Aubergine Bed and Breakfast Finger Lakes

MONTEZUMA NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE Another really interesting destination less than an hour from Aubergine Bed and Breakfast is Montezuma, right off Rtes. 5 and 20 in Seneca Falls.  If you love birdwatching, this is the place for you: over 9,000 acres of nesting spots and feeding areas for migratory birds.  There are walking trails, or you can take the 3.5 mile Wildlife Drive.  There is also a Visitor Center, observations towers and educational programs. For some reason I cannot upload this really cool picture I took of the statue of a bald eagle they have there, but visit their website and you can see what I'm talking about.  Better yet, come visit and take a day trip! www.fws.gov

 GENESEE COUNTRY VILLAGE & MUSEUM Mumford, NY Just an hour's drive from Aubergine Bed and Breakfast, this is a living, working 19th century village.  You can visit the potter, cooper, blacksmith, historic kitchens and a working brewery.  It is open May to October with special events all year long.  There are farm animals, the John L. Wehle Gallery and a Nature Center, and special events like antique shows and craft beer tastings. Truly something for everyone!  Be sure to make this a stop on your next visit to the Finger Lakes.   www.gcv.org                                                                 This gazebo on the village property is something I'd love to have at Aubergine!

 March 22, 2022 Some hiatus!  I have not posted since the Covid lockdown two years ago!  It has been a strange time; 2020 no one was traveling, then 2021 everyone wanted to get out.  I am hoping that the worst is behind us and that we can get back to "normal!" I have continued to visit and explore new and exciting places and attractions here in the Finger Lakes during the pandemic, and would love to share some of these experiences with you so that you can be aware of the abundance and beauty of the region, and take advantage of the opportunity to see them for yourselves. In my role as Board member of the Yates County Chamber of Commerce, as well as President of the Finger Lakes Bed and Breakfast Association, I try to stay on top of all of the happenings and new businesses in the area.  Please feel free to go to the comment section and let me know what you would like to learn more about.  And remember, most wineries and restaurants are requiring reservations now, so it pays to

Less than an hour from Aubergine is Sodus Point on Lake Ontario. You can walk on the beach at the sight of the original lighthouse and also visit the Lighthouse Museum, which is very interesting. It’s a lovely drive past lots of apple orchards and beautiful views of the lake.

I love flowers!  Every year I grow more. I love giving away bouquets and I love having fresh-cut flowers in the B & B.   Many have come and gone since Spring, but here are some of what’s in bloom in late August. I hope they put a smile on your face!                                                       Shasta Daisies at Aubergine Band B                                                                      Sunflowers in the Finger Lakes                                                            White hardy hibiscus at  Aubergine BandB                                                                                Aubergine Dahlias                                                                Rose of Sharon at Aubergine Band B                                                                                   Aubergine Clematis Heliotrope at Aubergine-tres Victorian!                                                                            Finger Lakes Dahl

Here in the Finger Lakes, “farm to table” restaurants are very popular. It is such a great way to take advantage of our local farms which provide such beautiful produce.  We have vineyards, orchards, dairy farms, and so many great chefs who use all of these resources to turn out fresh, delicious dishes. I like to think of Aubergine as a “garden to table” establishment.  With so many fresh ingredients available, some question why I even bother with a vegetable garden. But gardening has been my passion for many years and I just love the process. Weeding to me is a form of “moving meditation.” I grow my vegetables and flowers from seed in my basement and just love that I can offer my guests homegrown berries on my homemade yogurt, fresh flowers, and omelets and frittatas made with fresh-picked veggies. I wish Penn Yan would let me raise chickens!  But fortunately the local farmers provide the very freshest eggs. I buy my meats locally, and, although on my bucket list is making my own