Griffis Sculpture Park and Lunch in Ellicottville
We spent the morning and part of the afternoon of April 26, 2009 on a Sunday drive. Even though it was a beautiful summer-like day, I didn’t feel like riding the motorcycle. I know that Bob would have rather ridden the motorcycle; however, he agreed to take the Nissan.
Our destination was Griffis Sculpture Park, which is the largest outdoor sculpture park in the United States. For over 42 years, the steel sculptures of Larry Griffis, Jr. and other international artists have been residing in the woods, fields, and even ponds of Griffis Sculpture Park. The 400 acre park is located eight miles outside of Ellicottville near Ashford Hollow, NY (Cattaraugus County). Griffis Sculpture Park is split into two sections, the Rohr Hill Road Site and the Mill Valley Road Site. We had hoped to visit both sections of Griffis Sculpture Park; however, the Mill Valley Road Site was not yet open. That section of the park opens on May 1st. The Rohr Hill Road Site, where a majority of the sculptures are visible from the road, is open year round. We wandered about the meadow and the woods of the Rohr Hill section of the park, while I snapped pictures of many of the sculptures. Who would have thought that you could find something so beautiful in a meadow in the middle of nowhere!
We stopped in Ellicottville, for lunch, on our drive back home.
Ellicottville is home to two ski resorts, Holiday Valley and Holimont. I was surprised to see that there was still snow on the ski slopes.
We ate lunch at The Gin Mill, a full service bar and restaurant. We both ordered one of the day’s luncheon specials — bourbon burgers and french fries. We ended our delicious lunch with dessert — apple pie for Bob and chocolate peanut butter pie for me. Here’s a couple photographs of The Gin Mill. The first photograph shows the bar; the second photograph shows Bob surfing the Internet on his iPOD.
After lunch, I took a few more pictures of Ellicottville before continuing our ride home.
Ellicottville Town Hall and Park
Daffodil in Town Hall park
The Gin Mill, where we ate lunch, is located behind the last two motorcycles on the right.
The Beauty Around Us 
4 Responses to “Griffis Sculpture Park and Lunch in Ellicottville”
Sounds like a great way to spend a day. I never knew there was a sculpture park like that around here. Very neat! Where do you find out about these things?
Skye – Bob went skiing at Holiday Valley with several of our exchange students. I looked on the Internet to see what attractions were near Ellicottville. I found Griffis Sculpture Park. We have visited the Rohr Hill Road Site a few times. We have visited the Mill Valley Road Site only one time. I plan to return to the sculpture park. By the way the boys would love the Mill Valley section of the park. Google Griffis Sculpture Park, and you will see what I mean.
I like reading your blog because you give Michael and I ideas for places to visit. Our “Beaver Town” was just north of Wellsville N.Y. on the exit ramp leading to route 19 south. Your pictures are so enjoyable!
HI Linda, We have been in Gatlinburg for a couple of days -enjoying the Christmas lights with friends, and also enjoying the Smokies!!!Love the sculptures… Never heard of that place… AND –Ellicottville looks like a neat place whether you ski or not…I'm so glad you are blogging again –and sharing some of your past trips. NEAT.Merry Christmas.Hugs,Betsy