Town
Where to Stay in Geneva
Geneva sits at the northern tip of Seneca Lake, and its restaurants draw visitors from around the region. F.L.X. Table, chef and master sommelier Christopher Bates's restaurant, seats 12 at a single shared table. Wineries line both shores of the lake south of town. Belhurst Castle, a Romanesque Revival castle built in the late 1880s on the lake, has rooms in the castle, a newer inn and cottages, two restaurants and its own winery. Hobart and William Smith Colleges sit on the lakeshore. Geneva has more restaurants and shops within walking distance than most Finger Lakes towns, which makes it an easy base for the Seneca Lake wineries.
Why Stay in Geneva
- •Geneva's restaurants include F.L.X. Table and a cluster of wine bars on and near Linden Street.
- •Belhurst Castle, a Romanesque Revival castle on the lake, has its own winery and two restaurants.
- •Geneva's north Seneca position gives equal access to both sides of the Seneca Lake Wine Trail, and the trail itself starts right at the city limits.
What Makes This Area Interesting
- •Seneca Lake wineries: dozens along both shores; Geneva, at the north tip, is a common starting point.
- •F.L.X. Table: Christopher Bates's 12-seat restaurant at a single shared table; reservations required.
- •Watkins Glen State Park: about 40 miles south; a gorge trail past 19 waterfalls.
- •Seneca Falls: 15 miles east; Women's Rights National Historical Park, free and open year-round.
Frequently Asked
Geneva works year-round, since its restaurants and Belhurst Castle stay open. Summer and the fall harvest, in September and October, are the busiest seasons on the wine trail.
About 5 hours from the George Washington Bridge via I-87 North to I-90 West (New York State Thruway) to Route 14 north. From Rochester, about 45 minutes via the Thruway and Route 5&20.
Dozens of wineries line the east and west shores. A full loop in one day is possible but rushed, so plan 2 days to see both shores.