New York connotes New York City to many, but there is a separate state of mind in Central New York (CNY). Bright green golf courses are easy on the green in your wallet and towering hillsides are painted like bowls of fruit loops in autumn. Fall is the perfect time to drive through the colorful mountains and valleys where acres of corn fields buffer the forests so you almost expect Shoeless Joe Jackson to walk right out of one and play ball. Savvy sailors can navigate the waterways around the state from the Atlantic Ocean, singing “Fifteen Miles on the Erie Canal”, or drive the scenic byway, route 20 and speed along the 90 thruway to date the “golf next door” in CNY. As the seasons turn, Turning Stone Golf Resort and Casino is the most comprehensive destination, featuring three championship courses, all hand manicured, and showcasing horticultural wizardry. Atunyote hosts the Notah Begay III tournament that includes Anika, Rickie, Tiger, and others. Shenandoah is a course for all players while Kaluhyat, with its 150 slope, is a true test of the best. Narrow fairways meander through thick forests, tall native grasses, and of course, water. Skana Spa offers the old world dignity of the Oneida Nation with upscale amenities. The impressive sports dome affords golfers the opportunity to hone their skills even in winter months when groomers plow trails for snow sports and sleigh rides. Ski nearby or skate at Colgate University where Slap Shot was filmed with Paul Newman. Wrap your lips around The Incredible Hulk at the Blues Concept in Hamilton – the best sushi roll on the planet.
New York is second only to California in wine production and farmers markets, so wineries, tastings and fresh produce are never far away. During the fall, apple orchards serve a gamut of goodies including hard cider and apple vodka. Among this intoxicating background are some of the finest golf courses at affordable rates. Barker Brook Golf Club in Oriskany Falls sits on a hilltop viewing wind turbines, providing the life of Riley – literally as Riley was a lost dog who made himself at home there and now owns the place with Mike and Sally. It’s a family affair with Mom planting flowers and Dad lending a hand. Marital team, Denise and Joe own Woodcrest Golf Club, outside the artsy village of Cazenovia with views of Oneida Lake. A few minutes away, Chittenango Falls are as tall as Niagara and almost as spectacular without the crowds. The new kid on the block is Timber Banks, aptly named as it is enveloped by timbers, bordering the banks of the Seneca River. Designer Jack Nicklaus is back to his tricks with greens that require coefficient equations for putt sinking strategy. His only course designed in upstate New York is a layout with all the trademarks of the Golden Bear. Cooperstown is loaded with museums and the baseball hall of fame along with the Otesaga Hotel. Rock on the veranda overlooking Glimmer Glass lake and the 18th green of the must play Leatherstocking Golf Course. Westward, Skaneateles hails the quintessential lake country club of movies where kids attend camp, lacing lanyards and learning to sail, just like the parents before them. It is a privileged and caring, tight community where one sweeping fairway view included the lake, a corn field and polo ponies exercising four by four on each side of the rider. Mirbeau Inn and Spa is the place to book there for a French splurge of pampering. Slip into their luxurious white robe, then the courtyard, transposing you into a Monet masterpiece of water lilies. The spa’s warm circular foot pool is transcendent to the royal treatments in store. Cozy bedroom fireplaces continue the theme of warmth. For premium dining, dial the Sherwood Inn downtown, a stately hotel built in 1807, facing the lake.
Entrees are amazingly prepared and delivered with impeccable service. Watch the water sports and sunset, hop a cruise ship, learn to paddleboard, sail or kayak. Just minutes away, Anyela’s Vineyards present breathtaking views, tours and tastings. Area public play highlights Highland Park Golf Club with a challenging back nine and Dutch Hollow with streams intertwining throughout. You might want to stay awhile to enjoy all the wine trails and golf that don’t fit on these pages. Golf, spa, wine, dine, boat, hike and return home both exhausted and exhilarated. When rediscovering America, don’t forget to love Central New York.
About Alice and Danny Scott
Alice and Danny are the founders of Butthead Covers, Inc., now writing about golf, business and leisure, while coaching others to launch their businesses and live the American Dream.
No related posts.
