Things to Do in Olean

On 134 acres of farmland outside of Fairport, the dedicated staff and volunteers of Lollypop Farm, the Humane Society of Greater Rochester care for thousands of stray animals each year. The open-admission shelter adopts animals of all breeds and species—including cats, dogs, rabbits, birds, horses, and pigs—and holds programs to educate visitors on the issues that contribute to the animals' overpopulation and difficulty in attaining advanced degrees.

The staff encourages families to visit the animals and enjoy the outdoor farm petting area, and oversees younger visitors as they build bonds with animals through education programs such as basic pet care for 3–5 year-olds. The Future Vets program teaches aspiring veterinarians in fifth–eighth grades how to conduct basic exams and begin working toward careers in animal care or pig-to-horse translation services. Summer farm camps also provide a hands-on experience as young visitors have fun feeding animals and caring for their own designated camp pets.

In 1930, golf enthusiast and LeRoy resident Donald Woodward, the youngest son of Jell-O magnate Orator Woodward, was determined to bring his dream of a hometown golf course to fruition. He lamented the fact that his fellow townsmen had to settle for miniature golf because regular golf was unaffordable. After turning his personal airport into a driving range, Donald continued spreading his golf seedlings by building LeRoy Country Club, a nine-hole track sprawled across 30 acres.

The first fairways opened in 1931, and after five years of success and the tireless efforts of a 25-man crew, the grounds expanded to the 18-hole course golfers experience today. Golfers must contend with the landscape's rolling terrain and frequent water hazards, then can head straight to the course grill after rounds instead of waiting in the ghost-filled breadlines lingering from a bygone era.

Course at a Glance:

• 18-hole, par 72 course

• Total length of 6,579 yards from the back tees

• Course rating of 71.2 from the back tees

• Course slope of 122 from the back tees

• Three sets of tees per hole

Sean and Hannah Maurer founded Lake Lane Fishing and Hunting Getaway so families could have a place to experience the outdoors together. The fishing grounds—a trout pond, a second pond with bass, bluegills, and bullhead catfish, and a creek—stay open all year for fishing by appointment, and since Lake Lane is a New York State Fishing Preserve, no license is required. In addition to renting gear and selling bait, the staff teaches angling basics, such as how to fly fish or catch a fish directly in your mouth. The 2013 Sports Show on June 1 and 2 features a free youth fishing tournament. Adults must pay a $25 registration fee for a trout and bass tourney, but cash prizes will be awarded to all age groups. Pre-registration is recommended.

Lake Lane's hunting grounds host both small and big game, including wild turkey and white-tailed deer. A shooting range also caters to hunters with bow and rifle targets. In order to help guests extend their outdoor adventures, campsites for self-contained tents and campers are available, and the Maurers have plans to introduce all-season cabins equipped with outlets for sno-cone machines in the near future.

Members of Lake Lane Fishing and Hunting Getaway get special privileges, such as entry in the monthly trout and bass fishing tournament. Additionally, Lake Lane hosts special annual events, including a sports show and chicken barbecue, and the Maurers operate a small lumberyard and sawmill onsite that offers custom furniture from black walnut coffee tables to computers made of solid oak.

Students' minds and bodies are equally important at Grounded By Yoga, where a wide variety of classes help strengthen muscles while fostering a peaceful, balanced state of being. Novices and advanced practitioners find comfortable niches in the studio's repertoire, which includes classes and holistic workshops ranging from prenatal yoga to tai chi and meditation classes. Instructors strive to help students develop a well-rounded yoga practice, combining and balancing postures and breathing as well as concentration and meditation.

Nestled on 101 acres of Little Valley, Dunham Sport Horses’ indoor- and outdoor-riding facilities host riders of all experience levels and mold them into safe, well-rounded saddle sitters. During lessons, visitors hop atop one of the friendly school horses to get instruction on basic equitation, jumping, or dressage. Alternatively, riders aged 5 and older can participate in the stable's camp, which aims to instill proper equitation techniques and improve riding skills through concentrated practice. When they’re not doling out instruction, the equine experts on staff lead visitors on picturesque trail rides through the mountains of Cattaraugus County, which begin with a brief lesson and the opportunity to mentally prepare oneself for views that will physically remove the breath from one's mouth.

Between rugged cliffs stretching hundreds of feet toward the sky, a foaming river surges toward waterfalls and gentle tributaries. Upon its arching rapids tumble buoyant rafts, ferrying animated passengers who scream with delight at each bump along the way or sudden bald eagle sighting. For the experienced guides at Zoar Valley Canoe and Rafting Company, this is an everyday experience.