We spent two days at this inn. The accomodations were spectacularly appointed and the service excellent. It's on a beautifully groomed estate on the shore of Seneca Lake. In the rear of the inn are beautiful grounds with a swimming pool and four croquet courts. Included in the cost were pontoon boat rides on the lake and a continental breakfast. There was also a nice fruit basket and bottle of local wine in our suite when we arrived. We opted for the meal plan that included a full breakfast and dinner.

General Manager Bill Schickel and his staff were concerned and very helpful.

Breakfast (full) consisted of first a plate of cut up fruit with a yogurt dip along with fresh squeezed juice, then a choice of first course (ie bagel with smoked salmon and cream cheese, cereal, etc), followed by a second course of omelets, French toast, pancakes, or my favorite- a wrap with duck confit, avocado, and egg. The coffee was good, just not quite as strong as I like it, but I like it very strong.

Dinners were for the most part very good. The first night, with 2002 Martinelli Bondi Home Ranch Pinot Noir, we had jumbo shrimp that looked like lobster tails and were perfectly done, and well-paired with a dill cocktail sauce. Spinach salad was good. The duck confit spring roll was crisp and the duck meaty and excellent. The pan-seared duck breast with Zinfandel reduction sauce was a little rubbery (probably frozen), but the sauce was rich and wonderful. My wife loved the sea bass with berry habanero sauce, sweet with a little heat. The choclate decadence and cheesecake were both top notch, but since coffee was included, the $6 price tag for the cappucino seemed a little steep, but the cappucino was excellent.

The second night's dinner was also a great success. Warmed brie with dried fruit was a very good, simple pairing that worked well with the wine, 1999 Truchard Syrah. Warm poblano pepper and artichoke dip with goat cheese and terra chips was a big hit, flavorful with a kick. Rack of lamb Dijonnaise with rosemary demi glace was cooked to the perfect degree of doneness, but I think my own preparation of this dish is a little better.

All-in-all, we loved the inn and will most likely return on our next trip to the area. The website is: http://genevaonthelake.com/

Sounds nice Board-O, thanks for the info!!

It's great to see that your Wife is able to get out and enjoy herself!!

After my last stay at Belhurst, I blasted them with my critiques. Bad food, service, room, wine, pricing, decor, etc.

After 50 years of going there felt I had a right and priviledge to let them have it.

Geneva on the Lake is only 5 blocks from my old homestead. Remember it mostly from being a Caupician Monestary. Have had a few meals there and enjoyed them.

Thanks, Lou and ant.

Edward, I'll tell you what we've heard about Bellhurst Castle. The building is supposed to be excellent, but the grounds rather plain, at least when compared with Geneva on the Lake. I've also heard the food wasn't too good. Bellhurst just put in a dock this year.

thanks board-o. i am espicially interested in this part:

"Hiking through famous Watkins Glen Gorge & State Park or Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge."



i know where i'm gonna be next spring.........

I've been through Watkins Glen in the past and it's beautiful, but wife wasn't about to do any hiking (Neither was I- this was a winery trip). We didn't go to Montezuma. There's somebody who posts very rarely on the WS site named ellwer who might be able to give you some advice. I had dinner with him last time I was up there and I believe I still have his email address.

The Glen {as its called in those parts] is best in the spring or when there is adequate rain fall. Going during the drought periods is a pain.

Most fun is to walk the Glen, and then finish up at teh Seneca Lodge. This area was part of the original Formula One race circuit.

Montour falls is very nice.

Shifting west a bit, go to Letchworth State park. On the Genesee river. The food at the Glen Iris Inn is out of sight. Views of the gorge here are also spectacular.

Cauition: PLEASE CALL FOR RESERVATIONS!!! Some periods it is fully packed.

I'll second Letchworth. It's beautiful. My wife went to the University of Rochester and we visited Letchworth when I came to visit her.

Board-O,

I did not know that your wife went to the University of Rochester. My father used to be a part-time faculty member at the medical school at U of R. I will second Letchworth State Park. I have great memories of that place. My father took my brother and I when we were kids. My parents still display a picture of my brother and I at Letchworth. (early 1970's).

IW

On of my favorite album covers is of two guys I grew up with. Gap & Chuck. This cover has them standing on the falls in Letchworth.

Board-O. I have noticed a steady decline in the level of food and service at Belhurst fo rteh last 5 years. Thought it was only my old age creeping up on me. Nice to hear your thoughts on the issue too.