Top Places to Read a Book

There's no better feeling than getting lost in a good book in a beautiful location. You pick the title and we will help you select a memorable place to read it.

A Well Placed Adirondack Chair or Bench

It’s a getaway within a getaway when you take a book and read at one of the benches on the waterfront at The Lake House on Canandaigua (770 S Main St., Canandaigua, N.Y.) or Belhurst Castle (4069 W Lake Road, Geneva, N.Y.). Don’t worry if there is a bit of chill in the air, just pull up an Adirondack chair to the outdoor lakeside firepits and let the warmth surround you.

Kershaw Park, Canandaigua

Enjoy the view of pristine Canandaigua Lake and choose your perfect spot to read at Kershaw Park (155 Lakeshore Dr., Canandaigua, N.Y.). Sit on a swing under a wispy willow tree, on a bench in the gazebo, or stretch out on the grass for a relaxing afternoon of reading. Jump in for a cool lake swim between chapters!

Carolabarb Park, Naples

With its sweeping views and cool breezes coming up off of the lake, Carolabarb Park (7083 Co Road 12, Naples, N.Y.) is a unique spot to get lost in the pages of your favorite book.  

In Geneva, Downtown or Near the Water

For those who love to be surrounded by a little hustle and bustle, Downtown Geneva is a treasure trove of places to settle down and enjoy your book. If you crave the energy and artsy vibe of a café or bookshop, visit a location like Monaco's Coffee (115 Washington St. #2822, Geneva, N.Y.) or the second floor of Stomping Grounds (941 Seneca St., Geneva, N.Y.). If you prefer to read outside, Seneca Lake State Park (1 Lake Front Dr., Geneva, N.Y.) is only a short walk away and has great benches along the waterfront.

Hemlock-Canadice State Forest

Nature-lovers will love taking their books and hiking into the Hemlock-Canadice State Forest (Bald Hill Road, Hemlock, N.Y.). There are 14 miles of marked hiking trails, where you're bound to find a sweet spot to spread out a blanket and enjoy a good read on the soft forest floor. The quiet is only broken by singing birds, scurrying animals and breezes that dance through the tree leaves.

Downtown Clifton Springs

The Sulfur Bookstore (2 West Main St., Clifton Springs, N.Y.) in downtown Clifton Springs carries both new and used titles, as well as books by local authors or about local subjects. Once you find your must-read book, stroll across the street to the Village Park, where you will find park benches in a lovely village garden, complete with labyrinth.

Village Square, Bloomfield

Enjoy reading your book in a park-like setting that resembles a New England-style village green. Surrounded by the Historical Society and historic churches, a historical novel would be a good pick for this setting.

By a Creek

If flowing water sounds relaxing, the 1.5-mile Manchester Gateway Trail (8 Clifton St., Manchester, N.Y.) that runs along the Canandaigua Outlet, offers a great way to get away from it all with a variety of spots conducive to sitting and reading.

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