Foals in the Finger Lakes

Playing around...

Beautiful creatures

Moments like this make shopping for the AAA Four Diamond rated 1795 Acorn Inn a joy.  Visit the Area page of our web site for more information about horseback riding in New York’s Finger Lakes.

What does the Innkeeper of the 1795 Acorn Inn do in that rare instance when there isn’t anyone checking into this romantic, AAA Four Diamond B & B on a warm, summer day? I go shopping. Not the kind of shopping I love to do, but it’s still shopping.

I don’t use a basket. Oh no that just wouldn’t do. I grab a flat bed and proceed to check things off the list one by one. Picking up heavy items first and placing them on the bottom. As the flat bed grows taller and taller, heavier and heavier, I have to lean to get the thing moving. Warning!  This flat bed has no brakes.  A horn on the handle would be nice.  People who have never used a flat bed like this don’t realize you have to make wide turns and that they are neither easy to get moving and conversely stop when they are loaded.

At some point, I think in the frozen food section where I am actually freezing, I debate whether I should pay for what I have, load it up in the car and come back inside to finish the list. But, determined as I am, I’m going to make it all fit. Strategically and delicately placing items on the flat bed, balancing the process so as to keep the 10-dozen eggs safe and secure. And then, finally reaching the check out line.  The cashier has to get a basket cause there is no way it’s all fitting back on the flat bed.  Okay that part is over and it’s really not that bad.

But now I am simultaneously pushing a cart and pulling a flat bed, and I have to stop and hand the person at the door the receipt.  Why?  So they can pretend to count all 58 items and make sure I didn’t get overcharged?  By the way, the total was $712.48.  Just in case you are wondering.

Now comes the time to load up the car.  Try getting all the heavy stuff off the bottom to put in the car first with all the lighter stuff on top.  It’s an art.  But, once everything is placed in the car and I’ve determined I can still see out the back, I head back toward the Inn where I am so looking forward to unloading.  17 trips from the car to the office just to get everything inside. And, another hour or so to get everything put away. Multiple trips to the basement freezer and finally I’m done.

The good and the bad news… I’ll do it all over again next month, if it lasts that long.

It’s been wonderful watching them grow.  And it’s been both frightening and comedic watching them learn to fly.

Here’s the last one of four red-breasted robins that left the nest. He/she didn’t want to go far and after making it to the tree, stayed long enough for me to get close and personal.

M-O-M I'm hungry

Spring is a fabulous time to visit upstate New York’s Finger Lakes.  In my opinion, it’s one of the best times.  Check out our Packages page for great values through the end of June.  It’s the best time to see our perennial gardens.  I can’t wait to see what pops up next.

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.

Full Moon

No doubt this moon created a stunning sight throughout Upstate New York’s Finger Lakes.  Recently taken from the parking lot of the 1795 Acorn Inn, the full moon lit up the sky and illuminated the rolling hills of Bristol.

In order to share the ever changing landscape of the Finger Lakes, I will periodically post photos that I’ve taken while exploring the area.  I absolutely love taking a road less traveled with camera close by and documenting the ever changing seasons.

Don’t forget, our Free Night Package expires at the end of April. So, take advantage of it over the next few weekends.  There are still a few rooms left, but with this gorgeous weather, they will probably book up fast.

We have two more dinners coming up. Make sure to book those in advance so that we can accommodate you.

An example of the bounty of Upstate New York

On the other side of the lake from our bed and breakfast New York is the Wilhelmus Estate Winery. The Winery is new but the recipes for the wine are from the “old world”. Wilhelmus Kuenen, a Dutch immigrant, brought his family to the States when his son Boud was 7 years old. Wilhelmus started making wine in 1958. He became a very serious wine maker after his retirement in the 1970’s, winning awards across the Northeast. Boud and Karen Kuenen opened the winery in 2007 and named the winery in memory of Boud’s father, the original Vintner.

Give them a call (585) 394-2860 to find out when they will be giving wine tastings.

At Sonnenberg Garden and Mansion State Historic Park, you will find the Finger Lakes wine center. On most days you can taste between 10-15 different wines that rotate through their tasting bar. They have over 40 wines from partner vintners and delicious gourmet food selections. In downtown Canandaigua, they are only about 12 miles from our Finger Lakes Inn. All of their tasting selections are made with New York grapes, and they have several private label wines offered by Sonnenberg directly. Their tasting room hours change throughout the year, so make sure to give them a call before heading over: (585) 394-9016.

Exploring the natural bounty of our region is a wonderful way to spend an afternoon. If you have more questions about wine tours and Finger Lakes wineries, please don’t hesitate to contact our Upstate New York bed and breakfast.