HOW TO MAKE THE MOST OF A SPRING WEEKEND GETAWAY TO THE RURAL COUNTRYSIDE IN LIVINGSTON COUNTY. It is time to escape the city and embark on a spring getaway to the countryside, an immersive experience of nature and farm-fresh food.
Spring is nature's way of saying, 'let's party' and the countryside is the quintessential venue for it. This is the season when Mother Nature adorns her most vibrant outfit, and the rural backdrop provides a picturesque canvas for her festival of colors.
In spring, the Livingston County rural landscape offers a haven for those looking to unwind and rejuvenate. It is an immersive experience that brings you closer to nature and simplicity of life. So, if you are planning a spring getaway, consider the LivCo countryside, where you can enjoy the beauty of nature and the freshness of farm food.
Not sure where to get started? We have a few ideas. Here’s how we recommend you spend a perfect, three-day getaway in LivCo this spring.
DAY ONE
CHECK INTO A DOG-FRIENDLY RENTAL NESTLED ON A WORKING LAVENDER FARM
When it comes to a weekend getaway, we recommend jumping right into nature. The spacious, three-bedroom Purple Haze Farm, sleeps up to eight people. Extra bonus? It’s pet-friendly! Available via Airbnb, this favorite accommodation option is conveniently located near Conesus Lake, and includes a large deck where you can sit around the fire pit and enjoy s’mores, a fenced-in yard for your pup(s) to roam free, and a public boat launch minutes away.
Looking for different accommodations? You can find plenty of hotels, inns, and bed and breakfasts at visitlivco.com/places-to-stay if rentals aren’t your style.
SPEND THE AFTERNOON FLY FISHING
After you’ve checked in, try out your hand at a popular LivCo sport, fly fishing. Once you learn to tie a fly, master the cast, and hook your first fish, it's hard to stop. Multiple locations in the region are perfect for fly fishing including Oatka Creek, Genesee River, and Springwater Creek. Looking for another type of fishing? Upstate Anglers Guide Service offers charter fishing on Conesus Lake.
DIG INTO A BIG PLATE OF SUSHI
A new restaurant on the dining scene, Drumroll Stage + Sushi Pub, in Geneseo, serves a variety of sushi options alongside a nonstop lineup of live music. Spend the evening digging into a plate of fresh, healthy food and refreshments while enjoying a diverse selection of live performances.
DAY TWO
FUEL UP FOR A DAY OF ADVENTURE
Start your morning at Six Sprouts Farm Market in Avon for your caffeine (and pastry) fix. A newer spot in town, Six Sprouts serves up espresso, smoothies, and local products in addition to fresh cinnamon rolls.
WALK THROUGH FIELDS OF BLUEBELLS
Hosted yearly by Genesee Valley Conservancy, the Bluebell Walk is a 3.5-mile hike that takes you through fields of bluebells along country roads in Geneseo. Be sure to wear hiking footwear (rubber boots are advisable for the mud), dress for the weather, and bring your water bottle.
COZY UP WITH DINNER & DRINKS
Once you’re feeling refreshed, head to a newer restaurant in Geneseo for dinner and drinks in a cozy setting. The Bronze offers seasonal, field-to-fork menus and handcrafted cocktails that are sure to please even the most discerning foodies.
CREATE A PIECE OF NATURE
Conjure spring in Springwater at Ironwood Studios. A place to get creative, this cozy vintage barn studio offers one-of-a-kind Women’s Welding Workshops where you can play with metal, watch sparks fly, and make a striking tulip centerpiece that screams spring. You’re not just welding, you’re celebrating female empowerment, nature’s beauty, and the joy of artistic expression.
DAY THREE
START THE MORNING WITH BRUNCH
What’s better than Sunday brunch? At Scovill’s Grill in Dansville, you can enjoy a selection of breakfast classics like Belgian waffles or something unique like flatbread breakfast pizza or breakfast burger.
TAKE IN THE SPRING SCENERY ON HORSEBACK
Take in the scenic vistas of the Genesee River Valley on horseback at Nunda Ranch. Situated just five miles from Letchworth State Park, the ranch offers beautiful scenery and generous gorges. No matter your experience level, enjoy horseback riding through fields of spring blooms. And if you're looking to enhance your riding skills, their trainers will provide the tools you need to feel challenged and empowered.
SHOP FOR MYSTICAL GIFTS
One of the newest boutique stores in Livingston County, Spindle & Knots, in Dansville, is a magical must-visit during your trip. Explore the aisles of yarn, art supplies, coloring books, and gifts. And if you’re looking to pick up a new hobby, they offer classes in calligraphy, watercolor, knitting, spinning, and more.
END YOUR GETAWAY WITH HUNDREDS OF FARM-FRESH ICE CREAM FLAVORS
A cult favorite, Kish-a-wa Creamery, in Nunda, partners with local producers for their dairy and ingredients, so you’re always getting the freshest ice cream. Enjoy an old-fashioned custard, large milkshake, dole whip, or one of their specialty flavors like Rush Hour, a blend of coffee ice cream with caramel and chocolate-covered coffee bits.
ONE MORE DAY
THREE EXTRA SPRING ACTIVITIES IN OUR REGION
Even after spending a full three days here, you may feel like you’ve just scratched the surface. And it’s true. The natural beauty we’ve grown accustomed to in the Genesee River Valley expands throughout the region, and Livingston County serves as the ideal base camp for seeing it all.
Chasing waterfalls in LivCo is an adventure with twists and turns along the way. Check out a number of “hidden gems” including Papermill Falls in Avon, Keshequa Creek in Sonyea State Forest, Fall Brook Falls on private land in Geneseo (guided tour with Trail Otter required), or Reynolds Gully in Hemlock-Canadice State Forest. And you can’t visit LivCo without seeing the three iconic waterfalls of Letchworth State Park - Upper, Middle, and Lower Falls.
Head to Backyard Barnyard in Mount Morris for a full day of fun with the kids. This petting zoo and family fun center features a variety of animals including goats, llamas, pigs, and donkeys. Everyone in the family will also enjoy lots of room to run and play, kid-friendly axe-throwing (yes, really!), a playground, climbing walls, special activities and more. The best part? Everything but concessions is included in the price of your ticket.
On a rainy spring day, visit the National Warplane Museum in Geneseo. Best known for their Annual Airshow, happening July 13th and 14th this year, the museum is well worth a trip anytime of the year. Wander through the halls of American history, exploring planes used in World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. Whether you’re a history buff, a plane enthusiast, or just looking for something different, this museum is sure to captivate.
