Shortsville New YorkATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Shortsville, New York.
1. Shortsville Budd Park
FAMILY FUN OUTDOORS
Shortsville Budd Park is a popular recreational area in the village featuring playground equipment, baseball diamonds, and multiple sports courts. Visitors can enjoy basketball and tennis facilities while children play in the safe and well-maintained playground area. The park serves as a community gathering place for local events and family outings throughout the year.
2. The Pheasant Golf Links
SCENIC GOLFING EXPERIENCE
The Pheasant Golf Links offers golfers a picturesque course in the beautiful Finger Lakes region near Shortsville. Players of all skill levels can enjoy the well-maintained fairways and challenging holes set against rolling countryside. The golf course provides a relaxing yet stimulating experience for both locals and tourists visiting the area.
3. Canandaigua Wine Trail Experience
TASTE THE FINGER LAKES
The Canandaigua Wine Trail Experience takes visitors on a delightful journey through the renowned wineries surrounding Shortsville and the Canandaigua Lake area. Wine enthusiasts can sample distinctive local vintages while learning about the unique terroir of the Finger Lakes region from knowledgeable staff. The scenic drives between wineries showcase the beautiful countryside that makes this area a premier wine destination.
4. Canandaigua Lake Brewery Tour
CRAFT BEER ADVENTURE
The Canandaigua Lake Brewery Tour allows visitors to explore the thriving craft beer scene near Shortsville with guided tastings at multiple breweries. Beer aficionados can discover unique local brews while learning about the brewing process and ingredients that make each establishment special. The tour highlights the region's growing reputation for exceptional craft beverages in a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere.
5. Hill Cumorah Visitors Center
RELIGIOUS HISTORICAL SITE
The Hill Cumorah Visitors Center, located in the town of Manchester near Shortsville, is a significant religious and historical site for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Open year-round, the center offers exhibits and information about the church's founding and early history in this region. Visitors from around the world travel to this landmark to learn about Mormon history and culture through interactive displays and guided tours.
6. Canandaigua Outlet Water Activities
THRILLING WATER ADVENTURES
The Canandaigua Outlet in Shortsville provides numerous opportunities for exciting water sports including white water canoeing, rafting, and kayaking. Nature enthusiasts can navigate the flowing waters while enjoying the scenic beauty of the surrounding Finger Lakes landscape. The annual Wild Water Derby invites competitors to build creative rafts and test their skills navigating downstream, making for a fun spectator event each spring.
7. Lehigh Valley Railroad Historical Society Museum
RAILWAY HERITAGE PRESERVED
The Lehigh Valley Railroad Historical Society Museum, housed in the old Shortsville train station, preserves the rich railway heritage of the region. Open monthly from spring to fall, the museum displays fascinating artifacts from the heyday of the Lehigh Valley Railroad and the famous Black Diamond Express. Train enthusiasts and history buffs alike will appreciate the meticulously maintained collection that tells the story of how railways shaped the development of Shortsville and surrounding communities.
8. Jones-Blunt Park
RIVERSIDE NATURAL RETREAT
Jones-Blunt Park in Shortsville offers a peaceful natural setting adjacent to the Canandaigua Outlet, perfect for family outings and outdoor activities. Visitors can enjoy picnic facilities, scenic hiking paths, and excellent fishing opportunities along the waterway. The park's tranquil environment makes it an ideal destination for those looking to connect with nature without venturing far from town.
9. Wild Water Derby
CREATIVE RAFTING COMPETITION
The Wild Water Derby is an exciting annual event in Shortsville that challenges participants to build innovative water rafts and navigate the Canandaigua Outlet. Competitors showcase their creativity and engineering skills while spectators gather along the banks to cheer and enjoy the festive atmosphere. This spring tradition brings together local residents and visitors for a unique celebration of community spirit and aquatic adventure.
10. Finger Lakes Farm Tours
AGRICULTURAL HERITAGE EXPLORATION
Finger Lakes Farm Tours near Shortsville offer visitors insight into the agricultural foundation of the region, with particular focus on dairy farming and cabbage production. Guests can observe modern farming practices while learning about the historical importance of agriculture to the local economy. The tours often include visits to GLK Foods near Shortsville, where much of the locally grown cabbage is processed into sauerkraut, providing a farm-to-table understanding of the area's food production.
11. Shopping
LOCAL RETAIL EXPERIENCES
Shopping in Shortsville offers visitors charming local boutiques and specialty stores like the Shortsville Mercantile and Finger Lakes Crafts. Tourists can browse unique handcrafted items, regional food products, and distinctive souvenirs that reflect the character of this small Finger Lakes community. The intimate shopping experience provides opportunities to interact with local artisans and shopkeepers who share stories about the area's history and culture.
12. Dining
TASTY LOCAL CUISINE
Dining in Shortsville features welcoming establishments such as the Main Street Diner and Finger Lakes Bistro, serving hearty meals with local ingredients. Visitors can enjoy farm-to-table cuisine that highlights regional specialties including dishes made with locally produced sauerkraut and dairy products. The friendly atmosphere of these eateries provides a genuine taste of small-town hospitality alongside delicious food that represents the agricultural bounty of the Finger Lakes region.
13. Hiking
SCENIC TRAIL ADVENTURES
Hiking in Shortsville offers outdoor enthusiasts beautiful nature trails along the Canandaigua Outlet and through the Jones-Blunt Park conservation areas. Visitors can explore scenic paths that showcase the natural beauty of the Finger Lakes region while observing local wildlife and native plant species. The well-maintained trails vary in difficulty, making them accessible to families and experienced hikers seeking a peaceful connection with the rural New York landscape.
14. Fishing
PREMIER ANGLING SPOTS
Fishing in Shortsville centers around the abundant Canandaigua Outlet where anglers can enjoy productive waters teeming with various fish species. Jones-Blunt Park provides excellent access points for fishermen looking to cast their lines in this popular waterway. Local fishing enthusiasts recommend visiting during spring and fall when conditions are ideal for catching the outlet's prized bass, trout, and other freshwater game fish.
15. Camping
OUTDOOR OVERNIGHT RETREATS
Camping near Shortsville offers overnight adventurers the Finger Lakes Campground and Canandaigua Lakeshore Retreats for immersive natural experiences. Visitors can set up tents or park RVs in well-appointed sites surrounded by the picturesque countryside that makes the Finger Lakes region famous. The campgrounds provide convenient bases for exploring local attractions while enjoying starry nights and peaceful mornings in the heart of upstate New York's beautiful landscape.