"My family is my life, and everything else comes second as far as what’s important to me." -Michael Imperioli
We were fortunate to spend another staycation with Kyle and his family. This time we stayed at a nice house in Penn Yan, which is located on Keuka Lake. We brought our little run about with us so we could explore the lake and go swimming. We enjoyed five days of playing with our kids, swimming, boating, eating well and relaxing...the perfect vacation.
Keuka Lake is one of the major Finger Lakes and is a couple of lakes west of us. Unlike the other 10 Finger Lakes that are long and narrow, Keuka Lake is Y-shaped. Because of its shape, it was referred to in the past as Crooked Lake. There is no major industry on the lake so the water is cleaner and clearer than the water in Cayuga Lake. It would be a great place to have a lake house.
Keuka Lake empties into Seneca Lake, through a stream called Keuka Lake Outlet at the lake's northeastern end in Penn Yan. At one time the outlet was developed into a canal called the Crooked Lake Canal. The canal was later replaced by a railroad and is now a hiking and cycling trail. We actually hiked part of it last summer.
The house...during normal times it's a bed and breakfast. The Wagener Estate B&B.
The entry hall, dinning room and living room
While the guys went and got the trailer and loaded up Tiny Pearl, the girls enjoyed a walk in the park. We picked flowers, watched the birds and really enjoyed the beautiful weather.
The first morning we found little stowaways on the boat. They were in a nest inside the neck of the trailer. I'm not sure they were ready to be on their own, but Mommy was back in Ithaca. We enjoyed watching them. The kids dug up worms to feed them.
After a nice breakfast on the porch, watching and feeding the baby birds and a walk...we went into town. We did a little exploring and some shopping (the first time I've been in cute little shops since March). The Keuka Candy Emporium was a big hit with everyone, especially the kids.
A summer vacation wouldn't be complete without a campfire and s'mores.
Graham ate four!
After a busy day it's nice to relax with Poppy.
We enjoyed the large front porch. We started the day there with breakfast, painted rocks and drew pictures during the day and had cocktails there in the evening. One night we even enjoyed a fun game of hearts here.
On our second morning we went to Keuka Lake State Park to play, swim, and enjoy a picnic.
After quite time (naps) we went to The Spotted Duck for ice cream. This creamery makes their custard using organic local ingredients...much of it comes from their farm. They use duck eggs instead of chicken eggs, hence the name Spotted Duck. We shared their sampler flight...every flavor was wonderful.
Half the fun of having ice cream at the Spotted Duck is seeing all the animals.
No family vacation for us in the Finger Lakes would be complete without a visit to a local winery or brewery, so after ice cream we visited the Climbing Bines for pint. This was my favorite picture of the brewery...look at the size of those hibiscus.
On Sunday we took Tiny Pearl out on the lake...what a wonderful day. We enjoyed the ride, the view, the water, the swimming and the company.
Life really doesn't get much better than time with family on a beautiful day on the water.
We docked and had lunch at The Olney Place. Deli sandwiches with a view of the lake...lake life is fun.
After lunch we went for a second swim...even Hattie had fun in the water. What a perfect day!
