Category: Events & Festivals

Sauerkraut beer makes debut at Phelps Sauerkraut Weekend

Jul. 28, 2015

When you open up a craft brewery in the sauerkraut capital of the world, at some point, the local sauerkraut cheerleading squad will come knocking at your door. That is exactly what happened to Mike Darling last year, just two weeks before the annual Phelps Sauerkraut Weekend. This year's festival of fermented cabbage runs Friday, July 31 through Sunday, Aug. 2 in various locations in downtown Phelps. Mike is the head brewmaster, keg washer and CMO (Chief Mop Operator) of Crafty Ales & Lagers, a nano-brewery that opened in 2013…

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Maple Sugaring Finger Lakes Style: A guide to the sugar!

Mar. 13, 2015

NYS Maple Weekends - March 21 & 22 and March 28 & 29! Spring is in the air and that means the NYS Maple Weekends are here! Looking for the best place to exercise your taste buds? Well, you’re in luck! Here is an Insider’s guide to all of the “Maple” events happening in Ontario County. The action begins on Saturday, March 21 & Sunday, March 22 and continues Saturday, March 28 & Sunday, March 29…

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The 4 Hour Finger Lakes Experience – Yes It’s Possible!

Sep. 19, 2014

A few weeks ago my wife asks me, “Let’s spend the day down in Naples and do something fun?” I replied, “Sounds like a plan!” Having a 7 month old and in the midst of remodeling our kitchen - time poverty was high in the “Lee” household.  The next challenge, secure a babysitter. Success! We found a babysitter and had 4 hours to experience Naples! We know that isn't enough time but off we went. I planned a quick itinerary in my head that started us out in South Bristol and finished in the heart of Naples.  To my surprise, the majority of these upcoming stops my wife had never experienced before and that was about to change…

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A day at the Ontario County Fair

Jul. 22, 2014

Insider's note: In honor of this year's Ontario County Fair, we're bringing back a blog about 2011's fair by Insider Laurie Adams. For more information about this year's fair which runs July 22 - 26, make sure to visit www.ontariocountyfair.org.   Where can you take your family for a few hours of fun and entertainment and only have to spend $5? One place in the Finger Lakes is The Ontario County Fair in Canandaigua. For a $5 parking fee per vehicle, you enter the fairgrounds and never have to spend another cent unless you choose to. While the fair offers exhibits and many programs that are free to the public, very few of us can walk away from a country fair without spending a little more money to enjoy the other amenities the fair has to offer. But, I lured you with the tease that you don't have to spend more than $5, so first I'll explain how you can have a good time on so little money.  What can you do for free…

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The sweet, sweet business of grape pies in the Finger Lakes

Jun. 18, 2013

The Finger Lakes are home to many small, close-knit communities, the fabric of which is made from…

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A reminder of the beauty of Ganondagan

Apr. 26, 2013

We are so lucky to live, work, and play in the Finger Lakes. We have abundant water resources…

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Getting the Grape Feeling in the Finger Lakes

Oct. 05, 2012

Have you ever had an out-of-body experience, feeling like you have transformed into something else…

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The Start of a Finger Lakes Food Revolution!

By Valerie Knoblauch on Sep. 10, 2012

This is the confession of a self-declared foodie. I am starting a Finger Lakes Food Revolution. My…

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Brew, Brats, & Bliss

May. 23, 2012

“This is bliss”. Yes, those words actually came out of my boyfriend, Pete’s, mouth during our day…

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The Nose Knows Best

Apr. 24, 2012

The “golden rule” of the Golden Nose Awards in New York's Finger Lakes: there is no good and bad –…

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