Routes 5 and 20 is a beautiful 67-mile stretch of highway where NY-5 and US-20 converge. The path it takes is a foot trail of New York’s first people from the Hudson River to Lake Erie, between the Adirondacks and the Catskills, and over a rolling drumlin field.
Connecting the Town of Avon in the west and the City of Auburn in the east, Routes 5 and 20 pass together through the cities of Canandaigua and Geneva, and the historic hamlet of Seneca Falls.
It’s the perfect northern gateway to the Finger Lakes region, skimming the tops of Canandaigua, Seneca, Cayuga, and Owasco Lakes. In fact, Routes 5 and 20 connect nine of the eleven Finger Lakes, leaving Skaneateles and Otisco Lakes just beyond the eastern junction.
My Perfect 3-day
Routes 5 and 20 Road Trip
This is an itinerary for a 3-day trip I would actually take myself. While I don’t typically feature overnight adventures on Day Trips Around Rochester, there are times I like to consider the options! Each day, however, can be done as separate day trips.
From Rochester, you could jump on the thruway to get out to Auburn quicker, but I love driving Routes 5 and 20 from Avon. It’s a sneak-peek of your 3-day trip in reverse—take note of places you’d like to visit on the way back through or make a spontaneous stop on your way out to Auburn. You may find a great place to watch the sun rise if you hit the road early.
Day 1
Routes 5 and 20 Road Trip
Friday in Auburn
Tour the beautiful Willard Memorial Chapel, an extremely rare example of the work of Louis C. Tiffany and Tiffany Glass and Decoration Co. It is the only complete and unaltered Tiffany chapel known to exist.
Lunch at Hunter’s Dinerant
Tour the historic William Henry Seward House Museum. Harriet Tubman Home, or wander around downtown Auburn.
Dinner at Kosta’s Bar & Grill
Enjoy a sunset stroll at Emerson Park on Otisco Lake. Catch a show at Merry-Go-Round Playhouse or Public Theater.
Options for lodging: Inn at the Finger Lakes or drive to Seneca Falls and stay at Van Cleef Homestead. Or, spend 2 nights camping at Cayuga Lake State Park.
Day 2
Routes 5 and 20 Road Trip
Saturday in Seneca Falls and Geneva
Head west on Routes 5 and 20.
Take a slow drive through Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge and look for migratory waterfowl and nesting eagles.
Lunch in at The Gould Hotel
Step back in history at the Women’s Rights National Historical Park. Check out the famous “It’s a Wonderful Life” bridge and museum.
Diner in Waterloo at Mac’s Drive In or at FLX Table in Geneva.
Take a sunset stroll along the Seneca Lake shoreline. Grab an ice cream on Long Pier.
Options for lodging: Ramada Plaza by Wyndham Geneva Lakefront Resort or 98 Washington
Day 3
Routes 5 and 20 Road Trip
Sunday in Geneva, Canandaigua, and Avon
Breakfast at the Captain’s Room.
Take a self-guided walking tour along historic South Main St.
Head west on Routes 5 and 20.
In Canandaigua, walk down Canandaigua City Pier and check out the boat houses or rent a kayak. Interesting fact, homeowners are prohibited from actually living in these boathouses—they are for daytime use only.
Lunch at New York Kitchen or Rio Tomatlan.
Spend a few hours at Sonnenberg Gardens.
Complete your trip along Routes 5 and 20 in Avon at the Vintage Drive-In for dinner and a movie.
Destinations East to West:
Cities, Towns, Villages
There is so much to see and experience along historic Routes 5 and 20. These are a few highlights between Avon & Auburn.
Avon
Avon Driving Park and 5-Arch Bridge
Erie-Attica Rail Trail crossing at the Genesee River
Dining: Avon Inn, Duffy’s Tavern, Tom Wahl’s
Lima
Dining: American Hotel
Bloomfield
Dining: Sharks Ice Cream
Canandaigua
Canandaigua Lady—a 19th century steamboat replica and double-decker paddle wheeler.
Swim at Kershaw Park Beach.
Enjoy a concert at CMAC or Lincoln Hill Farms.
Ontario Pathways rail trail crossing of Routed 5 and 20 in Stanley.
Dining: New York Kitchen, Rio Tomatlan, Flavors Indian Restaurant, Eric’s Office, Rheinblick German Restaurant, The Green Front, Cheshire Farms Creamery.
Geneva
Take a walk around Geneva’s historic South Main St. and city center: Seneca St, Main St, Linden St, Castle St.
Dining: Ports Cafe, Beef & Brew, Char Burrito Bar, Club 86 Bagels, Red Dove Tavern, FLX Table, Geneva on the Lake, Belhurst Castle, Hasley’s, Opus Espresso & Food Bar, Cosentino’s Ristorante, Ciccino’s Pizzeria & Restaurant-Geneva
Waterloo
Dining: Connie’s Diner, Mac’s Drive In
Seneca Falls
Women’s Rights National Historic Park including the home of Elizabeth Cady Stanton, and Wesleyan Chapel.
Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge
Dining: Gould Hotel, El Bajio Mexican Restaurant, Deerhead Lakeside Restaurant & Bar, Parker’s Grille & Tap House, Wolffy’s Grill and Marina, Penny’s Place Family Restaurant
Auburn
Ward W. O’Hara Agricultural Museum
Dining: Hunter’s Dinerant, Auburn Diner, Lasca’s, Ichiban Sushi & Hibachi Japanese Restaurant, Kosta’s Bar & Grill, The Sunset, Prison City Pub and Brewery, Oak & Vine at Springside Inn,
A Routes 5 and 20 Collection
Wine, Liquor & Beer
Stop for tastings at the region’s wineries, distilleries, and breweries along the drive to create your own souvenir collection!
Avon
Bloomfield
Canandaigua
Twisted Rail Brewing (also Geneva)
Geneva
Belhurst Castle and Estate Winery
Seneca Falls
Montezuma Winery & Hidden Marsh Distillery
Cayuga
Auburn
CJS Vineyards & Aurelius Winery
Visitor Guides
The history of the
Great Genesee Road
NY-5, also known as Great Genesee Road, Great Western Road, Mohawk Trail, Iroquois Trail, Great Indian Trail, and Seneca Turnpike, was built starting in 1794 by New York State to connect Fort Schuyler (Utica) on the Mohawk Trail and Mohawk River with Canawaugus (Caledonia) on the Genesee River. [source]
It takes on the name “Genesee Street” in some places, “Main Street” in others, and serves as the main street through the towns and villages it passes through.
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Where are your favorite spots along Routes 5 and 20?
Share with us in the comments. Your insight and experience is invaluable!