As we slow the pace of life during this time of social distancing, I’ve found it helpful to consider a variety of new and interesting day trip destinations. Take a drive through the Livingston County countryside and explore for yourself!
Enjoy a Walk in
an Historic Village
The shops may be closed, but Main Streets and Historic Districts were made for walking! Take this time to appreciate the details in architecture, landscaping, displays in shop windows, and memorials to our local heroes. Keep a list of the places you’d like to visit once OPEN signs are once again hanging in the windows.
Though limited in its original scope, there are interesting things to see along the county-wide Inspirations Trail—a self-guided art tour through all nine villages.
Geneseo
Geneseo is the County Seat, and home to SUNY Geneseo, whose beautiful campus overlooks the river valley and parallels Main Street.
SUNY Geneseo
The gazebo is the spot to watch the sun set just beyond the Genesee Valley.
Walk through the center of campus to Roemer Arboretum where you can see a replica of Henry David Thoreau’s Walden Pond cabin. The project is tribute to the life work of SUNY Geneseo Professor’s Thoreau scholar, Walter Harding.
After a leisurely walk around campus, head up Bank St., School St. or Park St. toward Main St. There you will find beloved shops, restaurants, and taverns.
Village Shops & Restaurants
Geneseo’s Main Street is an interesting mix of history and modern essentials. Lined with an interesting mix of shops and restaurants, it’s the perfect village to park your car for the day and appreciate the small details.
Shops: Not Dot Shop, HoneyGirl Gourmet, Touch of Grayce, Alley Cat, and Florence’s Perpetual Estate Sale
Restaurants: Big Tree Inn, Geneseo Family Restaurant, Mama Mia’s, Aunt Cookies Sub Shop, Euro Cafe, Bar-Eat-O, Finger Lakes Cookie Company, Sunset Scoops, Cricket’s Coffee Company, and Deer Run Winery.
The Wadsworth Homestead
The Genesee Valley was originally settled by brothers James and William Wadsworth. You will still find evidence of their influence centuries later in building, street, and town names along with traditions like the Genesee Valley Hunt in October, carried out by James’ descendants today.
Built in 1804, the homestead has been occupied by the Wadsworth family ever since, with authentic art & artifacts from each generation. It’s the oldest continually owned private estate west of the Hudson River! Make an appointment for a guided tour led by sixth generation family member William S. Wadsworth.
History & Architecture
The Association for the Preservation of Geneseo (APOG) is an excellent resource for learning about Geneseo’s historic district. Check out their interactive map to explore each neighborhood, like Main Street and Center Street, in depth.
Visit the Wadsworth Library and Livingston County Historical Society for even more inspiration.
The Geneseo Riviera shows seasonal favorite and classic single-feature movies. It originally opened in 1914 as The Rex Theater, changing its name in 1936.
National Warplane Museum
The museum is “dedicated to the preservation of WWII, Korean War and Vietnam era military aircraft, equipment, and the stories of those men and women who served our country at home and abroad.” They also offer rides in many of the aircraft onsite throughout the warmer months, and during the airshow in July (postponed).
Signature Events
Events in 2020 may be postponed or cancelled
National Warplane Museum Air Show
Genesee Valley Hunt Horse Trials
The Genesee Valley Hunt Races are one of the most anticipated meets of the hunt season. Formal hunting begins with the “Opening Day” parade of hounds from the Wadsworth Homestead down Main Street.
Dansville
According to the Dansville Area Historical Society, Dansville is one of the county’s first towns—formed in 1796—and originally comprised all the territory that is today Dansville, Fremont, Wayland and portions of Howard and Cohocton.
Village Shops & Restaurants
Shops: Dogwood Trading Company, Dogwood Floral Company, The Book Den, Better Homes, and Mill Creek Optical.
Restaurants: The Coffee Cup, The Sugar Bowl, Sunrise Family Restaurant, Battle Street Brewery, Ice Cream Island, Jack’s Place Gaslight Grill, Java Jungle Cafe, Middleton’s Frozen Custard, Macfadden Coffee Co., Scovill’s Grill at Brae Burn Golf Course, and Tony’s Pizzeria.
The Star Theatre first opened in 1921, closing in 1980. For nearly fifteen years it stood vacant and had fallen into disrepair when, in 1994, it was lovingly restored by the Schmidt family. Today, a featured film plays nightly at 7pm, with additional matinees on Saturday and Sunday at 3pm, and Wednesday at 1pm.
While you’re wandering about Main Street, keep your eyes open for fairies! Dansville Artworks Fairy Doors are 22 whimsical little doors located in the business district, with several more in the trees of Pioneer Park next to the Dansville Area Historical Museum.
History & Architecture
Dansville was the birthplace of Claude Bragdon who, in addition to designing their extraordinary village library, is the architect responsible for Geneseo’s Court House, Rochester’s original Chamber of Commerce (on Bragdon St.), First Universalist Church, Bevier Memorial Building, Maplewood YMCA, and the beloved, since razed, New York Central Railroad Terminal.
St. Paul’s Lutheran Church was the first church in Dansville, and also the location of the first local chapter of the American Red Cross, established in 1881 by Clara Barton. The Clara Barton Museum of the American Red Cross contains an archival collection, historic Civil War-era artifacts, and other Red Cross history memorabilia.
The U.S. Post Office in Dansville is one of a number of post offices in New York State designed by the Office of the Supervising Architect under James A. Wetmore. The building is in the Colonial Revival style and features an unusual stepped parapet above the portico, blind arches above the windows, and elaborate decoration.
Take a free audio walking tour of historic downtown, available on iOS and Android. There is a free Municipal parking lot next to the North Dansville Town Hall. There are ten stops within three blocks.
Signature Events
Events in 2020 may be postponed or cancelled
The Dansville Dogwood Festival occurs each year in May during the week following Mother’s Day. Community based activities and events occur from Monday through Sunday.
The Dansville Chalk Walk & Arts Fest got its start in 2012 thanks to the dedication of several downtown business owners and has transpired since into a special one day arts festival the first Saturday in August every year.
The Poag’s Hole Hillclimb in August is a nationally recognized event bringing thousands of spectators to a motorcycle hill-climb like nothing you have ever seen before.
Head down for the New York State Festival of Balloons over Labor Day weekend!
Avon
Avon is situated along the Genesee River at the western terminus of Routes 5 & 20.
According to the Avon Preservation & Historical Society, “Avon served as both a major stagecoach crossing, due to its location at the intersection of Routes 5 and 20, and also as a place of relaxation and healing due to the abundance of sulfur springs within the town’s borders.”
Village Shops & Restaurants
For a great walk around the village, enjoy any combination of Genesee St., South Ave., Clinton St., Temple St., and East Main.
Shops: Geek Chic Floral Boutique, Avon Floral World, The Trading Post, and Pure Body Day Spa.
Currently undergoing restoration, we’re looking forward to the re-opening of Park Theater.
Restaurants: Sprinkles Ice Cream Parlor, Pizza Land, Tom Wahl’s, Avon Inn, Duffy’s Tavern, Avondale Pub, Avon Village Restaurant, Rising Storm Brewing Company, Mortalis Brewing Company, and Fratelli’s.
Check out the adorable fireplace in the Avon Public Library!
Vintage Drive In
Enjoy an evening at the Vintage Drive-In, one of a handful still operating near Rochester. And on Sundays, stop back for the massive East Avon Flea Market.
Genesee Valley Kart Club
Established in 1959, Genesee Valley Kart Club is one of the longest running asphalt tracks around. Saturday’s racing includes the Oval Course and Sunday’s racing includes the Sprint Course. Admission is free to the grandstands.
Signature Events
Events in 2020 may be postponed or cancelled
Avon Corn Festival, held every year on the second Saturday in August, draws thousands of people from our region browse arts and crafts, listen to a wide range of music on three stages, play games, eat lots of food, including the annual corn eating contest.
Mount Morris
If ever there was a Main Street, USA Cinderella-story, it’s living a happy ending—rather, a new beginning—here in Mount Morris!
In 2007, Greg O’Connell—a retired NYC police detective, ’64 SUNY Geneseo alum, and successful real estate developer—came back to Mount Morris, purchasing and restoring 19 buildings along Main Street. Mr. O’Connell doesn’t intend to flip the buildings. He’s in it for the long-haul to help grow the economy. He has invested time, money, and business-sense into reviving the community and it shows!
Village Shops & Restaurants
Shops: Trailside Treasures, Wendy’s Pantry, Allegiance Antiques, Country Gentleman Antiques, T Maimone Antiques, and Carvings & More.
Restaurants: Country Mouse Tea Room, Zeppo’s Ice Cream Parlor, Suzea’s Gluten Free Cafe, Borikén, Questa Lasagna and Charred, plus Brian’s USA Diner just outside the village past the Letchworth State Park.
History & Architecture
Mount Morris is the birthplace of Francis Bellamy, author Of “The Pledge Of Allegiance To The Flag”. On the corner of Main & Chapel Streets you’ll find this incredibly-detailed mural by Rochester’s own Shawn Dunwoody. Make sure to stop by during Francis Bellamy Glory Day, held each year in June (postponed to 2021).
A 6-foot black bear also stands on the corner as a welcome to the Letchworth region. The bear was carved by James Link, and more of his work can be found right across the street at Carvings & More.
Fun Mount Morris Fact
American Rock Salt is the largest operating salt mine in the United States. Established in 1997, this underground salt mine is the only one built in the United States in the last 40 years.
Caledonia
Originally a stopping point for Senecas traveling between Canandaigua Lake and the Niagara River, Caledonia has historically been an important resting place for travelers.
The Big Springs Museum holds a wealth of information about Caledonia’s roots. They share that “countless centuries ago, no fewer than a dozen springs erupted from the earth to form a small, pristine lake which came to be called the Big Springs. Teeming with native brook trout, it flowed toward a small stream later known as Spring Creek. The Iroquois knew the site well, calling it “Gan-e-o-di-ya,” and the ancient Council Elm, which graced its shores, was their landmark. In time, Scottish immigrants, fleeing the oppression of their homeland and in search of religious and political freedom, would call Caledonia their home.”
Village Shops & Restaurants
Caledonia’s Main Street on NY-5 is a great place to shop boutiques and enjoy a leisurely meal. A village walk around Main, North, Mill, and Spring Streets should also include a detour through MacKay Wildlife Preserve.
Shops: The Sungarden, The Village Gallery & Studio, McKay’s Antiques, Creative EDGE, Pastique, Country Junction, Bellissimo Boutique, Reflections of the Past Antiques.
Restaurants: Daffies Pizza, Reminisce Soda Fountain, Angry Rooster Deli, Pizza Land, Cozy Kitchen, and Caledonia Village Inn.
Caledonia Hatchery
Established in 1864 and purchased by New York State in 1870, Caledonia’s is the oldest Fish Hatchery in the Western Hemisphere. It was created by Seth Green—known as the father of fish culture—who pioneered the use of hatcheries to rear fish.
Seth Green was raised in Carthage (near Seth Green Drive, Rochester) and spent his youth exploring the Genesee River. His observations of fish inspired him to develop the fish hatchery on a property he later purchased on Spring Creek.
Signature Events
Events in 2020 may be postponed or cancelled
Honey Locust Farm has been in the Estes’ family since 1832. The WNY Draft Horse Club Old Fashion Day, started in 1976, is a family-friendly day spent watching teams of horses and oxen fit the fields as they did days gone by. It is held at the farm on Maxwell Road on the last Sunday in April.
Village Inn Ice Fest takes place in the parking lot behind the Inn, featuring ice carvings, food, beverage tastings, live music inside and out, and games. Inn owner Jeff Bleier is an ice sculptor and ice carver, and was a part of the 2002 Olympic Ice Carving Team.
Lima
According to the Lima Historical Society, “Lima’s first non-native settlers came in 1788 — Revolutionary War veterans who were attracted by the excellence of the town’s soils and agricultural potential. The town grew rapidly throughout the first half of the 19th century, with the downtown village core becoming a thriving commercial center that supplied a diverse array of goods and services to an expanding population settling the surrounding countryside.
“Nineteenth century Lima became widely known as a vibrant and successful agricultural, commercial, and academic center—’the Crossroads of Western New York.'”
Village Shops & Restaurants
Shops Crossroads Antiques and Simply Positive & Uniquely Different
Restaurants: American Hotel, Lima Family Restaurant, and Fanatics Pub
History & Architecture
Enjoy a self-guided walking tour of the four-corners crossroads of Routes 5 & 20, and NY-15A. Head up Rochester Street and around College, Genesee, and Livingston Streets to check out some of LIma’s historic buildings, like Elim Bible Institute and College.
Lima Historical Society opens the Tennie Burton Museum each year on Memorial Day, and invites the public to visit that day to view the parade from the front lawn and sidewalk. The museum is open that day from 9:30am – noon. Otherwise, the museum will be open every Sunday from 2-4pm from June through September.
Signature Events
Events in 2020 may be postponed or cancelled
Rochester Touristen Verein’s Blossom Fest—Baumblütenfest—takes place during the second weekend in June. The club began as a Nature Club where members could escape the city to enjoy hikes and camping and swimming. Today, RTV invites the public to participate at this annual German Blossom Festival to enjoy the food, music, dancing, and many other activities that are celebrated in German tradition.
Lima Crossroads Blues Festival takes place in early-August along Routes 5 & 20 and NY-15 and is centered around music and family-friendly food & festivities.
Livonia
According to the Livonia Area Preservation & Historical Society, “with the arrival of the railroad in 1853, homes and businesses were built in the proximity of the depot; because of this, the settlement became commonly known as Livonia Station. The Church Hotel and the Commercial House remain standing today as the Cottage Hotel (apartments) and the Livonia Inn. Livonia Station was renamed simply Livonia in 1900.”
The Maurice F. Sweeney Museum, located in the Village of Livonia at 10 Commercial Street is open year-round on Fridays and Saturdays from 10am to 2pm.
Village Shops & Restaurants
Check out Makacademy (pronounced Make Academy)—a space for people of all ages to make or create anything and everything with people and infrastructure to foster that development.
Restaurants: Ember Wood Fire Grill, Rising Storm Brewing Company, 3 Legged Pig BBQ, Shoreless Acres General Store and Serious Food, Hook & Spoon, little Lake Brewing, OSB Ciderworks, Twisters Ice Cream Shop, No BS Brew Company, Wanda’s Family Restaurant, and the newly remodeled Livonia Inn.
Livingston County
Lakes, Parks & Preserves
In an article by the NYS DEC, “Getting outdoors to walk, jog, hike, ride a bicycle, fish, or visit a park or state lands is a healthy way to stay active, spend time with immediate household family members, and reduce stress and anxiety when practicing social distancing. While indoor spaces and restrooms at State Parks and DEC’s public facilities may be closed out of an abundance of caution to prevent community spread of COVID-19, many parks, grounds, forests, and trails are open during daylight hours, seven days a week.”
Yet with warmer weather on its way, it becomes critical to not only spend time outside but away from other people. The challenge we’ll start to face will be overcrowding in our popular parks in this time of social distancing.
Here are a few spots around Livingston County we recommend where there’s ample space with an engaging landscape–the trails less traveled. As the DEC recommends, “Move quickly through parking lots, trail heads, and scenic areas. If crowded, choose a different park, trail, or time to visit.”
Al Lorenz Park
Located just across the Genesee River from the Mount Morris entrance to Letchworth park, Al Lorenz is a hidden gem! Tucked down into the river valley, it offers a variety of walking paths, water elements, and diversity of trees, including an extraordinary pine grove.
Papermill Falls Park
Park your car right next to Papermill Falls in Avon! Open up the windows or pull up a chair & relax to sound of Conesus Creek. Wander down the trail for fall-facing view.
Oakland Locks
Start your exploration of a series of historic locks at a little park at the intersection of NY-436 and Oakland Road. The lock system is part of the greater historic Genesee Valley Canal. This is a branch that ran from the main canal in today’s Letchworth State Park down into the Village of Nunda.
MacKay Wildlife Preserve
There are interesting man-made and geologic wonders to discover at MacKay Wildlife Preserve in Caledonia. You’ll find a sea of round, moss-covered boulders, a diverse collection of hardwoods, and unusual land formations.
Christine Sevilla Wetland Preserve
Take a stroll along the boardwalk to see what you can find hidden among the many species of grasses, ferns and sedges lining the trial. The half mile trail begins at the kiosk near the Preserve entrance. A trail map is present on the kiosk. There is a mowed trail in the field leading to a boardwalk trail and an observation deck.
Hemlock Lake
Hemlock Park, located at the north end of Hemlock Lake, is owned and managed by the Town of Livonia.
It is part of the greater Hemlock-Canadice State Forest. The property includes two large undeveloped parcels surrounding Hemlock and Canadice Lakes, totaling 6,684 acres in the towns of Canadice, Conesus, Livonia, Richmond and Springwater in Ontario and Livingston Counties.
Conesus Lake
Conesus Lake is surrounded by homes, many of which are permanent residences and not just summer cottages. There are, however, public spaces to give you access to the lake.
DEC Land
New York State land, managed by the Department of Environmental Conservation, offers some of the most secluded spots to get away.
Conesus Inlet Wildlife Management Area
Conesus Inlet WMA is bounded on the west by West Swamp Road (State Route 256), on the east by East Swamp Road, on the south by Guiltner Road, and on the north by Conesus Lake. There are several places to park and walk or launch a car-top boat.
Sonyea State Forest
The 922-acre Sonyea State Forest offers a rustic experience with a limited amount of development. This forest shares a common boundary with Groveland Correctional Facility. As regulations differ between these areas, users should remain aware of which unit they are on. The Keshequa Creek Gorge occurs along the western boundary of this state forest, and the eastern portion includes the headwaters of Two Mile Creek.
Ossian State Forest
The 1,303-acre Ossian State Forest offers a rustic experience with a limited amount of development. This forest shares a long common boundary with Rattlesnake Hill State Wildlife Management Area and also has a common boundary with a parcel of Allegany County forest lands. The 7-acre Evergreen Pond features paddling opportunities. A hand boat launch is located off Scoville Road.
Letchworth State Park
Letchworth is a massive park, with plenty of places to enjoy away from high-traffic areas like Middle Falls. Look at the trail maps for secluded spots on both sides of the Genesee!
Try a hike along the Portage Trail #6 on the east side, or on the Letchworth branch of the Finger Lakes Trail, with multiple trail heads along River Road between Mount Morris and Portage.
On the west side of the river there are trail heads all along Park Road, and spots less frequented north of the Castile entrance, like Wolf Creek and the beautiful Gardeau Overlook.
Genesee Valley Greenway
Genesee Valley Greenway State Park extends from Rochester to Olean, but there are some beautiful spots right within Livingston County to explore!
There’s a little car lot in Caledonia on River Road where you can start on the Lehigh Valley Trail, heading east to connect with the Greenway Trail at Wadsworth Junction.
Or start in Avon along the Erie-Attica Trail near the western terminus of Routes 5 & 20. Park at the trail head next to Barilla pasta and head west across the Genesee River.
Other spots to begin include York Landing in Piffard near the Abbey of the Genesee, Yard of Ale in Piffard, National Hotel in Cuylerville, and the RG&E substation in Mount Morris, right in the heart of Mount Morris. The Genesee Valley Greenway weaves for two miles along Main Street making for a great round-trip walk with spots to eat and shop along the way. You’ll pass the General William A. Mills House, and colorful wall art dedicated to the memory of hometown hero Francis Bellamy, author of the “Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.”
Genesee Valley Conservancy
The GVC manages several preserve throughout Livingston County. Explore Indian Fort Nature Preserve and Island Preserve in Geneseo, and the Railroad Bed Trail in Avon that runs between Nations Road and NY-39.
Mount Morris Dam
Before the dam was constructed, vicious floods ravaged river-side communities downstream, including the City of Rochester. We’re so thankful it exists today! When things get back to normal, and if you’re in town between April and October, and 18+ years of age, take a tour of Mount Morris Dam, guided by a US Army Corps of Engineers Ranger.
Take a Drive through the Livingston County Countryside
Nations Road
Speaking of Nations Road, it’s a favorite among area photographers. Its bucolic Genesee Valley view, concentration of great oak trees, & horses in the fields make for an excellent slow drive through the countryside in any season, and especially in Autumn. It’s also where you’ll find the Genesee Valley Hunt Races in October!
These trees are even featured in the painting “Genesee Oaks” by Asher B. Durand—an American painter of the Hudson River School—which hangs in Rochester’s Memorial Art Gallery. The MAG website states that he was “commissioned to paint this magnificent vista overlooking the Genesee River Valley in Geneseo, New York, by a member of the Wadsworth family, the village founders. At one time, they owned all the land from Geneseo to Rochester.”
Oak trees are so prevalent around Geneseo the APOG and Genesee Valley Conservancy have designed a self-guided scenic oak tree driving tour!
Abbey of the Genesee
Abbey of the Genesee, in the hamlet of Piffard, is best know to most Rochesterians for their delicious Monk’s Bread. You can purchase the bread and other items from the on-site store. The Abbey also welcomes visitors to join the community for liturgical prayer in the Abbey Church or to spend time in quiet solitary prayer.
Cameras are not allowed in the chapel, but I hope the photo above inspires you to visit and enjoy a restful and reflective retreat, or take a virtual tour here and here!
Groveland
Williamsburgh, in the Town of Groveland, was the original settlement in Livingston County after the American Revolution. Today there is a cemetery on the historic site overlooking the American Rock Salt mine.
In this cemetery are the final resting places of two of Rochester’s founding fathers—Major Charles Carroll and Colonel William Fitzhugh—along with their extended families.
Groveland is also the site of the final battle of Sullivan’s expedition on the New York frontier, under General George Washington’s orders to completely destroy the principal villages and food supplies, forcing their removal. Lieutenant Boyd and Sergeant Parker were taken prisoner during the Groveland Ambuscade, and tortured for information back in Little Beard’s Town.
You’ll find a memorial and this historical marker in Cuylerville where the incident took place.
Scottsburg
Daniel Shays, of Shays Rebellion, settled in Livingston County after 1788. You’ll find his final resting place in the small, rural Union Cemetery in Scottsburg.
The Insider’s Guide to Fun!
We are beyond thrilled to partner with MyLivingstonLife to share the story of Livingston County’s history, culture, and energy, and encourage you to visit often!
Follow along on the blog, Facebook & Instagram for fun seasonal inspiration.
Livingston County is located directly south of Monroe and they share more than just a county line! Both were founded in 1821, and will be celebrating bicentennials in 2021.
Both share stewardship of the Genesee River, and an origin story along her banks. Ebenezer “Indian” Allan, in 1788, settled first in Mount Morris, then Scottsville, before building the first sawmill and gristmill near today’s Graves & Race Streets in Center City Rochester.
Then in 1803, Colonels Nathaniel Rochester and William Fitzhugh with Major Charles Carroll saw the business potential of the Genesee Falls from their homes in Dansville and Groveland and together purchased the infamous 100-acre tract.
We also share two school districts—Caledonia-Mumford and Honeoye Falls-Lima.
Where are your favorite day trips around Livingston County?
Share your thoughts with us in the comments. Your insight and experience is invaluable!