Weekend in the Finger Lakes & Link Up On the Edge #207
This past weekend, we packed up the kids and my in-laws and headed to spend two nights in a cabin on an Amish farm in the Finger Lakes region of northern New York State. It was a peaceful, quiet getaway with much relaxation and down time to enjoy the late summer sunshine, unplug from the internet, catch up on some reading, and push all the cares of life away for just a few days.
We stayed at Hoover Farm in Penn Yan, New York, which is an Amish farm that offers three different cabin rentals of various sizes. All three cabins are lined in a row on separate lots of land with tree lines in between for privacy with the main Hoover house being the first one as you travel up the rural country road out of the town of Penn Yan. You can hear the cows and the roosters chattering away all day long as well as the various other bird life that resides in the trees all throughout the property.
There was a pumpkin patch at the back end of our cabin’s yard and a free range chicken farm across the street. The kids really enjoyed watching the chickens waddle around in the open while Mr. Rooster kept squawking at everyone. There were also a Cornish hen or two in the mix. Unfortunately, I did not take any pictures of these feathered friends.
We arrived at the cabin on Saturday afternoon and settled in to simply relax for the rest of the day. A thunderstorm moved in during the evening hours and we thoroughly enjoyed the large covered porch on the back of the cabin as we sat and watched the storm move by. Jeff made burgers on the grill the first night and chicken breast and deer steak for the second night. We brought the leftovers home and finished them up on Monday and Tuesday.
On Sunday, we headed out to Keuka Lake which boasts a dilapidated mill on the Keuka Lake Outlet Trail. The entire trail is about 7 miles long but we only walked the 1.2 miles until we reached the mill ruins and then we headed back out again. We did see lots of wonderful things during our trail walk and took advantage of wilderness family photo opportunities. Then we went for Ice Cream at Seneca Farms, made a quick grocery stop, and headed back to the cabin to relax some more, prepare dinner, and get the fire blazing for S’mores.
Photos from our walk on Keuka Lake Outlet Trail
At the mill ruins…
Walking back out…
“In every walk in nature one receives far more than he seeks.”
John Muir
Sunday night saw us sitting out in the yard until long after dark. With bellies full of tasty fireside treats, we finally put the fire out around 11:00 p.m. and headed to bed for our last cabin night.
On our way out on Monday morning, we stopped at Kashong Conservation Area for a short trail walk. This trail is located in Geneva, New York, which was about a 40 minute drive from our cabin but heading in the direction toward home. It was a really pretty walk with lots of beautiful green vegetation. Again, I didn’t take any pictures! But that’s okay. Because I think this post has enough photos in it for you to get the idea of the peacefulness that was paramount to our weekend getaway.
If ever you visit the Finger Lakes region of New York, there are so many wonderful things to do. There are wineries at every turn, lots of breweries, and so many trails to hike or walk or run or bike.
“By discovering nature, you discover yourself.”
Maxime Lagacé
What our your favorite outdoor travel destinations?
And now your featured favorites from last week.
Reader Favorite (Most Clicked)
Debbie of Fashion Fairy Dust shared a beautifully inspiring post, Overcoming The Overwhelm + Floral Tie Front Shirt & Denim Shorts, reminding us all about the importance of focusing on the here and now so we can move forward with confidence into the future. Do go have a read because Debbie always offers so much brilliant insight into this crazy life!
Laurie of Vanity & Me shared her post, Weather diaries, what to wear in this heat? A weekly edit, featuring two really amazing dresses. But this brightly colored printed maxi boho dress really caught my eye. It is so fun and the colors are magnificent on Laurie!
Non-Fashion Favorite
K’Mich Wedding Soiree Blog shared a post, HalloWedding: Ghoulishly Fun Ideas, featuring five ideas for a Halloween themed wedding experience. So much fun!
Keeping it on the edge,
Shelbee
Linking up with these Fabulous Link Parties.
51 Comments
Nancy
That looks like a great time! And what a huge fire! Did you talk to the Amish people or isn’t that allowed or something? I think I would like to know more about their lifestyle.
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks, Nancy! We talked to Mrs. Hoover a few times but only about stuff with regard to the rental and the property. She was very sweet and accommodating. I grew up very near one of the largest Amish communities in our country so I guess I kind of already know a lot about the Amish culture and lifestyle. It is very interesting to learn about how they live. I have always admired the Amish culture and their amazing skills at thriving in a generation that is so totally based upon the very things that they resist. I hope you have a wonderful weekend, my friend!
xoxo
Shelbee
Joanne
That looks like a fabulously relaxing trip!
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thank you, Joanne. It really was very relaxing! Now I just need a weekend like this without the kids! Haha
xoxo
Shelbee
Lafayne E
Happy Friday, Shelbee,
Thanks for featuring “HalloWedding Ghoulisly Fun Ideas” on your blog.
I really appreciate this, and for allowing me to link all my other wedding articles, too.
Thank you
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
LaFayne, thank you so much for joining me each week! I really enjoy all of the fun and creative wedding ideas that you share! I hope you have a wonderful weekend.
xoxo
Shelbee
Kathrine Eldridge
What a wonderful family getaway! Love these pics of the trail and where you stayed. Nature is so important to stay connected to during this crazy time. So glad you enjoyed yourself!
https://www.kathrineeldridge.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Kathrine! It really was a wonderful weekend to reconnect with nature as well as with each other! We spend so much time just plugged in that it is super important to disconnect from all the technology and reconnect in more natural ways. I hope you have a fabulous weekend!
xoxo
Shelbee
Jennifer
This looks like a fun time!
Jennifer
Curated by Jennifer
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
It really was very relaxing and a wonderful family retreat to get reconnected! Thanks for stopping by, Jennifer. I hope you have a fantastic weekend!
xoxo
Shelbee
Rashmi
Beautiful pictures dear.. this looks so much fun 🙂
Beauty and Fashion/Rampdiary/Glamansion
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Rashmi! I hope you are having a lovely weekend.
xoxo
Shelbee
Jill
It looks like such a fun and relaxing family getaway! The setting is so pretty! I bet your boys had a blast!
Jill – Doused in Pink
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Jill, thanks so much! We really did have a fun time! I hope you are having a wonderful weekend.
xoxo
Shelbee
Melody Jacob
famil time is always so beautiful. I am glad the fun was nice.
https://www.melodyjacob.com/2020/08/poem-to-my-faraway-lover.html
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Melody, thank you so much! I really appreciate that!
xoxo
Shelbee
Tamar A Strauss-Benjamin
How fun!! What a great hike and nothing beats family time or s’mores!
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks, Tamar! It was a super fun time, for sure!
xoxo
Shelbee
mireille
I love this: looks like you all had a great time and I think my favorite picture is the 3 generations walking on the trail. It reminds me of our hikes and adventures: boys have been enjoying practicing skipping rocks when possible.
http://www.chezmireillefashiontravelmom.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Mireille, thanks so much! It was super fun skipping rocks. Eventually we were all doing it and having such a great time. Lots of cheers and laughter! Some of my favorite photos are when my boys walk in a line like that! It cracks me up and it is so stinking cute!
xoxo
Shelbee
Lucy Bertoldi
What a fun weekend! Love the pic of you guys sitting in such a perfect spot in the forest – all to yourselves! xx
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Lucy! It was such a lovely time!
xoxo
Shelbee
Gail
What an idyllic break Shelbee! Wonderful pictures. I’m going to have to Google “s’mores.”
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Gail, thanks so much! I just Googled S’mores to see their origins and it looks like this sweet treat is unique to North America. You may have already done your Google search, but S’mores are a campfire treat where you roast a marshmallow over the open fire and then place it between two graham crackers with a piece of chocolate (preferably a Hershey bar). The hot marshmallow melts the chocolate and you have a gooey, dripping, crunchy, delectable dessert!
xoxo
Shelbee
Jacqui Berry
Love seeing your family shots – family are everything aren’t they. Thanks for sharing today. Jacqui x
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Jacqui, thanks so much! It was a wonderful time and a great family bonding experience, for sure. I hope you are having a lovely weekend.
xoxo
Shelbee
Di
What a wonderful family getaway! It is so helpful to get out and enjoy the beauty of nature, especially during this stressful time. It looks like you all had a fun and relaxing time!
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Di, thank you so much! It was a really nice getaway and so good to unplug and escape to simpler living. Definitely a much needed vacation. I hope you are having a lovely weekend!
xoxo
Shelbee
FASHION TALES
How fun! I’ve not been but I love the outdoors and used to go to pumpkin patches growing up. What a lovely family you have. Enjoy the weekend. /Madison
http://fashiontalesblog.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Madison, thanks so much! I wanted to go walk through the pumpkin patch but I don’t think I was allowed to! Hopefully by the time we get into the heart of autumn, we will be able to do more things like pumpkin patches. I hope you are having a wonderful weekend.
xoxo
Shelbee
Niky
You have a beautiful family, and your nature adventure looks amazing!
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Niky, thank you so much! We had a wonderful time, for sure.
xoxo
Shelbee
ratnamurti
So lovely to be out in nature. Where boys belong. Such happy photos of you all xxx
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Ratnamurti! The boys had a great time, for sure.
xoxo
Shelbee
Cheryl Shops
Looks like you had a peaceful, relaxing family trip!
Cheryl Shops | http://www.cherylshops.net
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Oh it was wonderful, Cheryl! And much needed.
xoxo
Shelbee
Maureen
Sounds like a great getaway! It looked like everyone had an awesome time. And man, what would I do for a s’mores right now! I have been telling my hubby that I am planning an outdoor picnic for the little guy before school starts and voila, we’ve got wildfires! So quality of air has been so dangerously unhealthy the past 3 days. I am thinking just microwaving our s’mores to melt the marshmallows but you know it’s not the same. So, long story short, living vicariously through your trip!
Maureen | http://www.littlemisscasual.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Aw, Maureen, thanks so much! Maybe you can roast the marshmallows over a giant candle at the kitchen table? Or the microwave or oven would probably work, too. Or maybe even look for some S’mores ice cream or something! I am so sorry to hear about all of the wildfires. Stay safe, my friend!
xoxo
Shelbee
Patrick Weseman
What a cool place. Looks like a wonderful time in a beautiful setting. What a great time. Thanks for hosting and I hope that you are having a wonderful weekend.
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thank you, Patrick! It really is a beautiful region in northern New York. I hope your weekend is going well!
xoxo
Shelbee
Laura Bambrick
I’ve never heard of Finger Lakes, but it looks like a fantastic place for a family getaway!
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Laura! It was a wonderful time spent in a beautiful place. There are so many lakes and vineyards in the area. I hope you are having a great weekend.
xoxo
Shelbee
Jessica A Jannenga
My mom has told us how much she loved the Finger Lakes. I love these pics! Looks like you guys had a great time. My kinda place, as I always feel peaceful in the woods. I love that you made smores , we try and do that when we camp. So glad you got a chance to get away and relax!
jess xx
http://www.elegantlydressedandstylsh.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Jess, thanks so much! It was a much needed escape to the peacefulness of nature, for sure. And S’mores always make us happy!
xoxo
Shelbee
April
This looks so fun and refreshing. It is so important to get out this summer. These sort of trips breathe life into me.
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
April, thank you so much. This relaxing weekend getaway definitely breathed new life into me. Now I am looking forward to Labor Day weekend when my husband is taking the boys away without me for two nights. A weekend in complete solitude will do me lots of good as well! I hope you are having a great week.
xoxo
Shelbee
Danai @ Living, Learning, Eating
Looks like a great trip! Getting out into nature is always so nice.
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks, Danai! It was a wonderful retreat away from the city, for sure!
xoxo
Shelbee
lorena
What a great idea, this looks like a really fun trip. Disconnecting and going internet free is sometimes all you need to charge your batteries.
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Lorena, thanks so much! It was a much needed break away from the world! I am ready to do it again already.
xoxo
Shelbee
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