From glorious snow covered hills to the allure of a roaring fire, winter is the most exciting and cozy season in the Finger Lakes.
Take time out for a fabulous life-enriching winter vacation of rejuvenation and rediscovery in the Finger Lakes region. Freshly fallen snow, some of the best skiing and snowboarding in the Northeast, premier dining experiences, and restorative spa treatments create a winter escape that’s nothing short of magical.
Snowy Mountains
Bristol Mountain Resort’s (5662 NY-64, Canandaigua, N.Y.) impressive 1,200 foot vertical rise—the highest in the region between the Adirondacks and the Rockies—boasts 39 slopes and two high-speed quads, along with illuminated trails that let you ski morning, noon, and night. Aprés ski, relax in front of the fireplace at The Cannery eatery at the Sunset Lodge, featuring local brews, craft whiskey, and artisanal bites.
Sauna With Lake Views
After—or instead of—a day on the slopes, let Willowbrook Spa at The Lake House on Canandaigua (770 S Main St., Canandaigua, N.Y.) help you achieve your wellness goals with an authentic and holistic experience with highly curated treatments designed just for your personal needs, including custom-blended herbal tinctures, herbal-infused massage oils, and barrel saunas to immerse yourself in the restorative power of the Finger Lakes while enjoying lake views.
Art and Shop Local
The lake views so admired by visitors also deeply connect the locals to the area and many are artistically inspired to share the beauty of the region through their work. Visit the Pat Rini-Rohrer Gallery (71 S Main St., Canandaigua, N.Y.) or Main Street Arts (20 W Main St., Clifton Springs, N.Y.) to find outstanding original works of art created by Finger Lakes artists. Both galleries offer classes taught by top instructors if you want to find your inner creative being during your visit. Artizanns (118 N Main St., Naples, N.Y.) features local crafts and fine art by over 250 Finger Lakes artists and makers.
Finger Lakes Wine
Recognized American Wine Region of the Year by Wine Enthusiast and featuring 150 wineries, the Finger Lakes viticulture is a must-have experience. The options can be overwhelming with many unbeatable views, unique wine pairings, fine restaurants, and eclectic wine themed boutiques. To help you start your journey, visit the NY Kitchen Tasting Room (800 S Main St., Canandaigua, N.Y.), which offers more than 60 New York State wines, as well as 10 taps highlighting seasonal craft beers, ciders, distilled spirits and non-alcoholic beverages. Choose your favorites and consider reserving a limo service for a luxury transport experience that will take you from your hotel to your selected wineries, distilleries, and craft breweries to ensure safe, enjoyable travel and alleviate any worries.
Where to Stay
The discerning traveler will enjoy these independent hotel properties that blend local charm with world-class amenities, as well as strong commitments to hospitality, and sustainability. The Lake House on Canandaigua (770 S Main St., Canandaigua, N.Y.) ensures lakefront access, cozy fire pits, impeccably designed guestrooms, a full-service luxury spa, world-class dining, and a myriad of on-site amenities.
Belhurst Castle (4069 W Lake Rd, Geneva, N.Y.) offers a royalty experience with its historic property on Seneca Lake complete with a luxurious spa, delicious dining, and a renowned winery. Geneva on the Lake (1001 Lochland Road, Geneva, N.Y.), initially built as a private home modeled after an Italian villa in 1910, offers exquisitely decorated interior and a lakeside luxurious experience.
Eat and Drink
In recent years, the Finger Lakes Region has burst onto the culinary scene as a top foodie destination. The inventive new restaurants and farm-to-table options showcase the diversity of the region and its agricultural abundance.
FLX Table (22 Linden St., Geneva, N.Y.), owned by chef and Master Sommelier Christopher Bates and his wife Isabel, have brought an unpretentious atmosphere and innovative New American farm-to-table cuisine to the Finger Lakes that is arguably second to none. Due to the small and intimate size, reservations made well in advance are essential.
Kindred Fare (512 Hamilton St., Geneva, N.Y.) stands by their philosophy of “to share is to love," and you will know why when you experience their specialty cocktails, homemade bread, and creative menu inspired by locally sourced ingredients. Roots Cafe (197 N Main St., Naples, N.Y.) changes its menu weekly, featuring local seasonal flavors and Finger Lakes wines and beers.
Other Experiences Nearby
Looking to add more experiences to your luxury Finger Lakes getaway? Head over to our friends in Cayuga County, N.Y. for more unique shopping and dining experiences.
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Visit MacKenzie-Childs (3260 NY-90, Aurora, N.Y.), makers of hand-painted ceramics, dinnerware, home decor, and furniture at their company headquarters in Aurora, overlooking Cayuga Lake. The Aurora store features new and outlet items with a year round Christmas Room.
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Book a Signature Tasting experience at Heart & Hands Winery (4162 NY-90, Union Springs, N.Y.), overlooking Cayuga Lake and specialized on sustainably grown and limited production wines. Closed January to mid February.
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Reserve a session at Aurora Cooks (283 Main St, Aurora, NY283 Main St, Aurora, N.Y.) to inspire your creativity and expand your culinary knowledge through signature demonstrations, tasting experiences, and show stopping dinners.
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