Itineraries: A Step Back in Time
Provided by Finger Lakes Visitors Connection. 800-654-9798.

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.