Canandaigua.................................... Christine A. Smyczynski

Canandaigua: “the chosen place” Close enough for a day trip—or longer

STORY AND PHOTOS BY CHRISTINE SMYCZYNSKI

Sonnenberg Gardens & Mansion Historic State Park

One of my favorite places for an overnight getaway—or even a day trip—is Canandaigua, just under 100 miles east of Buffalo. Close to home, this Finger Lakes destination feels far away as you enjoy the city’s offerings and enjoy water sports, swimming, and fishing on the sixteen-mile Canandaigua Lake.

The name Canandaigua comes from the Native American word, Kanandarque, which means “chosen place.” A major Seneca village was located here, and it was also the site of the signing of the 1794 Canandaigua Treaty between the United States government and the six Iroquois Nations.

My husband and I spent a few days in Canandaigua last summer to celebrate his retirement. We arrived around lunchtime and headed to Neno’s Gourmet Mexican Kitchen, located at Star Cider (starcidery.com). We enjoyed tacos, along with a flight of hard ciders ranging from dry to sweet; our favorite was the rye.

Afterwards, we headed to the lakefront to stroll along the city pier. Local artists and photographers love to capture the picturesque 1903 boathouses near the end of it. We lingered on a bench to soak in the waterfront view.

We enjoyed complimentary checkin wine before heading to our room at the new Lake House on Canandaigua

Canandaigua city pier

(lakehousecanandaigua.com; see sidebar for more info), which opened in 2020 on the site of the former Inn on the Lake. Each morning, we visited the hotel’s screen porch to enjoy a gorgeous lake view along with an excellent breakfast.

What to do

As if the water weren’t enough, Canandaigua is full of attractions. We visited Sonnenberg Gardens & Mansion State Historic Park (sonnenberg.org), a manicured estate was that was the summer home of Frederick and Mary Clark Thompson. Frederick was one of the founders of what is now Citibank and Mary was the daughter of the governor of New York. Fifty acres of themed gardens include a rock garden and a huge oldfashioned rose garden, similar to those in colonial Williamsburg. Admission includes a self-guided tour of the three-story 1897 Queen Anne-style mansion.

On previous visits, we’ve gone to Granger Homestead and Carriage Museum (grangerhomestead.org), where you can tour a restored 1816 Federal-style mansion built by Gideon Granger, the first US Postmaster General. On display in the barns behind the mansion are over seventy nineteenth-century horse drawn vehicles. The museum hosts a full calendar of special events, including

Where to stay: the Lake House on Canandaigua

Photo by Alex Garcia

While 2020 sadly brought closure to many businesses, it was just the beginning for the Lake House on Canandaigua, which opened to the public in August 2020. In its first year, the property was named the number one hotel in Travel + Leisure’s top ten best resort hotels in New York State, and second in its top fifteen resort hotels in the continental US. It’s easy to see why.

The Lake House is the latest entry from the Sands family, who have a long history of resort ownership in Canandaigua. The latest Sands generation has combined passion for design and love for the lake to offer a carefree, relaxing experience.

Each of the resort’s 125 guest rooms and suites feature a view of either the town, woods, or Canandaigua Lake. My guest and I stayed in a lake view room, from which the picturesque grounds and pool area, gardens, event barn, and, of course, the lake, were all visible. While we could have spent our entire time sitting on that balcony soaking in that gorgeous scenery, we were glad we managed to pull ourselves away to experience all the resort has to offer.

The Willowbrook Spa, complete with a sunroom in which guests can enjoy fruit-infused water,stress-relieving teas, dried fruit, and other light snacks, offers a variety of spa services. The pool area offers a seasonal heated pool and hot tub, comfortable chairs and cabana space, and a pool hut serving drinks. Yoga, meditation, and other fitness and wellness classes are offered daily.

The Lake House’s two restaurants, the Rose Tavern and the Sand Bar, offer curated appetizers, entrees, and desserts—with quality service. The Lake House offers a truly relaxing and rejuvenating experience. Add it to your list of summer destinations. –Sabrina Kahwaty

the Christkindl Market, planned this year for November 11-13. In the past, I’ve enjoyed browsing the vendors set up in heated tents on the museum grounds.

Also check out New York Wine and Culinary Center, which features tasting, cooking classes, exhibits in New York State agriculture, and special events.

To learn more about area history, stop by Ontario County Historical Society (ochs.org) which offers educational programs and special exhibits. Fibers of our Lives: From Practical Craft to Decorative Art runs through April 2023.

Shopping and dining

Canandaigua’s Main Street is the widest in the country and makes a fun day for shoppers. I particularly like Goodie II Shop, which has giftware and home décor; Unique Toy Shop, featuring educational toys and games; and American Made, selling products made in the USA.

Once your bags get too heavy to carry, dining options range from casual to fine. On our most recent trip, we enjoyed dinner at Nolan’s (nolansonthelake.com), walkable from our hotel. Food and service were excellent as we enjoyed a dinner of steak and seafood. Another evening, we visited Nick’s Chop House (nickschophouseandbar.com) for lamb and pork chops.

Pizza and beer lovers should check out Twisted Rail Brewing (twistedrailbrewing.com/locations) but, wherever you eat, consider finishing the evening at Ice Cheshire Farm Creamery (cheshirefarmscreamery. com) for homemade ice cream.

For more about Canandaigua, contact the Canandaigua Chamber of Commerce (canandaiguachamber. com), 113 South Main Street, Canandaigua, 585-394-4400. FY

Christine A. Smyczynski is a freelance writer and blogger and author of Western New York Explorer’s Guide.

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