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Explore Canandaigua
Finger Lakes New York Attractions near Our Location in Canandaigua
After enjoying restful sleep and a gourmet breakfast at the 1795 Acorn Inn, explore the spectacular Finger Lakes region of Upstate New York.
With everything from outdoor recreation to top-notch performing arts, there is always something to see and do in the beautiful Finger Lakes.
Finger Lakes New York Wine Region
The Finger Lakes region is known for producing award-winning wines. Famous for Rieslings and Gewurztraminer, this is the second largest wine-producing region in the US. With more than 80 vintners producing distinguished varietals. Inevitably, there is sure to be something to satisfy every pallet. Go to New York’s Wine and Culinary Center to sample New York’s best. Or, enjoy wine and food pairing classes or take a cooking a cooking class hosted by well know culinary experts. Be sure to book those classes well in advance.
Whether you drive yourself or sit back and relax in a luxury sedan with your own personal driver, wine tasting in New York’s Finger Lakes is unlike any other wine tasting experience in the world. Many wineries and their tasting rooms overlook beautiful rolling hills, vineyards and the majestic Finger Lakes. Several also offer educational wine tours.
Wine Tour Services
While the Finger Lakes are easy to navigate, there are plenty of options for guided tours. Firstly, Quality Transportation offers comfort and luxury with a private tour. Then, Main Street Drivers offers another alternative… a private tour with one of their drivers in your own vehicle. Additionally, Crush on Canandaigua will guide you through several wineries in a mini coach with several other guests. Sometimes they can pick you up at the B & B, other times you will need to meet up with them. And, finally, the Wine Car Trolley operates on Seneca Lake. Hop on and Hop off.
Shopping Around Canandaigua, NY
Antiquing is a favorite pastime here, in a place that is rich in unique shops to satisfy every collector’s needs. Several quality antique stores are located less than five miles from the Inn.
Quaint downtown shops and roadside stores offer unique wares to remember your time here or to find a gift for someone special. A favorite locally-produced souvenir is maple syrup. Malls and outlet stores are also abundant.
Finger Lakes Region Shopping
There are many quaint shops in downtown Canandaigua and throughout the Finger Lakes. Additionally, antiquing can be quite fun. The Ontario Mall Antiques is located about 20 minutes from the 1795 Acorn Inn Bed and Breakfast and can keep you entertained for hours. With over 1,000 dealers, you are sure to find a historic treasure.
Outdoors in the Finger Lakes
Outdoor enthusiasts will find plenty to do in the Finger Lakes. Boating, fishing, swimming, canoeing/kayaking and horseback riding are just a few. Take a hike or a bicycle ride along numerous trails as they meander through beautiful woodlands or along the lakes. Once at the 1795 Acorn Inn, guests can browse through editions of Take a Hike, Take Your Bike and Take A Paddle as well as 200 Waterfalls. These guides, by Rich and Sue Freeman, show where to go in the Finger Lakes and allow you to choose locations based on your skill level, time availability and many other factors. Or, just ask your Innkeeper.
Golf is also popular here and a reason in and of itself to head to the Finger Lakes. Numerous public golf courses prove challenging enough even for the seasoned player while the spectacular scenery enhances your experience at each tee.
The countryside is beautiful any time of the year. But there is nothing quite like the Finger Lakes region during the fall. The tumbling hills, green valleys and the lakes ides are seemingly lit from within with the vibrant reds, yellows and oranges of turning leaves. A visit to the Inn isn’t complete without a fall chairlift ride at Bristol Mountain to view the splendor from 1,200 feet above. On a clear day (which is most days in the Finger Lakes), you can see Canandaigua Lake.
In the winter months, enjoy downhill skiing and snowboarding at Bristol Mountain Winter Resort . Expert, intermediate and novice runs whisk skiers down the largest vertical drop between the Adirondack and Rocky Mountain ranges. A recent addition to Bristol Mountain’s endless activities is winter ziplining. Undoubtedly one of the more thrilling winter activities. Or slow things down a tad with cross-country skiing and snowshoeing at Cumming Nature Center.
Finger Lakes Region Hiking, Biking & Riding
Just like water sports, outdoor adventure in the Finger Lakes abounds. As a result, the options are endless and thrilling. With so much to offer, your adventure can be tailored to suit your age and ability. Therefore, a fun time can be had by all.
Finger Lakes Region Water Sports & Attractions
The options for water sports around Canandaigua Lakes and the surrounding Finger Lakes are endless. As a result, it is recommended, if you are an outdoor enthusiasts, that you add an extra day or two to your stay.
Canandaigua Sailboarding (Kayak and Stand Up Paddleboard Rentals)
Canadice Lake Outfitters (Canoe, Kayak and Bike Rentals on peaceful Canadice and Hemlock Lakes)
Finger Lakes Region Golfing & Skiing
Rochester is known for its golf courses. Several are located close by to the 1795 Acorn Inn Bed and Breakfast. Bristol Harbor, a Terence Trent Jones course, has stunning views of Canandaigua Lake. Reservoir, known to be quite a challenge, is located at the south end of Canandaigua Lake. And, not to be missed, Bristol Mountain… the premiere downhill and cross-country ski resort in the Finger Lakes.
Finger Lakes Events & Culture near Canandaigua, NY
For history buffs, a trip to Sonnenberg Gardens, the Granger Homestead and Carriage Museum and the Genesee Country Museum is a half day affair. For the photography enthusiast, the George Eastman House is a must. And, for those with an interest in glass, the Corning Museum of Glass is just a short one and a half hour drive. At the museum, don’t miss the opportunity to blow your own glass object at the Artists’ Studio. Ask your Innkeeper to show you her creations.
People who appreciate the performing arts will want to take in a performance at the Bristol Valley Theater. Or go to the Marvin Sands-Constellation Brands Performing Arts Center, an outdoor amphitheater where guests can enjoy the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra and musical performances by well known artists. Check out the upcoming season. You just may bump into your Innkeeper there. Probably her most favorites are Keith Urban, Lady Antebellum, The Avett Brothers, Peter Frampton and so many more.
Want some real excitement? Whether it’s the mounting anticipation of three sevens lining up or the thundercloud of hooves pounding around the clubhouse turn, visit the Finger Lakes Gaming & Racktrack.
Finger Lakes NY Festivals and Events
The stunning Finger Lakes offers the perfect backdrop for many festivals and events throughout the spring, summer, fall and winter. Visit the Finger Lakes Visitors Connection to view a Calendar of Events.
Finger Lakes Region Museums & the Arts
Consequently, if outdoor adventure isn’t your thing, enjoy one of the many historical sites, festivals, arts or other cultural activities the Finger Lakes has to offer. Conveniently, CMAC, an outdoor amphitheater offering many musical performances, is just 10 minutes from the B & B. Additionally, if you are a history buff, many sites are located close by as well.
Unique Finger Lakes Dining around Canandaigua
Dining choices vary from humble cafes to restaurants serving fine continental cuisine and everything in between. Regardless of your choice, most recommended restaurants are a short drive from the Inn. Enjoy a great meal in a historic building or hop aboard the Canandaigua Lady for a lunch cruise on Canandaigua Lake.
If you love grapes, be sure to try a slice of the area’s most talked about dessert Grape Pie. In the fall, visit the quaint village of Naples to experience the Grape Festival or stop by Monica’s Pies year round. In the summer, there’s nothing more enjoyable than taking a stroll along the lakefront while viewing art from local artisans. See the Chamber of Commerce web site for a comprehensive list of local festivals.
Finger Lakes Region Dining
Your Innkeepers favorites are many. Upon check in, we will provide you with a restaurant option list. This list will provide all the information you need during your stay, including directions. In the meantime, if you want to get a head start and take a look at some of the restaurant options, just click on any of the restaurants listed and you will be taken to their web site.
Canandaigua Lake
Brown Hound Bistro (Rochester)
Cafe Sol (catering and private events)
Good Luck (Rochester)
Mendon64 (Mendon)
Warfield’s Restaurant & Bakery
Seneca Lake
Red Newt Bistro (Lunch only until 3:00 pm; selected items until 5:00 pm)
Suzanne Fine Regional Dining (Cooking Classes only)
Top Finger Lakes Attractions to Visit
Things get booked up pretty quickly so what follows are some suggestions for a few things you might want to plan in advance:
- Chauffered Wine Tour – Available year round, Quality Wine Tours
- Wine Pairing/Cooking Classes – Available year round, New York Kitchen
- Guided Bike Tour by Geneva Bicycle Center
- Plays and Musicals at the Bristol Valley Theater
- Outdoor Concerts at the Constellation-Marvin Sands Performing Arts Center
A Day Trip to Niagara Falls from our Canandaigua B&B
Niagara Falls, the Niagara Falls Botanical Gardens and Butterfly Conservatory and Niagra on the Lake are an easy day’s trip. See the Niagra Falls Tourism site for more information.
Local Breweries & Distilleries
During the past several years, the brewery scene has exploded in Canandaigua and nearby Finger Lakes. The Finger Lakes Beer Trail is a great place to start. Each brewery has something different to offer. Different styles of beer with each microbrewery having their own specialty. Many microbreweries source NY STATE hops, grains and malts for production. And many offer samplings prior to ordering so you can be sure to love your pint or growler. Some serve food. Some have music. Some are located right on Canandaigua Lake. Even one popular New York City Brewery, the Other Half, has recently set up shop in the Finger Lakes. And, don’t miss the New York Beer Project in nearby Victor.
New York isn’t the Empire State without a call out to apples right? New York’s great fruit has found a calling in the beverage industry with many producers finding that hard cider is the new frontier of the agri-beverage market. From light and sweet to crisp and acidic, the flavors, food pairings, and palates of cider are in fact quite similar to that of wine. Explore the variety of hard ciders that are popping up throughout the region, many of your favorite wine and beer producers are now even bringing ciders into their offerings as well.
Old Goat Cidery at the Apple Shed
Original Stump Blower Ciderworks
And perhaps we’ve saved the best for last… If your favorite definition of the season means summer sipping on a cool cocktail, a mean martini in the fall, or a keep warm blizzard bourbon, have no fear that the Finger Lakes is offering a variety of spirits with many of them sourced from locally grown ingredients, to whet your whistle. Award winning spirits both in New York and across the nation are being produced in the Finger Lakes and a creative concoction is right around the corner with a visit to Finger Lakes producers.
Additional Planning Resources
To learn more about the Finger Lakes Region of New York, and assist you in planning activities during your stay at the 1795 Acorn Inn, we encourage you to visit the following web sites: