers flying in and out of Western New York.
Common Questions About the Area
Where should I stay when visiting Dunkirk, NY?
The White Inn in Fredonia is about four miles from downtown Dunkirk, roughly an eight-minute drive. Guests visiting Dunkirk Harbor, the Dunkirk Lighthouse, or the Lake Erie beaches often stay in Fredonia for the historic rooms and the on-site restaurant.
Is there a hotel near Silver Creek, NY?
The White Inn is about 11 miles from Silver Creek, a 17-minute drive along the Lake Erie shoreline. It is one of the nearest historic hotels with a full restaurant and bar on site.
Where can I stay near Lake Erie Wine Country?
The White Inn is about 14 miles from the Westfield end of Lake Erie Wine Country, roughly 20 minutes by car, with vineyards along Route 20 between Fredonia and Westfield even closer.
How far is The White Inn from Chautauqua Institution?
Chautauqua Institution is about 26 miles from The White Inn, roughly a 40-minute drive. Many guests stay in Fredonia during the summer season and drive down for lectures and concerts.