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County Road 12, South Bristol

Castles, Lakes And Grapes Galore

Ontario County is full of impressive landmarks that speak to the history of the region dating back to the Native Americans who settled here and lived off the bounty of the land and water. History buffs will be fascinated by the distinctive history of the Finger Lakes as they follow the Castles, Lakes and Grapes Itinerary.

Length: 3 Days
Day One:

 Finger Lakes Welcome Center is a delightful introduction to the Finger Lakes.  

Step inside and try local specialties with a bite from the Taste NY Market or shop items from Finger Lakes producers. Learn about the region with interactive kiosks and visitor information. Outside, you will find the best view of Seneca Lake where you can take a picture with the iconic I LOVE NY statue or go for a stroll along the water. 

Finger Lakes Welcome Center
35 Lakefront Drive
Geneva, NY 14456
Phone: 315-787-0007
Suggested Duration: 1 hour

Next, check into any one of a number fine hotels, freshen up and head out for a delightful evening.

 A true Finger Lakes dining experience awaits at Belhurst Castle. Start with a wine tasting in the Belhurst Winery tasting room followed by dinner at Edgar’s restaurant in the unmatched beauty of this century old historic castle overlooking Seneca Lake.

Belhurst Castle and Winery
4069 West Lake Road
Geneva, NY 14456
Phone: 315-781-0201
belhurst.com
Suggested Duration: 2.5 hours

Day Two:

Spend the morning at the Hill Cumorah Visitors Center in Manchester and learn about the history of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in the Finger Lakes. The Center offers interactive displays as well as free guided tours. Afterwards, walk or drive to the top of the Hill Cumorah to see the statue of the Angel Moroni, who is said to have visited Joseph Smith and directed him to the golden plates, which were translated into the Book of Mormon.

Hill Cumorah Visitor Center
653 State Route 21
Palmyra, NY 14522
315-597-5851
www.hillcumorah.org
Suggested Duration: 2 hours

After a morning of fascinating Finger Lakes history, enjoy a lunch of seasonally fresh and locally sourced ingredients paired with wines from across New York at the New York Kitchen Café overlooking Canandaigua Lake. 

New York Kitchen
800 South Main St.
Canandaigua, NY 14424
585-394-7070
www.nykitchen.com
Suggested Duration: 2 hours

A visit to Ganondagan State Historic Site and Seneca Art & Culture Center is next on the itinerary. Learn about the Native American community that was once a flourishing, vibrant center for the Seneca people and their matriarchal society that inspired and eventually lead to a woman's right to vote.

Ganondagan State Historic Site
7000 County Road 41,
Victor, NY 14564
585-924-5848
www.ganondagan.org
Suggested Duration: 1.5 hours

Day Three 

No visit to the Finger Lakes is complete without a wine tour and tasting. A visit to Arbor Hill Grapery offers a full ‘grape experience.’   Sample wines, take a tour, browse the gift shop, and stay for lunch at Brew and Brats, specializing in craft beers and locally made brats.

Brew and Brats at Arbor Hill Grapery
6461 State Route 64
Naples, NY 14512
585- 374-2870 or 800 554-2406
thegrapery.com