The "Bristols" Welcome Visitors Year Round

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In 1788 settlers from Bristol County, Massachusetts began to take up land located west of Canandaigua Lake. Perhaps to make them feel close to loved ones left behind they named their new town "Bristol". It only seemed natural that the high ridges that surrounded their new home would be called "Bristol Hills", the lowland the stretches north-south through the center of the town would become known as "Bristol Valley" and in 1838 when the southern portion of the town of Bristol was split off to form a new town .... that's right it was named "South Bristol". See www.townofbristol.org for more historical information. The fertile land and the timbered hills drew those early settlers to the area. Today the varied terrain of the area makes it a mecca for outdoor recreation enthusiasts – in all seasons.

The Bristol Hills, a series of north-south ridges dominating the landscape between Canandaigua Lake and Honeoye Lake, play a central role in the winter tourism industry of Ontario County and the Finger Lakes Region. Downhill skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts head for Bristol Mountain Winter Resort, which celebrates its 40th anniversary this year. Bristol Mountain's 1200' vertical rise is the tallest rise of any hill between the Adirondacks and the Rocky Mountains! Not ready for the big hill? Bristol's new "Get Skiing Program" makes learning to ski a breeze. Be sure to check out the Ski and Stay packages offered at many area motels, lodges and Bed and Breakfast inns. Cross country skiers and snowshoers have not been forgotten. The 12 miles of groomed, cross-country ski trails at Cumming Nature Center, located on Gulick Road, north of Naples, are open weekends – snow permitting of course. The popular annual Maple Sugaring Festival caps off the winter season at the Nature Center.

The Bristol Harbour Resort and Golf Course is not just a summer and fall visitor favorite. Its Adirondack-style inn, located within just a couple of miles of Bristol Mountain's ski slopes, is a perfect place for a winter get-away. From April through October the big draw to this facility is the championship golf course, designed by world-famous golf course architect Robert Trent Jones. Spectacular views of Canandaigua Lake from the restaurant and the lodge just add to the experience.

Visitors to the "Bristols" must plan a stop at the Arbor Hill Grapery and Wine Shop, located on Route 64 in Bristol Springs. The Brahm family has created a unique setting in a group of restored 19th century buildings to showcase their award-winning wine and gourmet food products. Open weekends from January through May and seven days a week from May through early January, the Grapery complex of buildings has the feel of a New England town center.

The Bristol Hills Country Store in Bristol Center is just the place to find out what's happening in town. There isnothing like a wood stove to make friendly folks want to sit and visit a while. The 1795 Acorn Inn Bed and Breakfast, located right across the street fromthe Country Store, has a four diamond rating from AAA! This former stagecoach inn carries on the fine tradition of hospitality of the Bristol Hills.

The list of things to do and see in the "Bristols" is long and varied. Outdoor and recreation enthusiasts will find lots to do at Hi Tor Wildlife Management and Stid Hill Recreation areas, both state-owned and managed wildlife preserves. Perhaps you are a stargazer. Be sure to take time to visit Mees Observatory, located on South Gannett Hill Road north of Naples, NY. At 2260 feet above sea level, this site provides unusual opportunities for astrophysical research. Are you a photographer looking for that perfect view? Scenic County Route 12 between Bristol Springs and Naples offers panoramic views of Canandaigua Lake that will take your breath away. From its restored 1850s barn, the South Bristol Cultural Center showcases the artists of the area and offers workshops, classes and musical performances throughout the year. The beauty of the area has inspired many artists, but perhaps none more than the Kozlowski family who produce the beautiful Bristoleaf® pieces at http://www.wizardofclay.com , located near Bristol Center.

The natural beauty of the area has not diminished since those first settlers from Bristol County, Massachusetts first set foot in their new home. If anything, visitors today may have the luxury of enjoying it more than those early residents. It is safe to say that the Bristols – taken individually or collectively – are special places!