blog @ 1795 Acorn Inn » Finger Lakes Activities

Watkins Glen State Park Gorge – Simply Gorgeous

Innkeeper — Tue, 06 Sep 2011 18:42:42 +0000

This past Labor Day Weekend I had the pleasure of hiking the Gorge in Watkins Glen State Park in upstate New York’s Finger Lakes. Only took seven years, but eventually I had the opportunity to escape for a few hours and on a holiday weekend no less.

The power of Mother Nature

Pure Peace

Located about an hour’s scenic drive from the 1795 Acorn Inn, the Gorge is nothing short of amazing. On one of the hottest and most humid days of the year, the Gorge was surprisingly cool and comfortable. Actually it was probably one of the coolest places to be.

One should be in relatively good shape for this hike as there are over 800 steps. Towards the end of the first half of the hike, my legs would not lift my body up one more step. I found myself needing to rest for a moment and then onward. The walk along the Gorge is wet, a little muddy and uneven, but not too difficult. The stairs are separated by short walks for much of the way.

We hiked up the Gorge and walked down above the Gorge. All in all, about a two-hour hike with stops for photos and a few rests. You don’t have to hike the whole thing. A shuttle bus is available to take you to the top. You can either hike up the gorge and get a ride down or get a ride up and hike down. I think I would do the former if I wasn’t going to hike both ways. Regardless of your choice, it’s advisable to wear comfortable shoes, bring plenty of water and a camera.

For more information about the Watkins Glen, visit the Area page of our web site…

Fall is coming...

Nordic Skiing By Moonlight

Innkeeper — Sun, 20 Feb 2011 12:30:16 +0000

This past Friday night Bristol Mountain had a Nordic Skiing by Moonlight event. It started with a little yoga by Melissa Endres, Spa & Fitness Director, Life Path Spa, dinner (hot dogs or burger), an hour of cross-country skiing by moonlight and then a bon fire with hot chocolate and roasted marshmallows. The 1795 Acorn Inn hosted Snow East Magazine Travel Writer, Paris Wolfe, for the evening. Paris, Valerie Knoblauch, President, Finger Lakes Visitors Connection and I had a chance to attend the event. It’s safe to say a fun time was had by all. And you should have seen that moon! Thank you to Drew Broderick, Director of Sales & Marketing Director, Bristol Mountain for hosting the event.

Moonlight Cross-Country Skiing at Bristol Mountain

Roasting marshmallows... there were smores too

There is still plenty of skiing left especially after the eight or so inches of snow we had yesterday. Do I see cross-country skiing in my future this afternoon?

Don’t forget about our Stay Two Nights Get One Night Free Package. It makes for a relaxing winter getaway … and, you can get in plenty of cross-country skiing.

Cross-Country Skiing

Innkeeper — Thu, 17 Feb 2011 12:45:47 +0000

After seven winters in upstate New York… this is the first winter I’ve ever been cross-country skiing. And, I have to say… I love it. There are several great places to ski close to the 1795 Acorn Inn. Just 10 minutes away is Bristol Mountain. They have two groomed trails, one that is even lit and has snow-making capabilities. They have a special skiing by moonlight event this Friday, 2/18/11 and I’ll be there… not only for the skiing but the BBQ, bonfire and hot chocolate. And, just about 20 minutes away… Cuming Nature Center. Both have equipment rentals or bring your own. And, just 10 minutes away, Ontario Country Park has miles of open trails. Whether you are a beginner like me, or an expert, you are sure to have a great time. And, when you are done skiing, sit by our fireplace in the Gathering Room before soaking those muscles in our outdoor spa… open year round. A glass of finger lakes wine goes down well about this time…

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Fall Into New York’s Finger Lakes

Innkeeper — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 20:32:37 +0000

Soon the leaves will start to change and the lush, green hillsides will slowly become ablaze in reds, oranges and yellows.

It’s the perfect time to visit New York’s Finger Lakes. The days are warm and the nights are crisp. On the weekends in October enjoy chairlift rides at Bristol Mountain, our local ski mountain just down the road from the 1795 Acorn Inn, and view the foliage from above. Bring along a picnic basket, a bottle of wine and a blanket. Find a secluded spot off the beaten path and enjoy a romantic escape. Take a leisurely drive among the vineyards and taste wine. Or, walk among the apple orchards and pick a variety of juicy, crisp New York apples. There’s plenty to do and see.

The weekends fill up quickly so book now and get the weekend of your choice. Or, visit during the week and take advantage of our best multiple weeknight rates.

Finger Lakes Concerts

insideout — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 23:37:59 +0000

The Smith Opera House, in Geneva NY, presents an eclectic array of performances year round. In January alone, there are crazy-fun events for children of all ages, film events, and classical music. Central to the cultural life of the Finger Lakes region, the Smith Opera House is committed to reaching out to a diverse audience. Kudos.

Geneva is about thirty minutes from our bed and breakfast New York, making an evening at the Opera House realistic and attainable. Those of you who pride yourselves on enjoying all styles of music will be intrigued by the line-up for January 22 and 23.

Friday night the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra will perform at 8:15 pm. With Christopher Seaman conducting and Adina Aaron the Soprano singing, it is guaranteed to be a spectacular evening.

Gandalf Murphy & the Slambovian Circus of Dreams will take the stage the following night, on January 23. Originating in Sleepy Hollow, NY, they are now well-known and well-loved throughout the state. They have referred to their music as “punk-classical-hillbilly-Floyd.” Whatever they are, they are sure to delight their listeners, and captivate the audience with their enchanting performance.

There are many excellent restaurants near our bed and breakfast New York, so enjoy an early dinner or a light meal after the show. In the morning, relax in bed until it is time for a delicious breakfast served by candlelight.

Explore the region by day, visiting wineries or perhaps donning snowshoes or skis for an hour or two. Upstate New York Getaways are ideal because they offer a wide array of outdoor activities, but also top-notch dining and art. Plan your weekend away now.

New York Wine & Culinary Center

insideout — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 23:28:05 +0000

Here in Canandaigua is the New York Wine and Culinary Center is a great place to learn about our state’s agriculture, as well as experience New York State wine and culinary trends. In downtown Canandaigua, about 12 miles from our bed and breakfast New York, the center holds all sorts of fun classes for learning about and enjoying food, specifically local food and products. This weekend they are having a tasting of NY beer and food with the class NY on Tap. Sample beers from New York State Breweries and enjoy local cuisine. The class includes a commemorative glass that you can keep to get a free beer the next day at the New York Beer Garden. This is going on all day from 12 pm to 5 pm.

Enjoy local brews this weekend at the New York Wine & Culinary Center

There will be beer pairings, including the sure-to-be-delicious “Sausage, Cabbage & Beer” class from 6 to 8:30 pm. It’s a great weekend to be a beer drinker at our Upstate New York Bed and Breakfast.

This weekend is the also the beginning of the Kitchen Quick Takes, a basic class on culinary techniques that will help you impress in the kitchen. The classes are small, with only 16 people, and include a local wine paring. This weekend they will be using fresh ingredients from the Farm Market. On Halloween there is a tempting class on Gnocchi, one of my favorites!

We hope to see you at our New York Inn soon. Come for the lake and stay for the beer!