Even with the cold, winter is one of the most romantic seasons of all. There are so many opportunities to cuddle up, whether you’re curling up next to a roaring fire, snuggled under a blanket during a horse-drawn carriage ride, or just smooshed together on a ski lift. The chilly weather makes it all too easy to find an excuse to cozy up with your favorite person. This winter, celebrate your love with a romantic weekend getaway to LivCo. Whether you stop by for Valentine’s Day, New Year’s Eve, a special occasion, or no occasion at all, we’ll pull out all the stops so you can show your sweetie a spectacular time. Not sure where to start planning? Here’s what we recommend you do, for a three-day stay that’s sure to sweep your sweetheart off their feet.
DAY ONE
CHECK INTO A ROMANTIC STAY
First things first, check into a room at The BrickInn, a gorgeous bed and breakfast situated inside a 1915 brick Colonial home, with all the charm of a historic property, but all the modern amenities and touches you need for a relaxing stay. Guestrooms feature en-suite bathrooms outfitted with rainfall showers, warmed towels, and heated floors, and each day starts with a three-course breakfast featuring local products and produce. You’ll easily see why this property has become a favorite for anniversary celebrations and similar romantic escapes.
EMBRACE THE CHILL OF WINTER
Next, it’s time to get your heart pumping with a little outdoor excursion to Letchworth State Park. Strap on a pair of snowshoes and take in the pristine and simply magical snow and ice-covered forests and waterfalls. If you’re lucky, you may even get to see the ice volcano, in front of the Glen Iris Inn. Fed by a fountain, the icy structure can grow up to 50 feet, under the right conditions. (Never snowshoed before? Trail Otter offers guided snowshoeing services that can help you get a feel for the activity.)
FUEL UP FOR YOUR WEEKEND
Stop into the new LivCo Basecamp, a visitor center in Mount Morris, where you can pick up any travel guides or gear you might need for your three-day stay, as well as ask the staff for any recommendations or tips. While you’re there, grab a light snack at the on-site Sweet Arts Bakery, where you’ll find fresh cinnamon rolls and bagels, desserts, and hot drinks.
ENJOY SHARED BITES & SEASONAL SCOOPS
Once you’ve worked up an appetite, it’s time for a romantic dinner at Caffe Tazza. Order a bottle of wine and sample the favorited wood-fired pizzas or split some tapas. Then, for dessert, indulge in a sweet treat at Zeppo’s Creekside Creamery, where they’re scooping and serving ice cream, milkshakes, and more, all year long.
DAY TWO
GRAB A “SPACEY” BREAKFAST
Get up and ready for a day filled with fun activities perfect for couples seeking new experiences. Fuel up at one of the coolest breakfast spots in town, Cosmic Charlie Café, where you can find espresso-based beverages and breakfast burritos aplenty.
SEND OUT NOTES OF LOVE
If you’re visiting in February, take part in a local tradition, when you stop into the Gallery in the Valley. The gallery hosts a “Love from Geneseo” event, wherein visitors and locals alike are invited to visit the gallery, pick out a postcard, write a sweet note to a loved one, and then send it off in the mail. It’s a cute and creative activity that will be sure to bring a smile to your recipients’ faces. (Want to make the experience even sweeter? Write notes to one another, mail the postcards, and read your honey’s missive after you get home!)
WANDER YOUR WAY THROUGH SHOPS & ART
Throughout the rest of the day, try out the viral “Couples Shopping Challenge” and travel along the LivCo Inspirations Trail. The first encourages you to scour the abundance of local shops found throughout the county’s downtowns. As you go, look for gifts for your partner that meet three key criteria: you’re looking for something that’s your partner’s favorite color, something that reminds you of them, and an everyday-use item. Try to keep your purchases secret from your partner, so you can exchange them at the end of the day. As you bounce from small town to small town, though, you won’t just be shopping. You’ll also be snapping tons of fun selfies together, in front of LivCo’s many murals. The LivCo Inspirations Trail will take you to some of the best, such as the newest, in Dansville, celebrating Clara Barton.
END THE DAY WITH LIVE BLUES MUSIC
Make sure your explorations bring you back to Lima, for dinner and live music at Fanatics Pub. Grab a burger, pizza or wings and settle in for some of the highly rated acts. Ask your partner to dance!
DAY THREE
BRUNCH THE MORNING AWAY
On the last day of your romantic LivCo getaway, don’t rush off right away. Instead, start the day with a leisurely brunch at the Tankroom Café at Deer Run Winery, where you’ll find all your favorite brunch classics, including the requisite mimosas and Bloody Mary’s.
MAKE SOMETHING NEW TOGETHER
Channel your inner artist via a medium you’ve probably never gotten your hands on before. Book a couple’s welding class at Ironwood Studios in Springwater, a fun opportunity to learn something new, and leave class with a finished work of welded art.
SHARE A ROMANTIC DINNER
Grab an early dinner at Yard of Ale, a fine-dining-yet-casual restaurant where you’ll find plenty of seasonal eats and classic favorites like Angus beef prime rib.
SURROUND YOURSELF WITH HOLIDAY LIGHTS
Top off the day with a movie at Avon Park Theater, Star Theatre, or the Geneseo Riviera, and then, on your way out of town, take your time driving around some of our beautiful villages and admiring the holiday lights and décor. While the holiday lights are aglow, twinkling in small towns from Avon to Leicester to Mount Morris, there are a few can’t-miss displays, such as the Fantasy of Lights Walk in Dansville, and the picturesque Village Park display in Geneseo. And as you depart, hand-in-hand with your honey, you’ll be leaving with a renewed appreciation for one another, fond memories, and an eagerness to return and see what LivCo has to offer couples throughout the rest of the year!
ONE MORE DAY
THREE EXTRA WINTER ACTIVITIES IN OUR REGION
Even after spending a full three days here, you may feel like you’ve just scratched the surface. And it’s true. The natural beauty we’ve grown accustomed to in the Genesee River Valley expands throughout the region, and Livingston County serves as the ideal base camp for seeing it all.
Treat yourself to a spa day, the ultimate form of rest and relaxation during a chilly winter. Bask in a soothing atmosphere in downtown Geneseo at Body & Face by Kristin where they specialize in professional skin care both basic and advanced as well as healing massage therapy techniques. In Avon, Pure Body Day Spa is dedicated to making every spa experience unique. They offer a number of services from healing massage therapy (including one for mommas-to-be), skincare and waxing services, natural manicures, pedicures, and heated Vinyasa Yoga classes.
Hundreds of years ago, Indigenous Americans in the region harvested maple sap annually and taught the craft of production to European settlers. Nowadays, you’ll find various venues throughout the county hosting maple-related events. At Letchworth State Park, you can enjoy the scenery and ample outdoor fun, while learning about the maple sugaring process at the Humphrey Nature Center. The Maple Sugar Festival at the Genesee Country Village & Museum is a can’t-miss, with a similar focus on history and how early settlers produced syrup.
Warm up to live music at venues across LivCo featuring live music, catchy bands, unique songwriters, and cozy drinks. Visit live music venues including the newly restored Avon Park Theater, with comfortable seats and upscale concessions, the Geneseo Riviera, hosting shows and concerts in partnership with Geneseo Jam Kitchen, Fanatics Pub in Lima bringing in Grammy Award-winning artists, and Drumroll Sushi & Stage, the newest venue on the scene in Geneseo that combines handcrafted sushi bites with entertaining musical guests.
