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People Profiles
What’s so special about the Finger Lakes?
We’ve asked the residents who live and work here:
"What are the best things to do in our
area?" And this is what they told us. Take a
look below, here are the Insider’s Tips for the “Best of the
Best” things to see and do while visiting in Ontario County.
Mike Roeder What is your occupation?
Golf Professional, General Manager, Director of Go
Ravenwood Golf Course Where were you born?
St. Cloud, MN What are your favorite things to do in the Finger Lakes?
Golf, Visit the Wineries What is your favorite Finger Lakes "liquid"? Or Finger Lakes food?
Arbor Hill Traminette and grape pie Tip—what would you tell our visitors they must absolutely see or do?
Visit the most popular scenic overlooks-County Rd. 12 What do you love most about our Finger Lakes lifestyle?
I grew up in the Midwest and it reminds me a lot of there, country friendly, friendly people-who will say "hi" to you Any other comments about you or your career you would like to share?
I've been in the golf profession for 30 years…love what you do back to top
John Loveland What is your occupation?
Owner and Creator
Allens Hill Farm Where were you born?
Auburn, NY What are your favorite things to do in the Finger Lakes?
I love to tour the wineries, especially in the off season when there is time to really talk, taste and relax. I try to drive various routes since I never fail to find some amazing new view, waterfall or place to eat. The whole area is studded with hidden jewels What is your favorite Finger Lakes "liquid"? Or Finger Lakes food?
How can you pick a favorite? Since we are all about apples, you have to check out the many great varieties of apples and cider. Many wineries are now producing some great dry roses. To complete this little snack, you have to try some of our local cheeses which I feel are comparable to imported varieties Tip—what would you tell our visitors they must absolutely see or do?
Some of the best scenery can be found in the Bristol Hills. Head down County Road 37 south of route 20A in Honeoye and have the camera ready. Go all the way to the Harriet Hollister Park overlook and you'll think you are in the Alps! What do you love most about our Finger Lakes lifestyle?
The Finger Lakes offers almost every activity, experience or culinary choice one could want. Yet, it has not become commercialized. It has really maintained its rural, small town feel but with all of the amenities to be found in the finest resort areas Any other comments about you or your career you would like to share?
We are one of the best areas in the country for someone considering starting a specialty food business. The resources of the Cornell Food Venture Center, amazing agricultural products, great associations and the NY Wine and Culinary Center have created real synergy that a food entrepreneur can tap into back to top
Matthew What is your occupation?
Student
Canandaigua Elementary Where were you born?
Rochester, NY What are your favorite things to do in the Finger Lakes?
Fishing, skiing, skating, golf, soccer, baseball What is your favorite Finger Lakes "liquid"? Or Finger Lakes food?
Rising Sun Chinese food and Sharks Ice cream is the "best" Tip—what would you tell our visitors they must absolutely see or do?
Sonnenberg Gardens: it has a Buddha there and a waterfall; fishing on Canandaigua Lake What do you love most about our Finger Lakes lifestyle?
Having great friends to hang out with back to top
Brian Emelson What is your occupation?
Director of Parks and Recreation
Town of Victor Where were you born?
California, Pennsylvania What are your favorite things to do in the Finger Lakes?
Ride bikes, drink wine What is your favorite Finger Lakes "liquid"? Or Finger Lakes food?
A Riesling from either Fox Run or Anthony Road Tip—what would you tell our visitors they must absolutely see or do?
Mountain bike in Dryer Rd. Park, climb Bopple Hill on your bike, hike at High Tor What do you love most about our Finger Lakes lifestyle?
Diversity in terrain, friendly people are my Finger Lakes loves. Any other comments about you or your career you would like to share?
My career and my fitness goals go hand-in-hand back to top
Miss Tsioianiio Galban What is your occupation?
Mohawk Basket Maker
Allendale Columbia First Grader Where were you born?
Rochester, NY What are your favorite things to do in the Finger Lakes?
Visiting Ganondagan State Historic Site and doing Geocaching What is your favorite Finger Lakes "liquid"? Or Finger Lakes food?
Apple juice from the Farm Market and Pancakes with Maple syrup at Ganondagan Tip—what would you tell our visitors they must absolutely see or do?
Go through the Bark Longhouse at Ganondagan What do you love most about our Finger Lakes lifestyle?
I love sledding and swimming in the lakes Any other comments about you or your career you would like to share?
I will continue making baskets like my mom Estah back to top
Rebecca Campbell What is your occupation?
Assistant to the President
Finger Lakes Visitors Connection Where were you born?
Rochester, NY What are your favorite things to do in the Finger Lakes?
Drive up to the overlook on County Road 12 - the "high road".
Attend "Arts in the Garden" at Sonnenberg.
Watch the lake change with the seasons. Meet friends for wine and appetizers at the NY Wine and Culinary Center What is your favorite Finger Lakes "liquid"? Or Finger Lakes food?
77 Days Riesling and Farm-fresh sweet corn and cherries (but not at the same time) Tip—what would you tell our visitors they must absolutely see or do?
Check out a festival, fair, art or antique show - there's at least one every weekend What do you love most about our Finger Lakes lifestyle?
No matter where you live, it's a short drive to a lake! Any other comments about you or your career you would like to share?
I'm very excited about my new position at Finger Lakes Visitors Connection! I look forward to meeting lots of new people and learning more about our beautiful Finger Lakes region back to top
Valerie Knoblauch What is your occupation?
President
Finger Lakes Visitors Connection Where were you born?
Bath, NY What are your favorite things to do in the Finger Lakes?
Biking, photography, theatre What is your favorite Finger Lakes "liquid"? Or Finger Lakes food?
Brickstone Cellars Meritage and Healthy Purple Juice Tip—what would you tell our visitors they must absolutely see or do?
Try grape pie What do you love most about our Finger Lakes lifestyle?
The Finger Lakes area is relaxing, safe, casual and friendly back to top
Alexa Gifford What is your occupation?
Executive Director
New York Wine and Culinary Center Where were you born?
Hancock, NY What are your favorite things to do in the Finger Lakes?
Biking and Boating What is your favorite Finger Lakes "liquid"? Or Finger Lakes food?
Wine, of course Tip—what would you tell our visitors they must absolutely see or do?
Visit the New York Wine and Culinary Center. Always have your camera ready! What do you love most about our Finger Lakes lifestyle?
Commute time is shorter, with beautiful scenery along the way Any other comments about you or your career you would like to share?
No better place than the Finger Lakes to live and work back to top
Don Stevens What is your occupation?
Co-owner
Cinderella's Shoes and Bags in Canandaigua Where were you born?
Baltimore, MD What are your favorite things to do in the Finger Lakes?
Shop, Dine and Explore What is your favorite Finger Lakes "liquid"? Or Finger Lakes food?
Glenora Wine and White Hots Tip—what would you tell our visitors they must absolutely see or do?
Shop the unique stores, Dine the wonderful restaurants and Explore the art galleries What do you love most about our Finger Lakes lifestyle?
The scenic wonders. I feel right at home in this beautiful resort area Any other comments about you or your career you would like to share?
I love helping women find fun in fashion with shoes and handbags. They are very open to big city styles at affordable prices back to top
Barbara Cowles What is your occupation?
Author
Retired (many times over!) Where were you born?
Rochester, NY 19th Ward What are your favorite things to do in the Finger Lakes?
In summer, getting an ice cream cone and sitting to eat it in Kershaw Park, watching the walkers, boats and ducks. In the winter I like walking the Historic District and seeing all of the Christmas decorations. Also, checking out the small shops and galleries on Main Street as well as driving down Route 21 south and being amazed each time at the beauty of the hills and the lake What is your favorite Finger Lakes "liquid"? Or Finger Lakes food?
Copper Pennies at the Loomis Barn Café in Rushville Tip—what would you tell our visitors they must absolutely see or do?
Sonnenberg, the Grape Festival in Naples (and getting some grape pie), take in an RPO concert al fresco, the Waterfront Art Festival What do you love most about our Finger Lakes lifestyle?
Since you are never far from the lake it's like being on vacation all year long back to top
Brian Nicholson What is your occupation?
Sales, Marketing and Overall Operations Manager
Red Jacket Orchards Where were you born?
Middletown, NY What are your favorite things to do in the Finger Lakes?
I absolutely love spending time on the lakes. I can't get enough of either traveling around them to see the country side, find a hidden eatery, listen to music outside and best of all barbeque. I've been sailing the lakes since I was 14 and day dream about being on the water all the time. I'm excited to share this with my kids as they grow up What is your favorite Finger Lakes "liquid"? Or Finger Lakes food?
Well we are fortunate to have many fine liquids produced here and I'm proud to say that I enjoy most of them. Wagner's Dockside Amber hits the spot on hot days (and an excellent cab franc too). We also take special time with our friends at Anthony Road to lounge on the porch sipping pinot grigio and cab franc gazing out at the view and on a summer day. And on the farm we make some award winning fresh fruit juices…Joe's Summer blend (an apple lemon blend) I enjoy daily Tip—what would you tell our visitors they must absolutely see or do?
Well the most appropriat response is do whatever makes you happy…you must slow down, relax and enjoy the beauty and crisp air. Find the darkest field, lie on a blanket and stare into the night sky searching for satellites. Let your children run free in a wide open park or along the shores of the lake. Drink in the countryside wine from this fertile ground. Seek out great local food produced from the land that surrounds you. Tip your toe in the lake. Enjoy the finest hospitality and a slice of living history at Sam's Bar and Grill in Geneva to meet the real people who live here…and say "hi" to Cosi for me (there is no other place on earth like it) What do you love most about our Finger Lakes lifestyle?
The air, the land and people and the ease of living as compared with so many other places in this country - it is hard to compare to what we have here. Any other comments about you or your career you would like to share?
Well come on by and say "hi" at our farm. Our family has been here for almost 50 years and we're firmly "rooted" here for generations to come. We have much pride in our community and are very proud to have such a rich environment in which to grow…our families and our orchards back to top
Red Hat Lady Where were you born?
Rochester, NY What are your favorite things to do in the Finger Lakes?
Finding those resturants that have 'just the best' foods. Attending concerts at CMAC and plays at Bristol Valley Theater What is your favorite Finger Lakes "liquid"? Or Finger Lakes food?
The wonderful crab cakes at The Inn on the Lake Tip—what would you tell our visitors they must absolutely see or do?
Sonnenberg, the Wine and Culinary Center by the lake, the Festival of Trees at Granger Homestead, or a trip on the Canandaigua Lady What do you love most about our Finger Lakes lifestyle?
There is so much to see and do in this area: the charming shops on Main Street, the beautiful Victorian homes to view, the many places to eat - a lot of them overlook the lake. We Red Hat Ladies are never at a loss for something to do! back to top
Scott Mackey What is your occupation?
Co-Owner
Wick-edly Sent Soap and Candle Company Where were you born?
Baltimore, MD What are your favorite things to do in the Finger Lakes?
Explore the many towns and unique shops that dot the Finger Lakes What is your favorite Finger Lakes "liquid"? Or Finger Lakes food?
A glass of Dr. Frank's Salmon Run Chardonnay Tip—what would you tell our visitors they must absolutely see or do?
They should explore the wine trail along Seneca Lake with a stop at Watkin's Glen State Park to see the waterfalls What do you love most about our Finger Lakes lifestyle?
The easy going friendliness of the lake communities Any other comments about you or your career you would like to share?
Stop by and take a whiff of our exclusive Finger Lakes Candles that are made locally, right here in our shop back to top
John Brahm What is your occupation?
Wine Master
Arbor Hill Grapery Where were you born?
Canandaigua, NY What are your favorite things to do in the Finger Lakes?
Make and drink wine What is your favorite Finger Lakes "liquid"? Or Finger Lakes food?
Traminette with spicy fish Tip—what would you tell our visitors they must absolutely see or do?
Scenic overlook-County Rd. 12, South Bristol What do you love most about our Finger Lakes lifestyle?
The Finger Lakes is private and beautiful back to top
Patty Giordano What is your occupation?
Director of Marketing
Holtz House of Vehicles Where were you born?
Rochester, NY What are your favorite things to do in the Finger Lakes?
Horseback riding in the Bristol Hills. It is as beautiful in the winter as it is in the summer and fall. What is your favorite Finger Lakes "liquid"? Or Finger Lakes food?
Organic wines, and juicy red ripe cherries in July. All the great local produce is a real gift. Tip—what would you tell our visitors they must absolutely see or do?
Travel the small towns to see inspiring views, unique shops, and varied restaurants.
Also don't miss some of the most eclectic garage sales I have ever been to! What do you love most about our Finger Lakes lifestyle?
Peaceful, rural and relaxing. back to top
Jane Jewett Stickler What is your occupation?
Volunteer
Canandaigua Chamber and Business Improvement District Where were you born?
Canandaigua, NY What are your favorite things to do in the Finger Lakes?
I love to sit on the pier and enjoy our beautiful lake What is your favorite Finger Lakes "liquid"? Or Finger Lakes food?
My favorite food WAS pancakes and sticky buns at Kellogg's but since they're gone now my next favorite food is a hot dog on the pier cooked by Papa Frank - and then there's The Boat House at Thendara where you can sit on the deck and almost touch the water and enjoy a Blue Whale or stop at Polimeni's where the food is always good Tip—what would you tell our visitors they must absolutely see or do?
Of course there are many interesting things they should see and do ie: Sonnenberg Gardens - The Granger Homestead - Take a ride on Captain Gray's Boat - The Wizard of Clay and many other things but most of all they need to take a ride around our lake - stop at Arbor Hill Grapery - go on to Naples and do a wine tour at Widmer's - have lunch or dinner at one of the several neat places to eat there or you can even have a picnic in the park next door to Bob and Ruth's. Then on the way home stop at Monica's Pies for a wonderful grape pie. On the ride back to Canandaigua enjoy our wonderful lake and the peaceful environment where we live. You won't find anything any better than that! What do you love most about our Finger Lakes lifestyle?
I'm the 4th generation of the Jewett family who lived at 137 North Main Street in a home built by my great grandfather - Dr. Harvey Jewett in 1853. I have 3 children - 3 granddaughters and 1 great grandson who's the apple of my eye! Canandaigua is a great place to live and I feel very lucky that I was able to stay here my entire life - all 78 years of it! I raised my family here and wouldn't change any of it for any other place in the world. Any other comments about you or your career you would like to share?
Canandaigua certainly is "THE CHOSEN SPOT" - I sure have shared all MY favorite things to see and do in the area so maybe we'll meet somewhere along the trail. back to top
Ted Fafinski What is your occupation?
Chairman Board of Supervisors of Ontario County an
Town of Farmington Where were you born?
Chautauqua County What are your favorite things to do in the Finger Lakes?
Visit the wineries, sample the restaurants What is your favorite Finger Lakes "liquid"? Or Finger Lakes food?
I like the opportunity to sample a lot of wines and that's why I love events that allow you to do these samples Tip—what would you tell our visitors they must absolutely see or do?
Visiting local downtowns. They still hold small town charm and have many hidden treasures What do you love most about our Finger Lakes lifestyle?
I like the relaxed pace and all the things you can do together as family Any other comments about you or your career you would like to share?
After traveling the world and living in 2 different countries and visiting at least 1/2 dozen others, I have not found a better place for year round offerings and quality of life than right here in Farmington, Ontario County and the Finger Lakes back to top
Little Orphan Annie What is your occupation?
Rodent Control Officer
Ontario County Records & Archives Department Where were you born?
Hopewell, I think What are your favorite things to do in the Finger Lakes?
Schmooze with visitors, nap on a sunny window sill, watch birds and chase mice What is your favorite Finger Lakes "liquid"? Or Finger Lakes food?
I like to sip vintage Canandaigua Lake water fresh from the tap. Lake trout - yum! Tip—what would you tell our visitors they must absolutely see or do?
If they have Ontario County roots, they should come see me at The Archives. We have records back to 1789 for all of western New York State west of Geneva. I like to help people find their relatives What do you love most about our Finger Lakes lifestyle?
People! When they visit The Archives, they usually bring tote bags or brief cases that I can explore. They rub my ears and tell me about their pets that they have left at home. Sometimes they even bring me cat treats back to top
John E. MacKenzie What is your occupation?
Environmental Services
Downtown Canandaigua Where were you born?
Rochester, NY What are your favorite things to do in the Finger Lakes?
Hunting, fishing and enjoying the great outdoors What is your favorite Finger Lakes "liquid"? Or Finger Lakes food?
Fresh water and homegrown vegetables Tip—what would you tell our visitors they must absolutely see or do?
Any outdoor activities and our Finger Lakes area What do you love most about our Finger Lakes lifestyle?
The great outdoors and relaxed atmosphere Any other comments about you or your career you would like to share?
Love taking care of downtown and keeping things beautiful back to top
Julia Eberle What is your occupation?
Pastry Chef and Bakery Owner
Cobblestone Creek Bakery Where were you born?
Manhattan, KS What are your favorite things to do in the Finger Lakes?
Check out all the latest restaurants, take drives into the countryside, walks in the fabulous parks, bicycling, boating and wine tours around the Finger Lakes region What is your favorite Finger Lakes "liquid"? Or Finger Lakes food?
I enjoy visiting many of the local wineries in Upstate, NY ie: Prejean, Heron Hill, Bully Hill, Widmers, Miles, Fox Run to name a few. I enjoy both white and red wine. I suppose that the white wine is more popular in this area Tip—what would you tell our visitors they must absolutely see or do?
I would tell visitors to take a drive around one of the many different Finger Lakes and check out some of the wineries, take a walk, get a bite to eat and check out the new culinary center for the great ambiance, tastings and food in Canandaigua, located near the north end pier What do you love most about our Finger Lakes lifestyle?
I love the different seasons in the Finger Lakes. My favorite time of year of course is the fall, there are so many beautiful colors. The terrain is also beautiful, the old barns in the countryside, wine tastings and tours, water activities, many nice parks to take advantage of and antiquing in this area back to top
Megan with Megan Rose What is your occupation?
Student
Canandaigua City School, Primary School Where were you born?
Rochester, NY What are your favorite things to do in the Finger Lakes?
Ballet, skiing, basketball, swim in the lake and hang out at Kershaw Park What is your favorite Finger Lakes "liquid"? Or Finger Lakes food?
Sweet and Sour Chicken and whit rice at the Canandaigua Wegman's Tip—what would you tell our visitors they must absolutely see or do?
Sharks ice cream is awesome! What do you love most about our Finger Lakes lifestyle?
Ballet at Finger Lakes Ballet Academy back to top
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