Chris and I decided we wanted to get away for the long weekend. We were looking for a little romance, adventure and reflection. Unfortunately, we had waited until the last minute to decide this so most places were booked. But as luck would have it, Chris called a B&B near Keuka Lake and they had a last minute cancellation. So off we went!
I myself am not a big fan of B&B’s. It may sound strange but I like the privacy and anonymity of the big hotels. Years ago when traveling to Maine for work, I stayed in several B&B’s. I felt like I was right on top of the housekeepers and other guests. I’m not a morning person but if I wanted breakfast – it was usually served around 6 to 7am – which means I had to be up, showered and ready before 7am! Then I actually had to talk to people because we were all seated around a dining room table together!
The Wagener Estate is the answer for those like me who don’t like B&B’s. The housekeepers Kathy and Joe were helpful but unobtrusive. The only time we saw them was when they served breakfast (from 8am to 9:30am on the front porch where were seated alone!) or when we went looking for them.
Our room had it’s own private entrance and bath (a must!) and deck. As a matter of fact, by the end of our stay, I was seeking the company of the other guests at breakfast!
The other highlights of our trip include Wine touring (Dr. Frank’s = most delicious, Bully Hill = most fun), hiking six miles on the canalway that joins Seneca and Keuka Lakes, an amazing meal at an unlikely place – the Keuka Restaurant, Main Street, Penn Yan. The fish fry and macaroni cheese was to die for!!!
All in all we had a great time. So much so, we’ve put a deposit down for next year!