By Patricia Measer
Close your eyes and imagine relaxing in your perfect lakeside locale. In this idyl of nature, a soft green expanse provides room to dine al fresco with a few close friends, play games or lie back and sip something enticing while enjoying the cool breeze and the sounds of songbirds nearby. The susurrus of waves along the shore mingles with the scent of blooming flowers to ease you into a peaceful repose. Now imagine you can do it all right in Bemus Point – without having to buy waterfront property. That’s the concept behind a new business in the village, named “The Landing at BPT.”
The Landing at BPT is a hip and innovative members-only club that makes the most of the outdoor space next to The Fish and across the street from EBC. This spot was the former home of the floating stage and the Bemus Pops. The space will be kept open and will include picturesque seating and picnic areas, outdoor games, smokeless fire pits, and a place to dock your boat during the day if you want to visit by water. New landscaping will add to the unique yet relaxed feel of the space.
“It’s a little slice of heaven that you can enjoy on your budget,” says Debbie Lacks, general manager of The Landing at BPT. “It has that ‘Let’s pack a picnic and go’ vibe.”
Debbie said the impetus for the business came from her neighbor, Tom Skerl, who is also the owner. Tom is a businessman from Cleveland who spends every summer in Bemus Point. He owns a house here and loves boating and other lake activities. But he noticed a void among those who can share in that experience. “Tom is passionate about Chautauqua Lake and Bemus Point. He saw a way for others to enjoy being lakeside in Bemus, too, and he wanted to share a seat to the best sunset on the lake.”
After Tom purchased the lot, he tapped Debbie to help manage the business. Debbie, a native of Randolph, has experience in running Air BNBs, including one in Bemus. She thought about what her clients were looking for in a lakeside retreat and incorporated a number of ideas.
The Landing will be divided into ten sections, each with different uses. This layout will also minimize noise across the area to make it more relaxing. The games section will include favorites such as lawn darts, ring toss, and corn hole. You can also hang out on floating chairs with cup holders. Seating will include premium Polywood furniture comprised of gliders, rockers, swings, and distressed wood tables and chairs. Several wooden patios will dot The Landing, with light covers for a cozier feel. Another amenity to be provided is purified drinking water, courtesy of Tom’s Pure Water business. Members can also bring in their own food and drinks, or purchase from neighboring businesses.
Debbie noted that one of their goals is to meet the potential needs of club members while still being respectful of the community around The Landing. For example, when designing the new landscaping, she wanted to provide a cozy space and at the same time ensure that nothing blocked the view from EBC or from the street. “We don’t want to take away their view, we want to make it better,” she said. “This venue will be first class.”
Limited memberships are now available on www.TheLandingBPT.com. Each member has guest privileges. You can also rent the space for parties, with seating for up to 100 people. Charter members will have the first rights to renew next season. Five special memberships will be awarded to local lodging businesses so that they can offer access to The Landing as an amenity.
Debbie says they hope to open by May 30 or earlier. They also plan to have a special opening day set aside for the public to try out the space. Stay tuned here for more information.