A Step Back in Time (Printable Version)

Day One

Arrive mid-day and begin your visit with a scenic luncheon cruise aboard the Canandaigua Lady, a 19th century replica of a paddlewheel steamboat, on Canandaigua Lake. After a leisurely cruise, head for Sonnenberg Gardens & Mansion, a turn of the century 50-acre garden estate featuring nine formal gardens, and arboretum, greenhouses, and a mansion which was built in 1887. Next, just a few blocks away, visit the Granger Homestead and Carriage Museum. The home was occupied by four generations of the Granger family and contains many original Federal period furnishings. Gideon Granger was the US Postmaster General for Presidents Jefferson and Madison. The Carriage Museum houses over 40 horse drawn vehicles from the 19th century. Also on the property is an 1822 law office. Then check into your hotel and enjoy a meal of Finger Lakes cuisine complemented by the local award-winning wines at one of our fine restaurants.

Day Two

Begin your day with breakfast at your hotel or one of the restaurants in the area. Head to Ganondagan State Historic Site, where centuries ago stood an Iroquois town where thousands of Native American Seneca lived. See an exhibit detailing their clan system, view a video program on the history of Ganondagan, visit the replica bark longhouse, and explore the trails and learn about the Seneca's strong connection with Mother Earth. Your next stop is the town of Clifton Springs, where in the 1800's visitors were drawn by the natural sulphur springs, which were thought to have curative powers, and a relaxing stay at the Sanitarium (which we would call a spa today). The Spa building is still an impressive landmark, as is the gingerbread cottage of Dr. Foster, the founder of the Clifton Springs Water Cure. Take time to explore this beautifully refurbished village and its unique shops before an elegant lunch at Warfield's in the Foster Block. Then spend the afternoon in Geneva, starting with the Prouty-Chew Museum, the headquarters for the Geneva Historical Society. Enjoy their period rooms, exhibits on Geneva's heritage, and walking tours of the historic neighborhood and Federal style row houses. Then take in , an 1839 Greek Revival Mansion overlooking Seneca Lake. There are over 20 rooms to view, furnished in elegant Empire style. A relaxing dinner at one of Geneva's excellent restaurants is in order before you return to your hotel for the evening.

The Road to Naples (Printable Version)

Begin your day exploring downtown Canandaigua - home to the widest Main Street in the USA! Don't miss the Country Ewe, the Goodie II Shop, Nadal Glass, Cats in the Kitchen, and the many antique shops, as you browse the storefronts and gaze at the beautiful flowers that line Main Street. Then there are some treasures waiting to be found in the nearby Bristol Hills. The small town of Cheshire, just outside of Canandaigua, is home to the Cheshire Union, a large converted schoolhouse. This landmark features the Company Store, on the ground floor, and the Antique Center and Gift Shop upstairs. Many unique things, new and old, can be found at the Cheshire Union. Next on your must-see list is the Wizard of Clay, where you will find the famous Bristoleaf pottery workshop and outlet, under a maze of geodesic domes. There is also a nature trail there, where those folks inclined to take a stroll can discover the origins of the leaves and plants used in making the Bristoleaf pottery. Bristol Harbour Lodge & Golf Resort is a spot not to be missed on your way south to Naples! Take in the incredible views of Canandaigua Lake from their expansive patio while enjoying a light lunch. Wind your way into the quaint village of Naples, home to the century-old Widmer's Wine Cellars. Take a guided tour of the winery, which ends with a complimentary tasting in their wine shop. Stop in at the unique shops in the village also, such as Classics and Timberwood. Afterwards, you can take in dinner at Bob & Ruth's Vineyard Restaurant, complete with a slice of famous Naples Grape Pie, and then a play at the Bristol Valley Theatre. Bristol Valley is the best in the region for professional summer stock theatre, featuring musicals, comedy, and mystery thrillers.

Fall Foliage, Food and Fun (Printable Version)

Begin with a drive along Route 5&20 west of Geneva, where you'll pass rural landscapes, restored farmhouses, and roadside farm stands. Be sure to stop at Amberg Wine Cellars for a taste of fine Finger Lakes Wine and a peek at their gallery of local art. When you arrive in Geneva, a visit to Red Jacket Orchards is in order. The old-fashioned farm market has a unique selection of local cheese, syrup, honey, bread, pies, and cookies, as well as seasonal fruits and juices for tasting the bounty of the harvest in the Finger Lakes! Consider stopping at the nearby Pasta Only's Cobblestone Restaurant for lunch. The restored 1800 farmhouse is well known for its fine cuisine, served up in style along with many Finger Lakes wines. Continuing along Routes 5&20 will lead you to the downtown Geneva area, where you can do some shopping, or take in a walking tour of notable buildings and row houses offered by the Geneva Historical Society. When shopping, don't miss Guard's Cards, the Country Basket, and the many antique shops that grace the downtown area here. Be sure to check out beautiful Seneca Lake while you're here, against the backdrop of the dazzling fall colors. You can visit Lakefront Park next to the Ramada Inn, or go a bit further east to the Seneca Lake State Park, both have walking trails that take in the view. Dinner in Geneva holds many options. Belhurst Castle is a favorite, offering elegant dining in a Romanesque castle built in the late 1800's. Or try Port's Café, where you can dine lakeside on their patio while enjoying a wide selection of Finger Lakes wines and micro-brews. Whichever you choose, your evening is sure to be filled with food and fun!

Day Trips (Printable Version)

Use Ontario County as your hub, and after visiting our many unique attractions, take excursions to other interesting destinations within an hour or so of Ontario County, and add even more variety to your Finger Lakes experience!

Day trip to Rochester could include:
George Eastman House & International Museum of Photography and Film
Strong Museum
Susan B. Anthony House
High Falls Laser Light Show

Day Trip to Wayne County could include:
Sodus Point Lighthouse Museum and the Seaway Trail
Long Acre Farms and the Amazing Maize Maze
Alling Coverlet Museum
Ontario Lake Wine Trail wineries

Day trip to Seneca Falls could include:
National Women's Hall of Fame
Women's Rights National Historic Park
Waterloo Premium Outlet Mall
Cayuga Lake Wine Trail wineries

Day trip to Auburn could include:
Williard Memorial Chapel, designed by Louis C. Tiffany
Seward House
Harriet Tubman Home
The Merry Go Round Playhouse

Day trip to Ithaca could include:
Cayuga Nature Center
Paleontological Research Institution
Ithaca Commons Marketplace
Greater Ithaca Art Trail

Day trip to Corning could include:
Corning Museum of Glass
Historic Market Street
The Rockwell Museum

Day trip to Penn Yan, Hammondsport and Keuka Lake could include:
Windmill Farm and Craft Market
Glenn Curtiss Museum of Aviation
Keuka Lake Wine Trail wineries