A Girls Weekend Getaway in the Finger Lakes
With calming waters, picturesque trails, local artisans, and more wineries, cideries, and breweries than you’ll know what to do with, the Finger Lakes offers countless spots just waiting for your next girls weekend getaway.
Our pick? Canandaigua, of course. A weekend away at The Lake House with friends offers the perfect place to relax, reconnect, and indulge in all of the best girls weekend activities. It may sound cliché, but a leisurely weekend in a beautiful setting paired with good food, good wine, good friends (and a self-care treatment or two) sounds pretty great right about now.
A straight shot up I-81 N from New York City (see how to get here), Canandaigua provides the best of what lake life has to offer. In this small upstate town, you’ll find the right amount of relaxation with a little adventure thrown in, contemporary accommodations and cuisine with a touch of nostalgia.
Let the girls weekend in the Finger Lakes begin…
Friday Afternoon
First things first, see if you can sneak in an appointment at Willowbrook Spa to kick off the weekend in relaxed bliss, or plan ahead for some spa time Sunday morning and make your reservation now.
And don’t forget to take a long look at our signature lakeside cedar barrel saunas – grab your girls and book a session, saunas can accommodate up to 4 people at once, and are a fun, relaxing treatment with stunning views and an enormous amount of health benefits.
Friday Evening
Want to get out on the lake right away? Starting in mid-May, a nightly Sunset Cruise will launch right from The Lake House dock to cruise around Lake Canandaigua as the sun slowly sets.
Once back on dry land, head over to the lakeside Sand Bar for a casual bite of seafood specialities ranging from lobster rolls to fresh oysters.
Perhaps a fancy dinner is more your speed? Our Rose Tavern restaurant is an upscale dining establishment complete with craft cocktails and an extensive wine list. This restaurant is popular in the region though, be sure to make reservations beforehand to ensure your table is ready and waiting for you.
Put a bow on the end of your night and stop off at the moody Library Bar for a nightcap before sinking into your plush bed (you’ll love the super-soft linens).
Saturday Morning
Rise and shine with a gentle 50-minute morning yoga session at The Lake House’s onsite yoga studio to stretch out tight muscles and set the mood for a relaxing day ahead.
Also offered on Saturday mornings are garden tours with Horticulturist, John Faerber. This immersive tour takes you throughout the entire property and offers a behind-the-scenes look at the thoughtful care and curation that make The Lake House gardens such an essential part of the experience, from their use in our restaurants, cocktail creating, spa treatments, and wedding floral arrangements. Complimentary garden tours are offered seasonally Monday – Saturday at 9AM. No sign up needed. Simply meet in the Lobby to begin the tour including fun tastings along the way!
If you’re here in summer and early fall, the Canandaigua Farmers Market runs every Saturday morning from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.. Take a walk through the market to see what’s in season.
Didn’t do the Sunset Cruise? Beginning at the end of May, stop by the Library Bar, then head down to the dock for a leisure two-hour cruise around Lake Canandaigua. Sip a refreshing beverage, take in the fresh air, and soak up the sun in style. Cruises begin at 9:00 a.m., and reservations are required.
Saturday Afternoon
In the afternoon, choose your own adventure. The Finger Lakes was just named America’s Best Wine Region, why not take a tour of the top wineries to see beautiful rolling hills, vineyards that stretch for miles, and picturesque lake views.
As New York’s leading wine region, the Finger Lakes is home to well over a hundred wineries throughout the area, including many wineries in Canandaigua, just a short drive away from The Lake House. Our hotel shuttle can take you to nearby vineyards, it’s a seamless way to enjoy your day without having to fret the logistics. Plan ahead by arranging your transportation to your preferred wineries (or let our concierge customize the trip for you) by tapping here to schedule your tour.
For those who prefer hops over grapes, there are also a number of breweries in Canandaigua, many of which are within walking distance of The Lake House, making an afternoon of sipping and strolling that much more appealing.
If shopping and exploring charming downtown Canandaigua sounds fun, there are plenty of cute shops and boutiques just minutes away. You could walk (less than a mile) from the hotel to downtown Main Street, or ask the hotel shuttle to give you a lift – rides are complimentary within 3-miles of the property!
Truly though, there’s no reason to leave the resort if you don’t want to. Enjoy a leisurely day lounging at our lake-facing pool and hot tub, or simply find a spot to read for a moment of peace. In the warmer months, rent paddleboards or kayaks to get back out on the lake and go for a dip.
For more active groups, ask the concierge to recommend a nearby hike to see some of the region’s many waterfalls and gorges.
Saturday Evening
After a full day and freshening up from the afternoon’s activities, go for dinner at Rose Tavern, where rustic, seasonal fare takes center stage, and the restaurant’s warm atmosphere, complete with a custom wood-fired hearth, invites you to linger longer.
Sunday Morning
Sleep in, then enjoy your choice of elevated breakfast favorites, such as brioche French toast with maple créme anglaise, poached apple, and candied pecans or a fresh omelet with two farm eggs, chive, white cheddar, and garlic herb potatoes.
End your morning on a high note with one last wellness class. Choose from yoga, stretch, or a deeply relaxing mediation session.
Sunday Afternoon
After your morning wakeup, if you haven’t been already, it’s time for some treatments at Willowbrook Spa that blend nature-based practices and time-tested treatments with the latest health, beauty, and wellness innovations. Make sure to add on the Sauna Ritual to your services to spend time sweating it out in wooden barrel saunas while looking out over the spa’s garden and Lake Canandaigua, and head back to your daily routine feeling more refreshed, rejuvenated, and connected to yourself, your friends, and nature, than you were when you arrived.
Afterward, it’s time to head on to your next destination, but don’t worry, The Lake House will be waiting for you to explore even more next time.
Start Planning!
Ready to start planning your girls weekend getaway in the Finger Lakes? Book your stay in our conveniently designed Double Queen rooms, featuring two custom-designed queen beds in spacious rooms with either lake or woods views, or each book your own private sanctuary. Opt for the Lakeside Bed & Breakfast package to make your stay at The Lake House even more indulgent.