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Canandaigua is the “Chosen Spot”

The history of Canandaigua predates the arrival of European settlers in America.  The “People of the Hill” (as the Seneca called themselves) believe it to be their birthplace and where they established a settlement named Kanandarque.  In September 1779, war came to this village. General George Washington had ordered the destruction of the homeland of the Seneca Nation, allies of Great Britain during the American Revolutionary War.  Fifteen years later, George Washington (now President Washington) sent an emissary to Canandaigua to establish “peace and friendship forever” with the Six Nations of the Iroquois. The treaty, called both the Canandaigua and Pickering Treaty, was one of the first treaties entered into by the new government of the United States. The signing of treaty is marked each November 11^th. (www.canandaigua-treaty.org)  

A “sense of the past” is evident throughout the Canandaigua area.  The exhibits and programs at the Ontario County Historical Society (www.ochs.org) and Granger Homestead and Carriage Museum (www.grangerhomestead.org) help to tell the story of the community’s development.  A walk or drive through the city uncovers hundreds of examples of historical architecture. (http://canandaigua.govoffice.com)  The Downtown Historic District of South Main Street is a preservationist’s (as well as any shopper’s) dream come true. (www.downtowncanandaigua.com and www.canandaigua.com ). A visit to Sonnenberg Gardens and Mansion is like taking a step into the Victorian Era (www.sonnenberg.org).   

Canandaigua’s “sense of fun” is also fully on display. The list of recreational opportunities seems endless – boating, fishing, swimming, hiking, skiing, biking, golf, … A favorite summertime place for the whole family is Roseland Waterpark!  (www.roselandwaterpark.com)  Public access to Canandaigua Lake is a priority for this lakeside community.  Onanda Park on West Lake Road about 8 miles south of the city (www.townofcanandaigua.com) and Kershaw Park on Lakeshore Drive in Canandaigua provide areas for swimming!  There are also plenty of ways to get out on the water.  Take a dinner cruise on the Canandaigua Lady (www.steamboatlandingonline.com ) or climb aboard Capt. Gray’s Tours (www.captgrays.com) for a leisurely ride around Canandaigua Lake. If you want to be in charge several area marinas have boats and sailboards for rent.  (www.visitfingerlakes.com)