Category: Touring Tips

Holiday & Spring Getaway Specials, Skiing & More

The Bed & Breakfast at Oliver Phelps is here to help you celebrate the new year with our holiday dressed common area that has plenty of space between guests. We’re serving a gourmet breakfast including fresh brewed organic, local coffee, farm fresh eggs, cold-pressed local juice, Bostrom breakfast meats, and hot lemon pudding cake.

And check out our current specials:

Winter/Spring
15.00 off per night, 2-night minimum

Extended Stay
4+ nights 15% off

3 For 2
Stay 2 Nights Get 3rd Free

More Info on Specials

Great Access To Skiiing

We are an easy 20-minute drive to Bristol Ski Resort, and for those who like to cross country ski, Ontario Pathways is a 5 min walk from the bed and breakfast.

Early reservations for Bristol Mountain skiing and lift pass are still available. Oliver Phelps Bed and Breakfast even has a room in the basement for ski equipment. Please find all health and safety info for Bristol Ski Resort here.

Restaurants Are Open, Many with Indoor Seating!

All restaurants have strict covid policies in place so that everyone stays safe and healthy. These restaurants range from a 15-minute walk to a 30 min drive from Oliver Phelps. Make sure to make your holiday reservation with one of our many unique and fine dining choices. Here are just a few …

Nolans
Roots Cafe
Bon Ami
Hollerhorn
Simply Crepes
Rio Tamatlan
Irish Mafia
Nicks Chophouse

Fall Sky Rides At Bristol Mountain

Take the Comet Express chairlift to the summit of Bristol Mountain

It’s time to enjoy the beautiful Autumn colors of the Finger Lakes on a scenic sky ride! It is a serene 15-20 minute experience of the Bristol Hills and the valley below in all its majesty. You may even catch a glimpse of Canandaigua, from the summit, on a clear day. This ride is for all ages too! Saturdays and Sundays through to fall (plus Columbus Day).

In order to integrate new safety policies, they do require advanced ticket purchases. Find out more on their website.

Wine, Music & A Local Photo Contest!

Fox Run Vineyards Wine Events
They got a whole bunch of fun events over the next few months, including reservation-only tasting blocks dinners, food and wine experiences, a special bring your dog day and more!

Cafe Toscana (at Ventosa Vineyards) Wednesday-Night Music
Wednesday nights, Cafe Toscana is open until 8 pm with dinner specials and incidental live music 6-9 pm (no dancing though). Contact them to reserve your spot.

Life in the Finger Lakes Magazine 2020 Photo Contest
Are you a photographer with some shots you think others would want to see? It’s time to submit them to the Life in the Finger Lakes Magazine 19th annual photo contest. The winners will be published in the November/December 2020 issue!

Music, Food & Wine Each Sunday In August

We just found out that Keuka Spring Vineyards is hosting some pretty special Sundays all through August.

Live music with a visiting food vendor starts this Sunday! Sunday afternoons in the month of August and one Sunday in September, we’ll be hosting live music, here, outside. We hope you can join us to enjoy some local talent and scrumptious cuisine in the fresh air overlooking Keuka Lake.

Find out more, including safety info, on the info page for the events.

It’s Time For a Finger Lakes Road Trip

As more and more businesses re-open, we’ve been regularly putting together our lists of favorite sites, sounds and dining in the Finger Lakes area. And the list goes on!

Granger Homestead and Carriage Museum
Highly knowledgeable docents will take you through the Mansion and the Barn, both a real journey back in time! All along the way through the Granger household and area, you’ll bask in the atmosphere of the period and learn of its history of bold settlers exploring new lands for the first time.

Fox Run Vineyards
Music, Wine and more! Reservations are required for events and fill up fast!

Peacemaker Brewing
A grand re-opening in their beautifully renovated spot.

Lincoln Hill Farms
Live Music, local food, fresh air and of course, fly fishing!

Seager Marine
A newly renovated full-service marina. Pedal kayaks, boats with slides… so many opportunities to enjoy Canandaigua Lake this summer!

Bon Ami French Bistro
Friendly service and a delicious bounty! A real taste of Provence in the heart of Canandaigua.

Sonnenburg Gardens & Mansion
Stay up to date on the upcoming events as schedules make necessary changes. Currently, the Gardens and Mansion are accessible!

Finger Lakes Touring Tips – July 2020

These past few months have been an educational, uncertain and fast-paced time for all of us. We applaud each and every one of you for your ingenuity, creativity and flexibility – we are proud to represent Ontario County!

What has been happening around the county in the past couple of months? Quite a lot! Read on for some highlights we want to share, as we look forward to being a safe yet fun getaway destination.

First up, a great outdoor experience:

The Ontario County Historical Society Garden Tour 2020
Get into the fresh air and enjoy a Garden Tour in Beautiful Canandaigua. 11 AM to 4 PM Saturday, July 18, 2020.

Social Distancing Around Ontario County

If we have learned anything in the past few months, it’s that the creativity in our tourism industry cannot be beaten! Here are some spots thinking outside the box to keep their visitors safe:

Roots Café sure knows how to maximize space! (see above photos)

Belhurst is asking groups of 8 or larger in the tasting room to reserve their time, and not admitting groups larger than 10.

Main Street Arts is offering virtual tours online to supplement their appointment-based in-person exhibits.

Simply Crepes is spreading their guests between inside dining and outside dining on the patio.

Kindred Fare is all about flexibility, with indoor dining, two different spots outdoors and a thriving takeout option still going strong. (see above photos)

New Spots in Town

There have been some new open signs flipped around since we spoke last, and we couldn’t be more excited! Have you checked out:

Gleason’s Food & Drink? Dine on the rooftop for a beautiful view of Canandaigua’s Main Street and glimpses of the lake!

The Sand Bar? The highly anticipated return of the Sand Bar is here, and visitors and locals alike couldn’t be more excited!

These touring tips provided courtesy of:

 

Get Outdoors All Around the Finger Lakes Region

Now that things are starting to open again, we can’t resist getting outdoors to all of the amazing local nature spots around the Finger Lakes. If you’re looking for ideas for a nature tour, here’s our little day-trip plan for you, all of it just 30 minutes from Oliver Phelps.

Cumming Nature Center
After an amazing breakfast with us, start your scenic drive out to the Cumming Nature Center. Celebrating the unique landscape and culture of the Finger Lakes region through hands-on learning opportunities and thoughtful exhibits, they also have amazing hiking through lush scenery including more than 6 miles of trails through wetlands forest. We really can’t recommend it highly enough.

Grimes Glen Creek Hike
While you’re in the area, don’t miss this other amazing hike. Featuring not one but two 60-foot waterfalls and a hemlock tree grove. It’s a place of deep history—it was once home to the oldest fossilized tree in New York (Naples Devonian Tree, though it was moved to a museum).

Roots Cafe
Lunch-time! Or dinner! The Nearby Roots Cafe is open and ready to serve you after your long day of hiking in the natural beauty of the area. Food is fresh and seasonal.

Scenic Route 12 Overlook
Whether on your way out, back or both, this is a great stop. We particularly suggest it for sunsets. The easiest way to find it is on a map via this address: 7083 Co Rd 12, Naples, NY 14512

You’ll likely find a great place to eat dinner back in Canandaigua. That should be a full day for you. Let us know how it goes when you get back to the bed & breakfast.

Don’t forget, the best place to stay for amazing day trips like this is with us!  Find out more. The Bed & Breakfast at Oliverphelps is open and ready to serve you.

Check Out These Open Vineyards & A Brew House!

At last, we can go on wine tours again! Here is a roundup of our favorite local vineyards (and a brewhouse) that have re-opened with safety precautions in place.

Note: each of these businesses has safety precautions in place, as of this posting. However, they each vary in their specifics. Please contact each business directly for information on how they are handling safety.

Barnstormer Winery
Now offering limited indoor and outdoor tasting by appointment. They also have bottle purchases, curbside pickup, and online shopping.

Domaine LeSeurre Winery
They’re open again offering both indoor and outdoor wine tastings, as well as seated service on their outdoor terrace for a by-the-glass and bottle program from 10 to 6 every day.

Fox Run Vineyards
Stop by their tasting room for a wine flight or grab a bite to eat at the café. More info on their site.

Young Lion Brewery
Sitting on the beautiful, northern shore of Canandaigua Lake, YLBC’s taproom and event space enjoy the most sun-soaked, desirable views of the entire lake and its bordering southern mountains. Open for outdoor seating and take-out. More info on their site.

If you’re looking for a place to stay while you tootle around the Finger Lakes, check us out. The Bed & Breakfast at Oliverphelps is open and ready to serve you.

Now Is A Great Time To Tour The Finger Lakes – Business Is Open!

Here at Oliver Phelps, we’re excited to see local businesses begin to re-open and local activities resume. We’ve put together this list of some of our favorite local businesses and sights to entice you to come and visit the Finger Lakes and stay with us here at the Bed & Breakfast at Oliver Phelps.

Note: each of these businesses has safety precautions in place, as of this posting. However, they each vary in their specifics. Please contact each business directly for information on how they are handling safety.

Canandaigua Sailboard
SUP, kayak, windsurf and more! Whether you’re looking to take a light tour around the Finger Lakes, want to get up on a wakefoil, or are simply looking to kayak to the south-end of Canandaigua Lake.

Lively Run Dairy
They have re-opened their farm store, Monday through Saturday, 12 pm to 5 pm. They offer tastes of cow and goat cheeses, goat visits, and local product shopping in the farm store.

Simply Crepes
They have opened their dining rooms and outdoor patio (with limited seating). They also offer local delivery and curbside pickup with online ordering.

Wohlschlegel’s Naples Maple Farm
Their Sugarhouse Store is open Saturdays and Sundays the month of June from 10 am to 2 pm both days.

Pat Rini Rohrer Gallery

Tuesday – Saturday 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Sunday and Monday Closed. Original artwork by over 40 amazing artists.

Arts Center of Yates County
Open M-F 10 a.m. to 4 pm. Artworks by local and regional artists for sale or just drop in and enjoy seeing what your favorite artists have been up to.

If you’re looking for a place to stay while you tootle around the Finger Lakes, check us out. The Bed & Breakfast at Oliverphelps is open and ready to serve you.

Finger Lakes Touring Tips – March 2020

Spring into the new season with a full slate of fun events at New York Kitchen! In addition to their one-of-a-kind cooking classes, stop in for Beer Bingo: St. Patrick’s Day Edition on March 12, The Not Too Far From Home Comedy Tour on March 13 and NYK x Gael Brewing Company on March 19. Don’t forget about Open Mic every Thursday as well! New York Kitchen, 800 South Main Street, Canandaigua. NYKitchen.com

At the Antique Wireless Museum, experience the history of the technologies used to communicate and entertain from the telegraph to today’s wireless text messaging. With a guided tour by a Museum Historian, enjoy the incredible stories behind the artifacts. See the Titanic wireless room with authentic era wireless equipment. Experience the sound of a 1 kW spark transmitter. See the first transistor radio and the first cellular telephone. Sit in the control room of the Voice of America station from Delano, California. Enjoy the Discovery area where kids of all ages can use the hands-on equipment. And so much more! Antique Wireless Museum, 6925 Route 5, Bloomfield. AntiqueWireless.org

A historic event is coming to Bristol Mountain – it’s the 2020 U.S. Freestyle Aerials National Championship! You won’t need a plane ticket to watch some of our country’s best athletes compete for victory. In addition to the competition, spectators can enjoy fun activities for the kids, great food, an outdoor bar for the adults and live music. Saturday, March 14, 5 to 9 p.m. Bristol Mountain, 5662 Route 64, Canandaigua. BristolMountain.com

Nothing kicks off a day of exploring the Finger Lakes, a sweet treat in the middle of the day or ending to a day of fun better than a visit to Bagels and Cakes! We’re talking lox bagel sandwiches, handmade pasta, focaccia, beautifully decorated cookies and more. Is your mouth watering yet? Bagels and Cakes, 476 Hamilton Street, Geneva. BagelsAndCakesGeneva.com

The best libations of Ontario, Monroe, Livingston and Wayne counties all in one room. Too good to be true? Not atFirst Fest – Round Two! Enjoy samples from craft beverage producers and food vendors, take home a souvenir tasting glass and listen to some live music. Get your tickets today! Friday, March 20, 7 to 9 p.m. Ravenwood Golf Club, 929 Lynaugh Road, Victor. ROCFLXCraftBevTrail.com

Slow down time with a relaxing and rejuvenating experience at Park West Hair Design & Spa, overlooking picturesque Canandaigua Lake. Refresh your look or soothe your mind with a spa service in their luxurious retreat, complete with in-room fireplaces. Their outstanding hospitality and personalized service will make this an essential part of your Finger Lakes getaway. Park West Hair Design & Spa, 14 Lakeshore Drive, Canandaigua. ParkWestHairDesignAndSpa.com

There isn’t any run around quite like the Drink Like a Girl 5K Run/1K Craft Beer Tasting Walk! Run a timed 5K and/or 1K Tasting Walk along Seneca Lake with craft beer stops along the route! After the race, head over to the Craft Beer After Party, with live music from local artists, food vendors and of course, more craft beer. Join in and celebrate the 100th anniversary of women’s right to vote, International Women’s Day and craft beer! Saturday, March 28, 2 p.m.Downtown Geneva. DrinkLikeAGirl5K.com

Learn the art of brewing and learn more about the journey from grain to glass, when you visit Twisted Rail Brewing Company. Once you watch the process, sample the brews made that day and learn what is coming next. Then, sit and enjoy a pint overlooking Canandaigua Lake before deciding which growler or keg you want to take home with you. Cheers! Twisted Rail Brewing Company, 169 Lakeshore Drive, Canandaigua. TwistedRailBrewing.com

Bonus Tip: March means Maple Weekend in the Finger Lakes! Stay tuned for a Touring Tips all about the maple events going on this year. Save the date: Maple Weekend 2020 is March 21-22 & 28-29!

These touring tips provided courtesy of: