Recent Posts

Categories

General - All Topics
Family Fun
- Culinary
- Farm Fresh
- Wine & Brew
- Camping
- Hiking
- Fishing
- Birding & Nature
- Boat Tours
- Erie Canal
- Kayaking & Canoeing
- White Water
- Waterfalls
- Rail Biking
- Museums
- Golfing
- Lighthouses
- Casinos & Resorts
- Horse Racing
- Handicapped Accessible
Photography
Holidays
- Fall Fun
Winter Sports
- Skiing
- Snowmobiling
- Ice Skating
Locations - Thousand Islands
- Adirondacks
- Finger Lakes
- Catskills
- Capitol-Saratoga Region
- Central NY
- Western New York
-Chautauqua-Allegany
- Hudson Valley

Download as PDF

Explore Olcott, on the Southern Shores of Lake Ontario

posted by Teresa Farrell at 2021-06-15 06:44:00

If you’re looking for a genuine, authentic experience this summer, take a trip that you won’t forget to the lakeshores of Western New York, between Rochester and Niagara Falls. Here, tucked along the southern shores of Lake Ontario, you’ll discover the waterside hamlet of Olcott, located within the town of Newfane.

Far from commercialized, Olcott—known to many as Olcott Beach-- offers a charming atmosphere that’s evident throughout the town. Wherever you wander in Olcott, the brightly-painted buildings will give you a taste of nostalgia for vacations to the beachside towns of yesteryear. Shop in to the Lakeview Villages Shoppes, along the boardwalk by the lake, to shop for all kinds of treasures, including unique creations by local artisans or grab a bite at one of either village’s plentiful eateries. And make sure to include a stop at  Bye’s popcorn stand, one of the most famous fresh popcorn stands in the country, to really make the experience authentic.

One of this tiny town’s biggest claims to fame is its fishing, thanks to its proximity to Lake Ontario and the nearby Eighteen Mile Creek. In fact, Olcott was voted America’s Ultimate Fishing Town by the World Fishing Network in 2012. Anglers love it here, because there are plenty of fish in the sea—or in this case, the lake. Cast a line and you might reel in anything from salmon or pike to perch, trout and even the rare lake sturgeon. Of course, the lake isn’t just for fishing, and those who favor other on-water recreational opportunities can rent boats, canoes, kayaks and standup paddleboards as well as visit the public town beach to take a dip or bask in the sun. Krull Park, set right on the shores of Lake Ontario, has been a town staple since the 1800s, with a popular beach of its own. It’s a favored picnic spot, with pavilions and picnic tables, plus cross-country trails, playgrounds, sports fields, horseshoe pits and a splash park for kids.

Local agriculture is a huge draw to Western New York, where some of the most fertile farmland in the state yields everything from produce to craft beverages made from locally-grown ingredients in the centuries-old tradition. Olcott happens to be situated right in the heart of the Niagara Wine Trail, which features top-quality wineries and vineyards, plus a meadery. You’ll also find plenty of breweries and farm markets nearby to round out the agricultural offerings.

In addition to all the shopping, dining, wine tasting, and outdoor fun to be had in this region, there are a few can’t-miss historical attractions to stop by, too. The refurbished Olcott Beach Carousel Park is a source of community pride as well as fun for the family. Kids and adults alike can enjoy a ride on a Herschel-Spillman carousel from 1928 with a 1934 Wurlitzer Band Organ; there’s also a vintage arcade with Skee-Ball and vintage rides for kids to enjoy. There’s also a replica of the historic Olcott Beach Lighthouse, along with a lighthouse museum that touches on the village’s history as a port town—and provides a perfect place to watch a classic Lake Ontario sunset. Before you go, make sure to check out the Newfane-Olcott website to find out what events are going on this summer too.

Whatever you envision your trip to the Olcott area to include, you won’t be disappointed by the plethora of history, culture, recreation and events you’ll find here. Make sure to add this charming town to your list of places to visit this summer!
 
PHOTO CREDITS
Olcott view of Lake Ontario photo credit Adam Moss
Lakeview Village Shoppes photo credit Lakeview Village Shoppes
Olcott Beach Marina photo credit Ad Meskens
Olcott Beach Carousel photo credit Olcott Beach Carousel Park
Olcott Beach Lighthouse photo credit Ad Meskens
 

---