Finger Lakes Region
Geneva
City Tour/Seneca West Wineries
Geneva
Since it’s founding in 1687 by the Seneca Indians, Geneva’s biggest asset has been being a city at the north end of Seneca Lake. Over the years, the town has benefitted from its geography and having Hobart College within its border since 1822. Now it has the great restaurants and lodging options typical of an upscale resort town on a lake. It also doesn’t hurt that it has more wineries than any other lake in the northeast. Wine and lakeside relaxation are still the mainstays of the town, but there are many other fun things to see and do in the area.
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Lodging
Breakfast - The Captain’s Cafe right on the main drag of Geneva is the perfect place to fuel up for your Geneva Daycation. From breakfast Frittata’s, omlettes, and pancakes to some cool concoctions like Corned Beef and Eggs and Avocado Pico Eggs, this is the perfect way to start the day.
Morning Itinerary
Rose Hill Mansion - Geneva
This 1839 Greek Revival house that was the home to wealthy farmers for over 100 years shows what life was like during that era. This small but interesting museum 7 miles from the middle of Geneva is a great thing to do while you are digesting your breakfast and don’t want to start drinking wine at 9 a.m! The house and grounds are beautiful and it has a gorgeous view of Seneca Lake.
Geneva History Museum - Geneva
Geneva has an interesting 200+ year history and this quaint museum in the middle of town teaches you things about the area that you can’t learn anywhere else. It won’t take you more than an hour to go through it, but they have different exhibits relating to the town that give an interesting perspective on the area.
Lunch - The gourmet restaurant FLX Table (featured below as the best place to go for dinner in the FLX) has sassy sibling living next door - FLX Frybird. This isn’t KFC, it is crazy good fried chicken with some unique toppings and sides like Blue Cheese, Corn Relish, Scallions and Smoked Buffalo! How about some French Fries topped with Kimchi, Cheese Curds, Chipotle Mayo and Cilantro. The flavors may sound strange, but trust us - they are delicious. Another solid option for a traditional American lunch is Parker’s Grille. Besides the standards like burgers and wings, you can get some unique and tasty options like a Lobster Roll, Hot Pastrami Sandwich, or Ahi Tuna Tacos.
Afternoon Itinerary
Herman J. Wiemer Winery Tasting - Dundee
The Wiemer Winery was ranked as one of the 3 best wineries in the Finger Lakes in our 2021 Ten Best Wineries Tour, and it is the best place to start your afternoon winery tour. They have numerous white, red, and sparkling wines that have won awards in competitions across the country. The BIO Chardonnay, Dry Reisling, and Dry Rose were our favorites.
McGregor Vineyard - Dundee
Another of our Top Ten FLX Wineries is a scant 20 minute drive from Wiemer - the McGregor Vineyard. Your short drive will take you from the west side of Seneca Lake to the east side of Keuka Lake, but the drive is worth it because not only is the wine great at McGregor, but the view from their spacious outdoor patio tasting area is fantastic.
Domaine Leseurre Winery - Hammondsport
When you are a 6th generation winemaker from a town named Champagne, France (yes, that Champagne where bubbly gets its name) you know that you have a lot of pressure to make good wines. The Domaine Leseurre Winery looks like an authentic French building and the cheese plates that you can pair with your wines make the experience even better!
Weis Winery - Hammondsport
164 feet from the French Winery, Domaine Leseurre, is a German Winery named Weis Vineyards. Besides Disney’s Epcot center, where else can you learn about two of Europe’s best cultures and taste great wine so close together? Since the Riesling grape originated in Germany and the climate in the Finger Lakes is very similar to that area, you know that you will get some good Riesling’s here.
Dinner
FLX Table is one of the best restaurants in all of upstate NY, they have 2 nightly 7 course gourmet pairing meals with 14 people sharing a big table for the meal. It is pricey, but it is worth it. You usually have to book well in advance. Ports Cafe is a great restaurant featuring traditional upscale American Cuisine that is excellent at a reasonable price. Bella’s Sicilian Ristorante features great Italian food at a reasonable price.
Evening Itinerary
Smith Opera House
Built in 1894, this 1400 person venue hosts numerous plays, bands, and movies during the year. Inside it beckons of another era with grand decor. Being right in the middle of downtown, it is a great place to go after a nice dinner.
Belhurst Outdoor Fire Pit
This may seem to be an unusual “must do” for your Geneva Daycation, but trust us on this one. Even if you aren’t staying at Belhurst, there is nothing better on a warm summer night than getting a beverage at Stonecutters Tavern and sitting around the firepit behind the castle. Beautiful view, great conversations with strangers who come from many different states, and a perfect way to wind down after your day in the Geneva area.