Geneva On The Lake

 Our recent holiday was spent at a resort in Geneva, New York.
 I found the resort online last summer and I completely relied on the reviews.   Those people did not tell lies, it is a fabulous resort without pretensions, just a great place to relax, be cared for and eat wonderful food.  Visit it HERE.

The view from our breakfast table.

 We booked a two bedroom suite which was spacious and super-clean.  We brought our youngest daughter with us and she loved having her own space.  It was so quiet and calming, we slept like babies.
Our days took on an easy rhythm of coffee and the New York Times in our suite followed by breakfast served outside on the terrace.  We then took off on various adventures throughout the region.

Tomato Salad
My favorite breakfast menu item.

 The resort itself was built as a private estate in 1910.

 In 1949 it became the Capuchin Monastery, and this is reflected in the religious statuary throughout the grounds.

 The site is the real genius of the resort.  It is perched on a cliff-top above Seneca Lake and commands an impressive yet peaceful view of this large Finger Lake.
The property was converted into a resort in 1980.
We went for an afternoon tour in the boat operated by the resort, which you can see below.

The resort is perched high above Seneca Lake.
This makes for lovely breezes and a calming vista.

 We also enjoyed walking down to the Boathouse in the evenings.

The Boathouse.

 Though there are many restaurants in the area, more often than not we decided to stay put and made reservations for dinner at the on-site restaurant.
The wait staff are incredibly courteous and friendly and there was always some sort of live music on the go, whether the piano, the harp, or as on one memorable evening, a live band on the terrace: visit the site of an amazing young artist, Rebecca Colleen, right here.
Our daughter has her autograph, a treasured souvenir of the trip!

A lovely place to sit during the evening: the Boathouse dock.

The entire region is a treasure, and though known as wine-country we actually found other things to do besides visit wineries.
After all, 10 year olds can't drink wine, can they?  So here are my family-friendly tips, really they are day-trips that are fun for all-ages.






SONNENBERG GARDENS

 Sonnenberg Gardens is an absolute must-see.  The former summer home and garden of the Thompson family, it has been lovingly cared for by devoted volunteers who have a passion for history and cultural heritage.  You can visit the site here.

The Japanese Gardens are a highlight.

Slightly menacing in its bucolic setting: a statue of Pan.

 ITHACA

Herbert F. Johnson Museum of Art
Cornell University

 We spent a day in Ithaca and it was amazing!  Cornell University is not just a gorgeous campus (and quite busy, even in summer) it also houses an incredible art museum, which is free of charge and filled with friendly staff.  You can visit the site for the Herbert F. Johnson Museum of Art right here.

The legendary Moosewood Restaurant

 We went to The Moosewood Restaurant for lunch, which was a particular thrill as we use so many of the recipes from the original cookbook at home.
We had 3 courses and practically had to roll out the door at the end of lunch.

Chocolate Ricotta Mousse
I ate that and it was delicious.

Afternoons at Geneva On The Lake




We found that our favorite place to be during the late afternoon was back at the resort, and for one particular reason:  THE POOL.

Enormous clay jardinieres top the columns which frame a gorgeous view of the lake.
We spent many happy hours swimming in the pool.

That swimming pool is the nicest I have ever been in, not only is it enormous but it is surrounded by classical gardens and beautiful clay urns.

After a long swim we'd head back to our suite for a little snack and refreshments before going out for dinner.  (Our suite had a little kitchen, and I should mention that we had TWICE-DAILY housekeeping service, a real treat for this stay-at-home Mom who often feels like a CharWoman.)

You caught me... drinking wine on the terrace, afternoon activity.

 MUST-SEE HISTORICAL SITES


The history in the area is nothing short of fascinating.  Our entire family loves American History and as Canadians we don't learn it in school: we must teach ourselves.
Not difficult when one can visit historical sites staffed by wonderful and committed volunteers.




Rose Hill Mansion

I'd like to have a kitchen just like this one, look at the fabulous wall color!  This was my favorite room at Rose Hill, but there were many others beautifully laid out with antiques and even the outfits of the family that lived there... visit the site right here.






The Seward House, Auburn New York




Our absolutely most thrilling day-trip was to the town of Auburn to visit the Seward House.
We had a guided tour with the most hilarious yet knowledgeable guide.
William H. Seward was Abraham Lincoln's Secretary of State and he led the most interesting life!  He travelled the entire world and was a key figure in the purchase of Alaska.  He and his wife were absolute supporters of the Underground Railroad, in fact their house was a key stop.  They were friends of Harriet Tubman, another American hero whose home is in Auburn, located on South Street.

Seward House Museum

You can visit the site for the Seward House Museum right here.


We'd love to go back to Geneva.  It would be lovely in the fall color I'm guessing!
Have you been to this area?  Are you fascinated by American history as we are?
xoDani