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New York's Falls to the Finger Lakes
New York's Falls to the Finger Lakes
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A Weekend in Livingston County

by Jessica Reilly

Livingston County NY

Nestled on the Western edge of the Finger Lakes region, Livingston County is a welcome retreat into the serenity of small-town lake life. Here you can take a scenic hike through the woods, enjoy a glass of craft beer or wine, and dig into locally produced dishes.  


Activities

What’s on your vacation itinerary? Whether you want to relax with a glass of wine, let loose at a show or unwind with nature, we’ve got you covered.  

Visit the Grand Canyon of the East  

Voted the #1 State Park in the Country by readers of USA Today, Letchworth State Park is scenically magnificent. No visit to Livingston County is complete without a stop at the gorge, where the Genesee River roars over three major waterfalls and winds its way through hundreds of miles of rock. The steep walls of the ravine give way to lush, ancient forests. Visitors can relax with a walk through the trails, take in the sights, and keep an eye out for local wildlife. If you’re looking for adventure, you’ll find it here with horseback riding, whitewater rafting, and hot air balloon rides available!  

Middle Falls at Letchworth State Park - Photo by Scott Thomas Photography

Catch a Show at Rising Storm Brewery  

Just minutes from scenic Conesus Lake, Rising Storm Brewery is a micro-brewery serving up simple yet exceptional small batch beers. Hosting weekly live music throughout the spring and summer, Rising Storm is the perfect place to kick back with a pint of local brew and enjoy a great show! Stop by their onsite bistro for a small plate that pairs perfectly with whatever you’re drinking, from poutine and fried cheese curds to grilled cheeses and chicken tenders.  

Have a Shoreside Picnic at Hemlock Lake  

A visit to Hemlock Lake is a must while visiting Livingston County. One of only two Finger Lakes with a wholly undeveloped shoreline, the lake is the best place to soak up the peace and serenity of this incredible region. Packing a picnic lunch is the perfect way to make the most of your time here. Adventure seekers can take it to go with a hike down the Rob’s Trail to picnic by the lakeshore, or to hike to the neighboring Canadice Lake.  

Have a Glass of Wine at Deer Run Winery  

Deer Run is the oldest operating winery on Conesus Lake, producing quintessential Finger Lakes wines. Overlooking Conesus Lake, the family-run winery was opened in 2003 and has won dozes of local and national awards for their red and white wines. Stop in for a tasting or to kick back with a glass of wine overlooking the vineyards.  


Stay

Stay the night at Brickinn   

Brickinn is a chic and updated bed and breakfast where modern comforts meet vintage flair in a historic 1915 brick home outside of Letchworth State Park. Set on 5 acres with old trees and flourishing gardens, Brickinn offers their guests a welcome reprieve from the fast pace of life in an elegant environment made for rest and relaxation. Stay in one of their 5 unique guest rooms and start your day with a delicious breakfast made from locally sourced ingredients. From there, head to the quaint Main Street of Perry or into the lush forests of Letchworth State Park for a day of exploration.  


Eat

Ready to grab a bite? You’ll find an abundance of fresh, local options for every palette.  

Get Breakfast at Suzea’s Gluten Free Bakery & Café   

Start your day deliciously at Suzea’s! A local favorite, Suzea’s proves that gluten free can be delicious with a menu full of breakfast items and baked goods, all gluten free. Try a hearty plate of French toast, a bagel, or an English muffin. If waffles are your thing, choose from savory waffle sandwiches or sweet waffle pairings, like apple pie waffles. Pair it with a mug of hot tea or an iced latte!  

Grab Lunch at the Whistling Farmer Restaurant 

Located on the scenic Woodlynn Hills Golf Course, the Whistling Farmer Restaurant serves up farm-fresh cuisine, inspired by and sourced from local New York farmers, breweries, cideries and wineries. Their menu is full of classic American favorites with a one-of-a-kind, gastropub twist. Owned and operated by Livingston County locals, all of the ingredients are sourced locally, from the meats and cheese to the produce and beverages. Try an order of the melt-in-your-mouth short ribs or a delicious bowl of oxtail soup. With vegan and vegetarian options as well as classic pub traditions like wing Wednesday and fish fry Friday, there’s something for everyone to enjoy here.  

Stop for Dinner at Galene

Nestled on the shores of Conesus Lake, Galene is a new arrival to the town of Lakeview, elevating the dining scene with New American cuisine. Galene’s focus is on exploring ingredient-driven cuisine through the rediscovery of heirloom and local products to redefine what it means to cook and eat in the Finger Lakes. Stop in for a delicious dining experience you can’t get anywhere else.  

Tuck in at Ember Wood Fire Grill  

Located in a historic train station, the food is the centerpiece at Ember Woodfire Grill. Everything is made entirely from scratch with sustainably sourced ingredients. The menu changes with the growing season to create big city flavors at small town prices. Meals are brought out as they’re ready to encourage the policy of sharing food at the table. The bar has a full selection of craft beers, Finger Lakes wine, and unique seasonal cocktails. Dive into a shareable plate of sweet potato egg rolls, enjoy a vegan Bolognese, or savor a freshly baked thin crust pizza. Don’t forget to save room for dessert!  

Grab a Pick-Me-Up at Sweet Arts Bakery  

Sweet Arts Bakery is a classic small-town bakery, known for their delicious freshly made cinnamon rolls and the artistic touch they bring to every baked good. With a menu ranging from bagels and bubble tea to espresso and fudge, there’s something for breakfast, lunch, or a snack here. Located on Main Street in the heart of the Geneseo village, Sweet Arts is the perfect place to grab a coffee and a sweet treat and watch life go by for a bit. Grab a loaf of fresh bread to go or pick up a baker’s dozen cupcakes for later!  

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