6 minutes
Bristol Mountain
The highest vertical between the Adirondacks and the Rockies — skiing and riding in winter, aerial adventures and lift-served views in summer.
The area
South Bristol, at the center of it all
A winery, brewery and bakery are within walking distance. Skiing, lake beaches, gorge trails and grape pie are all a short drive away. Here is how we'd spend a few days.
12 minutes
Canandaigua Lake
Boat launches, sandy beaches and lakeside dining along one of the prettiest of the Finger Lakes.
Walking distance
Wineries & breweries
A winery, brewery and bakery are steps from the door, with dozens more along the Canandaigua and Keuka wine trails.
10 minutes
Naples village
Grape pie, antiques, cafes and the Naples Grape Festival every September.
20–35 minutes
State parks & gorges
Hiking at Ontario County Park, Grimes Glen and Letchworth-caliber gorge trails nearby.
15 minutes
Golf & trails
Premier courses, the Ontario Pathways trail and quiet country roads for cycling.
6 minutes away
Bristol Mountain
The highest vertical between the Adirondacks and the Rockies. Winter skiing and riding, summer aerial adventures, lift-served hikes, and one of the most-booked wedding venues in the Finger Lakes — all a six-minute drive from the front porch.
Bristol Mountain Ski Resort
138 skiable acres, 1,200 ft vertical, night skiing and a full rental shop plus ski & ride school for first-timers.
Visit siteBristol Mountain Aerial Adventures
Four aerial ropes courses and ziplines through the treetops — a favorite for families and groups in summer and fall.
Visit siteWeddings & events at Bristol
Mountain-top ceremonies and lodge receptions. Guest blocks at the farmhouse sleep 8, which makes it a natural base for the wedding party.
Visit siteFall foliage sky rides
Lift rides over peak color in late September and October, with valley views clear to Canandaigua Lake.
Visit siteWalking distance to 20 minutes
Wineries, breweries & cider houses
A winery, brewery and bakery are within walking distance of the house, and the Canandaigua and Keuka wine trails put dozens more within a short drive.
Hazlitt's Red Cat Cellars / local tasting rooms
Naples-area tasting rooms pouring Finger Lakes Riesling, Cabernet Franc and the region's famous Red Cat blend.
Naples Valley Brewing / Bristol-area breweries
Small-batch taprooms with patios facing the hills — an easy walk or a five-minute drive.
Canandaigua Wine Trail
A loop of family-run wineries around Canandaigua Lake, most within 20–30 minutes of the farmhouse.
Visit siteKeuka Lake wine trail
Dr. Konstantin Frank, Heron Hill and Bully Hill sit on the bluffs about 40 minutes south — a classic day trip.
Visit siteCideries & distilleries
Finger Lakes hard cider and craft spirits producers dot the routes between Naples and Canandaigua.
12 minutes away
Canandaigua Lake & the waterfront
One of the prettiest of the Finger Lakes, with public beaches, boat launches, lakeside dining and a summer season that runs from May well into October.
Kershaw Park & Canandaigua City Pier
Sandy swimming beach, kayak rentals and lawn space right at the north end of the lake.
Onanda Park
Lakeside beach plus upland hiking trails and waterfalls, about 15 minutes north of the house.
Boat & pontoon rentals
Half- and full-day rentals from the Canandaigua waterfront — book ahead on summer weekends.
Lakeside dining
The New York Wine & Culinary Center, Nolan's on Canandaigua Lake and the pier's casual spots.
10 to 40 minutes
State parks, gorges & trails
Waterfalls, glens and ridge-top overlooks. Pack boots — several of the best hikes in the region are within half an hour.
Grimes Glen
Wade upstream to two waterfalls in Naples. Short, shaded and a summer favorite with kids.
Ontario County Park at Gannett Hill
The 'Jump Off' overlook — the highest point in the county, with sunset views across the valley.
Stid Hill & Bristol Hills Branch Trail
Wildlife management area and Finger Lakes Trail spurs starting minutes from the driveway.
Watkins Glen State Park
The region's iconic gorge walk, about an hour and fifteen south — worth the drive.
Visit siteLetchworth State Park
The 'Grand Canyon of the East', roughly an hour west via Route 20A.
Visit site10 minutes away
Naples village & Finger Lakes food
Grape pie country. Naples is a small village with an outsized food scene, antique shops and one of the best fall festivals in New York.
Monica's Pies
The original grape pie, plus seasonal fruit pies to take back to the farmhouse kitchen.
Naples Grape Festival
Late September: grape pie contest, crafts and live music in the middle of the village.
Bristol Springs bakery & cafés
Coffee, fresh bread and breakfast sandwiches within walking distance of the house.
Farm stands & the Naples market
Summer produce, cheese and maple syrup from growers along Route 21.
15 to 45 minutes
Golf, arts & rainy-day plans
Plenty to do when the weather turns or when you want a slower day.
Bristol Harbour & Reservoir Creek golf
Two well-regarded courses within 15–20 minutes, both open to the public.
Bristol Valley Theater
Professional summer theater in Naples, a ten-minute drive away.
Sonnenberg Gardens & Mansion
Victorian gardens and a historic estate in Canandaigua, open May through October.
Rochester day trip
About 45 minutes: the Strong National Museum of Play, George Eastman Museum and the public market.
Roseland Waterpark
Slides and wave pool in Canandaigua — an easy win with kids in July and August.
Best time to visit
- Winter: ski Bristol, then the hot tub and fireplace.
- Spring: waterfalls at Grimes Glen, quiet wine tastings.
- Summer: lake days, boat launches, long porch evenings.
- Fall: peak foliage, harvest season, the Grape Festival.
Getting here
About 45 minutes from Rochester (ROC), 1 hour 15 from Buffalo and 1 hour 30 from Syracuse. Free parking on the premises for multiple cars.
Plan your stay