embrace fall winter 2014

AUTUMN | WINTER 2014

dreams meet

history at the

charming 1837

cobblestone cottage

EMBRACE around the lakeslife

1812 country store

stories to tell

ice wines the rich, sweet taste of winter

olde world traditions

christkindl market

embrace life around the lakes autumn|Winter 2014 page 2

embrace your dreams 3

I always wanted to live in Canandaigua, I just love this town, LoVerde says. Since time began I wanted to live here, and now I do.

LoVerde reflects on this every time she takes a minute and looks around at the large, yet charmingly cozy antique she and her family call home, nestled on several acres on the northern end of Canandaigua Lake. Scenic views, history, and peaceful quiet are all found here.

It is so quiet and pretty here. Sometimes the whole world is going on around me and I dont even know it, she says.

That is, of course, when she is not busy readying the inns three suites for guests, updating her blog with daily recipes from her gourmet breakfasts, baking homemade cookies for the afternoon arrivals, or responding to Facebook messages and posts about her gracious hospitality.

LoVerde bought the home just over a year ago with her husband, Joseph, and they live there with their teenage daughter Gabi. They relocated from Rochester to do something a little bit different LoVerde says. No stranger to the hospitality industry, LoVerde grew up in a family that owned a restaurant, and she learned the benefits of hard work at an early age.

If we are going to work this hard, we are going to do something we enjoy, says LoVerde. We had talked about owning a B&B for years. Its truly a labor of love.

LoVerde calls herself the innkeeper, taking care of all of the inside jobs a bed and breakfast requires, and she calls her husband, the outkeeper. Although he works in the medical industry full time, every day he meticulously cares for the outside of this special house and all of its grounds.

I still work in Rochester, but the commute is an easy drive, especially when I arrive here at the Cobblestone Cottage and realize that I am able to reside at a vacation destination, says Joseph LoVerde.

When guests arrive, they are immediately drawn to the grand front porch with comfy wicker furniture. It is a perfect spot for morning coffee or a glass of wine with a sunset, LoVerde says. She recently had guests get engaged on that porch, and says its even a perfect spot to marry. Inside, warm and inviting rooms, including fireplaces and nooks to relax and

read, are just part of this 3,000 square foot elegant, historic home. Legend has it that this was a stop on the Underground Railroad, and LoVerde says you can feel that safe, exciting positive energy throughout the home.

3402 West Lake Road Canandaigua 585-721-6765 For rates and packages visit www.1837cobblestonecottage.com

dreams meet history

Sometimes Kathy LoVerde has to pinch herself, to remind her that yes indeed, her dream came true. LoVerde owns the 1837 Cobblestone Cottage bed and breakfast in Canandaigua,

and it is truly her Chosen Spot, just as the towns name describes.

by deborah blackWell | freelance Writer

at the 1837 cobblestone cottage

Although a beautiful, historic antique, the 1837 Cobblestone Cottage is fully updated with modern amenities. The guest rooms boast stunning, period furniture, and each have private bathrooms king-size beds, and privately zoned heat and air conditioning, and for those who desire cable TV and wireless internet, its there. The innkeepers motto is, Live life well, and want guests to experience modern-day comforts but still not long for that feeling of days gone by.

Outside the three acres of grounds include serene woods, lovely flowers and paths for strolling. Seasonal beauty abounds, and offers inspiration and delight for visitors. In the heart of the splendid Finger Lakes wine region, the bed and breakfast draws guests from all over the world, as close as Victor, NY and as far as Switzerland and Australia.

Meeting and having conversations with our esteemed guests is always a treat, says Joseph LoVerde. They arrive from all over the world, but are strangely similar and are always great people with interesting stories. Hearing all their various anecdotes and viewpoints keeps us informed and with a perspective that goes beyond our small community here.

One thing that quickly unites guests is the breakfast menu LoVerde serves every day. She is up at 6 a.m. baking muffins, breads, scones or whatever is on the menu for that morning. As the heavenly smell wafts through the inn, it invites guests for fresh coffee at 7:30 a.m., and then an elegant breakfast, served at 9 a.m. She takes inspiration for her recipes from many different people, and always honors guest requests. One unique aspect of her daily breakfast is dessert. LoVerde believes that dessert is important at any meal, including breakfast, and her guests love it.

Her creativity in the kitchen comes naturally, and is one of her best-kept secrets. Before she opened the inn, her friends and family did not know she had a talent for cooking, although she grew up in the restaurant business. Now she cannot go anywhere without people asking her to bring one of her delectable treats.

I actually get marriage proposals from my cooking, says LoVerde. Not hard to imagine when looking at the recipes and the photos on her blog.

Sometimes the cooking, along with running the bed and breakfast is a family affair. LoVerdes daughter helps in the kitchen, as well as in the inn. She didnt mind moving to this special area and living at the bed and breakfast, with parents who have dedicated themselves to the fine art of unique and exquisite hospitality.

Im just happy that my mom is finally fulfilling her dreams and Im thankful to be along for the ride, she says.

It is so quiet and pretty here. Sometimes the whole world

is going on around me and I dont even know it.

Kathy LoVerde

Gaby, Kathy and Joe LoVerde.


embrace the memories 5

4270 East Main Street Hemlock/Livonia 585-385-2446 www.1812countrystore.com Monday - Thursday 6 a.m.-9 a.m. Friday 6 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday noon-4 p.m.

The small salt box home, circa 1812, was constructed during a difficult time in history, when the ripples of war impacted the Lake Ontario region. But families worked hard to preserve their heritage. More than a century later, history reveals the homes attached barn, that once held animals, became a shop for making and selling wrought iron pieces used for both function and art. The Roadside Craftsmen, Inc., run by the Wemmett family in the 1930s and 40s, was where daughter Ruth Wemmett not only made her home, but also opened a novelty store appropriately named from the homes history dating back to 1812.

The 1812 Country Store displayed unusual and interesting novelties from the extensive travels of Ruth Wemmett. It also held handmade looms on which Wemmett taught weaving and fiber-crafts. The store stayed in the Wemmett family until 1985, when it was sold. Having only four owners in over 200 years, Birute Collier, or B as her customers call her, is now carrying on the tradition of this vintage landmark with care and pride.

The store was empty, and had been closed for four years when I bought it, says Collier, formerly of Rochester. It wasnt a childhood dream, I just knew when I saw it that I wanted it. I love the house and the store.

Collier wasnt sure what she wanted to do with the store when she purchased the property in 2010, but she was full of ideas and inspiration. She started with a holiday sale, and

invited local craft and artisan vendors to sell their wares in a grand opening event.

It was November, and I had a Christmas event where I had about 20 vendors, says Collier. Ive repeated that holiday tradition each year since, and have included Santa as well.

Collier had experience participating in craft shows, and thought if she had enough people with interesting things to sell, that people would come to her new store and enjoy the goods. She likes to call it a sentimental stroll through yesterdays treasures, local artisan creations, and the flavors of today.

The flavors can be found in the local foods she sells, such as maple syrup, mustards, honey and hot sauces. But the coffee shop inside the 1812 Country Store is special to Collier. It was her idea early on, when she realized that commuters pass by her store every day on the busy main road out front, so she decided to open early each morning to serve them freshly brewed coffee and homemade muffins.

She recalls customers telling her that when Wemmett owned the store, sometimes so many people stopped in on their way by, that she would have to limit the number of people to 10 in the cozy space, oftentimes with a line outside the door.

She doesnt have a customer limit today, but she does have regulars who come many mornings for coffee and cookies,

Just outside of the small town of Livonia on the corner of Route 15A and Big Tree Road, sets a little piece of history. The 1812 Country Store has a story of its own, and its one worth preserving.

the 1812 country store has stories to tellby deborah blackWell | freelance Writer

her speciality. Open from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. through the week, her cookies are a breakfast favorite among locals, and her locally roasted coffee brings them back for seconds.

I love when people come in, look around, visit, browse, have a cup of coffee and pick up something made locally, says Collier.

Colliers ongoing vision for the 1,300 square foot store preserves its character and charm, and its architecture remains true to its history. Filled with display vignettes of antiques and collectibles, much of the store offers consignment pieces. From little figurines to pictures to small pieces of furniture, glassware, kitchenware, a few items done by area artisans, floral arrangements and even paintings. She is often complimented by customers for her creative displays.

People come in and say they love the way the store feels. They feel invited, comfortable and welcomed. It feels homey, says Collier.

A collector who loves memorabilia, Collier also has a keen

sense for an items worth, and spends time researching its history and value.

I love old things because there is always a history behind them, says Collier. This item belonged to someone and they cherished it and used it for their kids or their work. There is a lot of meaning behind the stuff. Thats pretty special.

But Collier herself is also special. Born in Lithuania, she came to America as a baby with her immigrant parents in 1950. She grew up in Rochester, and also owns a commercial embroidery business with her sister, where she works daily, after serving coffee and cookies to her 1812 store commuter passers-by. Each day, she rises at 4 a.m. to bake, opens the store at 6 a.m., then closes at 9 a.m. and heads to her business in Rochester. But in spite of her busy schedule, she continues to nurture the 1812 Country Store, open seven days a week.

I feel so fortunate to be, after 200 years, only the fourth owner. I feel a real responsibility to keep it going and keep it up, says Collier. People come to enjoy the feeling of nostalgia here, its a sentimental stroll.


embrace the winter harvest 7

with area ice wines

enjoy the sweet, rich taste of winter

When you think of winter you might think of ice wines. The Finger Lakes have much to offer for lovers of this dessert wine. Established in 1805, the Fulkerson farm has had a vast history in both fruits and grapes, however, they are now best known for their wines including ice wines.

Brittany Gibbs, marketing manager of Fulkerson Winery, says there are many reasons to take the taste of the Finger Lakes to a new level. According to Gibbs, Fulkerson Winery has been making award-winning wines for many years including some that have won national recognition.

We make three dessert wines, Gibbs said. One is a true ice wine (2008 Cabernet Franc Ice Wine), while the other (2012 Vidal Blanc Iced Wine and 2012 Riesling Iced Wine) are made from grapes which are harvested then frozen as opposed to being harvested frozen.

Gibbs added that Cabernet Franc Ice Wine is one of only a few of its kind as it is very rare to find an ice wine made from Cabernet Franc grapes. It is a beautiful, sumptuous wine,

she said. The rich, raspberry aromas scream for chocolate and serving this wine with a dense chocolate torte is a no brainer.

The Vidal Blanc Iced Wine is a classic cool climate dessert wine. Its a common ice wine grape and that style showcases the flavors beautifully, Gibbs said. I like to drizzle this wine over a slightly warm bundt cake that has been poked with holes, allowing the wine to soak in to the cake. Then I serve some fruit

and homemade whipped cream over top add a glass of the wine on the side and its an elegant but easy dessert wine pairing.

According to Gibbs, the Riesling Ice Wine showcases the versatility of the Riesling grape.

The rich sweetness is kept in check by the slight acidity that still comes through, despite the high residual sugar of this wine, Gibbs said. It is the ideal pairing for a cheese platter. I pair this wine with local cheeses from Sunset View Creamery a match made in heaven that embodies the locavore motto if it grows together, it goes together.

5576 Route 14 Dundee Seneca Lake 607-243-7883 www.fulkersonwinery.com The Tasting Room is is open year round, 7 days a week, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

by Jennifer barloW | messenger post media

embrace tradition 9

295 North Main Street Canandaigua 585-394-1472 www.grangerhomestead.org For more information, hours and admission visit www.canandaiguachristkindlmarket.com

Each holiday season since its inception in 2007, the historic Granger Homestead and Carriage Museum presents this spectacular event. Inspired by the original Christkindl Market held in Germany, as early as the 1300s, this Christmas market brings holiday festivity to the forefront of celebrations. Held on the beautiful grounds of the estate under heated tents, this open-air style market offers a juried craft show, seasonal items, traditional food, singing, dancing and other events combining international flair with local charm. This year marks the 8th annual Canandaigua Christkindl Market and takes place Nov. 14-16.

Cheryl Zulick is the director of this years Christkindl market, and the Canandaigua Christkindl Market Community Dance. The market is the brainchild of Edythe Gansz, who originally put the wheels in motion to get this wonderful market up and running, she says. I love everything about it. I love the activity around the market, I love the Christmas hustle and bustle, I love doing fund raisers and raising money for the Granger Homestead.

Gansz was a board member and member of the Ways and Means Committee of the Granger Homestead and Carriage Museum, who attended more than 20 Christkindl Markets in Germany and believed the Granger Homestead was

the perfect backdrop for the event. She partnered with co-chair Suzanne Schenk to create a local version of this long-standing and treasured festival. The market not only brings needed revenue to the Granger, it benefits the downtown retail business community and offers an old-world experience for residents and their families to share, said Gansz.

Her grand vision brought an authentic European Christmas market to Canandaigua, and offers nothing less than its counterparts around the world. Ranked fourth out of the top 10 Christkindl markets in the United States by the Huffington Post News, the Canandaigua Christkindl Market delights over 12,000 visitors with all its offerings, festive scenery and lights, sounds and holiday aromas. Many community organizations, businesses, churches, and local groups come together to create this Christmas wonderland for all ages.

Our volunteers are a variety of community members and members of the Granger Homestead who really like to be part of this event. Its festive and its fun, says Libby Campbell, administrative assistant, Granger Homestead and Carriage Museum.

Christmas traditions rich in history and celebration are a global phenomenon, cherished and maintained from one generation to another. There may be no other time of year when sacred

and revered events unite so many, who celebrate the meaning of the holiday season through relic and ritual. The Canandaigua Christkindl Market, is one of those traditions.

the christmas spirit thrives at the christkindl market


The events are many at this bustling three-day holiday market:

Holiday shopping abounds at the juried, holiday craft show displaying handmade items of over 100 artisans and vendors from several states.

Santa and Mrs. Claus greet visitors in the Santa House. Santas elf-helpers lead child-friendly activities each day of the market.

Elf School offers children the opportunity to work on a craft, decorate their own paper lantern to use in the Lantern Parade which takes place Saturday at 5 p.m. on the Granger grounds. Children can also enjoy cocoa, cookies, and stories with the Christkindl Angel.

The Granger Homestead Womens Council Bake Sale on the back porch of the mansion is an annual favorite, offering a tremendous variety of delicious, homemade baked goods cookies, pies, cakes, breads, muffins, candy, and other delectable treats.

Food and beverages are plenty at this European-inspired market offering traditional German food, freshly roasted nuts, bratwurst, potato pancakes, strudel and more. Gideons bar features New York wines, local craft beers, and mulled cider.

Local musicians entertain guests with holiday music as they stroll through the market.

Happy Hour, Friday evening at 6 p.m., offering wine and beer, delicious foods and live music. New this year, happy hour is a nice way to relax and enjoy the festivities.

In addition to the market, there are two other premiere holiday events presented by the Granger Homestead and Carriage Museum. The Canandaigua Christkindl Market, Dance and Festival of Trees are wonderful, affordable, festive family fun, says Zulick. These are well-loved community events, and I urge people to come out.

The Canandaigua Christkindl Community Dance opens the holiday season at Granger Homestead, on Friday, Nov. 8. All are welcome to attend this special evening of holiday food, live music, and dancing under the heated tent at the Homestead. Music is presented by the Skycoasters, and a holiday feast by Wegmans. Ticket price is $35 per person, and tickets can be purchased in advance at Granger Homestead and Carriage Museum. Attire is festive casual. Please check the website for details.

While Christmas tradition abounds at the Canandaigua Christkindl Market, The Granger Homestead and Carriage Museum offers history and tradition throughout the year. This is the homestead of Gideon Granger, the 4th and longest serving U.S. Postmaster General, and member of the New York State Senate. The 1816 Federal-style mansion is now a museum where visitors can explore the unique architecture and learn about the Granger familys impact on history at both the local and national level. The 19th century carriage museum on the property displays nearly 100 horse-drawn vehicles. It is the second largest collection of vintage horse-drawn carriages in New York.

The Christkindl Angel signifies a longstanding tradition that began in Nuremberg, Germany in 1933, and Canandaigua has its own. A high school girl from the Ontario County area is ceremoniously crowned at the opening of the market, and reigns over the market like an ambassador, greeting all the festival-goers, and sharing the spirit of Christmas. Her special roles including cutting the ribbon to open the market, leading in the Lantern Parade, and reading special Christmas stories to the children.

The Festival of Trees inside the Granger mansion is a spectacular display of beautifully decorated holiday trees, wreaths, mantel displays, and seasonal decorations donated by local business groups and individuals. There are also creative holiday gift baskets and handcrafted jewelry. Many items are available through a silent auction, and are part of a fundraiser to support Granger Homestead. Guests will enjoy strolling through the grand and authentically restored mansion, while listening to live music presented by local musicians. There is a small admission fee. (Fee is reduced for seniors, members, and students, and also during the Canandaigua Christkindl Market.) Nov. 8 - Dec. 8.

The German word Chriskindlmarkt literally means Christ child market. History tells of the earliest markets held at churches, where farmers would offer their wares to townspeople during the Advent season. Although traditions and culture have shifted through the years, the Christkindl market today remains a very important part of the holiday season worldwide. Brought to the United States from Europe, these popular markets both around the country and around the world can draw crowds by the millions. Many new customs were born along the way, and are well-integrated into local ritual.


embrace the flavor 11

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the rabbit room


is more than a restaurantits an experience

History, art, and fine dining come together at the rustic yet elegant Rabbit Room in Honeoye Falls. A unique

experience to be had, this circa 1827 restored grist mill certainly stands apart in the Rochester restaurant scene.

61 North Main Street Honeoye Falls 585-582-1830 www.thelowermill.com/rabbit-room

Residing on the first floor of the historic Lower Mill that is situated on the banks of Honeoye Creek, The Rabbit Room was the vision of a family, who saw the need for an exclusive event venue that serves superb food. So what did they do? They bought the whole building, and not only created a special atmosphere for events, but also blended antiquity with chic flare, added exceptional flavor and interesting art, to make this a one-of-a-kind establishment.

It was an opportunity we couldnt resist. Bringing art, people and food together in a place to celebrate, says Alison DeMarco, owner. My sister and I bought the building with our grandmother, and my husband and I started the restaurant.

The mill houses three floors of art exhibits, including fine hand crafts, a gift shop, gallery space and even classroom art studios, in addition to the restaurant. DeMarcos

background in event and wedding planning inspired their original business plan to manage an event venue only, when she and her husband Andrew Penner, executive chef and co-owner, purchased the mill nearly nine years ago. But they quickly decided to open the restaurant three days for lunch and one day for dinner to give people the chance to experience the food, the atmosphere, and enjoy the work of artists in the building, as well as the building itself.

The Rabbit Room maintains the architecture and design of its roots primitive wooden beams, wide and welcoming wooden doors, bright glass windows bordered by exposed limestone walls that display some of the original artwork and photographs of the mill. The open kitchen is flanked by hand-carved bars stationed soundly on creaky wooden floors that remind guests of days gone by.


We did a lot of the restoration ourselves, and its still a work in progress, says DeMarco. But in addition to the unique atmosphere, the thing that sets us apart is the food.

The artisan menu highlights an innovative fusion of classic American dishes made with fresh, local, seasonal ingredients, and selections that change weekly. The restaurant is a member of the Finger Lakes Culinary Bounty, a collaborative regional food network promoting the finest foods of the Finger Lakes.

Our chef Christopher Januzzi is amazing. He is so passionate about what he does and is really talented and truly inspired, says DeMarco.

In addition to special events, lunch is served on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Dinner on Thursdays only, and live music Thursdays nights. Open jam sessions with a lounge menu happen on the last Wednesday of each month. Regardless of the time, reservations are recommended.

We had heard the food was amazing, and when we walked in, we knew it was the place for us, says Melissa Downey Sage, Penfield. The owners try to keep the food local and in season, its quite unique.

Sage had her wedding at the Rabbit Room, a venue offering a sophisticated setting for any occasion. From grand celebrations to intimate meals, the passionate vibe is evident in this gathering place. DeMarco says her staff is the key to the Rabbit Rooms success. She says the team is made up of exceptional people who care about what they are doing and work well together, making every meal and event truly special.

But the passionate staff, exceptional food and distinctive setting are just the beginning. At the heart of the restaurant is an open staircase leading to the other floors of this antique mill. On the second floor, the Mill Art Center and Gallery is a unique environment of gallery space combined with classroom studios offering an immersion into art for both novice and professional enthusiasts. Workshops, events, and classes are held for children and adults and welcomes those with an interest in exploring art through instruction.

Also located on the second floor is Talulahs Fancy and Friends, an artists gift shop featuring hand-crafted pieces, custom jewelry, pottery, and other original items. The Teresa Torchia Studio Gallery is located on the third floor. In addition to traditional art, other merchants make up this interesting blend of local treasures under one roof.

Its such an honor to be stewards to this amazing building. It has been such an important part of the community for so long, says DeMarco.

The Lower Mill was originally considered one of the best flouring mills in western New York, in its prime producing 200 barrels a day from spring and winter wheat. DeMarco recalls that a woman ran the mill in its day, and was a good friend of Susan B. Anthony. Although the mill eventually closed during The Great Depression, it was maintained as a storage location for a local creamery before it was sold to the Village, and then eventually sold privately, and purchased and restored by DeMarcos family as it is seen today.

Its a very intriguing place, and when you run into someone who knows it,

they rave about it. People just love it.

Melissa Downey Sage

embrace perfect getaway 13

From playing a round golf to enjoying a fine-dining experience or a relaxing spa treatment, Bristol Harbour Resort has everything a person needs for the perfect getaway from everyday worries and to-do lists.

The resort sits on a hill overlooking Canandaigua Lake and the surrounding scenery. This premiere resort is open all-year-round for both travelers and local residents to enjoy the 31 hotel rooms, luxury cottages, spa, fine dining or tavern eatery.

Dining in our all seasons restaurant allows you to sit back, relax and enjoy the best view the Finger Lakes have to offer, said Anthony Pitti, the resorts marketing manager. You may choose to dine fireside during the cold winter evenings or dine on our outdoor terrace overlooking the lake on a beautiful night.

According to Pitti, the resorts chef specializes in preparing delicious, mouth watering meals utilizing local, seasonal ingredients. We have a variety of tantalizing options on our menu from sandwiches to gourmet meals, he said. Come dine with us and we will take care of everything for you. You will see why our resort is high above it all.

One of the most popular dishes featured at the resort is the lobster bisque. Packed with the flavors of thyme, sherry, cream, and lobster and paired with the spinach and Portabella ravioli the lobster bisque is sure to impress. The food, combined with the rustic guest rooms and on site spa guarantee a unique experience especially during the autumn and winter months as the changing seasons make for a unique time in the Finger Lakes.

bristol harbour resort nestled high above it all

5410 Seneca Point Road Canandaigua 585-396-2200 bristolharbour.com


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