With its iconic clock tower off the shores of Chautauqua Lake lies the historic 750-acre gated community, Chautauqua Institution.

Founded in 1874, it has welcomed millions of visitors from across the state and nation.

Karen Goodell also has a home at Chautauqua, and is part of the Institution's summer assembly, together with her daughter and husband Tim, brother of NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and cousin of NYS Assemblyman Andy Goodell of Jamestown.

Karen grew up in Chautauqua County and has been visiting the Institution for almost 50 years.

"So, this place has always been extra special to me, but we, we love the balance. We love the going back and forth," she said.

Karen and Tim like to bike back and forth during the nine weeks of education, religious, recreational and performing arts programming.

They are on their way to the traditional three taps of the gavel ceremony that opens each season, following a season limited last year and completely virtual in 2020.

During his address, Chautauqua Institution President Michael Hill outlined Chautauqua's strategic plan, and an overview of the season.

"It's been a three year march back,” Hill said. “Open hearts and open minds. Have courage to lean into the things that you don't understand or agree with. And be in conversation. It's the magic of the place and we hope everyone brings that spirit."

Institution leaders say 22% of overall long-term ticket sales year, to date, come from New York State, with Buffalo, New York City and Rochester leading the way.

The same three cities also account for the largest share of single-event tickets to date, as 42% are sold to visitor’s in-state.

The next day, prior to the opening week's morning lecture, Karen met up with a couple other long-time fellow Chautauquans, from New York, equally excited to be back on the grounds.

"A summer camp for adults,” Angela James, from Manhattan, said. “And then it started to become just a refuge from everyday life. And we started coming for a week, for a month and finally for the entire season."

"The programs, the lectures, the evening performance mainly,” Susy Warren, from Buffalo, said. “But it's also the people. The people are so interesting."

Ticket holders made their way inside the amphitheater, including Karen and Tim.

Now in his 4th season, Spectrum News 1 caught up with a visitor from Rensselaer County in Albany, who was getting coffee before heading to the morning lecture as well.

"It's a blessed place. It's a welcoming place. The grounds are striking. The ambiance is of course deeply inviting so that's really why we're here," Anthony Gero, from Auburn, said.

He, along with the others, made their way inside the amphitheater, as did a long-time visitor from Auburn between Rochester and Syracuse.

"The speakers and the music and the general atmosphere are tremendous. It's a form of renewal to be able to come to renew and rest and be enlightened," Gero said.

The weekly themed season ends with the closing three taps of the gavel August 28.