We've settled in nicely to our Airbnb here at Stivers Senaca Marina. Our place has a great view over the marina and across to Seneca Lake State Park. There have already been a couple of spectacular sunsets and we've enjoyed a bit of exploring around the area on foot, bikes and by car. Everyone here at the marina has been super friendly very helpful in making some recommendations. Additionally, Beth's sister Cindy has a friend who is fortunate enough to call this area home. She took the time to put together a nice list or recommendations that she and her family enjoy. Thanks Laurie, looks like some great recommendations. We look forward to checking them out.!
Between our Airbnb and the city of Geneva is the 141-acre Seneca Lake State Park. The park has an amazing trail along the waterfront that passes the entire length of the park and into the city. Additionally, from the north end of the park there is a connecting canal trail called the Cayuga-Seneca Canal Trail that goes another four miles to the small city of Waterloo. While it is possible to walk from where we are staying to the park, we've figured out it's easier to drive the short (less than two miles) to the park and start from there. The trail is flat, paved and scenic, with plenty of benches to stop and stare out at Seneca Lake. We brought two bikes with us, so we have also explored the Cayuga-Seneca Canal Trail. The Cayuga-Seneca Canal Trail is also flat and nicely shaded. At the Waterloo trailhead there is a still operational canal lock. Although there was no boat traffic passing through the lock when we were there it was interesting to see. Hopefully we'll get to see it in action before we leave.
One recommendation from the good folks here at the marina, that we jumped on quickly, was Mac's Drive In. Mac's is located in Waterloo and driving up is like stepping back in time. The menu, which probably hasn't changed much since it opened in 1961, is just what you'd expect. Burgers, hot dogs, chicken tenders, fries, onion rings, milk shakes, etc. The food was good, inexpensive and their signature item is something that is a real treat. A root beer float served in a frosted mug. The root beer, RICHardson (a local brew that is spelled" that way because it's "rich in flavor), flows into that frosted mug from the same barrel that's dispensed it for over sixty years.
Wednesday afternoon we made the short (17 mile) drive to the city of Canandaigua which is located on the north end of Canandaigua Lake. We joined 15,000 of our new best friends for the Chris Stapleton concert at the Constellation Brands-Marvin Sands Performing Arts Center (CMAC). The outdoor venue, which hosts major concerts throughout the summer is a great place to catch a show. This summer's lineup has included Kenny Chesney, Keith Urban, Luke Bryan, James Taylor and Dave Matthews just to name a few.
In spite of the brief rain shower, the concert was fabulous. After a couple of nice opening acts, Chris Stapleton took the stage at around nine o'clock. He made a promise at the beginning of the show that he wouldn't talk much so he could play a lot of music and it was a promise he kept. For close to two hours, he sang and played to an audience that sang along to most of his songs, especially the final song of his regular set, his version of the classic song Tennessee Whiskey. Thanks to a helpful recommendation from Casey here at Stivers Marina we parked for free in a lot that was just a short walk to the venue. We were out of the parking lot in less than a minute, very pleased with the evening and the fact that we were still going strong way past our normal bedtime!
We've only scratched the surface of our agenda for the next three weeks. We knew it before we came, but we probably still underestimated all there is to see or do in New York's Finger Lakes Region!
