The view from Ontario Beach Park
In almost every place I’ve lived, I’ve discovered a “special place” to find serenity.
In NYC, it was the garden behind the Public Library, in Paris during college, it was the Luxembourg Gardens, and here in Rochester, it’s Ontario Beach State Park, located on the shores of Lake Ontario.
Ontario Beach State Park was known as the “Coney Island of the West” at the turn of the 20th Century. A railway transported residents from the city to a genteel amusement area with rides and a pier for strolling. Today, only the original 1905 Dentzel menagerie Carousel remains, but for just $1 you can step back in time and take a ride on one of the beautifully-maintained animals that include lions, cats, zebras and, of course, horses.
The 1905 Dentzel Menagerie Carousel
On summer evenings, families often gather to picnic on the lawn or in the pavillions and to listen to the bands that perform in the large gazebo. On Wednesday evenings during the summer, bring your lawn chairs and refreshments to enjoy a variety of concerts at the shore sponsored by Wegmans.
On sunny days, families lounge on the beach, collect shells and rocks or play volleyball. Although there’s a beach house in which to change, unfortunately, the water is often closed to swimmers due to high bacteria count.
My daughters collecting shells
You’ll want to grab a bite nearby at one of the many popular restaurants, such as “Mr. Dominic’s on the Lake”, or in the Ferry terminal at “California Rollin’” (Sushi) or “Cheeburger Cheeburger”, decorated in vintage 50’s decor and offering the same great shakes and burgers that 50’s diners were known for. After your meal, stop by Abbott’s Frozen Custard for dessert that has been a Rochester tradition since 1902!
Photo Courtesy of Wild Hearts Charters
While at the beach, be sure to take a ride on the Harbor Town Belle, an 80′ paddlewheeler that cruises the shores of Lake Ontario. Or, if you’re more of the sailing type, the 53′ Wild Hearts Charters catarmaran sails daily and offers special theme cruises such as “Holy Crepes!” on Sunday morning, “Women Wining on Wednesday” and “Cruise, Brews and Burgers” on Mondays.
As you’re leaving the park, stop and visit the Charlotte-Genesee Lighthouse which was built in 1822. Weekend tours run from May until the end of October and admission is free, but donations are appreciated.
For more information about the magical Ontario Beach State Park, visit:
Food:
www.abbottscustard.com
www.californiarollin.com
www.cheeburger.com
www.mrdominics.com
Cruises:
www.harbortownbelle.com
www.wildheartscharters.com
The Beach and Lighthouse:
www.inforochester.com/ontbeach.htm
www.geneseelighthouse.org
