Canandaigua is a pretty interesting place once you start to look underneath the surface. My good friend Marci lives there, who you may remember introduced us to Canandaigua’s Sonnenberg Gardens last year. I was looking forward to meeting her and seeing the gardens for myself, and I’d been to the Finger Lakes before, near Corning, so I knew the area would be beautiful. But I was surprised to find a destination where life is a lifestyle; many people from bigger cities have moved to Canandaigua for the relaxed atmosphere, quality of life, and not to mention all the things to do in Canadaigua. Let’s take a look by tasting a sample of some of the best examples of the Finger Lakes Lifestyle in Canandaigua.
Food and Fun on Main St
There is nothing more special than a traditional American small town Main Street full of vibrant shops that have interesting things in them. Interesting, I said, not tourist tat or boarded up storefronts. In Canandaigua you definitely get the real thing, and it’s a long street, so as one of the first things to do in Canandaigua, you could easily spend the better part of a day exploring it. Some of the best shops that I enjoyed:
- Wicked-ly Sent: a soap store. But not just any soap store; I’m not a big fan of bar soap, but I have been trialling a few bars and I’m convinced. Simple scents and you feel really nice and clean afterwards. Plus the owners are real charmers – be sure to introduce yourself when you go in.
- Simply Crepes: Should just be called Simply Delicious, because everything on their menu – from the mini crepe starters to the crepe mains and the utterly incredible crepe desserts are just that, simply delicious. Yum.
- F. Oliver: I’m not even sure how to describe this experience. It is an oil and vinegar shop, but with innovative (read: bordering on strange) flavours such as rasberry vinegar or mushroom oil. You are offered a tasting when you go in by the friendly staff who are passionate about challenging your tastebuds to new horizons. I went in hating balsamic vinegar, and left with my head spinning on the possibilities of these two liquids.
- New York Wine and Culinary Center: Hard to believe, but the state of New York’s culinary center is here in Canandaigua. You can enjoy the best of the state with beer tastings, wine tastings, cooking classes (which have some of the most state of the art facilities I’ve seen), and of course enjoy a meal in the fantastic on site restaurant. All of the offerings are very good value for money for what you’re getting – and the staff are a dream.
- Sweet Expressions: An old fashioned chocolate shop whose owner actually understands chocolate. Tell her about your likes and she’ll guide you to the best chocolates for you. It was here that I was formally introduced to the chocolate-covered potato chip. I do believe we will have a long, fruitful relationship.
- Wegmans: Ok, so it’s technically not on Main Street (down a bit further), and people are laughing I’m sure that my favourite thing to do in Canandaigua is to sit in a grocery store, but honestly: a glass of wine and watching the sun set on the outdoor patio at Wegman’s for Friday night jazz was wonderful. What’s not to like?
Culture Vultures in Naples
Just south of Canandaigua Lake is the village of Naples. It is kind of a hippy village full of friendly faces and where you’ll find several really nice shops and places:
- Imagine Moore: Imagine Moor is the best winery in the Finger Lakes. They have great ethical values, their packaging is wonderful, and the wine is superb. Their rose is a top recommend, but I liked pretty much everything I tried. And to boot, their Naples tasting room has a wonderful view from the terrace.
- Dallywater’s: Dallywater’s has been voted the best tea room in New York state. I can’t help but agree – the ice tea I had was probably the best iced tea I’d ever seen. A couple runs the shop, and being from the UK, they know what they’re doing. Next door is an art gallery, so you can sip tea and enjoy art all at the same time.
- Aritzanns: I love the ethos behind Aritzanns, which is to give all the local artists in the area a single space to exhibit, therefore giving everyone more potential for a sale by pushing all the visitors into one spot.
Relax in Bristol Harbor
If all these things to do in Canandaigua are tiring you out, then why not take a break and chill out at the Lifepath Spa in Bristol Harbor? It was probably the best spa experience I’ve had; you start out with a wholesome meal at the restaurant on site, and then you can do some exercise, either hiking or one of their fitness classes. You wrap it up with a message or facial. From the friendly and well-skilled staff to the incredible site – they call Bristol Habor ‘the million dollar view’ for a reason – a visit to Canandaigua isn’t complete without a stop at Lifepath Spa.
If you’re still hungry after all that, in South Bristol you’ll find a tasty little place, the Brown Hound Bistro. It’s next to Arbor Hill Grapery, another great stop for wine tasting and everything-grape-related all under one roof. (Seriously. Grape jelly, grape candles, grape EVERYTHING.)
Walking and Boating the Lake
I suppose it goes without saying that one of the things to do in Canandaigua is to go out on the lake – after all, that is kind of why the town is here. And it is the second most expensive lakefront property in the US (second only to Lake Tahoe). As of writing, the city’s main lakefront attraction, the Canandaigua Lady, is out of commission, but you can still go out on the lake with Captain Gray’s, which departs from the city pier (just down beyond the New York Wine and Culinary Center).
Otherwise, I highly recommend just a simple stroll along the path which runs from Main Street and down wrapping around the north end of the lake. It’s not very far – those commercial properties start right back up again – but at dusk it is a delight. And you can top off the walk with a visit to Scoops, for some of Canandaigua’s tastiest ice cream (be sure to get a topping!).
Get Some Perspective and Go on a Hike
Canandaigua and the Finger Lakes are a hiker’s paradise. Fresh air and some exercise is another one of the things to do in Canandaigua that is surprising, because there are so many amazing trails. A few of my recommendations:
- Ontario Pathways: These former railways have been transformed into excellent walking trails – nice and easy, too, and they go on quite a distance, so you really can get a good walk in. Best bang for your buck is to start from Phelps, where you’ll find some spectacular waterfalls (not tall ones, but the shorter ones with lots of layers) just on either side of you.
- Ganondagan: this site is a historic place for the Native Americans. It’s also great for hiking, with well marked trails that also have an interpretive story to go along with it.
- Grimes Glen: from Naples, this hike takes you pretty much up into three waterfalls. I didn’t have time to do this one but the photos from my companions proved that you get a little wet, but it is worth it for the experience!
It’s not a trail (though there are trails that run through there), but a must see-sight is the Outlook (pictured), towards the south of the lake. It has a wonderful view of the lake and the hills on either side.
Relax at a B&B
After all of the sightseeing and checking out the things to do in Canandaigua, its time to relax. My top recommendation is the Abner Adams in Bloomfield, which is just a few minutes out of town. The friendly innkeepers, Lynda and Bob, have tons of knowledge in the local area, and cook up a fantastic breakfast, including their own blend of the local coffee, Finger Lakes Coffee Roasters. The rooms are well appointed, everything from those wonderful beds you just sink into, to whirlpool tubs. And the house itself is simply gorgeous – the perfect place to finish off your Canandaigua experience and reflect on what’s so appealing about the Finger Lakes lifestyle.
Editorial Disclosure: Portions of this trip were sponsored by Visit Finger Lakes. This sponsorship in no way affects the editorial content of this piece.
All photos by author except Bristol Harbor (courtesy Visit Finger Lakes) and Abner Adams House (courtesy venue).
Share
Email