The small city of Geneva, New York is located at the northern tip of Seneca Lake. It is home to Hobart and William Smith Colleges (a private, undergraduate institution) and a wide variety of great restaurants, opportunities to bask in history, arts, and culture, taste great wine, and of course, soak in the beauty of Seneca Lake. Here are some recommended stops if you plan to stay in Geneva!

Belhurst Castle and Winery is located directly on the lake (they are one of only two boat-accessible wineries on the lake – the other is Miles Wine Cellars, if you’re wondering) and this stunning property boasts a tasting room, two restaurants, a spa, and a variety of lodging options.

Geneva on the Lake is a historic, 10-acre property with a pool, gardens, and incredible architecture, overlooking beautiful Seneca Lake. Its Italianate structure is on the National Register of Historic Places.

If you’re more of a bed and breakfast person, check out Barrister’s Bed and Breakfast, just a short drive from Geneva, in the historic village of Seneca Falls. We could write a whole post about Seneca Falls. Book a stay with Barrister’s and you’ll be immersed, firsthand!

Vacation rentals are out there, as well. Check out our friends at Finger Lakes Premier Properties. They oversee lakefront vacation rentals throughout the region and can help you find the perfect fit for you!

Geneva is home to loads of great restaurants, eateries, wine bars, and even a speakeasy! Kindred Fare with their inspired dishes from locally-sourced ingredients is a stellar spot for dinner. Ports is another famous dinner spot with an extensive Finger Lakes wine list and specials galore. If you’re looking for lunch near Geneva along the Wine Trail, there’s Cafe Toscana at Ventosa Vineyards, the Cafe at Fox Run Vineyards, and Diaciannove Diece. Edgar’s and Stonecutter’s at Belhurst, too!

There are seven wineries within minutes of downtown Geneva, including Belhurst Winery, White Springs Farm Winery, Three Brothers Wineries & Estates, Ventosa Vineyards, Fox Run Vineyards, Seneca Shore Wine Cellars, and Anthony Road Wine Company.

You can easily explore the rest of the Seneca Lake Wine Trail from Geneva, by following the major wine routes around the lake: Route 14 south as you head down the west side of the lake toward Watkins Glen or Route 96A south to Route 414 south if you head down the east side toward Watkins Glen. Need a map? Click here to download a digital version or request a paper copy in the mail.

You must see the iconic row houses that line the street as you come into downtown from Route 14 north. Built in the early 1800s, these buildings are very much intact pieces of architectural history. They will take you right back in time! You can learn more about them and the incredibly rich history of the city of Geneva with a visit to Historic Geneva.

See a show at The Smith Center for the Arts or as locals call it, simply, The Smith. As they proclaim, “The Smith has been Geneva’s cultural anchor for 125 years.” And who are we to argue? Really though, they host everything from live music to movies.

Explore Linden Street and the surrounding area to find eclectic eateries, unique boutiques, and public art. It really comes alive after dark!

Craving some fresh air? Visit Seneca Lake State Park with its walking path, small beach, picnic areas, playgrounds, and spray park.

With so much to see, do, experience, and enjoy, making Geneva your homebase to a visit to the Seneca Lake Wine Trail is a great choice. We hope you enjoy your visit!