Visitors benefit from the fresh air, family time, and exercise the beach provides as you swim, beach, picnic, hike, or set off in a kayak. It’s a place that feeds the mind, spirit, and soul and recent visitors explain why.

Susan Conaway brought her granddaughter, fourth-grader Natalie Shields, for a day at the beach. Conaway is from California and now lives in Bradford. Her original plan for the day was to go to Sunset Bay in Irving, N.Y., but came here instead because of the short drive.

“I like the convenience from Bradford,” Conway said.

Their first stop was Docksider’s Cafe for lunch on the opposite side of Route 59 at Wolf Run Marina. They both had variations of shrimp that Conaway said are “moderately” priced. Her granddaughter had shrimp cocktail and a cheeseburger. Conaway had Mexican shrimp that was prepared with a mango sauce — different from what she was used to in California.

Pictured are California residents Greg and Amelia Miller who drove in from Bradford where they were visiting family.

Conaway’s granddaughter said she liked the beach and swimming there, even though the water was cold at first but once you got used to it, it was warm. Then off she went, back into the water.

Conaway said they went to Chautauqua Lake in the past but finds the seaweed too difficult to deal with. They had boated on Chautauqua Lake and experienced peaks and valleys where the water was too shallow.

Greg and Amelia Miller picnicked on a blanket nearby as Conaway meandered toward the water to rid herself of the biting beasts. The flies tried to attack the Millers but left them alone because they covered up with towels to keep the flies off their skin. The Millers were also from California and drove in from Bradford where they were visiting family. They brought their two children, aged 16 and 12, for a beach day.

Greg Miller said, “they don’t swim in northern California because the water is too cold, and you need a wetsuit to stay warm.”

The Millers enjoy Kinzua Beach and the views as they watch their kids enjoy the water. Some were using floating devices, like rafts and a large pink flamingo and smaller children played in the sand. Several power boats streaked by. The Millers did not know Susan Conaway and Natalie Sheilds until that day, but found they had a lot in common.

Pictured are Jamestown residents Nick and Nancy Russo, who recently enjoyed a trip to the Kinzua Dam Recreational Area. Visitors benefit from the fresh air, family time, and exercise the beach provides.

The flies did not bother Nick and Nancy Russo. The Russos came to Kinzua Beach to picnic in the peace and quiet under the tree canopy. The Russos live on the northside of Jamestown, and Nick Russo explains that they like Kinzua because of the “nature, scenery, and stuff you don’t get to see on the streets of Jamestown.” His work with the Board of Public Utilities leads him, sadly, to seeing the current epidemic of hypodermic needles littering the streets. They said they like to get away from that and expressed appreciation for the Allegheny National Forest scenery.

Nancy Russo said they enjoy Chautauqua County, too, and places like Panama Rocks and the Chautauqua Gorge State Forest as much as they like the overlooks here, like Jakes Rocks and Rimrock.

They said, “we like to see different places.” Nick Russo said the development of Jamestown’s Riverwalk and McCrea Point are nice, but the problem with duck droppings sounds like Chapman Dam State Park’s geese droppings problem.

The location the Russos chose for their picnic is a short walking distance from the parking area with great views of the water, beach, and boaters. Several grills and picnic table sites, close to the amenities building, are nestled among mature trees that provide shade, privacy, and a quiet atmosphere.

Kinzua Beach is a nice summertime destination. Be aware that there is a fly season, so pack the bug spray with your sunscreen. The important thing is to get outdoors and enjoy a fair amount of fresh air and exercise to boost our immune systems, calm our minds and spirts, and build relationships to stay healthy and strong.