The 10 Best Things to do Good for a Rainy Day in Jamestown, New York (NY)

The Lucille Ball Little Theatre of Jamestown, Inc. got its start in 1920 as “The Players Club”; a regional community theater group. In 1929, a young woman named Lucille Ball was cast in a play called “Within the Law”; this was Lucy’s first acting experience outside of school. In 1936, George and Harriet Warren came to Jamestown with experience from the Cleveland Playhouse and were hired as permanent, paid directors. The Warrens spearheaded the evolution of “The Players Club” into a new organization called “The Little Theatre of Jamestown”. The Little Theatre presented a full season of productions with revenue from annual memberships. From 1936 to 1945, membership grew from 1,100 to 5,400 Season Tickets; making Little Theater the largest membership theatre in the United States at the time. After continued growth and hugely successful seasons a permanent location was sought to house the organization. Jamestown's longest running entertainment facility, known as Shea's Theater, located at 18 East Second Street had recently become available. It was decided to proceed with the purchase of the historic building and to create a smaller theatre inside the old one. The ornate, Italian renaissance 2,000 seat auditorium was covered and scaled down to a 400-seat auditorium with a large front lobby area. A minimalist design approach was taken for the creation of the new home of the organization. The new theatre held its grand opening on April 19, 1969. In 1990, Jamestown’s most famous person, Lucille Ball, passed away. A formal dedication was held on May 24, 1991 to rename the theatre in her honor, with her daughter Lucie Arnaz and family in attendance. In December 2015, the Lucille Ball Little Theatre of Jamestown will enter its 79th Season of celebrating the performing arts through live theatre, entertainment, education and community involvement. The organization remains New York State’s longest-running community theater.

The National Comedy Center is the United States' official cultural institution and museum dedicated to presenting the vital story of comedy and preserving its heritage for future generations. Recently named the “Best New Museum” in the country by USA Today, and one of the "World's Greatest Places" by TIME magazine, the Comedy Center offers a visitor experience filled with laughter – featuring state-of-the-art technology, interactivity and personalization to create a one-of-a-kind, immersive museum environment perfect for the entire family. Based on the vision of Jamestown, NY native Lucille Ball for her hometown of Jamestown, NY to become a destination for comedy, the National Comedy Center showcases comedy's great minds and unique voices in ways that engage, inspire, educate and entertain. The Center’s award-winning LaughSafe program will keep everyone laughing safely, touch-free and worry-free throughout their socially-distanced experience in its expansive 37,000-square-foot museum.

Lucille Ball's hometown of Jamestown, NY honors the legacy of "The First Couple of Comedy" with the Lucille Ball Desi Arnaz Museum. The museum attraction is open seven days a week, and features replica sets, Lucille Ball's Emmy awards, costumes, rare memorabilia, and much more.

Southern Chautauqua County's history lives at the Fenton History Center. Visit the house museum in the 1863 Italianate Villa home of Reuben E. Fenton, 22nd New York State Governor and our Research Center in the historical Hall House that was built in 1846.

The Robert H. Jackson Center has been established to advance the legacy of U.S. Supreme Court Justice Jackson through exhibitry, and by pursuing the relevance of his ideas for current and future generations. Robert H. Jackson first gained recognition as a country lawyer from Chautauqua County. He went on to serve as Solicitor General of the United States, U.S. Attorney General, U.S. Supreme Court Justice, and Chief American Prosecutor at the International Military Tribunal at Nuremberg at the end of World War II. Guided tours are available from 10 am to 2 pm, Monday through Friday, and Saturdays by appointment only. Calling to schedule a tour is highly encouraged. Admission is free, but donations are gladly accepted.

Located across from the National Comedy Center, the Northwest Arena is the heart of Jamestown’s indoor activity throughout the year. A multiuse facility with dual ice pads, arena seating, walking track, snack bar and lounge, the Northwest Arena attracts residents and visitors alike for public skating, ice bumper cars, drop-in hockey, walking and running on the “cool” track, parties and special events as well as cheering on Jamestown’s home NAHL hockey team, the Rebel’s. More than just a center for sports and physical activity, people of all ages come to the arena to be with friends and teammates, bond with family members and catch up on the latest community news. The Northwest Arena: A cool place to be.

Reg Lenna Center for The Arts is at the heart of the arts and cultural district in Jamestown NY. The Reg showcases a wide variety of events including live concerts, movies, ballet, orchestras, gallery shows and more. The Reg showcases a wide variety of events, workshops, gallery shows and is utilized by many community organizations.

We specialize in unique burgers and have 65 signature wing flavors.