New York’s 11 Finger Lakes dangle like bracelet charms from the state’s outstretched arm. I recommend visiting the region for its epic gorge hiking, extremely drinkable dry Rieslings and historic associations with women’s suffrage and the Underground Railroad. But it’s also a relaxing destination to kick back for an autumn “me-moon” — my annual fall tradition — at the Lake House on Canandaigua.
Editor’s Note: The writer was hosted.
First Impressions of The Lake House on Canandaigua
I try to schedule a getaway in the fall. It’s a seasonal reset I need to transition from summer to the hectic holidays. For my annual “me-moon,” I seek out boutique spa resorts with a casual, luxurious atmosphere where I’ll feel comfortable as a solo guest.
Approaching the complimentary valet, I was getting all the Joanna Gaines’ Magnolia feels. The privately owned Lake House on Canandaigua features 124 rooms and suites located in the main house and two “cottages.”
There’s even a picture-perfect greenhouse set in a kitchen garden near the lobby doors. I’ll be sending a wish list picture to Santa.
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The Lake House sits on a former Sheraton Motor Lodge site, purchased in 1994 by the Sands family, founders of the Constellation Brands beverage empire. The new resort debuted in 2020 and honors the legacy of the past by featuring 1970 — the year the original hotel was constructed — in its logo.
What I loved:
- Friendly, attentive staff create a “welcome home” atmosphere
- Reasonable resort fee includes an assortment of luxury perks
- Heated lakefront pool is a decadent year-round treat
What I’d change:
- Add some cozy touches to the guest room decor
- Offer complimentary lobby coffee service
Rooms at the Lake House
A spacious Cottage King suite was a heavenly haven for my solo stay. It’s hard to resist stretching out on the deep couch in the suite’s parlor for a nap. It doubles as a twin sleeper for families. The outside deck with Adirondack chairs, tables and canal view was my go-to sunrise spot.
Hand-crafted furniture is from The Brooklyn Home Company, a contemporary design, decor and art studio owned by younger members of the Sands family. Every element looked beautiful and felt wonderful to the touch.
I longed for a pop of color in a pillow or throw to cozy the space. However, my daughter strongly disagreed when she saw my pictures. She loved the warm white Scandinavian-crisp aesthetic.
Then she asked when we were returning for a mother-daughter getaway.
A large built-in wardrobe occupies the suite’s foyer and houses room amenities, including:
- Coffee station
- Drawers and closet
- Safe
- Ironing board
- Full-length mirror
- Plush robes
SheBuysTravel Tip: I’m not a fan of in-room Nespresso machines. They’re loud and I’ve yet to find a pod that delivers the taste/caffeine combo I need in the morning. Fellow addicts should head to The Library in the main building to purchase a true cup o’ joe; they start serving at 7.
Dining at the Lake House
The Lake House has the following dining options on-property:
- Sand Bar – casual lunch, dinner; indoor/outdoor seating
- The Library – intimate Main Building bar/lounge, light breakfast and snacks available
- Rose Tavern – chef-driven year-round destination dining
- Pool Grill – seasonal lunch and snacks
- In-room dining
SheBuysTravel Tip: Sand Bar and Rose Tavern are Resy restaurants, eligible for the 2025 AmEx Platinum dining credits if you use the card to pay.
The Sand Bar
“Is the coleslaw homemade?” My family groans when I ask. Since I was traveling solo, I questioned my server a little louder than usual and was delighted to learn it was. The Sand Bar was bumping on an October Sunday evening with temperatures in the high 70s, a wonderful treat for upstate NY.
The casual dining menu features salads, handhelds and several mains that crossover from the more formal Rose Tavern. Expect tropical touches from Executive Chef Garrette Gray, who comes to the Lake House from Florida. The ideal complement to my mahi mahi tacos was a lavender coconut mocktail.
SheBuysTravel Tip: Love a bite? Don’t hesitate to ask Chef Gray for the recipe. I can’t wait to replicate the Lake House coleslaw at home.
Rose Tavern
Rose Tavern is the year-round breakfast, lunch and dinner restaurant at the Lake House. The indoor dining room is flanked on opposite sides by a wall-length bar and open kitchen. Additional seating options include a glassed-in terrace and outdoor patio.
The dinner menu rotates seasonally and features local products, including produce plucked from the Lake House kitchen garden. Homegrown tomatoes, for example, are used to create the red sauce featured with appetizer meatballs and entree rigatoni. FYI, don’t skip the pillowy Parker House dinner rolls. They’re worth the carb splurge.
SheBuysTravel Tip: If you love gardening, take a minute to chat with John Faerber. Director of Horticulture, Landscape and Floral He conducts seasonal garden tours, but he’ll happily share tips and plant picks if you catch him by the greenhouse or around the grounds.
The Library
I found my cozy at the Lake House in the Library Bar, the resort’s Main Building lounge. Continental breakfast options, snacks and coffee are available for purchase, in addition to a full-service bar.
Canandaigua is Buffalo Bills country. It was fun to cheer, then groan, with a crowd of “Bills Mafia” fans as they watched their football team lose its first game of the season.
Things to Do at the Lake House
I stayed on-property for most of my time at The Lake House and happily filled my two days with a variety of activities, some included and some add-ons.
Book a Treatment at the Willowbrook Spa
Light pours into the resort’s Willowbrook Spa lounge. Don’t short your pre- and post-treatment time here. Open to resort and day guests, the spa has a complete menu of massages, body treatments, facials and salon services.
The spa has two outdoor barrel saunas available to book. They’re positioned for maximum lake views with showers to alternate heat and cold hydro experiences.
Swim… Even When it’s Snowing!
The resort’s lakefront pool is heated year-round so you can dip and dive whatever the weather. I blissfully bounced between the hot tub and pool, knowing that I was soaking up October’s final golden sun rays.
Greet the Day with a Stretch
Ease into your days at the Lake House in the Yoga Studio, located on the third floor of the North Cottage. Instructor Suzanne Frazer leads a series of classes— yoga, meditation and stretching — accompanied by soothing chimes and crystal singing bowls.
Don’t expect a vigorous flow series. Suzanne is adept at reading the room and delivering an experience that works for a wide range of guests. For me, her thoughtful explanations about ways to improve joint health were lasting takeaways.
SheBuysTravel Tip: The small studio accommodates 8 guests. Sign up in advance on the website or at the front desk to guarantee your spot in the complimentary classes.
Channel Your Inner Artist
Suzanne also conducts 2-hour craft workshops at the resort. One popular option safely combines a brown liquor tasting with woodburning. You can also paint your own version of Canandaigua’s historic boathouses. It’s not a paint-by-numbers experience. Suzanne provides a light outline but guests are encouraged to bring their own flair to the scene.
SheBuysTravel: Traveling with a group or special someone to the Lake House? The art piece you create makes a wonderful souvenir.
Take a Canandaigua Cruise
The Lake House offers seasonal cruises aboard its luxury pontoon boat. The relaxing 1.5-hour sail circles Canandaigua, the 4th largest of the 11 Finger Lakes, providing peeks at grand estates, swimming coves and distant hills.
Things to Do Near the Lake House
The Lake House is a destination resort. So don’t feel like you need to plan a bunch of activities off-property. But, if you do want to explore, here are a few things to do nearby.
Tour the Sonnenberg Gardens
Open from May 1 through October 31, the Sonnenberg Gardens and Mansion State Historic Park is a must-see for history buffs and flora fans. The 50-acre estate, constructed as a summer residence, includes a Queen-Anne style mansion, nine formal gardens, cafe and gift shop.
Taste the Finger Lakes at New York Kitchen
New York Kitchen is a not-for-profit organization promoting the bounty of the Empire State. It’s a 5-minute walk from the Lake House and one of its corporate partners. I popped in on a Sunday at 6 pm. Drag bingo had just started in the educational theater, a sold-out curry-making class was scheduled for later in the test kitchen and the tasting room was full of guests sampling flights of New York whites, rosés and reds.
Shop Main Street
Canandaigua’s Downtown Shopping District is located along its historic Main Street. There’s a browsable mix of home decor, gift and clothing boutiques plus a variety of restaurants. I also suggest you head off Main Street to explore the local Wegman’s, The grocery chain, founded in 1916 in Rochester, NY, routinely ranks as one of the best in the country.
Walk the Kershaw Park Trail
The 1-mile-long trail hugs the Canandaigua shoreline and is ideal for an early morning or late evening walk. There’s a large children’s playground and the swimming beach is open from Memorial Day through late August.
SheBuysTravel Tip: Scoops ice cream stand is located at one end of the Kershaw trail and Twisted Rail Brewing is at the other. Treat yourself at one or both of these Lakeshore Drive establishments.
Getting There
New York’s Finger Lakes occupy the triangle between Rochester, Syracuse and Binghamton. You can fly into a number of regional airports; however, it’s a popular drive destination region.
The Lake House operates a shuttle service. Fee-applicable airport transfers and winery tours can be arranged. In-town drop-offs and pickups are complimentary.
The Lake House on Canandaigua
770 Main Street
Canandaigua, NY 14424
(585) 394-7800
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