West River, Canandaigua Lake

Mother’s Day: The Isabella Spa Way

I know the drill. It’s the week before Mother’s Day and you’ve been waiting for inspiration to strike. Your mom deserves her own private island, but you only have enough money for a beach chair or two. What do you do? That’s where I come in…

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4 famous women who made Ontario County history

Women make history every day, but we Americans tend to save the celebration for March, thanks to proclamations signed by President Jimmy Carter and President Ronald Reagan in 1980 and 1987, respectively. Carter created a National Women’s History Week from March 2-8, and Reagan extended it to the entire month. Living in Ontario County, I am reminded about some of our lady history makers every day with the architecture I see, the artwork I admire and the stories I hear on a regular basis…

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A Finger Lakes Fourth of July

There’s something to be said about observingtraditions, and celebrating the birth of our nation is, if anything, paramount to that rule. But whether you’re looking for a change of pace or want to create new traditions entirely, the Finger Lakes has some truly spectacular ways to celebrate all things U.S.A. Fireworks: If there’s anything critically essential to celebrating the Fourth of July it has to be a good firework show and if there’s one thing we in the Finger Lakes know, it’s how to put on a good show! In fact, three of our communities celebrate with fireworks…

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Who is bringing the dessert for Thanksgiving?

With Thanksgiving upon us, I’ve heard a lot of discussion lately about desserts for the infamous holiday dinner. Certainly, this is one of the key components of our American traditions for this holiday. Jake, our newest team member, is fresh out of college and going home for his first Thanksgiving as a working professional in the real world. He wanted to contribute to the dinner and got a great suggestion from Karen, our second to the newest team member (and a former food writer and in-house culinary expert), that he should consider taking a grape pie. I heartily endorsed that suggestion…

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Six ways to keep warm in the Finger Lakes

Brr… that’s right - it’s that time of year when you find every way possible to keep warm. As Nat King Cole puts it “Baby it’s cold outside.” So kick back and relax while enjoying your favorite glass of a warm Finger Lakes something. Maybe it’s a cup coffee from Finger Lakes Coffee Roasters or mulled wine from White Springs Winery.   Here are some more of my favorite Finger Lakes “goods” and tips to keep warm this winter…

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