Colors Of The Season

Late September through mid-October enjoy the spectacular show of glorious reds, yellows, oranges, and greens framing each of the Finger Lakes!

Visit Sonnenberg Gardens & Mansion State Historic Park (250 Gibson St., Canandaigua), one of America's longest surviving estates from the Victorian Era, previously home to Mary Clark Thompson. Stroll through nine formal gardens, several greenhouses, and finish with a visit to the gift shop for a Finger Lakes souvenir.
Continue to embrace Canandaigua’s history with a visit to western New York’s largest collection of horse-drawn vehicles at Granger Homestead and Carriage Museum (95 North Main St., Canandaigua). You will travel back in time on this scenic property built for Gideon Granger, Postmaster General for Presidents Jefferson and Madison.
Check into your hotel or B&B, freshen up, and head out for a delightful evening. A variety of local restaurants offer creative menus for any taste. From French to Mexican to regional farm-to-table, there is something for everyone. After dinner, it's back to the hotel to rest up for the next day of fun.

Carriage rides at the Christkindl Market held at Granger Homestead in Canandaigua

Start your morning with breakfast on Main St., Canandaigua. Choose from a local diner, coffee shop, or bakery.
Travel the scenic route along Rt. 21 south to Naples, N.Y., home of the famous Grape Pie and Naples Grape Festival. When you make it to Naples, stop at Artizanns (118 North Main St., Naples), a gift shop featuring the work of over 200 Finger Lakes artists. From pottery to hand-blown glass to woodworking, you will be sure to find the perfect Finger Lakes gift to bring back home.
Enjoy a morning in Naples with a hike at Grimes Glen, golfing at Reservoir Creek, or grabbing a grape pie at Cindy's Pies.
When you're ready to start heading back north, Carolabarb Park’s scenic overlook is a favorite of both visitors and locals. The view of Canandaigua Lake is simply breathtaking and there are two viewfinders available for an up-close look at the incredible scenery. If you're looking for the highest vantage point in the area, a stop at Ontario County Park at Gannett Hill's "jump-off" is just around the corner.
By now you are probably working up a thirst and an appetite. Arbor Hill Grapery (6461 State Route 65, Naples) is the perfect stop to tour, sample wines, shop for wine-themed gifts and enjoy a meal at Brew and Brats, featuring craft beers and locally made bratwursts and sausages.

fall foliage overlooking the bristol hills from Ontario County Park at Gannett Hill

Make your way to "The Little Lakes", Honeoye and Canadice, for a quiet, slower pace. On your way, stop and explore Wizard of Clay (7851 Rt. 20A, Bristol) where creativity has no limit. The unique pottery and shop housed in geodesic domes is full of custom made fun and functional pieces to decorate every room in your house.
At Canadice Lake, a hike through Hemlock-Canadice State Forest is in order. You can walk right up to the lakeside and enjoy the stillness of nature around you. Make your way back to Honeoye Lake with a stop at Harriett Hollister Spencer State Recreation Area. The views overlooking Honeoye Lake at this spot are one of a kind.
When you're ready for a meal, head to Mill Creek Cafe (8705 Main St., Honeoye). This farm-to-table restaurant offers a relaxed atmosphere and rotating baked goods to top off the day.

Women looking at the reflection of fall foliage in calm Canadice Lake

Consider a bird's-eye view with a hot air balloon ride. Liberty Balloon Company offers rides over Canandaigua Lake and Letchworth Park.