8 minute read
Attraction Guide
Cummings Nature Center
Celebrating the unique landscape & culture of the Finger Lakes
Rochester Museum & Science Center’s (RSMC) Cumming Nature Center (CNC) stretches across a 900-acre nature preserve just north of Naples. Its upland forests, wetlands, meadows, beaver ponds, rare hemlock bogs, and other diverse habitats are accessible along 15 miles of trail. One of CNC’s most popular natural features is its iconic stand of red pines.
“People love rounding the first corner of our Beaver Trail to be greeted by a beautiful view of the red pines,” explained Sarah Jacoby Murphy, CNC Events and Communications Specialist. “The pines rise up on either side of the trail like cathedral walls and walking through these trees often resonates with our visitors on a deep level.”
With a focus on creating positive, rejuvenating experiences in the woods, CNC provides many opportunities for people to get outdoors for hiking, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and more. CNC also hosts events throughout the year, such as Maple Sugaring and BioBlitz, and welcomes children for Curiosity Camp programs to help the community explore the complex connections between humans and nature.
In addition to these programs, CNC offers environmental education programming through Forest School. Forest School programs provide a weekly opportunity for students ages 2-15 to engage in environmental education through hands-on exploration, outdoor skill-building, and unstructured nature play. The Walden Project, a yearlong education program for high school students, is modeled on the writings of Henry David Thoreau and emphasizes a hands-on, self-driven learning experience immersed in the natural world.
There are some exciting events and updates planned for 2021, including FLX Fermentation Fest in August, an ongoing Woodland Window research and observation project, and updating the ski rental offerings for the coming winter.
“Getting people to engage with and learn from the environment is so important, and that’s exactly what we do here at the nature center,” said Jacoby Murphy. “Over the last year, we’ve seen more and more people discover the value of spending time outside. Looking forward, we hope to continue getting our community excited about exploring nature by nurturing their interest in the outdoors.”
For more information about CNC, go to RMSC.org.
ATTRACTIONS IN NAPLES Bristol Valley Theatre Show-stopping, NYC quality theater
In the heart of Naples stands Bristol Valley Theatre (BVT). Inside its unassuming exterior, brilliantly performed, professional live theatre makes its way into the Finger Lakes, delighting arts patrons both nearby and abroad. Originally founded just north of Naples in 1964 as the Bristol Valley Playhouse, the BVT was purchased by local nonprofit, The Friends of the Bristol Valley Playhouse, and moved to its current location: a vacated church space which has been completely transformed. Although BVT successfully pivoted to virtual theatre in a necessary response to the pandemic, performers and patrons alike eagerly anticipate the return of live shows this season. What could be more enjoyable than treating yourself to a show after enjoying Naples wineries, restaurants, artisanal shops, and other points of interest?
According to BVT Associate Artistic Director Katelyn Machnica, there is nothing better! “We are so pleased to bring professional theatrical productions to the Naples Valley,” she said, adding that theatre goers visit from as far away as Buffalo, Syracuse, and Downstate. “Communities need the arts just as they need libraries, schools, and hospitals. It opens our beautiful little corner of the Finger Lakes to a whole world of experiences and ideas.”
Like many at BVT, Machnica is looking forward to performing before live audiences again. “We are so excited to return to live theatre,” she said. BVT has designed a safe season for patrons, staff, and actors alike. Shows will have limited distanced seating for 50 patrons per performance, feature fewer actors, and adhere to all safety protocols. “We are so humbled and grateful to be coming back, and it is all thanks to the efforts of our community and supporters,” Machnica shared. “We can’t wait to see our patrons in person once again.”
“BVT is dedicated to bringing life affirming programming to our patrons, professional performing art that examines, enlightens, and enriches the human condition,” said Machnica. “We are so grateful for everyone, from our students who let us know they missed our classes to our patrons who raised an incredible amount of funds for us. It speaks to the support from our community and their desire for live theatre to return. We are excited to make art together again!”
TO BE OR NOT TO BE
Disruptive
Tips for Putting your Best Foot Forward at the Theatre
There’s no better place to enjoy some live theatre than with the Bristol Valley Theatre in Naples. A live show comes with its own set of etiquette and manners. New to theatre? Here are a few key tips to help you attend the show like a pro! • BE RESPECTFUL • RESPECT PERSONAL • KEEP THE VOLUME LOW BUBBLES • NOT EVERY SHOW IS THE DINNER THEATRE • NOT YOUR CAR RADIO SING-A-LONG • • TAKE-IN, TAKE-OUT NO FLASH PHOTOGRAPHY • DON’T LEAVE FOR THE SAKE OF IT
It features heavily contoured greens, dramatic changes in elevation, and has challenging rolling fairways with many mounds and sand bunkers. All skill levels will enjoy the course. Come and play Reservoir Creek or check out the new clubhouse. The scenery alone is worth a visit! Make a tee time and fi nd out more at rcgolf.com or call 585-374-8010
Challenging layout, and some of the undulations of the greens are nerve wracking.
Great views of the fall foliage and vibrant
colors. Fun and enjoyable afternoon of golf! – Anthony S.
What a beautiful golf course! Especially breathtaking in the fall. Great layout and extremely well-maintained! Do yourself a favor and play a round here, you’ll come back! – John A.
ATTRACTIONS IN NAPLES Reservoir Creek Golf
A beautiful golf course with expansive vistas & challenging holes for all levels
Flowing effortlessly over the rolling hills of Naples Valley, Reservoir Creek Golf Club intrigues experienced and novice golfers alike. Reservoir Creek is one of the most picturesque courses in the Finger Lakes area. The unique character of its forested settings only enhances the enjoyment of Reservoir Creek’s neatly manicured, challenging greens and tight, well-kept fairways. A compelling combination of complexity and pastoral beauty has made the golf course a Finger Lakes destination.
Reservoir Creek has been a part of Naples Valley for over 20 years, and Tony & Holly Deusenbery took over management of the golf course nearly a decade ago. “I see Reservoir Creek as one of the jewels of the Naples community,” said Tony Deusenbery. “We draw people from all over Western New York, including Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse, Binghamton, and Elmira.” Reservoir Creek plans to welcome visiting golfers with safety protocols in place in preparation for the 2021 season.
In addition to its attractive course and reputation for extraordinary customer service, Reservoir Creek supports fellow local businesses and features a spectacular clubhouse. Popular for its daily food and drink specials, the Reservoir Creek Clubhouse is a full-service restaurant open to the public. “We invite you for an experience you will want to repeat!” said Deusenbery.
This golf course is by far the very best and the most beautiful, scenic golf course
in Western NY! Fun, yet challenging for even the most seasoned veteran golfers! The owners are so friendly, and the staff is amazing, friendly, and very helpful. This course should definitely be on your next golf trip list! You won’t be disappointed! – Linda C.
Naples SERVICES GUIDE
The cry of our heart is to know God and make Him known. Come and join us Sunday mornings at 9:30am for worship.
Dick Matthews, Interim Pastor 7609 County Road 36 • Naples, NY • 585-374-5310 hccf.church@gmail.com • www.facebook.com/heartcrychristianfellowship
Corporate Packages Available. Call for more information.
Live Work Play
Why Naples is a great place to visit, and an even better place to live!
Excellent Services Locally: Opportunities to be on vacation NCS Churches whenever you’re not at work: Naples Little Bunch Historical Society Hi Tor Wildlife Bristol Mountain Naples Library Naples Community Park Management Area Hunt Hollow Fingerlakes Trail Harriet Hollister Fiber Optic Connection in the Village Municipal Water Utility in the Village and some Other Necessities: Grimes Glen, Conklin’s Gully Canandaigua Lake Bristol Valley Theater Wineries Joseph’s Wayside Market (100 Mbps download/20 areas of the Town Keuka Lake Artists/Craftsmen Mbps upload with gigabit internet speed available) Volunteer/ Civic Opportunities Honeoye Lake Canadice Lake (Artizann’s, Naples Open Studio Trail-1st weekend in October) Local Transfer Conesus Lake Events (Grape Fest, Vintage Station/Recycling Reservoir Creek Vines and Valentines, Trout Derby, Memorial Day Parade)Golf/Events Great Restaurants Majestic Hills Golf
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Outdoor Seating • Happy Hour Mon-Fri from 3-6pm Live Entertainment • Large Beer Selection
Visit our website or Facebook page for the latest updates Vegetarian & Gluten Free Options Available Offering Online Ordering & Curbside Pickup
