Alice & Danny Scott - A Couple of TravelersClick here to read about Roc City Rocks – Day 2
Rochester, New York, aka Roc City is the front door to the Finger Lakes, home to 100+ wineries and over 60 golf courses. Wildwood Golf Club is a wild ride dodging deer through the woods along waterways. Frank the starter banters with golfers and keeps the pace of play moving. He shares that the front nine is much easier but for a sad reason as 6k trees were lost to the emerald ash bore. Many of them lined both sides of number two making the fairway much narrower. Two ponds were added to make up for the trees and provide drainage. With the gorgeous forestry remaining, you would never know to miss them.
Ravenwood Golf Club opened in ’03 to rave reviews and placed 5th on Golfweek’s Best New Public Course list. It is a big dare for hitters from the back tees with water and pot bunkers to challenge all. Be careful as a sunny day in July might trick you into buying real estate.
Interspersing golf with wine tasting makes a nice lifestyle in the Finger Lakes. Casa Larga Vineyards has been treating patrons and members to views and award-winning wines since 1974. The Colarutolo family came from Galleta in Italy with their vines and now produce the gamut of dry to sweet whites, reds and roses. Just out is a highly anticipated Meritage that tickled our fancy. They offer 5 samples for $5, case discounts and unforgettable weddings.
In Pittsford along the Erie Canal, Via Girosole sells wine from everywhere in their store. Daughter Nicole opened an adjoining wine bar for tasting flights from around the world as well as a large selection of beers, catering to all. She brings in musicians and artists for a variety of creative sip and chats. It’s a nice stop after cruising the Erie Canal on the Sam Patch Boat, mules not included. The history however is rich and the experience of navigating through Lock 32 is well worth the same price, $32 for two adults.
Perched above the Erie Canal along the Sam Patch Boat route, the upscale Erie Grill in the Del Monte Hotel and Spa serves a unique view with gourmet food and specialty cocktails. The local walleye really was to die for.
A more casual vibe beside the Canal walkway is Label 7 serving Napa-inspired American fare, California wines and Sunday Brunch inside or on the patio. Waterways, wine and golf all rock together in Roc City.
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