On a drive between Rochester and Ithaca, stop into these other Finger Lakes destinations.
Canandaigua
About 10,000 live in the sleepy town, located on the northern shore of Canandaigua, which comes to life with tourists in the warmer months. Festivals and farmer’s markets bring flocks of Finger Lakes visitors, who can also enjoy the town’s historical landmarks, beach, parks and lake activities and, of course, wineries and breweries.
Upstairs Bistro offers the best of all that Canandaigua has to offer.
Enjoy brunch, lunch or dinner with lakeview seats, either indoor or outdoor. The menu is as satisfying as the backdrop; the Bacon Mac & Cheese is a particular must, with three cheeses and bacon sourced locally. The restaurant is located in the New York Wine & Culinary Center, where you can sample wine, beer and spirits from the region in the Tasting Room. Take your education to the next level in the center’s state-of-the-art kitchen, which hosts a diverse lineup of hands-on cooking and pairing classes.
Canandaigua combines charm and chic for an experience worthy of a return trip.
Geneva
Also high on the quaint scale is nearby Geneva, along Seneca Lake.
Geneva’s downtown is an interesting mix of vintage and modern, with scores of new businesses situated in charming old buildings, alongside town mainstays. Dozens of restaurants dot the small streets, offering everything from home-cooked diner grub to fine dining. The shopping district features antiques shops, bookstores and more.
Stomping Grounds is a particular standout, with its used-book gems and unique gifts, including home accessories, art and antique maps. The shop embraces a vintage feel in much of its merchandise, enhancing the old-fashioned yet forward-thinking feel of the town. Linden Street is another spot that fuses old and new, with a print shop and a post office situated next to an eclectic mix of restaurants, bars and cafés.
LGBTs and allies in the area turned out last month for the annual FLX Pride Festival, benefitting The Center of the Finger Lakes, an LGBT center headquartered in Geneva.
Seneca Art and Culture Center at Ganondagan
The history and culture of the Native-American Seneca people is explored and celebrated at Ganondagan, in Victor.
The center is located on the site where thousands of Seneca lived until the town was destroyed in 1687. Scores of artifacts tell the story of the day-to-day life of the tribe and its impact on the surrounding region and nation.
See up close objects used by Seneca people for cooking, farming and medicinal purposes and hear stories about the tribe’s traditions and beliefs in interactive exhibits. From May-October, explore the Bark Longhouse, a full-size replica of the 17th-century structure that was key to Seneca life.
The two-year-old center is a must-see for visitors looking to understand and appreciate the history of the Finger Lakes region, which was shaped significantly by the contributions of the Seneca people.