A Weekend Getaway In Genesee County

Day 1

Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Sport of Kings in Batavia. Known as “Sportos” to the locals, this Greek family restaurant is known for their hearty portions, delicious meals, and handmade souvlaki. Enjoy breakfast, a cup of coffee and see why Sportos has been a local favorite for over 50 years!

Once you’ve had your fill, head a few minutes down the road to the picturesque Terry Hill Golf Course to hit the links. Ranked as Western New York’s #1 public golf course, Terry Hills boasts an impressive 27 well-manicured holes. A round of 9 or 18 holes will keep you on your toes, and give you a chance to soak up some morning sun while admiring this impeccably maintained course. When you’re ready for a break head into the on-site restaurant for lunch. Grab a pint of local brew along with a burger, Beef on Weck, or salad.

After lunch, head out to explore the scenic streets of downtown Batavia, and make stop at Oliver’s Candies on your way. Located in an unmistakable Swiss Chalet, Oliver’s has been serving up chocolates and sweet treats from traditional family recipes since 1932. Indulge your sweet tooth with a truffle, a delicious ice cream cone, or try their famous Sponge Candy, which many consider a local delicacy. You’ve never had chocolate quite like this! A family recipe carried for generations that mixes the sweet and creamy sensations of chocolate with rich, indulgent hints of caramel. Let the smell of sugar guide you in and release your inner kid in this famous candy store!

When you’re ready for dinner, head over to the The Original Red Osier Landmark in Stafford NY. Carving up the best cuts of meat since 1979, Red Osier is a local landmark that’s best known for their delectable and well-marbled cuts of prime rib. Perfectly cooked and carved tableside for your enjoyment, this prime rib has kept regulars coming back for decades! Relax, enjoy and eat to your heart’s content.

Grab a nightcap before bed at Farmer’s Creekside Tavern and Inn. This 200-year-old building was restored from near total destruction 2017, and is now a modern take on a welcoming historic inn. Located along the banks of the beautiful Oatka Creek in LeRoy, the Inn boasts 5 suites with a modern, yet timeless design that feels right at home in the historic brick walls.  Their extensive cocktail menu and small bites will hit the spot before you hit the hay.

Day 2

In the morning, enjoy a complimentary breakfast from Farmer’s Creekside Inn after a delightful stay in one of their unique suites. Enjoy your coffee with a perfect view of the Oatka Creek and Lady Liberty’s Little Sister. At 8-feet tall, this status is the height of the index finger of her iconic older sister. Dedicated in 1950, the LeRoy statue of Lady Liberty’s Little Sister is one over 200 statues dedicated in the midcentury, but one of less than 100 status still standing.

Next, head down the JELL-O brick road and explore the history of the most famous dessert in the country at the JELL-O Museum! In case you didn’t know JELL-O was created in Le Roy NY in 1897! The museum, dedicated to all things JELL-O, explores the history of the most famous dessert in the country, from the patent created in 1897, to over 100 years of advertising. Watch commercials from the 1950s, see advertisements from the 1910s, marvel over antique JELL-O molds, and unusual cookbook recipes. Stop by the museum shop for unique souvenirs and JELL-O flavors to take for everyone!

Once you’ve jiggled your way through JELL-O, head down the road to lunch at the D&R Depot Restaurant. This unique eatery is housed in a former B&O train depot, with décor that harkens back to the height of train travel. The food here is a step back in time to the era of home-cooked meals, friendly waitstaff, and the luxury of lingering over your lunch. Watch the trains go by as you eat, but be sure to save room for dessert! The on-site bakery makes fresh bread, muffins, pies, and sticky buns daily, as well as a rotating array of other desserts.

Stretch your legs and work off some of those calories after lunch with a nature walk at Genesee County Park in East Bethany. Here you’ll find the oldest county forest in New York, with over 430 acres of rolling hills and open skies to explore. Well-maintained trails make it easy for hikers of all skill levels to explore the wilderness and soak in the sun. Start your visit at the Interpretive Center where you can learn about the local flora and fauna who call this area home before heading off to the quiet woods to spot them for yourself. If you brought your binoculars, this park is a favorite for local birding enthusiasts, home to dozens of Western New York bird varieties (suggested blog link).

Take a short trip back to Batavia and check in for the night at the Hotel at Batavia Downs. Here you can enjoy upscale amenities at one of the premier entertainment destinations in Western NY. Located on the grounds of the Batavia Downs Racetrack and Gaming, there’s always excitement on the gaming floor or stage! Every overnight stay comes with a complimentary continental breakfast.

For dinner, dine where the action is at the Clubhouse Restaurant! You won’t miss a second of the action with the best trackside dining views along with an extensive fine-dining menu and indulgent cocktail list. All overnight stays at Batavia Downs come with $10 free play, so hit the slots before you hit the hay!