This weekend, NPR dropped a gem. A new episode of Tapestry—the NPR-style show from Buffalo Toronto Public Media—was released, and I can’t recommend it enough.

Episode 111, titled “Welcome to Olcott,” is a beautifully produced, 28-minute tribute to a lakeside town that holds a special place in our heart. Not just as a local destination, but as one of the most magical spots anywhere.

Olcott isn’t just a small town near Niagara. It’s a place where history breathes, kids still ride carousels for a quarter, and you can feel the lake wind wrap around stories from a century ago.

Listen Now: “Welcome to Olcott – EP. 111”

The episode captures everything that makes Olcott special:

The revival of Lakeview Village Shoppes and the local pride powering it
A sweeping history—from steamships and trolleys to grand hotels and the glamour of the big-band era
Heartfelt interviews at Goody’s Gelato, the beloved Carousel Park, and more—every voice painting a picture of a town still full of life and memory

Search “Tapestry EP. 111” on your favorite podcast app, or visit Buffalo Toronto Public Media to listen directly.

Then & Now

Once dubbed the “French Riviera of Lake Ontario”, Olcott was a hub where steamships arrived from Toronto, trolleys from Buffalo and Niagara Falls, and trains even stretched all the way to New York City.

Grand hotels and promenades lined the shore, and the legendary Dreamland Dance Hall hosted stars like Glenn Miller and Louis Armstronng

Local Favorites

Goody’s at the Beach – Lakeside gelato, family-run, and full of heart.
The Olcott Carousel Museum – A charming step back in time, perfect for families and nostalgia lovers.
The Boardwalk – Quaint, quirky, and full of local color. Don’t miss The Bohemian Mermaid for handmade art, gifts, and Olcott flair.

🌅 Why Olcott Still Matters

Olcott’s harbor remains the deepest natural harbor on the southern side of Lake Ontario. But what really makes it special is the feeling:

It’s not loud or flashy. It’s a kind of gentle magic, a place that doesn’t beg for attention but rewards you if you stop and look.

It’s the laughter of kids on a 100-year-old ride.

The sight of fishing boats pulling into a calm harbor.

The smell of lake air mixed with popcorn and fresh-cut grass.

🎠 The Magic of the Carousel Park

If there’s one place where Olcott’s soul lives on, it’s at Carousel Park.

This isn’t just a kiddie park—it’s a living time capsule. The rides are restored originals from the Herschell Carousel Factory in North Tonawanda.

And yes, they still cost just 25 cents for kids.

Where else in America can you still find that?

With its hand-painted horses, calliope music, and lakeside backdrop, the park offers more than fun. It offers something rare—a glimpse of joy untouched by time.

🌊 Still Beautiful, Still Worth the Trip

Olcott may be quieter than it once was, but it hasn’t lost its soul. Places like Bye’s Popcorn, Krull Park (opening again soon!), and the harbor itself are living monuments to simpler pleasures.

Come for the nostalgia, stay for the peace. And leave with a memory you didn’t know you needed.

📍 Come See For Yourself

Whether you’re looking for a day trip, a slice of history, or just a moment of peace by the water, Olcott is worth it.

Worth the drive.

Worth the detour.

Worth remembering.

And guess what? We can take you there.

At Go Niagara Tours, we offer personalized trips to Olcott and other hidden gems throughout Western New York. You sit back and enjoy—we’ll handle the rest.

Because maybe that’s what makes Olcott so special—it’s not trying to be anything other than what it is.

Just wonderful.