Things to Do

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Kayaks: 

We offer two kayaks for guest use.  You can either cruise the lake or, if you like, fish from the kayaks (they are designed for that).  When not in use, please turn the kayaks upside down and secure the paddle.

Kayak tip:  We do not recommend using the kayak when the lake has significant waves or when the boating traffic is heavy.  The waves and wake from boats make it very difficult to control the kayak.  

Marinas:

• Mark’s Leisure Time Marina:

This marina is just minutes south of Sunset Serenity on Eastlake Rd.  Our family prefers this marina and we have rented boats from them many times over the years.  Rental boats are available on a daily or weekly basis.  

You can also rent tubes and related equipment, like life vests.  Items are also available for purchase.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/3gDtfPmB26KG47TW7

https://www.marksleisuretimemarine.com/

• Smith Boys Marina:

This marina is a bit further south on East Lake Rd.

https://www.smithboys.com/boat-dealer-conesus-ny 

A note re: the Lake’s current:  The current in Conesus Lake flows from south to north.  Also, the water levels are controlled by a dam at the northern end of the lake.

Conesus lake is a great lake for swimming, in general.  The Lake was formed by a glacier and is spring fed.  That is why the water is clear and cool. 

Swimming tips: 

The swimming off the dock is good -- and encouraged.  Be careful of the rocky bottom, which can cause cuts in feet absent water shoes.  Also, as the summer progresses, weeds tend to grow in shallower water.  

There is a drop off in the lake where the water gets very deep (over 50 feet in places).  The swimming there is also excellent.  To get to the drop off you have to swim about 30 or 40 yards off of the dock towards the middle of the lake.

The fishing on Conesus Lake is excellent.  As is true in all lakes, the best seasons to fish on the Lake are Spring and Fall because the water is cooler and more oxygenated and the fish are closer to the surface.  However, summer fishing is still very good.  

• Fishing tips:  

Timing: The best times to fish are in the early morning and early evening hours.  

Fishing off the end of the dock: Casting into the shallow areas and off the end of the dock can be good.  When fishing in those areas, we highly recommend using either live bait or lures/setups that are less likely to get caught in the weeds (e.g., Texas-rigged rubber worms).

Weed line: Fishing the weed line near the lake drop off (approx. 40 yards off of the dock) can be very fruitful.  You will often see large fish jumping out of the water in that area.  You will also see bass boats trolling along the weed line.

McPhersons Pt: The fishing along the shore and weed line on the entirety of McPhersons Pt is good.  Right off the tip of the point closest to Sunset Serenity can be particularly excellent during morning and evening hours.

South end:  Morning fishing is very good at the South end of the Lake, near the inlet where fish spawn during the Springtime.

Walleye:  The elusive Walleye of Conesus Lake are legend.  The best time to fish for them is when the water is cooler in Spring and Fall and the fish are closer to the surface.  During warmer weather the Walleye go into the deepest parts of the lake.  

Bass & Northern Pike: During the summer the fish closest to the surface are Bass and Northern Pike.  Most fish caught during the summer months are either Bass or Northern Pike. 

Overnight fishing: Over the years we have frequently left a fishing rod secured off the end of the dock with a worm or minnow on a hook.  In the morning, we would often find that a catfish or other fish had taken the bait.

• Bait shop

There is a bait shop, Docs, at the northern end of the Lake, in Lakeville.  You can get tackle and live bait – including minnows.  Docs has locations near both Conesus Lake and Honeoye Lake

https://229bass.com/

https://maps.app.goo.gl/PUpk2ZaCSLRBPiXeA

  Letchworth State Park: 

Called the “Grand Canyon of the East,” this state park is a natural wonder. The waterfalls are huge and beautiful. There are many spectacular hiking trails both above the canyon and in the canyon.

Lunch at the Glen Iris Inn overlooking the main falls is not to be missed. You can also book a hot air balloon ride over the canyon.

https://parks.ny.gov/parks/letchworth

https://maps.app.goo.gl/QepTGt18StRtDxde7

Conesus Inlet Wildlife Area

At the southern end of the lake is a thousand-acre wildlife area. Here you can hike a nature trail, spy some bald eagles, watch the annual spawning of northern pike and walleye. You can also hike along a mile-long nature trail and canoe or kayak. 

Livingston Country Club (open to the public).  Very nice golf course in Geneseo very close to the Wegmans and Walmart.

https://livingstoncc.com/

https://maps.app.goo.gl/3j9k3eBqQdy43YFt6

Conesus Golf Club.  Local golf course very close to Sunset Serenity.  Super-casual vibe.  

https://conesusgolfclub.com/

https://maps.app.goo.gl/Gm2CVDueWWBurThv8

Minnehans:  A local institution.  Minigolf, arcade, batting cages, go karts.  Lots of fun for all members of the family.  This was an annual visit by our family when our kids were younger.

https://minnehansgokart.com

https://maps.app.goo.gl/U4paywZjye3R37jy6

Vintage Drive-In Theatre: In nearby Avon, NY there is a drive-in theater showing current-release movies. There is food available and you can reserve a parking spot online.

·  City of Rochester: 

Rochester is approximately 30 or 40 minutes from Sunset Serenity.  Rochester airport is also approximately 40 minutes from the house.  

In and near the city you can find “Big Box” shopping (e.g., Costco and Target).  Downtown you will find several attractions, including museums.  

For younger children we highly recommend the Strong National Museum of Play.  It is a wonderful children’s museum that we took our children too several times.  

https://www.museumofplay.org/visit/hours-and-admissions/

https://maps.app.goo.gl/5WG8MPDPFue54Jra9

·  Buffalo

Buffalo, NY is approximately 90 minutes west of Sunset Serenity.  

You can find many attractions there, including the famous Anchor Bar (where chicken wings were first served).

https://anchorbar.com/locations/buffalo-ny/

https://maps.app.goo.gl/RgCuHiZiKwwzdG2G8

·  Niagara Falls:

The United States side of Niagara Falls is also approximately 90 minutes away. 

It takes longer to get to the Canadian side of Niagara Falls and you will need passports to cross the border.  

We recommend the Canadian side, despite the additional time and need for passports.