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Get Away to Geneva on the Northern Shores of Seneca Lake

posted by Teresa Farrell at 2022-01-08 20:50:00

If you’re looking for a weekend getaway this winter, look no further than the Finger Lakes town of Geneva. Located on the northern end of Seneca Lake, Geneva is rich in entertainment opportunities and famous Finger Lakes beauty all year round, including access to world-class wine, entertainment, attractions and more.

 
When many people think of the Finger Lakes, wine is what comes to mind, and this area does not disappoint. Geneva’s location makes it an ideal starting point for a trip along the Seneca Lake Wine Trail, which includes nearly 30 wineries and vineyards growing Finger Lakes grape staples—including Riesling, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Pinot Grigio, to name a few—and turning them into world-class wine. Take a tour along the trail and sample these favorites and other local specialties; learn more with an in-depth lesson on the grapes of the region from a tasting room expert; or relax and enjoy a bottle of wine with a meal at one of the many stops with on-site eateries. You can even plan an overnight experience; some local hotels offer packages that include tastings and shuttles, or stay right on site at a place like Glenora Wine Cellars, in the nearby town of Dundee, which has a winery, vineyard, restaurant and inn all on the property.


Geneva is an excellent town to stroll around, with plenty of shops, restaurants, and lodging options that make it a great home base for a Finger Lakes getaway. Sample local culinary delights, lovingly prepared with local ingredients and paired with regional wines, at an elegant local establishment, or indulge in some casual comfort food at one of the area’s pubs or cafes. The shopping opportunities are excellent, with plenty of local specialty and boutique stores as well as places to pick up souvenirs, arts galleries featuring local work, and other spots to stop and search for a local treasure. When it’s time to get some rest, Geneva’s lodging options make it easy to feel at home away from home: bed and breakfasts, inns, and charming cottages, and luxury accommodations overlooking the lakefront are just a few of the options available. Geneva is even home to Belhurst Castle and Winery, where you can choose to spend the night in an 1800s stone castle, a Georgian Revival mansion, or an inn with fireplaces and Jacuzzis in every room. There’s even wine on tap!


In fact, history, as well as arts and culture, is alive and well throughout Geneva. The Smith Center for the Arts, one of Geneva’s great highlights, is a gathering place for locals and visitors alike to appreciate all the arts have to offer. The center is home to the Smith Opera House, which was built in 1894 and has been known as one of the most important cultural centers in the community for over a century. The opera house’s rich history and Romanesque architecture have landed it a spot on the National Register of Historic Places, and over the years it has worn many hats, as not only an opera house but also as a concert hall, movie house, and even vaudeville venue, during different times throughout its history. Meanwhile, the Geneva Historical Society features a deeper look into the region’s past, with a rotating list of exhibits that’s included rooms decorated with historic furnishings, exhibits and artifacts from historically significant periods like the War of 1812, local historic art, and the ever-changing landscape of the local area throughout the decades.


Whether you want to spend sip renowned local wine, immerse yourself in the arts and culture of the area, or simply spend some time relaxing and exploring around town, Geneva makes an excellent place to start or spend your Finger Lakes vacation, no matter what time of year you visit!

 
PHOTO CREDITS
Downtown Geneva photo credit City of Geneva
Wine overlooking the lake photo credit Jessie Soup via Glenora Wine Cellars
Vineyard in the snow photo credit Glenora Wine Cellars
Belhurst in winter photo credit Belhurst Castle and Winery
Smith Opera House interior photo credit Smith Opera House


 

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