Livingston County is home to the spectacular Letchworth State Park, the powerful Genesee River, one of the oldest wineries in the Finger Lakes, and gorgeous landscapes. We sampled terrific food at the Yard of Ale Restaurant and stayed in a National Landmark Historic Home turned into a comfortable bed and breakfast in Geneseo.
Letchworth State Park, the Number One State Park in the Nation
Often referred to as the Grand Canyon of the East, Letchworth State Park was named as the number one state park in the nation in 2015 as well as being voted the best attraction in New York State in 2017. The Genesee River roars through the gorge on its way up to Rochester, passing over three large waterfalls through lush forests and carved canyons.
Hikers can choose from 66 miles of trails. For overnights, tent and trailer campsites and cabins are available for rent. Hot Air Ballooning is one popular way to experience this magnificent park. Other activities include kayaking, canoeing, whitewater rafting, snowmobiling, snow tubing, horseback riding, and cross-country skiing.
In an effort to make the park accessible to more people, Letchworth has created the Autism Nature Trail. The A.N.T. provides eight different sensory stations along the mile-long trail, enabling autistic and other diverse populations to experience the wonders of nature. Other efforts to help all visitors include the NYS Parks Explorer App – Favorite Letchworth State Park – to receive updates to download the interactive trail map. The map will use your phone’s GPS to tell you where you are within Letchworth State Park. The app is available at https://parks.ny.gov/explorer-app/.
The Beachcomber on Conesus Lake
The Beachcomber on Conesus Lake has long served visitors to Conesus Lake since the 1930’s. The property has undergone numerous owners and renovations through the years. The current owners, Tom and Mary Alice May, purchased the property is 2005. The couple has made many improvements over the years, and once again, The Beachcomber is a happening hot spot.
Two restaurants are onsite at The Beachcomber – The Crab Shack Restaurant and Pub and the Dockside Grill. We sampled one of their specialties – Chef May’s Famouse Seafood Chowder. I’ve had great clam chowder at Pier 39 in San Francisco, and I honestly think this was even better. Instead of clam, Chef May features scallops, shrimps, and crab with other fresh ingredients. Man, I wish I had another bowl right now!
The menu at The Crab Shack naturally includes a variety of flavorful seafood creations. Baked Haddock, Fried Haddock, Maryland Crab Cakes, Shrimp and Grits,a Louisiana Seafood Boil, and so much more. In addition to these seafood treats, try the Pork Nachos, a variety of salads, sandwiches, burgers, and grilled flatbreads.
The casual Dockside Grill offers standard grill items like burgers, chicken tenders, sandwiches, and seafood baskets. We tried the Garbage Plate, made popular at many Rochester restaurants. This innovative dish consisted of French fries, macaroni salad with baby shrimp, baked beans, hot sauce, and cheeseburger, all served together on one plate. I cleared my plate of all garbage, and enjoyed every bite.
Our group also tried the Peel N Eat Shrimp with a side of baked beans and the
For lodging, The Beachcomber offers gorgeous lake-view rooms. Recently renovated and restored, each room has a queen bed, hardwood floors, crown molding, private baths, fridge, microwave, and coffee with table and chairs. Some rooms have a kitchenette and some have connecting rooms – check to see what is available. Also, to impress that someone special, ask about special touches like flowers, champagne, wine or chocolate-covered strawberries.
Also available for rent are two new suites Tom and Mary Alice recently built next door. Choose from the three-bedroom Penthouse Suite or the one-room Sunrise Suite, both gorgeous new suites with spectacular views of the lake.
Check out the website at The Beachcomber for events, catering, live music, and beach volleyball.
Onehda Vineyards and Eagle Crest Vineyards
O-neh-da Vineyard is the third oldest operating winery in America, making wine since 1872. The land was originally planted with grapes under the direction of Bishop McQuaid to produce sacramental wines for the church. O·Neh·Da is one of the last sacramental wineries left in the world who produce their own wine from local grapes. The name O-neh-da is the native name given to Hemlock Lake, located just east of the property.
In addition to making great natural wines with no additives, O-neh-da offers glamping, live music, and special events. O-neh-da hosts birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, and encourages full property rentals for your special event. Indoor and outdoor venues for music and other activities make O-neh-da the ideal place for your next celebration. For information and to book a glamping site, contact FLX Glamping.
Check the website for upcoming events. Next on the list is the October 5 Pumpkin Patch Party at O-neh-da Vineyards. From 2pm – 9pm activities will include live music from multiple bands, Pumpkin Carving Contest, and a selection of local vendors. And, there is a fully stocked winery on the premises – can’t beat that!
The National Warplane Museum in Geneseo
The National Warplane Museum in Geneseo is a marvelous collection of historical military aircraft and artifacts. It is the home of Whiskey 7, the lead plane of the second wave of paratroopers on D-Day on June 6, 1944. The museum continues the job of restoring the interior of the plane to resemble W7 as it was on that fateful evening. Several other planes can be toured, including a C-130, as well as a well curated selection of uniforms and other military artifacts.
The Annual National Warplane Airshow is a big event every summer, where visitors can tailgate on the grassy parking areas with family and friends to get up close and personal with the aircraft and activies. Local vendors and exhibitors are also onsite with food, drink, and other concessions. F22 Raptor Demo Team, World Aerobatic Champion Rob Holland, and the Supermarine Spitfire Mk IX performed at the July 2024 Airshow.
Visitors can book a plane ride on the Whiskey 7 or one of the other planes. The newest addition of planes available to fly include the open cockpit 1929 Vintage WACO CSO Straightwing. Others include the WWII Basic Trainer BT-13 and the L-16 Aeronca Champ. Check out the website for available plane rides.
Yard of Ale, A Fine Dining Restaurant
The Yard of Ale is a casual, fine-dining restaurant located the city of Piffard in the western Finger Lakes region. They offer a diverse menu as well as a featured menu each week. Even though the restaurant was full, we didn’t feel crowded or rushed by our wonderful server. The Yard of Ale was easily one of the best meals we enjoyed during our ten days in the Finger Lakes. Among other delicious menu items prepared by Chef Brian Simmons, The Yard of Ale is known for the slow-roasted Angus beef prime rib, arguably the best you will find in Western New York.
I fell in love with the Fresh Tortellini with Shrimp Alfredo, a delectable dish tossed with Shrimp and Broccoli in a Creamy Parmesan Sauce. Others at the table enjoyed the hearty Chicken Parmesan and the Maple Dijon Salmon with Roasted Apples. Dessert for me was the excellent Chocolate Peanut Butter Caramel Crunch, peanut butter crisp with milk chocolate brownie and sea-salted caramel.
Hartford House in Geneseo
The historic Hartford House Bed and Breakfast is located on 70 acres of land in Geneseo, New York. Included as prior residents of the Hartford House are Civil War General James S. Wadsworth, who built the home in 1835. Others who lived in Hartford House include his son James W. Wadsworth, a U.S. Congressman known as “The Boss.” His son James Wadsworth Jr. was a United States Senator from 1914-1926, who followed that up with 20 more years as a Congressman. The Senator’s son ,James Jeremiah “Jerry” Wadsworth , served in the State Department negotiating Nuclear Arms Treaties and was United States Ambassador to the UN in 1960.
The home is currently owned and operated by Corrin Strong and his partner, Kim. I stayed in the impressive The Senator’s Room, named for former U.S. Senator and Congressman James W. Wadsworth, Jr. who lived in the house from 1932-1952. It has a King bed, fine furnishings, and separate bath. Other rooms include the Alice Hay Room and The General Wadsworth Suite. We enjoyed our stay in this comfortable, peaceful home in the heart of Geneseo.
So Many Great Reasons to Visit Livingston County
Spectacular Letchworth State Park, top wineries and breweries, fabulous food, and so much more, Livingston County in the Finger Lakes has so much to offer.
Thanks to Visit LivCo for hosting us.
Read more about special places in the Finger Lakes: Steuben County (Corning Glass), Schuyler County (Watkins Glen State Park), Chemung County (Elmira), and Yates County (Fox Run Vineyards).
