Rochester is perfectly situated atop the Finger Lakes region to offer many relaxing and rejuvenating getaways, for romantic fun, a girls’ trip away, or some mom-and-dad respite time.
Date Night in Canandaigua
Canandaigua, the closest Finger Lakes community to Rochester, is the perfect spot to reconnect if you only have one free night.
Revisit your younger days by taking in a concert at CMAC. One of upstate’s premier outdoor concert venues, CMAC has both lawn seating (bring chairs or a blanket) and reserved seating under the shell.
This summer’s lineup of stars includes Tom Petty, John Mellencamp, Sam Hunt, Idina Menzel, the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra, Rod Stewart with Cyndi Lauper, The Who, Hans Zimmer, Jethro Tull, Santana, and The Avett Brothers.
Looking for a meal more upscale than concert concessions? Grab a pre-concert bite to eat at the New York Wine and Culinary Center’s Upstairs Bistro. With indoor and outdoor seating, you can enjoy drinks for two or with friends. The Bistro serves only New York State wines, beers, and spirits — complemented by meals highlighting farm-to-table ingredients — so you can feel virtuous about supporting the New York economy as you dine.
Prefer craft beer over wine? Try Naked Dove Brewery on Routes 5 and 20. The owners are passionate about the beer they make, and it shows. Taste any of the four year-round beers or the two or three seasonal ones, which include IPA, Porter, German, and fruit beers. When you’re done sampling, Naked Dove beers are also available to take home in growlers.
If you want to bet on a fun night out, the Finger Lakes Gaming and Racetrack’s video-gaming machines and live thoroughbred racing are just a quick stop off Route 96 in Farmington.
Photo by Erich Camping
Day Trip in Hammondsport
This lively town at the base of Keuka Lake was voted “The Coolest Small Town in America” by Budget Travel and is a favorite summer destination.
A perfect day would include a stop for lunch or dinner at our latest discovery — Timber Stone Grill, conveniently located in the center of town. The décor of wood, metal, and artifacts is as welcoming as the wait staff, who are friendly, attentive, and knowledgeable.
The menu features wine selections from Keuka and Seneca lakes, and the food is fresh, delicious, and attractively presented, for carnivores and vegetarians alike. The restaurant is popular so reservations are highly recommended in July and August.
Hammondsport has a rich history. The Glenn H. Curtis Museum celebrates the life and inventions of its hometown aviator, who got his start in bicycles, moved on to motorcycles, and then advanced to aircraft. The imagination, mechanical ability, and impressive work ethic of “The Father of Naval Aviation” is proudly displayed and well worth a visit.
If boats are more your thing, check out the Finger Lakes Boat Museum. The Finger Lakes have been used recreationally by boaters for centuries, and it’s fascinating to learn more about who and what local companies built the boats many enjoy.
You’re guaranteed to leave the museum having learned something new, like a way to remember the names of the 11 lakes that make up the Finger Lakes region. Both the Curtiss and boat museums have restoration areas where visitors can watch volunteers hard at work on various objects.
If you’re looking for unique or quirky furniture and accessories made from wine barrels, The Wine Barrel is definitely worth a stop. If you’d rather drink local wines and beers, try the Pleasant Valley Wine Company or the Brewery of Broken Dreams, both adjacent to the Finger Lakes Boat Museum.
Overnight Escapes in Skaneateles
You may not be able to pronounce the name, but you definitely won’t want to miss the chance to plan a romantic getaway to this quaint village, situated at the end of one of the most gorgeous lakes in the area.
Begin your staycation by booking a room at Mirbeau Inn & Spa, a lovely oasis that prides itself on “taking relaxation seriously.” Mirbeau has a colorful European vibe (think Monet and the French countryside), with charmingly landscaped grounds.
The inn offers a number of fantastic ways to be pampered, including The Roman
ce Package with a 50-minute “It Takes Two” couples massage. If that’s not enough to tempt you, there are instructional cooking, yoga, and fitness classes, along with an outdoor Aqua Terrace featuring a waterfall and hot spa pool.
After a long winter of taking care of everyone else, the award-winning spa is a welcome treat for any busy parent.
If you want to experience Skaneateles Lake and some of the area’s history at the same time, hop aboard one of Mid-Lakes Navigation’s boats. My favorite is the U.S. Mailboat (a three-hour tour) where daily mail is delivered to the more rustic dwellers at the end of the breathtakingly beautiful lake. The captain and crew are eager to share funny stories about nautical mail delivery and the lake’s residents. It’s highly entertaining to watch people come down to retrieve their mail, including the kids at the local summer camp.
Skaneateles boasts only one winery but it’s an excellent one — Anyela’s Vineyards, which will be hosting several performances in the new Robinson Pavilion during world-class Skaneateles Festival in August, making it well worth the trip.
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