travelhappyfamily

Hello. Former western NYer here planning a four day trip for four generations (myself, my five year old, my mom and my still-active-but-slowing-down-hence-the-trip grandmother *smile*) Will start outside of Rochester and make our way to Albany and back in four or five days - taking non-Thruway (5/20 mostly) Looking for unusual and interesting stops - the oldest one loves waterfalls and historical places. The littlest one loves unusual shops and diners (seriously!) Quirky places are perfect (if there's a big-ball-of-string type place, we're gonna stop at it!)

Any thoughts? Also, I'm looking for a resort or really nice hotel too (no B and B's), to impress the elders. Many thanks to the Fodorites in advance for any guidance/suggestions (you guys helped me out a lot while planning our upcoming Dakota trip! Thanks!)

Margo_Chester

Is Skaneateles on your list of places to stop? Nice shops and restaurants

travelhappyfamily

Yep - it is! Thanks!! We've been there a few times, and looking forward to going back. We'll start our trip on the west side - towards Rochester, so I'm looking for something on the other side of Syracuse for an overnight.

Thanks in advance for any other suggestions.

mclaurie

Cazenovia, NY is very pretty and has this home and garden
http://www.lorenzony.org/history.php

Seneca Falls & women's suffrage movement
http://www.senecafalls.com/news/0800...nniversary.php

About an hour south of Albany is the home of Frederick Church (Hudson River painter) Olana.
http://www.olana.org/

I assume you know about Letchworth State park and the waterfalls?
http://www.letchworthpark.com/

Austin

What about the Auriesville Shrine? I'm from that area and remember going there now and then as a kid (raised Catholic) It was always a big deal.

http://www.martyrshrine.org/pages/lo...irections.html

travelhappyfamily

That home/garden in Cazenovia looks perfect for our visit! Thanks!

Still searching for a good overnight option. Any thoughts are appreciated.

travelhappyfamily

Thanks, Austin! (We were posting at the same time!)

Austin

You want something for overnight in Albany or the Albany area, is that correct?

travelhappyfamily

Yes, please. We'll be making our way down to Albany, so looking for something in that area (or within two hours of Albany, to the West).

Many thanks in advance for any suggestions.

wliwl

Howe Caverns = Pretty quirky, fairly coll though.
http://www.howecaverns.com/

Genesee Country Village - southwest of Rochester. Very interesting - kids love it - certainly historical!
http://www.gcv.org/

Why not spend the night in Saratoga Springs? Check tripadvisor for nice places to stay.

Austin

I was thinking Saratoga too. Albany really isn't famous for charm. When are you going? As long as you aren't going during racing season (July - August) you should be fine there.

Tripadvisor has praises for
Saratoga Arms. This sounds perfect for impressing the elders.
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Rev..._New_York.html

travelhappyfamily

Thanks!

Margo_Chester

Saratoga would be a nice place to stop and maybe if you need a stop before that perhaps you could leave Rochester, do the Villages of Skaneateles and Cazenovia and spend the night at the Lincklaen House? www.lincklaenhouse.com