With the weather warming up, travel restrictions finally easing, and the travel bug hitting many of us harder than ever, now is the perfect time for many of us to start planning our next escape. After almost two years of restrictions, it’s finally time to start thinking about traveling to the US again, and what better way to visit our neighbors to the South than by taking a road trip!

Everyone knows New York as one of the most popular international tourist destinations, but did you know there’s more than just visiting Manhattan? One underrated destination you probably never thought of traveling to but should, is upstate New York and the Finger Lakes region. Reachable by car in three hours, this region is ideal for those looking to take their first post-COVID adventure without straying too far from home. If you’re coming from Toronto, you can even make it a true road trip by popping over to see Niagara Falls or outlet shopping in Buffalo as you make your way to and from your destination.

We recommend staying at The Lake House on Canandaigua, a stunning property overlooking Canandaigua Lake. Even though it has only been open since 2020, the Lake House has already received numerous accolades in Travel & Leisure Magazine in 2021, including #1 Resort Hotel in New York State, #2 Resort Hotel in the Continental U.S and #30 in the Top 100 Hotels in the World. This one-of-a-kind spot boasts incredible views and plenty of relaxation as well as outdoor activities to enjoy to your heart’s content.

Here are some suggestions to get you started…

Spa

After the last couple of years, who doesn’t need a little extra TLC? You can find all of that and more at Willowbrook Spa, located conveniently at the Lake House, where talented spa therapists create unique, tailored treatments to help heal your mind and body. A must-try unique experience at the spa that you definitely don’t want to miss is the outdoor private sauna ritual experience. The outdoor cedar wood barrel sauna has a panoramic dome window overlooking the lake so you can unwind with a view.

Ski

If you’re looking to venture out past the lake, there are a couple nearby mountains waiting for you where you can hike, ski, snowboard and more. Just 20 minutes from the resort, Bristol Mountain in Canandaigua is a picture-perfect destination for taking on the slopes! The peak here is the highest vertical between the Adirondack Mountains and the Rocky Mountains, but Bristol offers state-of-the-art experiences for every ski and snowboarding skill level. The Lake House even partners with Bristol to offer a “Ski & Stay Package” which includes overnight accommodations, two full-day lift tickets, breakfast for two and daily transportation via shuttle.

Drink

After a day at the slopes, relax and rewind at your choice of more than 100 wineries and breweries in Finger Lakes! This area is actually a leading wine region in the U.S., with a climate perfectly suited for German-style wines (for example, Riesling) and delicious red wines like Cabernet Franc and Pinot Noir. If wine is not your thing, 10 mins from the Lake House is the Other Half, a local brewery featuring craft IPAs, sours, lagers and more on draft. You can spend an entire day just sampling everything these wineries and breweries have to offer!

The Lake House also offers plenty of water activities in the warmer months, making it the perfect year-round destination for anyone looking for a little excitement after being cooped up at home. So, grab your road trip essentials and let’s go!