The Canandaigua center is about 4 miles west of Community College Finger Lakes and 11 miles southwest of Hill Cumorah - Visitors Center.
No matter what time of year you visit, you'll be treated to the stunning scenery of the Finger Lakes region. The most crowded months are June, July, and August, although February also sees an increase because of the Canandaigua's selection of winter activities. If you like fishing, boating, kayaking, or jet skiing, summer is the best time to go. Many people enjoy fall in Canandaigua, with the leaves in red, yellow, and gold splendor. Hotel rates are usually a bit lower in fall, too. The high season for rates is May through August, with August having the highest rates. March has the lowest rates.
The average temperatures range from 20 to 30 degrees in the winter to a pleasant 70 degrees in the summer, though humidity can make it feel much warmer. Spring is cooler but still comfortable in the 50s and 60s, and fall drops to the 40s in October.
If you have served in the U.S. military, it's worth your time to check for discounts before planning your visit to Canandaigua. Many merchants and attractions offer discounts for active and retired military personnel. If you like winter activities, the Bristol Mountain Winter Resort offers discounted rates for an eight-hour lift ticket. Retired military personnel get free wine tastings year-round at Heron Hill Winery, as well as free shipping on four or more bottles of wine and online coupons. The Morgan Samuels Inn and The Inn on the Lake offer discounted rates for all active and retired military personnel.
It's a good idea to check for AAA and senior citizen discounts when making reservations, as most hotels and bed and breakfasts offer these. Canandaigua attractions also offer military, AAA, and senior citizen discounts.
The historic estate of Sonnenberg Gardens is one of only two public gardens in the New York State Parks system. The Queen Anne-style mansion was built in the late 19th century by Frederick Ferris Thompson, a New York City banker, and his wife, Mary Clark Thompson. After Mr. Thompson died some thirty years later, Mary Thompson began to build an extensive garden in memory of her husband. She incorporated landscape designs from English, Japanese, and Italian gardens. After Mrs. Thompson's death in 1923, the 300-acre property was sold to the federal government, which built a VA Hospital on the property. Restorations began in 1973, and Sonnenberg Gardens is now owned by the state.
New York Wine and Culinary Center was created to celebrate and share the region's premiere products: wine and food. You'll find something happening here almost daily, from wine tastings and delicious, locally sourced meals to cooking and baking classes.
The Finger Lakes are famous for wine. One way to immerse yourself in this culture is to explore the Canandaigua Wine Trail. Purchase a passport and receive free tastings at the seven wineries on the trail. You will also enjoy the cafes, restaurants, and shops on this excursion.
The Finger Lakes Plein Air Festival takes place over six days in early June. Artists come from all over the country to capture the region's beauty in paintings and to compete for awards. The community is encouraged to participate by “hosting” an artist. This means showing the artist a scenic spot they know about and possibly providing an open-sided structure such as a porch or gazebo, since the event is held during rain or shine.
The Canandaigua Art and Music Festival is three days of art, music, food, and fun. In mid-July, artists of all types from all areas of the country come to Canandaigua to showcase their wares, ranging from textiles, handcrafted jewelry, woodworking, and photography to mixed media art and naturally made body lotions. This festival occurs on Main Street, giving visitors the opportunity to browse the unique local merchants of Canandaigua.
Squaw Island is one of only two islands in the Finger Lake region, and it has an interesting history. It is believed that the island was used to hide women and children of the Seneca tribe during the American Revolutionary War. It is the smallest protected area in New York state and also one of the few places on earth where the layered geological structures oncolites, or "water biscuits," can be found.
Tours of the historic Granger Homestead and Carriage Museum are available from May through October. This Federal-style, three story, 13,000-square-foot mansion was constructed in 1816 and sports a Colonial Revival porch, a 19th century law office, a rose garden, community gardens, and three barns. The main floor, as well as the outbuildings and outdoor spaces, are accessible to physically challenged visitors. The Carriage Museum holds over 100 horse-drawn carriages and sleighs, and the Agricultural Barn showcases historic farm implements and tools. The Granger Homestead Society offers various educational and seasonal activities, including a Civil War reenactment, a summer camp at which you'll make crafts of the era, carriage and sleigh rides, and a Christkindl Market.
The Canandaigua Farmer's Market is open year-round and features agriculture and food vendors from the area. One thing that's different about this farmer's market is that the vendors are allowed to sell only their own products, keeping the integrity of craftsmanship intact.
No matter what your preference of lodging, whether you like summer or winter activities, are an art or history buff, or just want to relax and enjoy the tranquility of the lake, there is something for you in Canandaigua, NY.
Below are reviews of the city of Canandaigua, NY from an actual visitor's perspective.
Love the lake!
We like Hotel Canandaigua.
Did the walking path along the lake and visited the breweries within walking distance.
The hotel is located very close to everything the town has to offer.
Perfect lakefront town!
Proximity to events.
Lots of great breweries and restaurants and the beautiful lakeside area!
I brought my wife to the FF Thompson Hospital for surgery. We were very satisfied with the professional care she received. Hopefully we will return to Canandaigua for more pleasant purposes in the future.
Love everything about Canandaigua-lake! friendly City.
Lincoln Hills Farms was beautiful!
Beautiful area
Good restaurants and shops.
Great shopping and restaurants.