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Looking for a fun filled but relaxing getaway this summer? Look no further than New York’s Fingerlakes Region! The Fingerlakes refers to a group of eleven long and narrow lakes located in the western region of New York state.
There are many things to do in the Fingerlakes, but each town offers a slightly different experience. So, which lake is right for your getaway? If you are looking for a somewhere peaceful with incredible lake views, top notch wineries, small town vibes, and delectable food options, Canandaigua, New York is the choice for you! Plus, Canandaigua is in a centralized location, making the possibilities endless during your visit!
HERE’S WHAT TO DO IN CANANDAIGUA, NEW YORK
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Walk Around Canandaigua’s Charming Town
Only 25 minutes south of Rochester, Canandaigua translates to “The Chosen Spot.” The town is nestled into the north part of Canandaigua Lake and is filled with art galleries, cafes, and locally owned shops. Although the town is small, there are many things to do especially during the summer time.
Stay Right on Canandaigua Lake
Canandaigua Lake is surrounded by rolling hills, making it a beautiful and relaxing place to be! I highly recommend staying near the lake where you can take in the peaceful views and watch the sun rise or set over the lake.
In Canandaigua, renting a place on VRBO is your best bet. There are some hotels in Canandaigua, but many are far from the lake or really pricey.
Check out some of the best places to stay in Canandaigua, New York here!
We rented this lakeside condo that had the most incredible views! It has two balconies, comfortable beds, and an updated kitchen with all the amenities. Plus, it was close to Heron Hill Winery, and a quick drive into downtown Canandaigua or the nearby town of Naples. I highly recommend booking this place!
Grab Coffee & Breakfast at The Dalai Java
The Dalai Java is a local coffee shop dedicated to roasting only Fair Trade and Organic coffee beans. Roasted in micro batches, each cup of coffee is brewed with expert craftsmanship making every sip even more delicious.
Not only does the Dalai Java have excellent options to get you caffeinated, they also have a bakery or café menu that serves brunch all day long. Whether you are craving something quick like avocado toast or a breakfast sandwich, or prefer a sit down breakfast plate, they got you covered! They also have a variety of vegan and gluten free options, making it the perfect spot for everyone.
Schedule a FINGERLAKES Wine Tasting or Tour Ahead of Time
One important thing to know prior to visiting Canadaguia is that Uber, Lyft, and Taxis are extremely difficult if not impossible to find. During my visit, after trying for over 2 hours to find a ride, our waitress ended up driving us to the next town over. (I am forever grateful for her!)
If I can offer any advice for your trip, it’s to schedule a wine or brewery tour if you plan to visit them. This way you’ll have a built in ride and won’t have to worry about a designated driver. Believe me when I tell you these tours are well worth the money! The last thing you want is to be stranded. Trust me.
Wine Tasting Tours In Canandaigua, New York
Best Fingerlakes Winery Tours:
- Canandaigua Wine Trail Experience: This tour includes stops and tastings at four of Canandaigua’s best wineries with an option to add lunch at Nolan’s on the Lake.
- Keuka Lake Winery Tour: Stop at the best wineries from Canandaigua to Keuka lake in this half day wine tasting tour!
Top Fingerlakes wineries near Canandaigua, New York:
- Heron Hill Winery
- Arbor Hill Grapery & Winery
- Inspire Moore Winery
- Hazlitt Red Cat Cellars
- Fingerlakes Wine Center
- Song Hill Winery
Brewery Tours in Canandaigua, NEW YORK
More of a beer person? Although Canandaigua is known for their wine, they also have a ton of local craft breweries!
Like I mentioned before, if you don’t have a driver, I highly recommend scheduling this brewery tour in advance. It will pick you up and take you to four different breweries near Canandaigua. Although, it is more expensive than visiting the breweries on your own, it can be well worth the money since taxi’s and Ubers in Canandaigua are almost impossible to find.
Best Fingerlakes, NY Brewery Tours:
- Canandaigua Lake Brewery Tour: This is hands down the best brewery tour to take to visit all the best breweries near Canandaigua.
- Farms, Flights: Fingerlakes Brewery Tour: This half day tour will take you to breweries from Keuka to Seneca Lake if you want to visit some of the breweries outside of Canandaigua.
Top breweries in Canandaigua, New York:
- Young Lion Brewing Company
- Peacemaker Brewing Company
- Twin Elder Brewing
- Irish Mafia Brewing Company
- Other Half Brewing Company: Finger Lakes
- Naked Dove Brewing Company
- Twisted Rail Brewing
Visit Kershaw Park in Canandaigua, New York
Kershaw Park Address: 155 Lakeshore Dr. Canandaigua, NY 14424
During the summer especially, Kershaw Park is the place to be in Canandaigua! Located on the north shore of Canandaigua Lake, the park includes lakefront walkways, playgrounds, a public dock, a beach area for swimming, bathhouse, and launch area. There are also lots of outdoor pavilions and gazebos available for picnics in the park or large gatherings. Kershaw Park is a great place to take a quick stroll or even spend the day!
Check out Canandaigua City Pier
Where main street meets the water, Canandaigua City Pier has been around for over 150 years. At the Canandaigua City Pier, you will find around 80 historic boathouses that have served boaters and fishermen during the times of steamboats and railroads. The pier is now historically protected and is one of the most photographed places in Canandaigua. The boathouses are a sight to see with their different red, blue, and green colors. You can really feel the history here!
Eat Lunch or Dinner At Nolan’s On The Lake
If you ask locals where to eat, this place will most certainly be at the top of mind! Nolan’s is one of Canandaigua’s most cherished restaurants. Their menu is filled with incredible seafood, steak, and pasta dishes. Of course they also have a wine list with many varieties including locally sourced wines from the Fingerlakes Region.
Be sure to make a reservation before going to Nolan’s. Especially during the summer time, there can be quite a wait time without one!
Have Some Drinks at Twisted Rail Brewing
Located near Kershaw Park, Twisted Rail Brewing is a fun hangout spot in Canandaigua. They have one of the most incredible pet friendly outdoor decks with views of the lake! I mean, what’s better than watching the boats go by as you sip on craft beer and eat flatbread pizza and nachos?
Twisted Rail Brewing also host events such as trivia, open mic nights, and they often have a live band every Friday evening. It’s a really fun spot during the day or night time, and their beer menu has a large variety of options.
Take A Day Trip
One of the nice things about Canandaigua, New York is how central it is to both the Fingerlakes region and cities like Ithaca and Rochester.
If you want to explore some of the other lakes, it’s only one hour to Cayuga or Seneca Lake, and a little over an hour to Syracuse or Buffalo if you are flying in from out of state. Rochester, is only a 33 minute drive and has lots of museums, activities and restaurants fun for all ages!
Day trip attractions near Canandaigua, NY:
- Watkins Glen State Park– If you are into hiking, Watkins Glen State Park is one of the regions most beautiful state parks! In only a 2 mile hike, you will see 19 waterfalls and many gorges. Keep in mind, there are many stone steps so be sure to wear appropriate hiking attire and shoes.
- Corning Museum of Glass– Founded in 1951, the Corning Museum of Glass is a not-for-profit dedicated to the history and craft of glass. Here you can learn about the history glassmaking, browse the exhibitions filled with beautiful glass, and even sign up for glassmaking classes. Get your admissions tickets here!
- Keuka Outlet Trail– This seven mile trail is the perfect walk for those who love nature and history! The trail follows the historic Fall Brook Railroad that was built to more efficiently connect the lakes since 1884.
- The Strong National Museum of Play– This museum is a child’s dream! The museum’s purpose is to teach through play. Learn about the history of the pinball machine, doll houses, and more by stepping into life size exhibitions. Filled with adventures, playgrounds and even butterfly gardens, visiting the Strong National Museum of Play is a memorable and fun activity for families.
- Seneca Park Zoo– The Seneca Park Zoo is dedicated to conservation, making it the perfect place to support! Filled with birds, snakes, and even elephants and lions, a trip to the zoo is always a fun experience for everyone.
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Now that you have some ideas what to do in Canandaigua, New York you are ready to have the best getaway filled with wine, beer, food, relaxing, and unbelievable views! Although Canandaigua is quite small, the fingerlakes region has made quite the name for itself in the wine industry. It truly is the perfect spot for a getaway close to nature!
BEST TRAVEL RESOURCES
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Lots of great details on how to spend a weekend here. My wife agrees about booking a winery tour. That’s what they did for her bachelorette; she said it was worth the money not having to worry about anything!