With the start of June, the end of spring is near and here at Vintage Gardens we have had a boom in babies.  Just today we were visited by our little mama Doe and her new fawn.  Not more than a day old, the spotted baby and mom were first seen by guests having breakfast.  I haven't got a photo yet...but I will. 

Here at Vintage Gardens we have had many types of birds hatch and we have viewed the fledglings trying out their wings, baby squirles have been poking their heads out of the nests in hollows of the trees and American Toads have been singing their beautiful song of love.  We actually misses a couple nexting in a bush right next to our back door.  Guess I better pay more attention. Just the next remains now.

We have had a wet spring and the flowers have been spectacular this year.  The Roses and Peonies are now in bud and ready to burst.  I expect to see them in full bloom in about a week. So mid June promises to be full of flowers.  Now that summer is here our guests will enjoy walks in the gardens and woodlands and sipping an iced drink in the gardens. and RELAXING.

Our vegetable garden is in and guests have been feasting on omelets made with spring asparagus, I think we only have one more picking left.  But the basil is on the way and will make a lovely addition to our breakfasts.

On June 11th Vintage Gardens will host the Third Annual Vintage Tea and Wonders of Nature Art in the Gardens Exhibit a benefit for Wayne County Council for the Art.  If you are in the area make sure to stop and see the wonderful artwork created by our local artists.  The event starts at 5 pm and ends at 7 pm.  Entry is just $5 and all proceeds go to Wayne Arts.
 

Included along with our usual full house of guests, Mike and I spent the weekend cleaning up the rose gardens.  We unearthed the tree roses and pruned more that 200 bushes.  It is always a treat to see the variety of birds flying around us and drinking from the fountain.  I was never a bird watcher until I moved here to Western NY.  I will always remember my excitement after seeing my first Red Cardinal.  We had only been living here a couple of weeks when I spotted Mr. Cardinal in our Cherry Tree.  Since that time I have kept a list of all of the birds we have spotted on the property.  And it is always exciting each time we spy a new species.  We had long awaited one special bird that we had heard about.
This weekend our special visitor arrived.  For those of you who have spent some time a Vintage Gardens.  Our visitor was in the big Maple tree you can see through the dining room and kitchen windows.  Mike and I were just dishing up our lunch, when I looked out back and to my suprise I saw Woody Woodpecker  himself.  Just twenty feet from the window was a Pileated Woodpecker.  I wislpered for Mike to come see, as it went about its buiness of pecking a bugs or something.  It is an amazing bird the size of a Crow and wears its colors of black, white and red proudly.  I understand from our National Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Birds, Eastern Region, that our good friend Kent bought for us, that the Pileated Woodpecker is a very shy bird.  There is always something happening here at Vintage Gardens and we feel very lucky to have had the opportunity to see Woody Woodpecker up close. Next time I will have the camera ready!

It's graduation time of year.  Many of areas colleges and universities are scheduled to have their commencement ceremonies next month in May. Rooms are still available at Vintage Gardens 1-877-331-6045 Call Today!

Hobart and William Smith College.  Commencement Exercises will be held on the Hobart Quadrangle, Sundy, May 17, 2009
http://www.hws.edu/offices/registrar/comm_info.aspx

Cornell University  May 24, 2009 at Schoellkopf Stadium
http://www.commencement.cornell.edu

Finger Lakes Community College May 16, 2009 at CMAC
http://www.flcc.edu/commencement/index.cfm

The University of Rochesterduring May and June 2009 http://www.rochester.edu/commencment

 
RIT May 22 and 23, 2009 http://www.rit.edu/academicaffairs/commencement/ceremonies.php

Can you believe it's already mid April?  Our gradnparens were right, "time goes by faster the older we get". I think it should be the opposite!  Well, tax season is over and the sun is out...life is good!  I am starting to get email updates regarding activities happening in the Finger Lakes Region this spring and summer.  I thought I would pass on the information.

The CMAC Performing Arts Center has announced its 2009 line-up.  It looks like a great year http://cmacevents.com Here is just a few of the performances they have on the calendar; Bad Company and the Doobie brothers, Judus Priest and Whitesnake, Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra with the Rochester City Ballet, An evening with Crosby, Stills & Nash, John Legend with special guests India.Arie and Vaughn Anthony and many more great entertainers.  CMAS is located just minutes away an easy drive to Canandaigua Lake.

The New York Wine and Culinary Center http://www.nywcc.com has an exciting list of programs for this summer.  Spend the day or evening learning to create your own culinary masterpiece or just sit back and watch one of the area's chefs prepare some decadent delights while you sip wine and savor the tastes of their labors.

Looking for some action?  Spend the day at the track.  2009 marks the 48th consecutive year of Thoroughbred Racing at Finger Lakes Gaming and Race Track.  The season opened yesterday, April 17th.  http://fingerlakesracetrack.com


NASCAR Racing season is just around the corner.  You don't have to watch it on TV, spend tan exciting day at the Glen watching some of the best drivers in the nation. http://www.theglen.com

If it is relaxation you desire, enjoy a Romantic Dinner Cruise on one of the Finger Lakes. http://ww.fingerlakes.org  Or spend a day soaring or floating among the clouds http://www.vintagegardensbedandbreakfast.com under the attactions tab.

For you who like to enjoy sport fishing the National Lake Trout Derby http://laketroutderby.org is scheduled or Memorial Weekend on Seneca Lake. Dust off your rods and reels and make your reservations at Vintage Gardens 1-877-331-6045 now as it is a very busy time of year.

I promise to keep our guests an dreaders informed as i get more information about area happenings.

Spring is here and the summer is just around the corner. Experience what the historic Erie Canal has to offer.  This is a low cost trip you will never forget! And yu can plan your trip in the spring, summer or fall.

For you boaters the Erie Canal has announced the opening dates for boaters:

May 1st to May 21st,  7 a.m. to 5 p.m.

May 22nd to September 9th  7 a.m. to 10 p.m.

September 10th through November 15th, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.

For more information go to http://www.eriecanalway.org/

For you Bikers and Hikers plan now for your spring and summer adventures.  The Erie Canal Heritage Trail is one of New Yorks best rides.  Area civic groups are now doing some trail side spring clean-up.  And I hear we may have some new signage along the trail this year! 

 Start your trip at Vintage Gardens Bed and Breakfast.  Spend the night and ride the start your trip the next morning. We let you leave your car for FREE. Our parking is private and secure. 

Here are some itinerarys you may want to explore:
Make it a day trip from Newark to Pitsford is approximatly 25 miles on the trail or if you are adventurous take a few days and go all the way to Buffalo 114 miles. On any trip you will enjoy the sounds and sites of nature along the trail and the historic architecture in the villages along the way.

Your itinerary may want to include:

Travel through historic Palmya  (9 miles from Newark), stop by the Ailing Coverlet Museum or the historic Church of LDS sites. 

Visit the great shops and places for intimate dining in Fairport and Pitsford (approx. 25 miles from Newark)

Experience Rochester's historic culture (approx. 30 miles from Newark)
The Susan B. Anthony Home, Campell-Whittlesey House Musem, George Eastman House, Rochester Museum and Science Center/Strasenburgh Planetarium, Brighton Stron Museum, Seneca Zoo and much more.

Stay at some of the areas great Bed and Breakfasts along the way and plan your trip during some of the areas great festivals and event!

The sap is flowing here in western New York. Celebrate the taste of spring here in the Fingerlakes during New Yorks 14th Annual Maple Weekend. Visit some of the area's many maple farms and sugar shacks this special weekend and see, smell and taste your way through the entire process of making the golden treasure, Maple Syrup.  And you can even help on many of the Farms!  Visit www.mapleweekend.com for more information or make your reservation to stay at Vintage Gardens Bed and Breakfast during March 27th through March 29th and enjoy our Sweet Spring Special!
                                         Lodging in one of our elegant guestrooms
                                            A gourmet breakfast featuring Maple
                        A map of Western New York's Maple Country and Farms
            and a Special Maple Gift to take home, compliments of Vintage Gardens.

                                                               March 27th - March 29th, 2009

                        No minimum stay required, pricing starting at $105 per night.
                        Call us toll free to make your reservation 877-331-6045

Now that the time has changed we are getting the first indications that spring is in the air.  "Knock on wood", it appears to be an early one! The sun has come out and this past weekend was a glorious warm 57 degrees.  I've noticed that several of the varieties of flowering bulbs have broken through the earth in the gardens and the finches visiting our feeders are starting to get a yellow tinge to their feathers. It seems that everything is starting to come to life.  When I walk Baxter (our resident Basset Hound) in the mornings the songs from the early birds are almost deafening.  We are having trouble keeping enough seed in the bird feeders. 

Mike and I are planning to begin our spring garden clean up during the next few weeks so that the gardens are ready to make way for our wide variety of spring flowers that bloom throughout the next several months.

Along with the garden clean up we are planning our spring projects.  The first project will be to build a Horseshoe Pit.  Many of our guests like to use the gardens for outdoor games.  We have several available for use by our guests; bocce ball, lawn bowling, croquet, badminton, binoculars for bird watching or some guests prefer to just sit in the gardens and take in the sunshine, read a book, sip a cool beverage and enjoy the sounds of nature. It is a wonderful time of year here in the Finger Lakes. I have admired that once the snow is gone life begins again.  Things start to happen around the area.

Spring is the beginning of many things here in the New York Finger Lakes. Vintage Gardens is centrally located and just minutes away from many area attractions.

A walk or bike ride along the Erie Canal is a must do during the spring and summer months. Newark is on the Erie Canal Heritage Trail and the trail is located just two blocks from Vintage Gardens. If you plan to Bike or Hike the trail for a few days, we have a special Park and Stay Package that includes leaving your car at vintage Gardens while you bike the trail and we will also pack you some goodies to eat along the way.

For birdwatchers, this region is rich in a wide variety of birding opportunities and habitats. From the shores of Lake Ontario, to the wetlands of Motezuma National Wildlife refuge to the woodlands that boarder the Erie Canal and many more wonderful state parks that are home to an array of flora and fauna. You can also just sit in the gardens or take a walk in the wooded area at Vintage Gardens to see our local wildlife. 

If you enjoy the arts, the Finger Lakes Region is rich in both live and fine arts. Here are some you might want to add to your visit. Check out the 1939 Film Retrospective at the oldest theater in the United States, The Ohman Theater in Lyons http://www.ohmanntheatre.com The Syracuse International Film Festival is scheduled for April 24 through May 3 http://wwwsyrfilmfest.com the Landmark Theater in Syracuse http://wwwlandmarktheatre.org The Constellation Brands Marvin A Sands Performing Arts Center in Canandaigua http://www.cmacevents.com The Rochester Broadway Theater League in Rochester http://www.rgtl.org The Smith Opera House in Geneva http://www.thesmith.org Rochester boasts an inspiring symphony orchestra - the Rochester Philharmonic http://www.rpo.org and visit the many art galleries and museums in the area.

Western New York is rich in history from the architecture of local buildings, roots of the Women's Rights movement, birthplace of the Fox Sisters and Modern Spiritualism to the Underground Railroad Heritage Trail and many, many more great educational historic places to visit.

For he Nascar Fans, Watkins Glen International opening day is April 26th http://www.theglen.com

Wine lovers spend some time visiting one of hte many wine trails in the area and be the first to taste some of their new releases!  Check out their websites for the many events held at the wineries.
http://www.senecalakewine.com
http://www.keukawinetrail.com
or visit the New York Wine and Culinary Center in Canandaigua nywcc.com

               Plan now for the summer.  Believe it or not, it's just around the corner!
Get your tickets for these exciting events. 
The Wegmans LPGA scheduled for June 25 and 26.  www.lpga.com
The Hill Cumorah Pageant is scheduled or July 10 - 11 and July 14 - 18 for more information www.hillcumorah.org
The Rochester International Jazz Festival June 13-21 http://www.rochesterjazz.com  If you haven't been to this event, it is a must not miss and it lasts all week long.  So get your tickets and call us to make your lodging reservations.

For more information on area attractions, events or festivals visit fingerlakes.org

It is best to plan early to attend many of these events. Give us a call to book your room at Vintage Gardens Bed & Breakfast.  See our specials for seasonal discounts or ask us about designing a special itinerary and package just for you!

                             Call us toll free at 877-331-6045

Another Summer has come and gone at Vintage Gardens.  The flowers of summer have left but the colors of Autumn are here.  The countyside is painted in yellows, oranges, reds and greens.  The air is crisp and so are the apples. 



Fall is the most beautiful time in the Finger Lakes.  At least it is at the top my  list.  There are many things to do this time of year.  All of the Farm Markets are full those special New York apples, pumpkins and it's harvest time in the vineyards at all of the wineries. Our towns are decorating for Halloween and many of the houses have fall mums on their front porches.

Here at Vintage Gardens, we have put the flannel sheets on the beds, lit the fireplaces in the evenings and are serving warm cider or hot cocoa and cookies to our guests. 

Make sure to check out our Seasonal Specials for some great bargains!

Summer is just around the corner and many events will be happening in the Finger Lakes and surrounding area.  It is best to plan early to attend many of these events.   Give us a call to book your room at Vintage Gardens Bed & Breakfast.  See our specials for seasonal discounts http://vintagegardensbandb.com/specials.htm

Golfers get ready and get your tickets for the Senior Open iat Oak Hill County Club in Rochester, May 22-25.   The website is http://www.pgatour.com/s/schedule/
The Wegmans LPGA scheduled for June 19-22. The website is
http://www.lpga.com/tournament_microsite.aspx?id=13679

The Hill Cumorah Pagent is scheduled for July 11-12 and July 15-19 for more information see their website http://www.hillcumorah.org/Pageant/

The Rochester International Jazz Festival June 13-21, http://www.rochesterjazz.com/



Newark Rose Parade and Family Festival complete with fireworks over the Erie Canal! 
http://www.newarkfire.org/3rd_annual_rose_parade.htm


Spend a day visiting one of the many wine trails in the area
http://www.senecalakewine.com
http://www.keukawinetrail.com
http://www.keukawinetrail.com


And take some time to visit some of the many Historical Sites in the Area!
http://www.keukawinetrail.com/events.asp

For more information on area events and festivals go to http://www.fingerlakes.org/events.htm

We look forward to seeing you!

The first signs of spring have come to the Finger Lakes and Erie Canal.  The last of the snow is melting, birds are singing, Robins have returned, daffodils and tulips have poked through the earth (which the deer are watching closely), and yesterday we spotted "Chucky" the wood chuck for the first time.  Needless to say, our shovels and trimmers are sharpened and we are itching to get out and do some spring gardening. We have many plans for the gardens this year. 

First, we will be re-landscaping the Gazebo area.  It will have the elements of a traditional Japanese Tea Garden.  This will include a natural stone floor, plantings such as Japanese Maple trees. Wisteria, Azaleas, Hostas, some other colorful plants, Asian statuary and a water feature.  This will all be completed by June 1st and this new garden will surely become another colorful setting for weddings and events at Vintage Gardens. 

We will be improving our Butterfly Garden.  We have ordered many colorful perennial and annual flowering plants that specifically attract a wide variety of butterflies and birds. 

We also plan to co-mingle our vegetable garden with many old fashioned annual flowers that will be used to brighten the indoors and our guest rooms all summer long. 

With the new plantings put in the ground last year, the Rose Garden will be particularly aromatic and beautiful this season. 

And last but not least, we have planted several fruit bearing trees, bushes and vines that will mature in a few years and produce lovely fruit that will be used in our gourmet breakfasts.  In the meantime, we will continue to use the bounty of fruit and vegetables grown by local farmers here in the Finger Lakes region  www.fingerlakesculinarybounty.org

So Far winter has been mild here in the Finger Lakes.  It has been easy to get outdoors to enjoy nature.  Mike just finished putting up some bird houses preparing for spring.  We still have away to go until then and I'm sure we will get more snow before we see things begin to turn green.  

Even in the winter when the green is gone and most of the trees and flowers are sleeping there is always a lot to keep you busy out and about in the Finger Lakes. 

Many of the wineries stay open during the winter months and it is really fun to spend time tasing when you don't have to deal with the crowds.  Sometimes some of the wineries host events on weekends during the winter months.

Although we don't have leaves on the trees, we still have wildlife here in the area.  A visit to Montezuma Audubon Center is amazing.  Wether joining one of the nature series presented by the Audubon Center or snowshoeing around the wetlands you are sure to have a great day. They also rent snowshoes! Since there are no leaves on the trees it is easy to spot many of the birds and other animals that winter over.  For information visit their website at www.friendsofmontezuma.org

Many people like to come and experience the winter sports such as ice fishing (provided the ice is thick enough), just a few miles away at Sodus Point.  There are fishing updates on www.waynecountytourism.com or you can call 315-946-5466 to hear the latest reports on fishing hot spots and where the fish are biting.

For the snow bunnies there are many snowmobile trails that are open to the public and those interested can contact the phone number listed above to receive a free trail map.  Snowskiers  and boarders enjoy hitting the slopes at Brantling Ski and Snowboard Center. For information call 315-331-2365 or visit www.brantling.com.

What ever your winter pleasure, remember to ask us about our winter picnic basket including hot cocoa.  

I can assure you that you won't be dissapointed when visiting any of these great places. 

Winter has returned to the Finger Lakes area with a light covering of beautiful white snow.  The sky was blue today after the snow.  We got about an inch yesterday and the town is draped in a blanket of white. 


We have many animals here at Vintage Gardens.  Yesterday Mike saw several Mallard ducks at the back of our propert down in Millitary Brook.   I still hear Canadian Geese flying over head making their way south to warmer climates.  We keep the feeders full for the Squirrles and other birds that brave the stay.  Recently we have seen:

Red bellied Woodpeckers
Downey Woodpeckers
Northern Cardinals (there red bodies are beautiful against the snow!)
Dark-eyed Junco
Black -capped Chickadees
White breasted Nuthatch
Tufted Titmouse
American Crow
Wild Turkey
Deer

It is always exciting to see a new bird or animal on the property.  Yesterday we saw our first Nothern Flicker.

Tuesday was a glorious day to work in the garden. Mother Nature gave a reprieve and granted us one beautiful day of 68 degree weather.  I spent the whole day in the sunshine planting spring bulbs.  By days end I had planted more that 1000 tulips, daffodils and other assorted spring flowers.  That makes a total of more than 1500 new flower additions to the garden since this past fall.  All will begin to burst into bloom in May.  Something to look forward too!

Welcome to our new Blog.  We strive to keep our website updated with the latest technology, recent photos, information and specials.  By adding a Blog we can let you know what is happening at Vintage Gardens and around the Finger Lakes more often.  Another recent addition is our Guest Book.  Our guests have been very thoughtful about sharing their experiences at Vintage Gardens on other bed and breakfast sites, so we thought we would add a special place on our website for guests to comment.   We hope you enjoy reading our Blog updates and Guest responses. 

Thank you for considering Vintage Gardens Bed & Breakfast as a part of your visit to the Finger Lakes Region of New York. We look forward to meeting you.