Between Syracuse and Buffalo Is an Underrated Small Town Worth a Visit

A road trip through Upstate New York is an experience every Empire State resident should take at least once, as the big four cities of this region of our great state each have something unique to offer. But the trip is so much more than just the big guns, and there's a hidden stop between Syracuse and Buffalo that isn't just worth a visit — it's worth taking the day to explore. Welcome to Canandaigua, New York, a town of just over 10,000 people that's home to some of the most beautiful scenery and unique experiences you can have in New York. It's no surprise that Upstate New York has so much more room to spread out than the big city, so Canandaigua has sprawling fields and sweeping waterfronts that take those who drive through by surprise. There's a unique way of living here, and no matter when you show up in this charming surprise along your journey upstate, you might just be tempted to delay your trip a few days to take it all in.

This Hidden Town Between Syracuse and Buffalo Is Worth the Stop

While the big cities along the northern part of New York are modern and packed with tourist spots, Canandaigua is a beautiful, laid-back stop that has a stunning historic district. Despite its proximity to much larger cities, it's built its own culture that brings in tourists looking for a more relaxing place to vacation in Upstate New York — and it all centers around one spot.

What Makes This Stop So Special

The town is on the coast of Canandaigua Lake, a unique snake-shaped lake that stretches for over sixteen miles. That's an incredible amount of pristine coastline, and the lake is one of the most popular spots in the region for fishing for rainbow trout and smallmouth bass. During the summer, it's one of the most popular swimming spots in the area as well.

The signature spot in the town is the Canandaigua Boathouses, located on the northern end of the lake by City Pier. These unique structures were first built in the 19th century, and have been perfectly preserved to maintain their quirky appearances. Today they're used for storage, as residential living isn't allowed for safety reasons, but they remain one of the most popular photo ops in the area.

What To Do When You Visit

The Canandaigua region is also incredibly popular with wine fans, as the region is home to the Canandaigua Lake Wine Trail, featuring 22 miles of wineries and vineyards along the coastline. And if you're looking for a memorable meal in the town before you return to the road, make sure to pay a visit to Nolan's for some amazing seafood and prime rib.

If you haven't stopped in Canandaigua before, this hidden stop between Syracuse and Buffalo is waiting for you — so tell your road trip buddy about this article and make sure to drop by on your next trip upstate! You can see more information about Canandaigua on the town's tourism website, and the town is only about half an hour southeast of Rochester, another city between Syracuse and Buffalo. That's where you'll find Nick Tahou Hots, an old-school New York restaurant with a hearty specialty that you can only find in the Empire State!