AROUND THESE PARTS, summer doesn’t mean packing your calendars with plans or running from one place to another. Instead, it's about enjoying pleasures like taking a refreshing morning dip in the lake, followed by a cup of coffee in the sun, or lounging around in your pajamas, savoring a plate of pancakes.
Living lake life means taking a half-day on Friday to get the boat in the water and fire up the grill early. It’s driving country roads with the windows down and the music up. It's happy hours that turn into group dinners and late-night bonfires. Lake life is where the best of summer meets the perks of small-town living, where there’s always a friend to bump into, a new drink to try, and a sunset to savor.
HEMLOCK LAKE
Hemlock Lake is a pristine watershed and wilderness area, looking much the same today as it did 500 years ago. The untouched serenity of the woods makes it an ideal escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life.
Run, hike, bike, and camp the trails around Hemlock Lake or get out onto the pristine water. Only mechanically propelled vessels less than 17 feet and motors with 10 horsepower or less are allowed on the lake to preserve the peace, making it perfect for kayaking, canoeing, or paddleboarding. Pack a picnic lunch and spend hours recharging your batteries in the woods.
If you want to get your steps in, stick to the trails that trace the shore or head up into the hills for a view that’s worth the climb. There are several trails, the most challenging being Rob’s Trail, a strenuous 8-mile trail that links Hemlock and Canadice Lakes. You’ll be rewarded with unforgettable views of the Finger Lakes and the animals who call this area home.
CONESUS LAKE
What can’t you do on Conesus Lake? While this Finger Lake may be small, what it lacks in depth it makes up for in community and heart. Summer brings the shores of Conesus Lake alive with residents and visitors alike, all enjoying the perks of lake life.
Gather up some friends and rent a lakeside home on Airbnb, VRBO, or Finger Lakes Premier Properties. Once you've arrived, hit the water on a warm day to go jet skiing, tubing, waterskiing, kneeboarding, fishing, or take a calm cruise around the lake on a pontoon boat. There are even paddleboard rentals available right on Conesus Lake. A cooler summer morning invites you to grab your bike and cycle around the lake. If you don’t have bikes to bring, many of the lake rentals include them! While you are out and about, stop for birdwatching, especially at the Conesus Inlet on the southern end.
Looking for other ways to embrace lake life? Relax in a hammock with a good book, explore a trail that leads to a stunning view showcasing the lake's unique “finger” shape, or grab dinner at a lakeside restaurant. Plus, don't miss out on community festivals, parades, or fairs in the nearby towns of Livonia, Lakeville, and Geneseo.
MUST-SEE LAKESIDE EVENTS
Sure, you celebrate the 4th of July, but what about the 3rd? On Conesus Lake, the westernmost lake of the Finger Lakes, celebrate July 3rd with a day of boating, barbecues, and sunbathing. Once the sun sets, homeowners and visitors around the lake light red flares, creating a Ring of Fire and giving the lake an otherworldly glow. The night is capped off with an epic fireworks show.
Cardboard boats, inflatable flamingos, floating furniture—if it floats, it’s fair game at the Anything That Floats Regatta at Vitale Park at the end of Conesus Lake. This beloved summer tradition invites teams to build their most imaginative watercraft and launch them into a race on the lake. Expect wild designs, plenty of laughs, and the occasional splash as spectators cheer from the shore.
