A scenic overlook in Harriet Hollister Spencer State Recreation Area offers views along Honeoye Lake; on clear days, the view extends toward Rochester and Lake Ontario. Ontario County also has trails for getting out and about: Ontario County Park at Gannett Hill offers hiking and biking trails. This brings scenic views and trail activities together as distinct ways to experience nature.
Trails, Waterfalls, and Seasonal Activities
Ontario Pathways is open to hikers, cyclists, walkers, joggers, and horseback riders. Other activities include birdwatching, geocaching, letterboxing, and botanical walks; in winter, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing are also possible. You can tailor your visit to your interests, whether that means getting active, observing nature, or taking a botanical walk.
Grimes Glen is known for its waterfalls. Stid Hill Wildlife Management Area covers 847 acres in Bristol and South Bristol in Ontario County and offers wildlife-related recreation. Cumming Nature Center has activities and events throughout the year. Offerings include trails for hiking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing.
A different kind of activity awaits at the Aerial Adventure Park at Bristol Mountain: this self-guided treetop experience features bridges, rope bridges, zip lines, and other obstacles among the treetops. The park has seven courses of varying difficulty, from beginner to advanced. Deep Run Beach is open for picnicking and swimming from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Gardens, Architecture, and Wine
Sonnenberg Gardens & Mansion State Historic Park spans 50 acres and combines formal and informal gardens, a historic mansion, the Lord & Burnham greenhouse complex, and views of Canandaigua Lake. Sonnenberg preserves a living collection of nine historic gardens. The mansion was built in 1887 in the Queen Anne style. The park brings together garden areas, a greenhouse complex, and a historic building.
During the garden season, you can take tasting tours at the Finger Lakes Wine Center at Sonnenberg Gardens & Mansion State Historic Park. Check the current garden-season schedule before your trip. The 41-mile Canandaigua Lake Wine Trail includes wineries, restaurants, gourmet shops, and picnic areas. Individual businesses and their operating details may change; check specific opening hours and offerings as you plan.
Buildings, Collections, and Exhibitions
The Ontario County Historical Society building in Canandaigua, built in the Georgian Revival style, houses its collections and archives, as well as exhibition and gallery spaces. The museum and research center is open to the public Tuesday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Saturday from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The gallery spaces feature an annual exhibition produced by the Society, quarterly exhibitions by the Ontario County Arts Council, and the Open Hearth Kitchen exhibit.
You can also compare two distinct architectural styles: the Historical Society building is built in the Georgian Revival style, while the Sonnenberg mansion is in the Queen Anne style and dates to 1887. The Seneca Art & Culture Center is open Wednesday through Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. When planning your visit, allow for seasonal holiday closures and closures for winter maintenance.
Discover more destinations: Victor, Canandaigua, Shortsville, Phelps, Montgomery County, Franklin, Kings, Cayuga County.
For the main travel overview: New York.
