Finger Lakes Vacation, Upstate NY Travel

While I call the Finger Lakes region home and understand the draw of the area, my guests may not.  Why in the world should you plan a Finger Lakes vacation?  And if you do, why should Trumansburg be your vacation's "home base"?  Let me give you five good reasons to choose Trumansburg, and my Upstate New York bed and breakfast as your vacation destination.

Trumansburg is nestled comfortably near Cayuga Lake, between Cayuga and Seneca Lakes.  If the Finger Lakes were truly a hand, Trumansburg sits directly beside the center finger - right in the middle of the entire Finger Lakes Region!  You couldn't be in a better location to take advantage of everything the Finger Lakes have to offer:  Atmosphere, Wine, Natural Beauty, Food, and Outdoor Adventure.

Atmosphere
When most people think New York, they think of the noise and chaos of New York City.  But this amazing state offers so much more than the Big Apple!  Once you get out of the cities and into the gorgeous countryside, the air clears, life slows down, and stress falls away.  The Finger Lakes Region offers all this and more.  Our charming villages, covered bridges, and small-town hospitality invites you to forget all you've left behind and enjoy the here-and-now.

Wine
In the 2010 Budget Travelers Reader's Choice Poll, the finger Lakes wine region was named “the most beautiful wine country destination in the world.”  The Finger Lakes' Wine Region boasts almost 100 wineries centered around Canandaigua, Cayuga, Keuka, and Seneca Lakes.  An official Wine Trail leads you to member wineries located around each lake, providing the opportunity to plan a unique Finger Lakes vacation.

Natural Beauty
With 15 different nature/park attractions among acres and acres of Finger Lakes forest, there is no end of things to see in the outdoors.  The Finger Lakes are part of a glacial event that left hundreds of hanging valleys and glens which now feature gorgeous waterfalls.  The lakes are home to a host of wildlife.  The lack of lights polluting the nighttime sky lets you see a canvas of stars and galaxies.  Our fall foliage is not to be missed!  No matter what time of year and no matter where you look, the beauty of the area will astound you!

Food
The popularity of organic food and ingredients provides area chef-owned restaurants the best building-blocks for their dishes.  And what a variety of dishes you could have!  On the water, in town, in the country... all areas provide unique and delicious culinary treats!  From delis and bistros to casual and fine dining, area restaurants pride themselves in offering you the best seasonal dishes and dining experiences possible for all food palettes.

Outdoor Adventure
Outdoor activities abound in the Finger Lakes Region.  In the warmer seasons, you could choose to stroll through one of our many villages and towns while looking for that perfect antique treasure; take on some light hiking to any of the thousands of area natural attractions; choose a cruise on a lake; try kayaking, canoeing, or stand-up paddling; explore the region's beauty by horseback; or even see the sights from the air!  For those who like real thrills, try a zip line or ropes course at an area adventure center!  In the winter, you can opt for skiing, sledding, ice-skating, sleigh rides, or try your hand at snowmobiling!  No matter what your outdoor preference, the Finger Lakes has something for everyone.

When you put all of these great attributes together, the Finger Lakes Region is truly the ideal getaway destination!  When you stay at my Finger Lakes bed and breakfast, the best things New York has to offer are just outside the front door!

Innkeeper Rose Hilbert
POB 95, 112 E. Main St.
Trumansburg, NY, 14886
info@gothiceves.com
1-800-387-7712, 607-387-6033

Sweet Land Farm, Wide Awake Bakery, Local Organic Food

Maybe it's my background in Plant Genetics.  Maybe it's that I enjoy living so "close" to the land.  Maybe it's that there are such great sources for naturally-grown produce and grains.  Whatever the reason, I can't help but sing the praises of two area organizations that value natural and sustainable food for everyone involved.  When you visit my Finger Lakes bed and breakfast, take special note of your morning meal.   Those wonderful fruits, vegetables, eggs, and herbs on your plate?  These come from the Sweet Land Farm Community Supported Agriculture (CSA).  That amazing bread you're buttering?  It comes from the Wide Awake Bakery which partners with area farms and producers to bake some of the best baked goods you'll ever eat.  I am happy to be in such a perfect position to introduce guests to the amazing local organic food from these Trumansburg food sources!

The Sweet Land Farm CSA here in Trumansburg is a bit like a time-share farm.  'Shares' of the farm are sold so that shareholders can partake in the natural and chemical-free bounty produced by this 34-acre farm.  Meanwhile, the money from the shareholders pays for the growing and care of the produce.  Shareholders are welcome to visit the farm for recreation, to pick certain flowers and tomatoes, to bring children out for learning purposes, participate in Farm events, and even assist at the farm if they wish.  Crops are rotated regularly to keep the rich soil from becoming nutrient-depleted.  If you've ever watched Martha Stuart, you are familiar with her raving about the fresh eggs from her hens.  The hens at Sweet Land produce what may be the best-tasting eggs in the country!   The produce, herbs, and eggs  from the farm allows the Inn to offer fresh, seasonal fare to energize guests for your day in the Finger Lakes region!

Wide Awake Bakery in Ithaca partners with local sources for the ingredients to go into some amazing breads.  They currently have 10 wonderful, delicious, heavenly types to choose from.  Did I mention that these breads are decadent and flavorful?  The very best news about bread from the Wide Awake Bakery is that it is possible to get some to take home if you visit during the summer - and if you don't eat it all on the way!   The bakery sells its breads at the Trumansburg Farmer's Market on Wednesday evenings, making it well-worth spending a long-weekend in the area!

Some may call both the Sweet Land Farm and Wide Awake Bakery "artisanal" food production.  I simply think of it as back-to-the basics: real food coming from local sources.   Not only are these endeavors beneficial to the local area, but they are sustainable through the support and participation of people who want to know where their food comes from.  And isn't it a kick to know that the building blocks for your healthy breakfast come from mere miles of the inn?   You are truly getting a complete Finger Lakes experience when you choose the Inn at Gothic Eves for your Ithaca Lodging accommodations!

Rose Hilbert, Innkeeper
POB 95, 112 E. Main St.
Trumansburg, NY, 14886
info@gothiceves.com
1-800-387-7712
607-387-6033
fax 607-387-4035

Bobby McFerrin Concert, Ithaca Event

Residents and visitors with an impending Upstate New York vacation should prepare to receive some fun an enjoyment into their lives, as Bobby McFerrin is preparing to take upstate New York by storm! And if you haven't gotten your tickets yet, run - don't walk - to the nearest computer/telephone/whatever, and enjoy this upcoming Bobby McFerrin concert. This Ithaca event will be an unforgettable evening with an unforgettable talent!

If you haven't guessed, I love Bobby McFerrin! And, lucky you, I'm going to spend some time convincing you to join me at his April 14, 2012 concert at 8:00 p.m. at the State Theatre in Ithaca, NY.

Singer, actor, orchestral conductor, producer, and somewhat psychologist, Bobby McFerrin shapes music to make you think, make you dream, and make you reflect. He brings years of introspection to the stage each and every time he visits.

Bobby spent years listening to, experimenting with, and refining his voice to produce a huge range of audio enjoyment. Gospel? Opera? Cabaret? He's done it. And done it with his whole heart and amazing vocal range. Whether solo or with an ensemble, Bobby McFerrin pushes the boundaries of music and vocal performance to deliver astonishing results.

Forget the kitchy years of 'Don't Worry, Be Happy.' Okay, don't forget them at all! This is just one part of the complex and ever-evolving artist that is Bobby McFerrin, and it introduced his extraordinary talent to the mainstream public. The solo, almost experimental sound of 'Don't Worry, Be Happy' allowed Bobby to build and expand on both his years of musical background, and his own voice, resulting in a catchy song that still brings smiles to those who listen.

Today, he not only has a set list of amazing songs, but he brings improvisation and innovation to the stage in the hopes of treating his audiences to a variety of musical genres developed over his entire lifetime. Not only does Bobby sing and perform, but he wants you to sing and perform along with him. He wants you to not only listen to the music, but experience it in a very personal way. We can't wait to experience it with him, and hope you will enjoy it too.

Come be my guest for the weekend at my Finger Lakes bed and breakfast, just 11 short miles from the concert venue. I look forward to sharing my home, and 'my concert' with you!

Innkeeper Rose Hilbert
POB 95, 112 E. Main St.Trumansburg, NY, 14886
info@gothiceves.com
1-800-387-7712 : 607-387-6033 : fax 607-387-4035

What Door is Open at The Inn at Gothic Eves?

What door is open at The Inn at Gothic Eves? It’s the door to the room that everyone always seems to end up in. Perhaps that’s because the kitchen is a warm and welcoming place that encourages friendly conversation or maybe it’s the delicious smells that waft out of it. Whatever the reason, the kitchen has always seemed to be a place where people feel at home. As an innkeeper, I always try to be responsive to my guests’ needs. Since our Finger Lakes Bed and Breakfast opened, many of our visitors have made it clear that they’d like to be able to sit in the kitchen with me as I prepare breakfast. This wasn’t possible with the Inn’s original room design so this spring I’ve remodeled our kitchen. It’s now a pleasurable, easily accessible place for anyone who’s staying with us to relax in as the morning unfolds.

Here are a few things you’ll enjoy in The Inn’s new kitchen area:

• A breakfast bar where you can sit and savor your coffee while I cook the fresh and organic breakfast foods you enjoy so much. It’s like having your own personal cooking show!
• Lots of windows you can watch the action in our yard from. If you’re lucky you’ll see birds, butterflies, and all sorts of other animal and insect life, along with our beautifully landscaped gardens.
• A conversational spot where you can learn more about the Finger Lakes Region as you get to know the other guests and your knowledgeable innkeeper.

At the Inn at Gothic Eves the kitchen door will always open for you to come in and share any ideas you have about recipes or ingredients or some of your favorite cooking tips. Once your breakfast is ready you can move to one of our two dining areas, to relish a healthy Finger Lakes-style start to your day.

Our breakfasts are served at our antique Empire walnut table by the fireplace in our dining room or in the garden room overlooking our gardens and include fruit, juice, and an entree like eggs with farm-fresh spinach and feta cheese, accompanied by locally baked breads. Our homemade jams come from our own fruit trees and I frequently incorporate edible flowers and fresh herbs as unique breakfast ingredients or to appealing garnish my dishes. Doesn’t it make your mouth water just thinking about it? The best part of all is that you don’t have to do a thing but relax and enjoy being waited on at your table!

Those of you who prefer a slower, more tranquil beginning to your day can have your partner bring you your coffee in bed so you can enjoy it in the privacy of your room. And, if you’d rather not eat with a group first thing in the morning, there’s plenty of space to have a private breakfast. Make your reservation at our Finger Lakes Bed and Breakfast today and you can see for yourself!

Innkeeper Rose Hilbert
POB 95, 112 E. Main St.
Trumansburg, NY, 14886
info@gothiceves.com
1-800-387-7712, 607-387-6033