3 Days in the Finger Lakes Wine Country

 3 Days in Geneva, Seneca Falls...and the Finger Lakes Wine Country!!

We had not traveled since last October, when  COVID numbers started ramping up.  Things were improving...so time to get on the road again!  From May 18-20 we traveled to Geneva as our home base.  The weather was absolutely incredible...blue, sunny skies every single day, and temperatures in the 80's!  The last day it actually got hot and humid into the 90's.  It's hard not to have a great time when the weather is so perfect. 

We made a reservation ahead of time for Three Brothers Winery for a tasting package.  We also made a reservation at their winery for lunch at the cafe.  Unfortunately, due to lack of staffing they had to close the cafe on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.  They called us 3 days before arrival to let us know the new policy.  We understood-so many businesses are struggling to get workers.  In a way, we feel that this summer will be more challenging to travel than last summer.  So many travelers...not enough workers to take care of them.  Last summer the travelers just weren't there. We will see how things go this summer, but expecting that there will be cancellations and slow service.  Traveling during the week somewhat helps-but sometimes things aren't open. 

This winery is like Disney World...and we had the best time.  3 wineries and a brewery on the 35 acre property.  Grape vines surround. Luckily they had made some excellent sandwiches ahead of time for purchase, so we spent about 3 hours here wandering around.  It was not busy-and we like it that way. 

From there we went to check into our hotel Hampton Inn in Geneva.  It was an "OK" hotel-but the location was absolutely wonderful.  Easy walk to Seneca Lake State Park to walk along Seneca Lake, and the same easy walk into town.  Unfortunately, the hot tub wasn't open...I believe due to "COVID restrictions".  Strangely, we have used hot tubs at other hotels last summer in NY State. 

The Welcome Center is across the street from the hotel, directly in front of the Lake.  There are local products for sale, DJ music playing to enjoy while seated in Adirondack Chairs, and a fabulous paved walkway.  We headed out to the right...to an underground tunnel...which brought us to the downtown area. Just as we exited the tunnel we walked thru a Solar Living Complex that was cool to see.

We walked to an early dinner at Beef & Brew.  The place is adorable with a really neat vibe.  Our server was fabulous...our food...not so great.  I think we needed to order Beef (since that is the name of the restaurant!!) but we chose to order pasta and seafood.  Oh well...our dining for the first day between the premade sandwiches and the not so great dinner wasn't starting out all that great...  I definitely would return to eat here again-just order the correct food and I think we'd be fine!

Al returned to the hotel after dinner, and I went down to Seneca Lake.  Seneca Lake State Park. Absolute serenity!!  I did that both nights-just enjoying the lake, the views, the quiet.  I even sat on a bench each night and did a few German lessons-can't think of a better location to practice German.  Beats the heck out of being at home in my dining room!!

Wednesday was an interesting day.  On this day New York State lifted their mask mandate for all vaccinated people.  As expected, it caused a little confusion with each business that we went into.  Every single one was different.  This is NOT a political statement-but here is how we proceeded.  As we enter a business we determine their mask policy... AND FOLLOWED IT WITHOUT DISCUSSION.  We entered every business with our masks on.  If they said we did not need masks, we chose not to wear them.  Obviously, everyone vaccinated gets to make their own decisions regarding masks.  We feel very strongly that we support everyone's choice.  If we choose not to wear a mask we cannot get mad at others that choose to not wear a mask that are unvaccinated.  That is the chance we choose to take.  If we were nervous, we would continue to wear a mask.  For each business that we entered I will let you know the policy on the day we entered.  We knew from talking to workers Tuesday that Hampton Inn required masks...we wore them.  We also knew that Three Brothers was allowing mask free if vaccinated.

Wednesday was our Spa Day at Belhurst Castle.  As we entered we saw workers without masks, and it was true that they were following the CDC guidelines.  As we went to our massage the therapists  were wearing masks-so we specifically asked them if they wanted us to wear masks.  They said no.  They were wearing them for a couple days-then will likely not wear them after that.  The True Bliss Romantic Retreat was 100 minutes of pure heaven!!

We had lunch at Stonecutter's Tavern at Belhurst.  The food was awesome (made up for the day before!!) We did a wine and beer tasting at their winery on property. We did some wandering around the lovely grounds. 

We drove to Penn Yan and visited the Fox Run Vineyards. Lovely views of the west side of Seneca Lake.  This winery required masks-so, no problem, we wore them as requested.  We took a really interesting private  outdoor tour of the grounds and production.  Masks were also required for that activity.

Dinner the second  night was at a place called Kindred Fare.  Funky vibe, and farm to table food that was incredible.  It was in an odd place in a strip mall, but once we entered we totally forgot we were actually in a strip mall.  The menu was eclectic...perhaps one would say unusual...but our food was great!  Masks were not required here for fully vaccinated people. 

Thursday was our day to go home, and we chose to spend it in Seneca Falls.  On the way there we went to Ventosa Vineyards for a 10AM tasting.  The place is spectacular-Italian Tuscan style.  Gorgeous views of the east side of Seneca Lake.  Our tasting lady was very sweet.  Masks not required. 

The day was heating up...but we went on to our prebooked appointment at the Women's Hall of Fame.  We had a little time before our scheduled hour, so we walked up and down the Canal.  It was close to 90 degrees and bright sun, but it was so beautiful on the canal.  The Hall of Fame is very small currently.  They just recently moved to a new building which they have renovated spectacularly.  It is only 1 floor of exhibits now...with plans for 2 more floors.  I think the old building contained more things-but this was very tastefully placed together.  We were only there about 30 minutes.  Masks did need to be worn in this small space.

From there we walked over the It's a Wonderful Life Bridge.  Just cool to see it.  Al just loves that movie.  We continued walking to the Historical Park and Visitor's Center. We accidently found the Visitor's Center.  For some reason I thought it was closed except on the weekends.  There were a lot of very nice exhibits there, and we ended up spending more time there than at the Women's Hall of Fame.  Both should be visited...not taking anything away from the Hall of Fame, it's just currently a work in progress.  Masks were required in here.

We had lunch at Parker's.  We had eaten here back in the fall when we visited Montezuma.  It has restaurants in 4 different cities, and we have also eaten at the one in Auburn.  It did not disappoint-and the air conditioning was absolutely appreciated that day!!!! We did not need to wear masks here.

Our last stop was at Sauders Store.  We had heard so many things about it, so we were excited to visit.  Masks were not required here.  It is a HUGE place.  We bought a few things.  The plant selection was amazing.  We were starting to wear down, so the visit was shorter than it would have been.  We will try another day when we are more rested, and it isn't 90 degrees.

It was an awesome trip.  We did a lot, and explored an area we have not yet explored. People were kind and caring.  We did not see any drama at all regarding wearing of masks...and that is the way it should be!  

I will close this blog by reiterating a thought from earlier.  We have a lot going on in this world.  One of the purposes of travel is to see a new area, learn about new cultures, and appreciate and celebrate our  differences.  We may not agree on the mask/no mask but we do need to respect others. 

Kindness and caring.  It's what makes our world go around.  It is what makes humans unique and special. 

Hope that you found something fun that you can do in the Geneva/Seneca Falls area.  All places mentioned here have been reviewed by me on Trip Advisor.   Happy travels!