Every year, winter invites us to slow down and tune in to this naturally quieter time and this year we need a gentle pause more than ever. Who isn’t zoom’ed out and tired of living in a virtual world? It’s definitely time to re-connect with ourselves and our loved-ones and the Finger Lakes region offers a variety of fantastic ways to unplug and recharge this winter.
There is no sight quite like a blanket of shimmering snow covering the hills that surround the sparkling Finger Lakes during the winter. It is arguably one of the most breathtaking seasons of the year, turning the region into a true wonderland with a plethora of things to do both outside and in. From outdoor adventures like skiing and snowshoeing to inside activities such as gallery-hopping and wine tasting, the Finger Lakes provide unrivaled technology-free opportunities to explore and relax to the fullest.
Let it snow!
With annual snowfalls totals as high as 120 inches, the Finger Lakes Region offers endless opportunities to disconnect and head out onto the powdery, white snow for skiing, snowshoeing, sledding and snowboarding.
The thrill of downhill skiing and snowboarding awaits you at Bristol Mountain, with a 1,200-foot vertical rise, nearly three dozen trails, many illuminated at night, state-of-the art snowmaking, and the only slope-side waffle house in the Northeast.
If cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are more your style, the Cumming Nature Center nestled high up in the Bristol Hills north of Naples, boasts 15 miles of gorgeous forested trails where the snow is plentiful and the hustle and bustle of your technology-filled everyday life seems like a distant memory. Equipment rentals are available so just pack a lunch and a thermos of cocoa for a hearty picnic along the way. Ganondagan in Victor is another great place to strap on the snowshoes with 500 acres to explore. You’ll likely catch a glimpse of fox, deer and colorful birds.
You can drop a line and ice fish in the Finger Lakes, especially on Canandaigua, Canadice and Honeoye Lakes. Brown and rainbow trout, largemouth and smallmouth bass, crappie, and perch are all to be found.
And, if you want to get in the spirit of winter without having to brave the elements, Ontario County boasts two fine indoor ice rinks at the Geneva Recreation Complex, DICK'S House of Sport and the Greater Canandaigua Civic Center, where the skating conditions are always perfect!
Cozy Comfort in Luxurious Surroundings
If winter is your time to slow down and cozy up, Ontario County has plenty of fabulous places to sit in front of a fireplace, relax and chat, play a board game, and sip a warm drink.
Located in the heart of Canandaigua’s historic district the Victorian 1840 Inn on Main offers suites with fireplaces, along with comfy robes, farm-to-table breakfast, and complimentary afternoon treats, only a short walk from the downtown historic district. Canandaigua’s Bed & Breakfast at Oliver Phelps also features rooms and common areas with fireplaces and you can book a small group Meditation and Yoga Get-A-Way if you really want to get your zen on! The AAA Four-Diamond Award winning Geneva on the Lake overlooking Seneca Lake, features some rooms with wood-burning fireplaces, and their renowned restaurant, Diciannove Dieci (1910) , is the perfect place to indulge in a three-course candlelight dinner as you sit by the roaring fire. Centered around a wood-fired hearth, the Rose Tavern located at the Lake House on Canandaigua features a menu that embraces local ingredients and classic cooking. Sip a glass of Finger Lakes wine or hot cocoa at the Lakehouse’s outdoor firepit and top off your stay with “detox deluxe” treatment at the Willowbrook Spa, the perfect inspiration for a girlfriends getaway. Stop in a downtown shop and pick up a book written by a local author to enjoy by the fireside. Finger Lakes Authors and Readers Experience (FLARE) is an amazing resource that gathers readers and writers together in celebration of the Finger Lakes beauty that inspires this group of storytellers.
When colder weather hits, comfort food becomes a necessity and no place makes their comfort food more comforting than the Finger Lakes. From gooey baked pastas to meaty stews and chilis, Ontario County restaurants have something to satisfy your winter comfort food craving. Simply Crepes in Canandaigua serves up hot cocoa with toasted marshmallows and warm apple cider to sip along with their sweet or savory crepes. A spicy tamale from Rio Tomatlan in Canandaigua is a good way to warm you up while you enjoy their colorful art, festive music, and tequila bar. Torrey Park Grill is a neighborhood authentic Italian restaurant located in Geneva featuring local favorites like Chicken Riggies, Greens & Beans, and fried bologna, topped off with Cannoli for dessert! And Brews & Brats at Arbor Hill in Naples, located only 3 miles from Bristol Mountain, is the perfect apres ski destination for craft beers and locally made brats, sauerkraut and German Potato Salad. You can even create your own comfort food in a cooking class at New York Kitchen in Canandaigua. The comfort food opportunities in Ontario County are endless!
The arts & cultural scene is full and robust all winter long in the Finger Lakes. Wineries and breweries host local musicians to create an ambiance of creativity in cozy, intimate settings and emerging artists from around the region showcase their works of art in local galleries. A wide variety of programming that includes live concerts, plays, operas, lectures, films, and community events can be enjoyed throughout the season at the historic Smith Opera House in Geneva. Just because it’s chilly outside, the endless array of entertainment options does not stop in the Finger Lakes!
Outdoors or indoors, what is your favorite way to disconnect throughout the winter in Ontario County? Be sure to tag us @VisitFLX and #FLXperience so we can follow along!
