The sun is shining and adventure beckons. Start the car, it’s time for a road trip! The Finger Lakes region of New York State is a short hop from the GTA (a mere three hours and you’re in the land of rolling hills and endless wine) and there’s so much to discover. We explored the start of the region, Canandaigua, one of the oldest cities in the Finger Lakes. Its name has Indigenous origins and means “chosen place” in the Seneca language. —Amanda Nunes
Stay: There’s just something in the air at the Lake House on Canandaigua. As soon as you step onto the expansive property, you’re enveloped by a sense of calm and relaxation. Is it the airy lobby with handcrafted driftwood furniture or the welcome glass of sparkling Riesling? The space is welcoming and upscale without being stuffy. The cosy Lake King guest room has a patio with a beautiful view of namesake Canandaigua Lake, a custom-designed four-poster king bed, and a walk-in shower. Small luxuries like a plush robe, 55-inch 4K HDTV, a Nespresso machine, and toiletries with a delightful custom scent elevate the experience. Horticulturist John Faerber takes great pride in the flora and fauna that thrive on-site. From the cultivated lavender that lines the entrance to the spa to the giant fiddle-leaf fig tree in the spa relaxation lounge, every plant and flower is well tended to. The doors from the lobby lead to the lake, where you can curl up with a book on a deck chair, or grab a cocktail at their dockside restaurant. When dusk falls, you can grab a s’mores kit from the lobby (roasting stick included) and indulge by the firepit. If you’d rather stay indoors, there are tonnes of cosy nooks with crackling fireplaces, board games, and comfortable couches to lounge in.
Devour: You don’t have to venture far to find a delicious meal. Rose Tavern is a modern American restaurant that focuses on local ingredients and wine from the Finger Lakes. Start your meal with warm Parker house rolls served with whipped honey butter and Maldon Sea salt. Tender Faroe Island Salmon is made on their post oak ember-fired hearth, served with a side of crispy Yukon gold potatoes. Fresh Stracritella cheese drizzled with truffle honey, and olive oil served with toasted house-made focaccia is a must. If you feel like hitting the road, Joseph’s Wayside Market is worth the drive to Naples. Here you’ll find freshly made pies with unique flavours (Fruit of the Forest, anyone?), local seasonal fruits and veggies and a private wine shop if you fancy a tipple.
Play: Frolic with 120 alpacas at Lazy Acre Alpacas. Join a walking farm tour to learn about this family farm, how they raise and care for alpacas and how their super soft fleece is made into yarn. Stop by their on-site shop where you can find cozy alpaca socks and other goods. If you’d rather explore the property, guests of the Lake House have a variety of activities at their fingertips. Start your day with a morning yoga or meditation class or embrace lake life with water-sport rentals. Water bikes, canoes, and kayaks can be rented to enjoy the great outdoors. If that’s a little too hands-on for you, take a dip in the outdoor pool, complete with a brand new 90-foot deck expansion. The new space feature luxurious daybeds that you can reserve for a full or half day. Reservations come with a full daybed that includes water, sunscreen, lip balm and towels.
Relax: A unique experience awaits at the holistic Willowbrook Spa. Two riverside barrel saunas offer an exclusive relaxation experience. Each sauna can hold up to 4 people, making it perfect for a couple’s escape or a girlfriend’s getaway. As you enjoy the hot sauna, take in views of the lake. You are encouraged to spritz a specially formulated aromatherapy mist (it’s yours to take home) during your service to enhance the experience. Chilled towels in bowls of crushed ice and herbal water are available to cool down if it gets too hot. An outdoor shower provides a refreshing chill, and then the ritual begins all over again. A made-in-house honey face mask is offered to soothe tired skin. After, head to the relaxation lounge to enjoy a healthy snack or a cup of tea. This full-service spa offers a signature massage experience, facials, and more. Expert aestheticians can craft a custom facial based on your preference for holistic, pharmaceutical-grade, or somewhere in-between.
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