The Ultimate Road Trip: Route 5 & 20

This route is dotted with tons of points of interest — from Avon all the way to Skaneateles

By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant

For about 75 miles, state Route 5 and U.S. Route 20 merge, beginning in Avon in the west and winding through Canandaigua, Geneva, Waterloo and Seneca Falls before culminating in Auburn in the east, then Skaneateles. It’s one of the most scenic roads in Central and Western New York. Here are some of the highlights of the area.

Avon

Catch a flick at Vintage Drive-In (www.vintagedrivin.com), boasting four screens of entertainment at the retro-style drive-in. Hike the Erie Attica Trail, whose western trailhead lies in Avon and extends all the way to Rochester. Dining choices include the ever-popular Tom Wahl’s, Mortalis Brewing Company, Avon Village Restaurant, Fratelli’s Restaurant, Avon Inn, Avondale Pub and Duffy’s Tavern.

Canandaigua

History and horticulture buffs should plan to tour Sonnenberg Gardens (www.sonnenberg.org) and Granger Homestead (www.grangerhomestead.org). Sonnenberg is a well-preserved, 50-acre Victorian estate with period furnishings and nine formal gardens in various themes. It is also home to the Finger Lakes Wine Center. Along with an 1816 Federal style home, Granger features a sizable horse-drawn vehicle collection. Roseland Waterpark (www.roselandwaterpark.com) offers 56 acres of splashing good times, from a sizable kiddie play area to ride-us-if-you-dare water rides and the Roseland Wake Park. If you prefer to enjoy water more contemplatively, take a stroll down Canandaigua City Pier on Lakeshore Drive adjacent to Kershaw Park. Book a dinner cruise or tour on Canandaigua Lady (www.cdgalady.com), a replica 19th century paddlewheel steamboat. Both CMAC (www.cmacevents.com) and Lincoln Hill Farms (www.lincolnhillfarms.com) offer outdoor public concerts. Although outside of Canandaigua and officially in Stanley, Carriage Factory Antiques is right on 5 & 20 and is worthy of a stop to peruse its eclectic mix of antique, vintage and mid-century furnishings. Before leaving Canandaigua, get a bite to eat at New York Kitchen, Rio Tomatlan, Flavors Indian Restaurant, Eric’s Office Restaurant, Rheinblick German Restaurant, or The Green Front. Sweeten your stop with a treat from Cheshire Farms Creamery. Wine and beer enthusiasts can choose from Naked Dove Brewing, Twisted Rail Brewing, Peacemaker Brewing, and Young Lion Brewing. New York Kitchen offers both a tasting room and opportunities to learn about culinary arts.

Geneva

Soak up some sun at Seneca Lake State Park (http://parks.ny.gov/parks/125), which features the children’s Sprayground, an adjacent playground and swimming beach, marinas, large picnicking park and ball fields. Rose Hill Mansion (http://historicgeneva.org/visit/rose-hill-mansion), a National Historic Landmark, is an 1839 Greek Revival house open for touring. The Smith Center for the Arts (www.thesmith.org) is also a historic site, formerly the Smith Opera House, circa 1894. The Romanesque-style venue hosts films, live events, and more. Belhurst Castle (www.belhurst.com) offers rich history, lodging, a luxurious spa and dining and sipping experiences. Dine at Ports Café, FLX Table (reservations required), Geneva on the Lake, Hasley’s, Cosentino’s Ristorante or Ciccino’s. Treat yourself to a cone at Long Pier, right on Seneca Lake. There’s also a playground nearby for the kids to enjoy. If you care to imbibe, stop by WeBe Brewing, Lake Drum Brewing, Ventosa Vineyards, or Raymor Estate Cellars.

Waterloo

Birthplace of Memorial Day, Waterloo is home to the National Memorial Day Museum (www.wlhs-ny.com). Take a walk through downtown to view plenty of well-preserved historic architecture. Not far from the center of the village, Muranda Cheese Company (www.murandacheese.com) offers cheese tastings in a late 1800s rustic barn that includes a cheese cave in the cellar, all a stone’s throw from the herd. Unless you’re too full of cheese, dine at Connie’s Diner or Mac’s Drive-In. You can also nab cones at Peppy’s.

Seneca Falls

The women’s rights movement finds its roots in Seneca Falls, which is home to the National Women’s Hall of Fame (www.womentofthehall.org). The hall offers displays honoring history-making women in its displays and programming. On the grounds, visit the Women’s Rights National Historical Park commemorates the first Women’s Rights Convention held in Seneca Falls, along with the home of Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Wesleyan Chapel. Celebrate a Christmastime classic film at the It’s a Wonderful Life Museum (www.wonderfullifemusum.com), as Seneca Falls has been identified as the “real Bedford Falls” from the movie. Get in touch with nature with a birding or hiking adventure at Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge (www.fws.gov/refuge/montezuma), a 7,000-acre preserve on Cayuga Lake’s north end. Dine at Café 19, Gould Hotel, El Bajo Mexican Grill & Bar, Parker’s Grille, Wolffy’s Grill & Marina, or Penny’s Place. The wineries include Montezuma Winery & Hidden Marsh Distillery and Izzo’s White Barn Winery.

Auburn

Harriet Tubman’s chosen hometown, Auburn provides a few historic points worth a stop, including the Harriet Tubman Home (www.harriettubmanhome.com), a museum dedicated to the fearless freedom-seeker and liberator; Willard Memorial Chapel (www.willard-chapel.com), a circa 1892 chapel; Seward House Museum (www.sewardhouse.org), the 19th century home of statesman William Henry Seward; and the Ward W. O’Hara Agricultural Museum (http://wardwoharaagriculturalmuseum.org), a museum showcasing farming history and country living. Enjoy the outdoors at Owasco Lake, Emerson Park (swim, play disc golf, fish and enjoy the playgrounds. Plus, Emerson hosts free summer concerts), Auburn Doubledays’ Perfect Game Collegiate Baseball League games (www.milb.com/auburn), and Finger Lakes Drive-In (www.fingerlakesdrivein.com). The REV Theatre Co. (www.therevtheatre.com) and Public Theater (www.publictheater.org) offer a variety of entertaining shows. In Auburn, try Auburn Diner, Lasca’s, Kosta’s Bar & Grill, Pavlos’ Restaurant, or Ichiban Sushi & Hibachi Japanese Restaurant. Wineries and breweries include Next Chapter Brew Pub, Good Shepherds Brewing, Prison City Pub and Brewery, CJS Vineyard & Aurelius Winery (open by appointment for tastings and sales).

Between Auburn and Skaneateles, stop at Strawberry Fields (www.facebook.com/strawberryfields4240), a hydroponic farm where you can pick strawberries without bending or stooping, as they grow in pots on poles from June through October. The gift shop is worth a stop as it brims with unusual finds from all over CNY—not mass-produced mementos. Strawberry Fields also operates a full-service floral shop on site.

Skaneateles

The unique shops lining Skaneateles’s downtown have earned acclaim for their variety and quality; however, Skaneateles Lake also attracts many visitors. Thayer Park or Clift Park are charming spots to picnic or just watch the boats glide by. Mid-Lakes Navigation (www.midlakesnavigation.com) offers guided boat cruises, dinner cruises and Mailboat Tours that involve delivering mail to the camps around the lake (tip: this is the longest tour!). Mirbeau Spa (www.skaneateles.mirbeau.com/spa) offers lovely ambiance as part of the pampering with Monet-inspired art and French décor influences.

The dining options seem nearly innumerable in Skaneateles, but a few stand-out options include Sherwood Inn, Doug’s Fish Fry, Elderberry Pond, Joelle’s French Bistro, The Elephant and the Dove, Rosalie’s Cucina, Gilda’s, and The Krebs Restaurant. And pick up baked treats at Heart ‘N Hand, The Patisserie and Skaneateles Bakery.

Breweries and wineries include Anyela’s Vineyards and Skaneateles Brewing.