Celebrate Mom - Finger Lakes Style!

Each year on the second Sunday in May, we carve out a special day to acknowledge and appreciate all the special moms—birth moms, step moms, and mom figures in our lives. The Finger Lakes lifestyle, along with its vibrant and beautiful locations, offers the perfect setting to treat mom to a memorable Mother's Day celebration, where she can truly be Queen for a Day! 

Mother's Day Getaways in Geneva

Geneva is the ideal place for a fairytale-style getaway with charming streets set against the backdrop of Seneca Lake and its remarkable resorts.

Where to Stay: Belhurst Castle

The picturesque and historic Belhurst Castle offers a spectacular stay with great activities. You and mom can enjoy culinary delights at one of its two restaurants, relax at Isabella Spa & Salon, and enjoy wine & chocolate pairing overlooking Seneca Lake at the castle's winery.

William Smith Inn

If you prefer a cozier experience, the William Smith Inn is a charming and historic bed and breakfast housed in a restored 19th-century home. The inn is located near wineries, lakeside attractions and local shops. And a little secret: some people might say that breakfast at the William Smith Inn is one of the best in town!

Where to Eat: Kindred Fare 

Kindred Fare in Geneva truly believes “to share is to love”. So what better place to celebrate mom with menus inspired by farmhouse cooking and spirited gatherings of family and friends. Serving classic food and drink menus all day, along with brunch specials, this year Kindred Fare will host a Mother's Day Dinner Prix Fixe, featuring a three course meal, drinks, and—of course—great company.

What to Do: Arts & culture, wine, and more

Geneva offers a wide array of of local businesses that are sure to provide a good time. You can choose between wineries such as Trestle Thirty One, celebrating its 10th Year Anniversary this 2025, and Billsboro Winery, with a main tasting room overlooking the northern end of Seneca Lake. Additionally, in case mom wants a unique wine experience, you can visit Vinifera, which offers a blind tasting of curated wine selection of exclusively Finger Lakes wines.

For arts & culture lovers, the Smith Center for the Arts is a treasured landmark since 1894 and stands as the cultural heart of the Finger Lakes. Here, you and mom can enjoy an exceptional night out with a lineup of live performances, concerts, plays, operas, lectures, and community events.

Mother's Day Getaways in Canandaigua

Canandaigua is the perfect place for a relaxing and magical getaway. With wonderful lakefront hotels, a wide array of restaurants, and beautiful surroundings, this getaway is sure to be a memorable experience for you and Mom.

Where to Stay: Lake House on Canandaigua

The Lake House on Canandaigua, overlooking pristine Canandaigua Lake, offers inviting spaces, locally sourced fare, and inspired cocktails to celebrate mom. If you really want to pamper mom, give her a gift certificate to the Willowbrook Spa at The Lake House for a day of wellness, revitalization, and deep relaxation. You will become her favorite child for sure!

Chalet of Canandaigua

This 30 acre luxury boutique Log Cabin B&B has been rated highly in the Finger Lakes and Top 25 Best B&B in the U.S. by Trip Advisor for 6 years. The Chalet offers a private location that provides a peaceful retreat close to some of the attractions of wine country and the Finger Lakes. Stay in one of three elegant suites, enjoy a unique three-course breakfast and take in the beauty of the area.

Where to Eat: New York Kitchen

The Mother's Day Brunch Class at the New York Kitchen is a special affair that celebrates the bounty of New York State. You and mom can join this fun, hands-on cooking experience to create a perfect Sunday Brunch under the professional guidance of their Chef Instructor. The menu will include fresh and bight lemon ricotta pancakes, berry compote, NYS maple syrup candied bacon & mimosas!

What to Do: Wine, local shops, and more

The Canandaigua Wine Trail is a great option if you want to take mom on a guided experience through the wineries around the Canandaigua Lake with places such as Inspire Moore, a boutique winery and vineyard focused on sustainable practices, and Arbor Hill Grapery & Winery, which offers a large selection of wines and locally-made goods. 

And if you want to stay in town, you can stroll around the magnificent Sonnenberg Gardens & Mansion Historic Park, one of the country's most extensively preserved estates from the Victorian era, and enjoy its Mother's Day Special, which offers a magical day to bring Mom to the gardens and enjoy the day in the park. 

Gift Ideas for Every Mom

For the Artistic Mom
Handcrafted stoneware from Wizard of Clay Pottery, hand made ornaments, candles, and jewelry from Simply Smalltown Gifts in Honeoye, ethically sourced puzzles, perfumes, soaps, and specialty foods from Peirce & Main in Clifton Springs, and original local artwork from Artizanns in Naples.

For the Grape Loving Mom
World-class Finger Lakes wine (of course) and grape infused finishing sauces, marinades, preserves, jellies and juices from Arbor Hill.

For the Mom With a Sweet Tooth
Old-fashioned fresh baked cookies from Simple Sweets Bakery in Geneva, freshly made chocolates from Sweet Expressions in Canandaigua, famously huge cinnamon rolls from Sweet Solutions in Canandaigua, or a sweet grape pie from any number of roadside spots in  Naples. There is even something for the gluten-free mom at Bright Side Sweets bakery in Victor.

For the Health-Conscious Mom
100% fruit juices from Red Jacket Orchards in Geneva, kombuchas and herbal products from Komorebi Kombucha & Herb Shoppe in Naples, or a private restorative yoga session at Pueo Collaborative in Geneva.

What ever kind of mom you’ve got, you will find the perfect gift for her in the Finger Lakes!

How will you be celebrating Mom this year on Mother’s Day.  Tag us @VisitFLX and share your special #FLXperience!

Explore more ways to plan your next Finger Lakes Getaway