Things to do

Geneva New York: Things To Do And Must See Attractions

The popular Linden Street in Geneva NY.
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Things to do in Geneva New York include watching wildlife at Deer Haven Park and a show at Smith Opera House. Geneva has tons of historic and natural appeals.

Located at the northern end of Seneca Lake, the city of Geneva is home to fascinating museums, unbeatable wineries and breweries, and stunning state parks.

Previously an agricultural area, today the city has tons of attractions and things to do for both locals and tourists. 

It is also filled with homey bed and breakfasts and luxurious hotels. Be it fishing in nature, visiting historic sites, or wine tasting, this town will not disappoint.

Here we have curated a list of things to do when in Geneva New York.

1. Pulteney Park

Parks in upstate New York such as Pulteney Park are perfect for a peaceful nature escape. A striking park in the town, it is picturesque and serves as a green oasis amidst the bustling town center.

It is situated on Main Street and faces Seneca Lake from the position at the center of the stone foundation. The Our Lady of Peace statue, located at the center of the site is one of the biggest pride of the city.

Did you know there is a city legend regarding the statue? It says that this statue has to have a clear view of the lake; otherwise, she will burn down every building that stands in her way of sight.

The statue also serves as a tribute to the veterans who had served in the war.

Location: 11 Park Pl

Our Lady of Peace statue at Pulteney Park
Source : visitfingerlakes

2. Deer Haven Park

Things to do near Geneva NY is visiting Deer Haven Park. Located in the Finger Lakes region in Upstate New York, it occupies a good part of the former Seneca Army Depot.

This place offers a glimpse into the unique wildlife that lives here. You can spot beavers, wild turkeys, American Bald Eagles, and Seneca white deer.

Also, they do offer bus tours. You can take a 90-minute tour aboard the climate-controlled bus. These tours include visiting one of the 519 munition storage igloos and various other features in the park.

Note: Make sure to reserve your seats for the bus tours.

Well, if you are not so much of a bus tour person, they also have an Auto Tour. It is an 8-mile drive through the park where you will be assisted by a virtual tour guide via a tablet. These tours take anywhere from 60 to 90 minutes.

Wildlife at Deer Haven Park.
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3. Rose Hill Mansion

Things to do in Geneva New York include visiting Rose Hill Mansion. This 19th-century farm estate is an elegant Greek Revival house.

Built-in 1839, this property was the center of a busy and productive farm. The house and the surrounding grounds are open for guided tours seasonally. It focuses on the Swan family, who lived there from 1850 to 1890.

Visitors can get a magnificent view of Seneca Lake and the nearby farmlands from the front porch. They also have a store, the Carriage House Gift Shop, that features a wide variety of locally-produced food products, handcrafted items, and historically-themed gifts.

Note: Rose Hill Mansion is open from May 1 to October 31. It is open every day except Mondays and July 4.

The exterior of Rose Hill Mansion.
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4. Seneca Lake State Park

A beautiful green space, Seneca Lake State Park, is located at the north end of Seneca Lake. It overlooks the blue water and creates a relaxing experience for the visitors.

This site offers a beach, biking, boat launches, picnic tables, ice fishing, swimming, grills, showers, and more.

They have six pavilions/tents that can accommodate 50 to 161 people. The price for the pavilions and tents ranges from $75 to $200.

There is a water park called Sprayground and an adjacent traditional playground for children from the ages of 4 to 12.

Also, there are two marinas which have a total of 216 ships.

Sunset at Seneca Lake State Park.
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5. Ice Cream At Mr. Twistee

Craving some good ice cream in Geneva? Located on Pre Emption Rd, Mr. Twistee has been a favorite for years.

It is a seasonal ice cream stand that has tons of options on the menu. Mr. Twister serves a classic cone, flurries, Toft's hard drip, and more. They have both soft and hard ice cream with many diet and allergy options.

Ask for their gluten-free, sugar-free, or lactose-free items if you have allergies to regular ice cream. Their must-try items include soft ice cream vanilla and chocolate, Bavarian vanilla, sherbet, Italian Ice, Dole Whips, and Frostline.

They have homemade waffle cones and bowls, and their gluten-free waffle cones are also homemade.

This place also has a playground for the little ones and a drive-thru for quick service.

Delicious Grape Sherbet at Mr. Twistee.
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6. Vines of New York Art Gallery

Located in the heart of the Finger Lakes, Vines of New York Art Gallery is a unique natural art gallery. This sustainable eco-friendly place features work by many local artists.

It is the only gallery of natural art in New York and one of only four in the whole world. This facility houses a unique and fresh modern collection of art that is inspired by nature's basic elements.

This nonprofit is dedicated to the community, small business owners, and talented artists. The gallery is making an effort to improve the quality of life through new and better opportunities.

The work and crafts here are made using natural materials and most of which are sustainable and upcycled.

All the artwork here is for sale.

The normal business hours are from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Thursday to Sunday.

Note: Admission is free here.

The collection at Vines of New York Art Gallery.
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7. Experience Old World Charm At Belhurst Castle And Winery

Resorts in Upstate New York such as Belhurst Castle are not just romantic but also a sign of opulence.

Belhurst Castle offers historic lodging, a luxurious spa and salon, delicious dining, and a well-known winery. It is indeed one of the best wine hotels in the world.

This peaceful retreat is perfect for couples who want some time away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

There are three unique hotels here Chambers in the Castle, Vinifera Inn, and White Springs Manor. Whether you stay for a night or a few nights, they do not charge any resort fee.

Guests can enjoy dinner at two restaurants here: Edgar's Restaurant at the Castle and Stonecutters Tavern. Exciting and colorful flavors come to life here. Edgar is sophisticated, whereas Stonecutters have a pub-style fare.

The historic Belhurst Castle.
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8. Geneva History Museum

Upstate New York attraction have to include the museums. New York is filled with some of the best museums such as the Geneva History Museum.

The museum is devoted to preserving, collecting, and enlightening the community about the town's rich history. Visitors can explore award-winning exhibitions which include rare artifacts.

It is a non-profit museum that has research facilities, a feature gallery for traveling exhibitions, climate-controlled storage for collection and artifacts, a meeting room, and a gift shop.

The best part about this museum is its permanent Geneva history exhibition "Geneva's Story." The historical society owns the building, and it is very modern inside. The exhibits have been professionally displayed, and some are interactive.

If you are up for it, you can also participate in fascinating programs that help this organization.

The collection at Geneva History Museum.
Source : tripadvisor

9. Ventosa Vineyards

Want to experience Tuscan in New York? Visit Ventosa Vineyards, which has wine tastings with views of the vineyard just like in Tuscan.

They have various different kinds of wines that are pleasing to every palette. Some of them include dry red, dry white, dry rose, bubbly, ice wine, sweet white, semi-sweet white, semi-dry white, and semi-dry red.

Ventosa specializes in older vintage and dry red wines. They are a 100% estate as they grow, bottle, and produce on their own.

Their amenities include:

  • Tours
  • Dining
  • Craft Beverages
  • Outdoor space/ picnic area

Also, find Mediterranean-inspired dishes that are served every day in their Toscana. You can enjoy the wine and food with the stunning views of the lake and vineyards and sunsets that can be relished from the expansive terrace.

Terrace shade at Ventosa Vineyards.
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10. Taste Some Local Beer At The Breweries

So if wine isn't your thing, Geneva also has some stunning breweries serving beer and ciders. Make sure to add at least one brewery to your itinerary.

You can easily hop from one to another or even go to multiple as part of the tour. Some of our favorites include Three Brothers Winery and Estates, Twisted Rail Brewing Geneva, Beef & Brew Lake Drum Brewing, and WeBe Brewing.

Also if you visit during October, you can be a part of the Finger Lakes Brew Fest. You will be able to enjoy the food, music, and some of the best craft beers from the region.

Unmissable beer at WeBe Brewing.
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11. Smith Opera House

What to do in Geneva? Smith Opera House, a historic building that is committed to providing arts and education, is a must-visit place.

The well-restored, century-old theater provides a full range of live performing arts. Be it indie rock concerts, modern dance, opera, comedy, community theater, or orchestral performances; it has it all.

This organization has been successful in creating a vibrant community through the arts. It has been sustaining diverse arts and education enrichment opportunities for the locals and tourists.

It is now organized by the Smith Center for the Arts.

Watch shows at Smith Opera House.
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12. Relish The Delicious Cuisines

One thing that is absolutely unmissable in Geneva is the food culture here. Who wouldn't want a comforting bite to eat when traveling?

You must have a meal at the Kindred Fare, a relaxed space that serves locally sourced American dishes along with craft cocktails, ciders, beer, and homemade bread. Their menu is filled with delicious dishes with something for everyone.

Parker's Grille also has some must-try dishes such as Buffalo Fries, Chicken Fingers, Pretzel Sticks, sandwiches, and more.

If you are looking for a little bit more fancy space to wine and dine, Cosentino's Ristorante is the go-to. With a range of Italian classic dishes, they also have an extensive wine list.

Along Main Street is Man Yuan Asian Cuisine, which is perfect for the day when craving for some delightful Asian-inspired food. You can also find some small but wonderful eateries in this part of the town.

Signature dishes at Kindred Fare.
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