Story Ideas
663 miles. 5 lakes. 50+ tasting rooms. 200 restaurants. 60 lodging properties. Endless stories. Here are some story ideas to consider - we are all about the luxury of choice after all! Visit a winery, craft brewery, distillery, or cidery.
Yes – we have them all! Stop by for a tasting. Speak one-on-one with the winemaker. Get a tour of the facility. Get lost in the vineyards.
Get outside
Enjoy popular hikes or opt for the path less traveled. Bring your bike – or rent one – and loop the lakes. Zip down the Bristol hills on skis. Post up by the water with a glass of wine and a great book.
Indulge in local flavors
Quintessential FLX farm-to-table deliciousness, authentic international cuisine that tastes like it is straight from the motherland, cozy coffee shops, mouthwatering bakeries and sweet shops are just some of the flavors you will find in Ontario County. FLX classics – grape pie, Cornell style Chicken, salt potatoes and other home-grown specialties make up our uniquely wonderful Finger Lakes cuisine
Women’s Rights
Ontario County is the connection between the past, present, and future of women’s rights in the Finger Lakes. Learn where it all began with the Iroquois matrilineal society at Ganondagan State Historic Site and continued with Elizabeth Blackwell graduating from what is now Hobart & William Smith Colleges as the first female medical doctor. Susan B. Anthony was tried in the Ontario County Courthouse for casting a ballot in the 1872 presidential election which was then illegal in NYS and she famously never paid the fine! Today, strong, successful, entrepreneurial women continue to contribute to our community with female-owned businesses like Kindred Fare, Young Lion Brewing, and 1795 Acorn Inn.
Enjoy a local festival or performance
The beloved Naples Grape Festival in September, Native American Winter Games in February, Maple Weekend in March, National Lake Trout Derby in May, and Christkindl Market in November are some of the unique events that add to the excitement of Ontario County. Take in large scale productions at the Smith Opera House and CMAC, or enjoy an intimate performance at Bristol Valley Theater and Fort Hill Performing Arts Center. All summer long you will hear music just about everywhere – wineries, breweries, parks and even on the street. The list for events, festivals and performances is seemingly endless.
Get on the water
Jump in, paddle your way around, or leave the work to the engine and explore all five Finger Lakes in Ontario County at your own pace. Did you know Canadice and Hemlock Lakes have restrictions because they are a watershed for the City of Rochester? Looking to up the ante? Stand up paddleboard yoga will really check your inner balance!
Refresh + rejuvenate
Ontario County is your wellness destination. Practice alpaca yoga at Lazy Acre Alpacas, or reindeer yoga at Shortsville Reindeer Farm. Immerse yourself in nature with Finger Lakes Forest Immersion. Visit a spa with a lake view for a wine body wrap.