Explore our guide to a weekend filled with outdoor adventures, sunny bliss, and local delights in Livingston County. Just a short drive from Syracuse, Rochester, and Buffalo, LivCo is close to big city amenities, but far enough removed from the region’s larger hubs that you can avoid all the crowds and truly feel as if you’re getting away.
Whether your idea of the perfect getaway means hiking among abundant nature or hitting the lake, or spending your time shopping at local boutiques and jumping between local restaurants, breweries, and wineries, LivCo has it all. But how do you go about actually seeing and experiencing it all? If it’s your first time visiting, here’s how to spend a summer weekend sampling some of the best LivCo has to offer.
DAY ONE
CHECK INTO AN HISTORIC STAY
LivCo boasts many historic bed and breakfasts and inns. For a stay that mixes modern creature comforts with historic touches, try Oak Valley Inn in Geneseo. The property, built in 1868, was originally a poor house on 118 acres, but now offers just over a dozen guestrooms, each with high ceilings, tall windows, private baths, and extra amenities like fireplaces and jetted tubs in the suite rooms.
HEAD DOWNTOWN TO SHOP
The historic village of Geneseo offers local charm in spades. Explore Main Street and make your way to some of the local shopping spots, such as Honeygirl Gourmet, for local food and handmade gifts, FLX Revival, for curated vintage clothing, the Not Dot Shop, for a wide range of gifts, homewares, and furniture, Florence’s Perpetual Estate Sale, for antiques and vintage items, and Touch of Grayce, for ethically sourced gifts. If you’re in town on Thursday during the summer, you can peruse the Geneseo Farmers Market from 3 to 6:30pm on Center Street and get to know the farmers and producers.
SAMPLE THE LOCAL BREWS
Feeling thirsty after all that retail therapy? Grab drinks on the outdoor patio at Dublin Corners Taproom. Originally the first brewery in Livingston County, Dublin Corners has since expanded to offer tastings and brews at their taproom location.
SAVOR DINNER WITH A SIDE OF MUSIC
After your pre-dinner libations, head over to a newer spot in Geneseo, Drumroll Stage & Sushi. Part restaurant, part live music venue, this unique eatery serves — what else? — sushi, alongside local drinks and live music from local musicians representing a range of genres.
DAY TWO
GRAB BREAKFAST BY THE WATER
On your second day in LivCo, enjoy your morning at little Lake Brewing, in Lakeville. Grab some coffee and one of their highly acclaimed breakfast sandwiches or pastries.
HEAD OUT ON THE WATER
Summer is lake season in LivCo, so you can’t visit during the warmer months and not spend some time on one of our Finger Lakes. You can rent kayaks and paddle boards at the local marinas along Conesus Lake, to see the waters from some of the best vantage points possible.
CHANNEL YOUR PLAYFUL SIDE AT LUNCH
Whether you stick to the sand or grab a picnic table with a view, there’s nothing like a casual summer lunch in the sun, right by the water. That’s exactly what you can expect at the Beachcomber in Conesus. This outdoor eatery with walk-up counter service will tempt you with its menu of casual bites — think seafood baskets and barbecue plates. Grab a drink by the bar and, as you chow down, don’t miss a chance to channel your playful side, with outdoor games like darts and beach volleyball.
SHOP FOR LAKE SOUVENIRS
Want a Conesus Lake t-shirt to remember your trip or some snacks to take back to the room? Shoreless Acres General Store has you covered. Still, trying to find that perfect gift for yourself? Simply Positive offers art, chocolates, jewelry, and more. Trying to find an antique that really wows? Head to the 1812 Store to shop for Conesus Lake-inspired treasure.
DINE ALONGSIDE THE LOCALS
Try a local favorite for dinner steps from Conesus Lake: Tee & Gee. The bar and grill serves up seafood and classic American eats, plus unique favorites including tenderloin kabobs, bacon-wrapped scallops, and a peanut butter bacon cheeseburger.
VISIT LIVCO’S “STRANGEST” BREWERY
End your evening with local brews beneath the stars. Strange Design Public House in Geneseo offers a lawn with picnic tables and firepits, so you can kick back with a beer or two, as you relax from your day spent enjoying the sunshine, sand, and local digs.
DAY THREE
GET YOUR CAFFEINE FIX
Start your last day in Livingston County the right way — with locally roasted coffee. Six Sprouts Farm Market offers not just your daily cuppa joe, but also baked goods, for a quick and easy breakfast.
TAKE A LEISURELY WALK THROUGH THE WOODS
Need to get a few more steps in for the day, before you head home? Try a leisurely, easy walk along the Erie Attica Trail. This wooded trail sits on a former railroad and is just over a mile long. Along the path, you’ll have the opportunity to take a few photos at a picturesque hidden spot: the 220-foot truss bridge that stretches across the Genesee River.
GO TREASURE HUNTING
Every Sunday in the summer, there’s one place to go if you want to spend a few hours picking through a treasure trove of antique finds: the East Avon Flea Market. Take your time wandering the aisles of vendors and peruse the vast selection of antiques, furniture, collectibles, and more.
DIG INTO NEW YORK’S BEST BURGER
Want to try the best burger in all of New York State? According to USA TODAY, that’s what you’ll find at the original Tom Wahl’s location in Avon, named the best burger joint in the state. And don’t forget to try their famous handcrafted root beer.
ENJOY LIVE MUSIC
Rising Storm Brewing Company’s live music summer concert series will end your trip on a high note. This microbrewery on 12 beautiful acres will keep the drinks flowing as you take in the tunes.
BLAST TO THE PAST AT THE MOVIES
Lastly, if you’re not ready to head home yet, see what’s showing at the East Avon Vintage Drive-In, a classic drive-in setting with showings on three screens, plus snacks.
ONE MORE DAY
THREE EXTRA SUMMER 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.
Explore country stores across the region, whether you’re shopping for artisanal foods, handicrafts, vintage items, or Conesus Lake merch — you’re sure to find it at one of the shopping hotspots in LivCo including Wendy's Pantry & Country Mouse Tea House in Mount Morris, Westers Country Store in Conesus, the 1812 Store in Livonia, Gleixner’s Goodies in Nunda, Shoreless Acres General Store in Livonia, or Hillside Gardens in Springwater.
Escape the bright lights of the city and enjoy the magic of stargazing in Livingston County. When the sun goes down, look up. Constellations shine brightest in dark skies above Hemlock Lake, sit at the gazebo at the edge of the lake, Harriet Hollister Spencer State Recreation Area, with Honeoye Lake and the Rochester skyline in the distance, and Letchworth State Park, at the Genesee Arch Bridge, Inspiration Point, or Archery Field Overlook.
Try glamping under the stars! FLX Glamping offers one-of-a-kind glamping near the water. Just steps away from secluded Hemlock Lake, each site is outfitted with a queen-size bed, outdoor deck, and access to a heated shower. Enjoy classic camping amenities like a fire pit perfect for s’mores and fireside chats. O-Neh-Da Vineyards is just steps away where you can enjoy the flavors of the Finger Lakes as well as a lineup of live music.
