All Things.. Finger Lakes, Fall Foliage and Fantastic – Part 2
Here we are.. in an Amish Farmhouse, just south of Geneva on Route 14 as we made our way through wine country near Seneca Lake. The lighting looks kind of eerie but as we look at the handmade patchwork quilts that hung above us – it was only natural light (no electricity!) peeking through each of the wooden slats of the barn. So cool. We have the utmost respect for the Amish and Mennonite communities that flourish in Upstate. We could all learn a thing or two from them, actually. Just visiting you realize what is important in life.. and to place your energy into things that really matter.
So, as we begin ‘Part 2’ – we left Naples.. and headed to Canandaigua. Canandaigua is about a 20 minute drive or so from Naples, North. Easy driving, no traffic, no honking, no zooming from lane to lane… just a slow and steady country road. Canandaigua, (*the name morphed over decades) pronounced [ka – nuhn – day – gwuh] meaning the ‘place selected or the chosen spot’ by the Seneca Indians.
After the Civil War the area was known for an important railroad stop linking mills and brick, hardware and agricultural manufacturing. In 1873, Canandaigua was the site of the criminal trial for the famous, Susan B. Anthony, who was arrested in Rochester for voting. Anthony was one of the leaders in the women’s suffrage movement and development of women’s rights to vote through the 19th Amendment. Sooo much history is held in this land, lakes and buildings. You can see the history in this area – it oozes everywhere – and feels like you’re in a time capsule.
Along the way we stopped at a roadside flower stand. It wasn’t just a quick stop, but a circle around and then flip around again in our rented (huge!), Dodge BigHorn. Brian was adamant about the flowers. These weren’t your California roadside flowers either. These beautiful dahlia’s were out of this world and purchased for a very small fee on the ‘honor system box’ at the stand. Was this place real? We were on our way…
Here are a few other fantastic spots and to-dos to add to your Upstate New York check list.
π Kix on Main Restaurant & Bar – Once in Canandaigua we wanted to enjoy a dinner in town. Kix on Main we found based on the reviews and when calling for reservations on a Thursday night, they were booked. We thought, this must be a good spot. We parked in back and made our way to the bar area where we snagged one of the last high top bar tables. Brian realized that next door was Dick Anthony’s, a suit and tailor shop where he worked one summer while in college at RIT. Kix on Main was a newer establishment with elevated local wine, beer and spirits menu as well as delicious food. We opted for beer and went with the Poke Nachos. The picture doesn’t do the nachos justice. We ended the meal with a Maple Bacon Cupcake to go.
π Belhurst Castle & Winery on Senaca Lake – Some claim the Belhurst Castle is haunted. We don’t think so.. The Castle is grand and beautiful, situated perfectly on Seneca Lake to enjoy the crisp breeze and jaw-dropping views. Belhurst felt like a tourist destination. We enjoyed the wine tasting – wines were ‘ok’. We liked the roΕe but decided not to get the glass when finding out the lunch was too long to wait. Brian’s grandparents used to take him and his sister to Belhurst as children to practice ‘manners’ at the fine-dining restaurant. Brian remembers vividly his grandfather giving him a hard time for ordering the pecan pie which at the time was $4.25 (cough, nearly 40 years ago). The stop was worth seeing the family history and grandeur but doesn’t resemble the character of Upstate.
π Amish Farmhouse and Quilts & Mennonite Farm Stand – Do you know the difference between the Amish and Mennonite? Both communities flourish in Upstate New York – separately, abiding by different beliefs. Amish are overall more strict and conservative in their beliefs. Amish usually live in more isolated areas and avoid using modernities. Mennonites are able to use more modern conveniences such as vehicles (no rubber tires – all tractors have steel wheels) and a telephone. We are finding in our visits that many of the Amish and Mennonite communities are out-marketing other local businesses. We think it’s an interesting transition for these lovely folks – as their goods stay relevant to the modern consumer. Amish and Mennonite’s alike know how to farm. Their farm stand, goods such as quilts, jams and jelly’s, bakery items.. are like no other. We enjoyed cheese curds from their cows out back, homemade fudge and admittedly a huge bag of apples to bring back in our luggage. The young girl that helped us couldn’t believe apples were $1-2 each in California – when we were buying 12 for $4.
π Smokin Pete’s BBQ – We were driving on Route 14 visiting wineries and drove past, smelled the smoker and turned around. The rest is history. AMAZING BBQ. Smoked pork tacos and wings… friendly staff, not-so-crowded bar and cool vibe.
π Red Tail Ridge Winery – Our favorite winery so far – specifically their White Wines and ‘Fizzy’. 2021 GewΓΌrztraminer and the 2020 Chardonnay, Petulant Naturel was our favorite. The GewΓΌrztraminer and Riesling are grapes that do very well in the cooler climate. The Chardonnay, Petulant Naturel was a mouth watering find. What is Petulant Naturel you might ask? From a Winemaking perspective, this process is slightly different than making a true Sparkling wine as it doesn’t go through secondary fermentation. Thus, appearing unfiltered and cloudy. Rustic and cloudy wines are in! Pat-Nat as it is coined, is more raw where as Sparkling is the more refined counterpart. The tasting menu was ‘pick and choose’ and a price per tasting relative. Crackers and wine were delivered to the comfy benches on the patio as we enjoyed the view of the lake. Vineyards were immaculate – took a walk – saw deer – it was lovely. A must stop.
π Eric’s Office Restaurant – A hipster diner and bar for locals. We didn’t have enough time to make it up closer to the lake but thought Eric’s Office might do a down-home fish fry. They were out of the fresh caught fish so we opted for sandwiches. BLT.. yes, please. It’s funny because we really try to take photos when we are out and about.. but admittedly we are bad at it. We took a photo, but half way through our lunch. Hopefully you don’t mind, wink! Despite being out of the fresh fish, service was great and was an unpretentious place to sit back and relax.
π Inn on Main – Bed & Breakfast – We really find a lot of joy in planning the perfect place to stay wherever we go. We like to go to the Bed & Breakfast type place, or the little Inn, less corporate and more ‘location-real’. Not every vacation or trip requiring a hotel can be that way.. we are avid lovers of the Marriott group however when we can, we go small and intimate. The Inn on Main was a beautiful Victorian Estate, right on Main Street walkable to restaurants, bars and the town center. The Inn Keeper was very warm and watched over the 4 rooms. The Inn was booked and we didn’t see the other guests all visit. Every morning, breakfast was made and each evening homemade truffles or chocolate chip cookies were ready on your way up for the night. Our room was on street side and across from the St. John’s Episcopal Church. The beautiful, old church has a large bell tower with bells on the hour and half hour. If you would like seclusion and quiet (during the day), this might not be the right spot, but we loved every minute.
We hope you’ve enjoyed the adventure and we have at least convinced you a little to head to Upstate!
Our only regret? We didn’t get a Concord Grape Pie. Till next time.
#locatedhere
Brian and Sara
