December 30, 2021
10 Road Trip Ideas Near Buffalo, NY
Hi everyone! Since the start of the pandemic I have found myself doing a lot more local travel and have been finding so many fun spots! Throughout past few years I went on a lot of road trips all within a few hours of Buffalo and am sharing some of my favorite places with you in this post. I hope this gives you some inspiration for your next getaway! If there’s any other spots I need to know about leave me a comment or DM me on Instagram @belleoftheball45.
Finger Lakes, NY
The Finger Lakes are all so beautiful and there are a bunch of great spots and cute towns to stay in! Here are a few of my favorite spots in the Finger Lakes:
1. The Lake House on Canandaigua
If you’re looking for a relaxing getaway with amazing views, great food, and wonderful experiences you need to stay at the Lake House! My mom and I did a little girls trip in January last year and had the best time. The hotel is absolutely incredible and impeccably decorated. A few highlights on the property:
- -A beautiful pool and hot tub area. We loved warming up in the hot tub on a chilly winter day!
- -Great restaurants on the property such as Rose Tavern and Sand Bar
- -A well curated shop with items from local craftsman, artists, and designers
- -Yoga in their yoga studio
- -Willowbrook Spa
- -Close to Bristol Mountain
Here’s a few photos from our stay:
2. Inns of Aurora
I stayed here in the fall on a trip with my mom and blogger friend Sydney and her fiancé! We all had such an incredible time and can’t wait to go back. There are a bunch of unique experiences we did while there and everyone working at the Inns could not have been more incredible. They also recently expanded and their spa opens at the end of the month! I’m definitely going to try and plan a trip this summer so I can check out the spa! If you’re interested in booking or want to learn more about the Inns of Aurora here is their website. While I was there here were a few of my favorite experiences:
- -S’mores by the fire at our Inn- the Rowland House
- -Chocolate Tasting with Aurora Cooks
- -Morning coffee at the Village Market
- -Tea Blending with the Director of Serenity
- -Archery lessons with Matt and Mike
- -Dinner at 1833 Kitchen and Bar
- – Lunch at Fargo
- -They recently opened a new spa too, I can’t wait to plan a trip back!
Some photos from my stay:
3. Glen Scott Manor in Hammondsport, NY
Over the summer my friends and I had the chance to visit this beautiful farmhouse in the Finger Lakes and had such a wonderful time. This house is the perfect getaway for your family, a group of friends, or for a special occasion like a bachelorette. The house is a few minutes away from town where there are a lot of adorable local spots. Linking the Glen Scott Manor here! Here were a few of my favorite things we did during our stay:
- -Wine tasting at Point of the Bluff Vineyards
- -BBQ at Point of the Bluff Vineyards (we went for their summer concert series!)
- -Dinner at the Park Inn
- -Coffee from Crooked Lake by the water
- -I would definitely try to rent a boat the next time we go! Keuka Lake is incredible, especially during the summer.
Some photos from our stay:
4. Geneva on the Lake, NY
I have not stayed here yet, but it has been on my list! I have driven by a few times and this hotel looks like a little slice of heaven. It is on a beautiful 10 acre plot of land overlooking Seneca Lake in the heart of the Finger Lakes wine region. I found a few photos on their Instagram and am sharing some of the amenities listed on their site below:
- Dine at Lancelotti’s
- Explore the area with a variety of wineries, shopping, and museums
- Enjoy the property with a gorgeous lake view, pool, spa, incredible gardens, outdoor fires and more
5. Ellicotville, NY
I’ve been going to Ellicotville since I was a little girl and always have so much fun while I’m there! It’s so fun to see a lot of new spots popping up and there being so much to do. This is a great spot in any season, but I particularly like to visit in the fall and winter months. Here are a few of my favorite spots to stay and play in Ellicotville:
Stay:
- -Holiday Valley – a great place to ski in the winter!
- -I typically will stay at an Airbnb here’s a few links to a few I found!
- –The Ridge Chalet, Retro 60’s Getaway , 2 Bedroom
Eat and drink at:
- -West Rose Restaurant
- -Ellicotville Brewing Company
- -Tap + Bottle Taqueria
- -The BANQ
- -Fattey Beer Co.
6. Lake Placid / Adirondacks
This drive is a little bit longer than the other spots I’ve shared, but definitely worth it! There are so many beautiful views in the Adirondacks and its a great spot if you love to hike. My friends and I have done a few trips here and Lake Placid is an adorable place to spend some time in as well. There are so many cute shops and restaurants. This makes a great winter destination as well because the skiing is great! I’ve heard Whiteface Lodge and High Peaks Resort are both great places to stay.
Here’s a few photos from my trips:
7. Ithaca, NY
My brother went to college in Ithaca so I was able to visit often when I was younger. Its such a fun town and my favorite part is all of the hiking and waterfalls. I went back a few summers ago and stayed at Firelight Campground which is an adorable glamping experience. It is so close to a lot of activities- we loved hiking to Buttermilk Falls when we were there. The complimentary breakfast was great with some delicious local finds. We also enjoyed exploring Ithaca more and shopping at the farmers market. Including a little more about the experience below and feel free to check their website here for more details and booking.
- -Complimentary continental breakfast, locally-sourced.
- -Private tented balcony immersed in the woods.
- -Immediate access to Upper Buttermilk Falls hiking trails.
- -Bathhouse with hot showers, flushing toilets & eco-friendly bath products (2-5 min walk from tents).
- -Bare Bones Living Lanterns with mirco-USB ports for charging.
- -Four of their tents (Tents 16, 17, 18, and 19) have electric heaters, fans, floor lamps, and outlets; these tents are priced higher. All tents have super warm bedding. We recommend booking an electric tent if you’re wary of sleeping outdoors during the spring and fall when temperatures can be chilly in Upstate, NY.
Some photos from my stay:
8. Niagara on the Lake Ontario
Since the start of COVID I haven’t had the chance to travel back to Niagara on the Lake, but I absolutey loved it the few times I visited! It is such a charming little town full of so many great shops and restaurants. There are also a lot of wineries that are great to visit while you’re there! I also loved stopping at Prince of Wales for their afternoon tea.
9. Toronto
My friend Carolyn and I used to take a trip to Toronto for her birthday every year in high school and always had so much fun! I went back a few years ago when I was in college and can’t wait to go back soon. I haven’t been in a few years so I don’t have any updated recommendations for you- but definitely check Pinterest and Yelp and you’ll be sure to find some local spots! I did stop into the Eaton Center the last time I was there which has so many great stores.
10. Chautauqua / Bemus Point
This area is so beautiful especially in the summer. I would recommend planning a trip during the summer so you can experience the beauty of the water and the fun events at the Chautauqua institution. There are so many fun little shops, beautiful architecture, and more in the area. My mom and I love to do day trips here once in a while! Here’s a few photos from our last visit:
Thanks for reading!
