It’s not often that laughter is encouraged in a museum. At the National Comedy Center, it’s expected. When the National Comedy Center opened in August, Lucille Ball’s vision of her hometown being a destination for comedy reached another level.

The immersive experience at this Jamestown museum is like no other. Once visitors receive a LaughBand, they create a “humor profile” based on their personal comedy taste. By choosing favorite comedians, TV shows and movies, the more than 50 exhibits throughout the museum can be catered to specific tastes.

Tapping the band throughout the museum creates a highly personalized experience. Visitors can create a meme, vote for which standup reel they want to watch and participate in a laugh battle (whoever laughs last wins). Highlights include Jerry Seinfeld’s puffy shirt, George Carlin’s archives and numerous other artifacts, including scripts. Steer clear of the Blue Room if you have kids with you: That space is reserved for adult humor.

The National Comedy Center joins the Lucille Ball Desi Arnaz Museum in Jamestown, which features “I Love Lucy” memorabilia and other artifacts from the famous comedy couple.

Visitors who would like to explore more of Chautauqua County can keep the laughter going at the new Chautauqua Harbor Hotel, where several National Comedy Center satellite exhibits are showcased.

The newest member of Hart Hotels’ Harbor Hotel Collection, the Chautauqua Harbor Hotel is situated on Lake Chautauqua where the Celoron Amusement Park once stood.

Newly opened this summer, the Chautauqua Harbor Hotel offers luxury accommodations to visitors looking to enjoy the waterfront. It is similar in design and amenities to its sister AAA Four Diamond properties in Watkins Glen and the 1000 Islands.

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