Winter is almost here in Buffalo, NY so that means as the days get shorter and darker, we need things to look forward to! I often get asked where I would go if I only have a night or two and don’t want to drive far. It made me think that I should type up a little guide to my favorite places with some things to do in the area for each. These properties will fit various budgets so there is a little something for everyone!

#5 - The Grayhaven Motel in Ithaca, NY

• Coming in strong at Number 5 is the Grayhaven Motel, located at 657 Elmira Road, Ithaca, NY. I just stayed there a few weeks ago and absolutely loved it. This is a budget friendly, renovated motel located about 8 minutes outside of town. You can find various room types here, including a 1964 Shasta Camper! Rooms start as low as $129 per night and several of the rooms are pet friendly. There isn’t a restaurant on site but you can purchase bottles of wine, beer, cider, soft drinks and snacks. Coffee and tea are available in the morning in the reception area and there is a guest lounge open daily for reading and relaxing. In my opinion this is solid choice if you’re thinking of visiting the Ithaca area.

• Here are a few ideas for a day in Ithaca!

• Start your day with a coffee and a bagel from Ithaca Bakery, take a stroll through the Cayuga Nature Center to climb the treehouse (donation based fee) or check out Ithaca Falls, walk the Commons and see the shops , grab a drink at the Argos Inn and dinner at The Rook.

#4 - The Finger Lakes Treehouses in Sodus, NY

• At the number 4 spot are the Finger Lakes Treehouses, located at 4766 Pilgrimport Rd, Sodus, NY. I had the opportunity to stay here back in September and thought it was such a unique stay. This property might not be for everyone but if you are looking for a low key weekend, lots of relaxing, bonfires and saunas, then this could be your place. The treehouses are located about 10 minutes from the town of Sodus, NY and close to the shores of Lake Ontario. There are currently five tree houses on the property and one of them is pet friendly. Rooms start at $299 per night but vary depending on the season. Each room comes with its own wood fired hot tub, access to a sauna and free bikes. There is not a restaurant on site but each tree house comes with a refrigerator, cooktop, microwave and coffee maker. Staying here will give you an opportunity to explore an area you may have never heard of!

Here are a few ideas for a day in Sodus!

• Start the day with a coffee and pastry from Imprint Coffee, get outside and take a hike at the Chimney Bluffs State Park, grab lunch at the Saltbox Smokehouse, stop at the Boom Point Winery for a glass of local Ontario wine and head to your treehouse to check in and start the fire for your hot tub! For a later dinner, head to Embark Craft Cider for flatbread pizzas or hot pretzels and nachos.

#3 - The Park Inn in Hammondsport, NY

• Coming in at number 3 is The Park Inn located at 37 Shethar St, Hammondsport, NY 14840. I had the opportunity to stay here in January of this year and really loved the small town vibe. The Finger Lakes towns tend to be very busy in the summer and fall months, so this was a nice change to experience them at a time without the crowds. The Inn is located at the base of Keuka Lake in the tiny town of Hammondsport and has five fully restored suites. Each room is a little different so take a look at the description when booking. Rooms start at $200 and during the peak season they do require a two night stay. There is a fabulous restaurant right on site and they set up a coffee station for guests in the morning. Hammondsport is the perfect home base to explore many of the towns in the Finger Lakes!

Here are a few ideas for a day In Hammondsport, NY

• Start out with coffee and breakfast at Crooked lake ice Cream (it’s more than just an ice cream shop I swear), visit the Glenn H. Curtiss Aviation Museum, check out the shops in town and grab lunch at the Timberstone Grill, drive 10 minutes to Dr. Konstantin Frank for their signature seated wine tasting and finally grab a drink and a late dinner at the Park Inn.

#2 - Highbanks at the West Barn in Perry, NY

• In the number 2 spot is one of my absolute favorite places to stay! Although this property is not a hotel, the amenities do not fall short! Highbanks at the West Barn is a top rated Airbnb that is part of a group of properties through the Dell Collective. I realize that I cannot give the exact address but the property is located about 5 minutes from the quaint town of Perry, NY and 5 minutes from the Perry entrance to Letchworth State Park. The West Barn has its own unique decor, a mix of vintage and modern with pops of green everywhere. Obviously since it's a home, you’ll find a full kitchen with everything necessary for a comfortable stay. The host has literally thought of everything! There are two bedrooms, two full bathrooms, garage doors that can be opened on a warm summer night and views of incredible sunrises over Letchworth. Nightly rates do vary greatly between seasons, but if visiting in the winter months you might be able to snag a reduced rate. The property currently requires a two night minimum.

Some ideas for how to spend a day in Perry, NY

• Start the day with a coffee from Butter Meat Co (trust me ), head to Letchworth State Park (depending on the time of year check for entrance closures), head back in to Perry and hit the Lumber Yard Restaurant for lunch, check out the shops in town, visit the East Hill Creamery (they even have a cheese vending machine) and finish the day with drinks and a late dinner at Ration Wine Bar.

#1 - The Inns of Aurora in Aurora, NY

• Coming in at the Number 1 spot is the Inns of Aurora located at 391 Main St, Aurora, NY 13026. The property consists of five historic inns and a cottage with beautiful views of Cayuga Lake. The Aurora Inn (which is the main inn) was built in 1833 and renovated in 2001. It has 10 guest rooms, a restaurant with lakeside views and a banquet room for special occasions. The hotel offers an extensive activities calendar and most are included with your reservation. I stayed here during the winter months and even though the town was quiet and sleepy, we had the best stay. We utilized the incredible spa, sat by the fire during the daily wine hour and took a cooking class through Aurora Cooks. There are two restaurants on the property and a market next door that offers grab n go coffee, soups and local products. Rates vary by the season but the off season does offer lower nightly rates. There are activities offered year round from sunset boat rides in the summer to snowshoeing in the winter. You will not be disappointed if you stay here. It’s cozy, romantic and very chill.

Some ideas for how to spend a day in Aurora!

• Start the morning with a coffee from the Village Market, head to the Inns of Aurora Spa if its in the budget or if you’re looking for a free outdoor activity head to the Great Gulley Falls Trail to see some waterfalls, have lunch and a beer at Aurora Brewing Company, visit the Mackenzie Childs Headquarters and walk the grounds, head back to the Inns for Wine Hour and a later dinner at 1833 Kitchen, reservations required.

**If you are interested in booking the Inns Of Aurora I can help you! Since the Inns are in my network of preferred properties, I can offer various perks at no extra charge. Send me an email at julie.fago@fora.travel to get started!

The wonderful thing about living in New York is the abundance of amazing places to visit and stay. Obviously, these are just my favorites and staying at each one has left me with wonderful memories. I hope to inspire you to take some time to explore, maybe try something new or visit a new area! Happy traveling!!

X, Julie