10 Favorite Ways to Enjoy Ontario County

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Ontario County, located in the heart of upstate New York's scenic Finger Lakes Region, has everything you're looking for in a getaway destination. Family fun, outdoor adventure, intimate inns and gourmet restaurants…it's all here for you to enjoy.

And, just like our name says, we are your link to New York's Lake Country. Dive into any one of our five Finger Lakes, or try your hand at a variety of other aquatic activities like fishing, swimming and sailing. Discover the "fun of it all" in Ontario County.

With so much to see and do on the water, be sure to break away and explore all of our inland options. You'll be amazed at the variety of attractions, events and entertainment that our area has to offer.

Here then, is our list of 10 Must-Do's when visiting Ontario County's Lake Country:

1. Taste Grape Pie - One of the most talked-about desserts in the Finger Lakes Region is Grape Pie. There are three ways to enjoy this treat: pick some native Finger Lakes grapes and make your own; buy a ready-made jar of grape pie filling at a local farm market; or plan a fall visit to the village of Naples where you'll find authentic Grape Pies at roadside grape stands and local restaurants.
    
2. Sample Finger Lakes Wine - Some of the world's finest wines are produced in the Finger Lakes Region. In fact, it is the second largest wine producing region in the United States. Local favorites include Pinot Noir and Merlot, however, area winemakers are internationally recognized for their white wines such as Riesling and Traminette. Visit wineries along the Canandaigua Wine Trail for a sampling.
    
3. Get out on the Lakes - Whether it's fishing in the annual Seneca Lake or Canandaigua Lake Trout Derbies, cruising the waters aboard a narrated tour boat, or, just relaxing on a hot summer's day - you'll find waves of fun in our five Finger Lakes.
    
4. Experience an Outdoor Summer Concert - Lake Country hosts some of the region's hottest acts, like the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra, all summer long at venues such as the Finger Lakes Performing Arts Center. Bring your blanket and relax under starry skies in this unique, outside amphitheater.
    
5. Hit the Links - Golf is a popular activity in the Finger Lakes, and Lake Country is home to nine public courses that offer challenging layouts for every skill level. Whether you're looking for a taste of "old St. Andrews" at a Links-style course, or the championship atmosphere of a Robert Trent Jones design, you'll find reasonable rates and spectacular scenery add to the enjoyment from tee to green.
    
6. Enjoy the color of a Foliage Tour - There's no better way to experience fall foliage than by driving straight through the heart of it. In Lake Country, our quiet roads and scenic byways are an annual pilgrimage for those seeking a leisurely drive through hills and valleys dotted with brightly-colored treetops.
    
7. Ski "the vertical" - Grab your poles, hold on tight and head down the slopes of Bristol Mountain Winter Resort, where you'll rocket down the largest vertical drop found between the Adirondack and Rocky Mountain Ranges. If you prefer a slower pace, there are also plenty of groomed cross-country trails to choose from in this area.
    
8. Shop til' you Drop - From "malls to main streets," Lake Country has a fantastic variety of shopping alternatives. You'll find all the latest styles and fashions at the EASTVIEW Mall, or, visit a local boutique shop filled with historic antiques and locally-made products. It's all within an easy drive…or walk.
    
9. Go Fishing - You don't have to be an avid sportsman to enjoy the fully-stocked waters of Lake Country. In addition to the five lakes, a number of streams and ponds offer an array of species to catch, including: Trout, Bass, Carp, Perch, Pike, Pickerel and Land-Locked Salmon.
    
10. Take a Biking or Hiking Tour - There are miles of trails to follow in Lake Country, each offering spectacular scenery and varying degrees of difficulty. While many circumnavigate the lakes, others traverse unique areas such as abandoned railroad beds and downtown historic districts.

For more information on any of these suggested activities, please call: 1-877-FUN-IN-NY for more details.