LivCo offers a certain magic during every month of the year. That said, summer may just be our favorite season of them all (don’t tell the others!). Once June arrives, the region becomes a summer fun hotspot, where the days are a little lazier and longer, the lakes are a little cooler and calmer, and every ice cream cone is just like you remember from your childhood days. In other words, it’s perfect.
And you can expect the unexpected in the Genesee River Valley. Unlike many “perfect” summer getaway destinations around the country, LivCo flies a little under the radar. It’s unexpected and surprising in the very best ways. For one, we can go toe-to-toe with your favorite beach destination on either coast, with our shorelines that stretch for miles but remain uncrowded.
But what if you prefer quaint, historic towns and local food and drink scenes to sunbathing? LivCo is packed with small towns and small-town charm, and enough farm-to-table fare to keep you fed throughout this trip and the next. Then, when you’re ready for fun, drinks, live music, and other entertainment await.
If outdoor adventure is more your thing, our nationally acclaimed parks and the Grand Canyon of the East are waiting, along with near-endless wilderness in which to lose yourself, no matter your favorite way to recreate. Hiking, camping, fishing, boating, golfing — the list of options goes on and on. You get all this and more in LivCo — and at a fraction of the price you might pay in other summer getaway destinations.
Don’t pack your bags yet, though. We’re just getting started. Here are our top five reasons why we think you need to visit LivCo in the summer.
Lake Days are On the Docket
LivCo is home to two Finger Lakes, Conesus Lake and Hemlock Lake. Each offers its own unique experiences and activities and, when it’s time to get out on the water, there’s something for every speed. Those who like to take it slow and soak up the sun will enjoy a pontoon (complete with a waterslide!). Those who prefer to paddle at their own pace can rent a kayak or paddleboard. High-speed adrenaline-chasers can likewise rent jet skis and speed boats.
If, though, you’re trying to keep nice and dry, you can still enjoy the waves, views, and lake breezes shoreside, at the parks that offer swimming, picnicking, and plenty of green space for you to relax however you like.
When you’re hungry, visit one of the lakeside restaurants, for water views that just keep going.
Patio Season is in Full Swing
Speaking of our great dining options, you’ll find no shortage of outdoor dining opportunities during the warm months in LivCo. Pull up a seat and enjoy a long, lingering meal with good food, good drinks, and good friends. Whether you visit one of our international restaurants, a historic tavern, an upscale eatery, or anything in between, chances are likely, that a patio and table are waiting for you.
Summer is a Quiet Time
While the summer months are busy, with families and friends coming from near and far to enjoy all the warm weather recreation in LivCo, there’s one part of the county that’s uniquely quiet, and just for these few months out of the year: the SUNY Geneseo campus.
What exactly does this mean for you? Well, if you’ve ever been interested in exploring this lovely university’s grounds, now’s the time to do so, with no crowds of bustling students. You can take a leisurely walk through campus, take in the architecture and landscaping, and overall enjoy the calm.
There’s Always Something on the Calendar
Summer is LivCo’s festival season and you’ll find no shortage of fun events to add to your trip itinerary. Plan your getaway around one of our great events or just show up and see what’s happening when you get here.
Favorite festivities include the National Warplane Museum’s “Greatest Show on Turf” airshow, during which historic aircraft take to the skies in a stunning display, in early summer. The Ring of Fire on Conesus Lake takes place on July 3rd; this event hearkens back to an old Seneca Native American tradition, with flares lighting up the shoreline before fireworks light up the night sky. The Hemlock "Little World’s" Fair has been delighting visitors since 1857, with classic fair fun — from rides to funnel cakes to grandstand events like a demolition derby — that all goes down at the end of July. Finally, the summer festivities wrap up in August, with the Avon Corn Festival, celebrating all things corn.
There’s Nothing Like Summer in LivCo
Maybe you want to escape from the city and bask in the unspoiled nature of LivCo, splashing in the lake, hiking the trails, and sipping local brews beneath the stars. Maybe you want to get away to somewhere you can relive your childhood small-town summers alongside your own family. Maybe you just want a quieter spot for a relaxing summer getaway that also offers plenty to enjoy and do, once you’ve had your fill of R&R.
Whatever the case, whoever you are, there’s nothing quite like summer in LivCo.
