Lakeside views at The Steamboat Castle in New York’s Finger Lakes

So, it may not always seem like it, but the great state of New York is home to more than the city that never sleeps. New York state spans 330 miles long and 283 miles wide. The Empire state is filled with peaks, rivers and with beautiful forestry. Winding highways and gorgeous scenery.

It’s also a super producer of wine in the United States. Yes, trailing ever so slightly behind the great west coast vineyards, New York ranks third in grape production by volume after California and Washington. New York even has over 212 wineries to choose from.

Consequently, on a recent trip back home to the states this summer, we decided to spend our three year anniversary in the Finger Lakes. visiting the most popular NY state spot for wineries. Last year, we spent our anniversary in Napa, this year it was Keuka Lake. Situated in the Finger Lakes, the five bodies of water that – hey ho, you guessed it – resemble fingers, Keuka Lake was calling our name.

Also, I’d heard it was the best of the lakes for vineyards, so we decided to enjoy our anniversary sipping on what the region had to offer. While staying in a relaxing getaway.

Once we’d decided where to go, I started putting out my feelers to plan the rest of our journey. Where would we stay? Recommendations from family and friends came flooding in. It was then that we heard about a cute Bed and Breakfast that my aunt had stayed in before, The Steamboat Castle. It’s a beautiful yellow painted lake home, with five bedrooms, located directly on Keuka lake. Owned by a lovely and welcoming couple Ginny and Jamie, they have renovated the house to host guests throughout the year, along with their adorable dog Sam.

Once I’d seen the photos of the Steamboat Castle, I was sold. It’s somewhere you can’t help but fall in love with.

The Steamboat Castle

The Steamboat castle was remodeled in 2013, but was actually built in the early 1900’s as a place where Finger Lakes visitors could come and enjoy the scenic views of Keuka Lake and the steamboats passing by carrying either cargo of grapes (yay!) or passengers. According to their website, the front of the house was even built to resemble the prow of a steamboat.

You can’t help but fall in love with the views.

Inside the Bed and Breakfast

Views from The Steamboat Castle are breathtaking, of course. But the inside is equally charming. Ideal for sitting in on cooler nights reading a good novel or toasting with your favourite glass of wine. Can you guess the theme of our adventures was wine related…?

The Lulu Guestroom

Out of their five guest bedrooms to choose from, we stayed in The Lulu. And each of their guest bedrooms overlooks the water, so you can’t go wrong with whatever your selection. Each room is simply decorated, comfortable for cosy mornings with the sun peeking through.

We felt like it was so easy to relax once we’d settled in. We even got to sit outside on our semi-private balcony that’s shared with the room next door. While it might feel like you’re sharing your balcony space, it’s still quite secluded. And don’t forget about the Keurig coffee machine to make sure you have your morning cuppa.

I’d never stayed at a Bed and Breakfast before, and it’s definitely a worthwhile experience. You have full reign of the home where you can use the kitchen, and have access to all of their outdoor amenities, which we definitely took advantage of.

Spend your evenings relaxing

Outside, you’ll find kayaks and canoes for warmer days. Unfortunately, our trip was slightly cooler than we’d hoped. But we could still absolutely make the most of our time on their grounds. From the small pier for daytime lounging through to a hot tub on the side of the home where we spent our time drinking wine and relaxing.

The Breakfast Club

Most of all, while the views are incredible, and the wine amazing – it’s time to talk about breakfast. And our mornings started off with Ginny’s fabulous breakfasts. An elongated table is set and ready for 8:30am sharp. If you weren’t hungry before, the smell breakfast cooking wafts through the house, making it impossible to resist. With a table beautifully arranged, full coffee pots were at the ready and a selection fresh juices, we were ready to eat.

Our first morning we started off with cranberry muffins and fruit yogurt. Followed by the most delicious egg crêpe, potatoes, and roasted tomatoes. I’d never tried an egg crêpe before and I can’t wait to try to make them at home.

On our second morning at The Steamboat Castle, we were treated to another delicious breakfast. We even got to try out their homemade grape juice. It was fantastic.

We tucked into warm poppyseed muffins alongside fresh fruit. Followed by a course of Ginny’s baked oatmeal with fruit and crispy bacon.

Because I never get to eat breakfasts like these, it was such a treat. We left The Steamboat Castle with our stomachs lined and fully caffeinated for our journey onto Buffalo, New York.

I’m so happy that we decided to forgo a hotel and stay at The Steamboat Castle. Our views of the lake were unreal and we had the most relaxing 48 hours that we’ve had in a long time.

I couldn’t recommend it enough. And as we move towards the end of summer, I know that it would be an absolutely stunning location come autumn when the leaves are changing colours. And there’s even a fire pit outside to keep you warm.

Have you ever visited the Finger Lakes in New York or heard of them before?

Kelly xox