Spring has sprung, NYC! And between cherry blossoms, tulips, and wisteria, the city is currently blooming in every color under the sun.
But as locals and tourists alike race to snap the perfect photo before the petals fall, soaking in the city’s blooms can feel more chaotic than calming.
But here’s a secret: just a few hours from NYC, tucked amongst the shimmering storybook waters of the Finger Lakes, The Lake House on Canandaigua is coming alive with more than 35,000 blooms, and it’s the ultimate destination for a serene, spring escape.
The best part? It’s about to hit peak bloom, making now the perfect time to plan your escape.
🌊 What to Expect: Serene, Lakefront Access
The Lake House on Canandaigua is Canandaigua Lake’s only lakefront luxury resort.
If you’re looking for slow, sunny walks in the garden, long days spent sailing and swimming, cozy nights by the fire, and feasts of locally-grown ingredients, this is your place.
As a guest at the Michelin Guide-recognized resort, you’ll have access to:
- Lakefront lounging
- Waterfront dining
- Modern guestrooms–many with lake views and private balconies
- A full-service spa with Nordic cedar barrel saunas overlooking the lake
Rivaling NYC’s concrete jungle identity, the grounds at the Lake House on Canandaigua are surrounded by nature–think: local plants, lush trees and shrubs, and a garden filled with herbs, vegetables, and fruit trees.
Plus, the soundtrack is more birds and rustling leaves rather than sirens and honking horns–something we can certainly get used to.
🌷 Why Right Now is the Perfect Time to Go
While the lake house is stunning during all seasons, spring is an exceptionally gorgeous time to visit–that’s because we’re heading into peak bloom in the Finger Lakes over the next couple of weeks!
The 2026 Bloom Timeline
- Mid April: early tulips and daffodils start popping up
- Early May: flowers reach peak color
- Early June: flowers shift into their late-season colors
Due to the grounds’ layered plantings, the bloom season is extended well beyond a typical spring window.
🌼 Free Garden Tours Kick Off May 1, 2026
What sets these blooms apart from others is the ability to experience it with the person behind it!
The Lake House is home to an on-site horticulturist, John Faerber, who leads garden tours, walking guests through the greenhouse, seasonal plantings, and what’s new for 2026.
This season is especially exciting, as there are a few notable additions, including:
- A new native garden
- Expanded vegetable varieties grown from seed
- The start of an on-site apiary with four beehives–with future plans to incorporate honey into the resort’s restaurants, bakery and spa
Faerber can even share some tips for those who don’t exactly have a green thumb, such as when nursery plants can be placed in full sun and how to properly plant trees or shrubs to reduce stress on the plant.
Garden Tours launch Friday, May 1, and are held Mondays through Saturdays at 9 am. The best part: they’re completely free!
🗽 How to Get There From NYC
Getting to The Lake House on Canandaigua takes a bit of planning–but the serene lakeside views are well worth the journey.
Train + Car (Easiest Combo):
- Amtrak: Take Amtrak from Penn Station to Rochester (about 5.5–6.5 hours)
- Car Service/Rental: From Rochester, it’s a quick 35-40 minute drive to the hotel–grab a rental car or rideshare to finish the trip
Bus + Car (Budget-Friendly):
- Bus: Hop on a Greyhound or Trailways bus from NYC to Rochester
- Car Service/Rental: Just like above, you’ll need a short drive from Rochester to Canandaigua
Drive (Most Direct):
- Road Trip: If you’ve got a car, the drive is about 5-6 hours via I-80 W and I-81 N. It’s a straight shot through upstate New York, with plenty of scenic pit stops along the way
Pro Tip: Public transit will get you most of the way, but having a car once you’re in the Finger Lakes makes exploring wineries, trails, and nearby towns much easier.
Learn more on The Lake House on Canandaigua’s website!
