Glen Iris Inn

The stately, yellow-and-white Glen Iris Inn (585/493-2622, www.glenirisinn.com, $95–120) sits in a large flat field overlooking the 107-foot Mid Falls. Once the home of William Letchworth, the Victorian mansion is now a modernized inn with 15 comfortable guest rooms, a library with a good collection of regional books, and a gift shop. The inn’s bustling restaurant, flanked by picture windows, specializes in gourmet salads prepared tableside, seafood, and veal; open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner; average dinner entrée $18.

For a serene, scenic splurge, check availability for the signature Cherry Suite at the Glen Iris Inn room ($210) which features patterned hardwood floors, a whirlpool tub and a balcony overlooking the incredible middle falls. Guests of this room reclining on the balcony make all passing visitors jealous with their perch above the glass-walled restaurant. Four bedroom The Stone House ($350 for up to 8pp)is another option rented by Letchworth State Park, situated across from Inspiration Point overlook.

Oakhill Farm Bed and Breakfast

This area is beautifully rural, which includes a lack of accommodation other than a chain hotel or two. One other gem situated near the far entrance to the park is Oakhill Farm Bed and Breakfast (8983 Oakland Road, Nunda, 585/468-5441, www.OakhillFarmNY.com, $139). If you’re lucky enough to secure their only room, you will not be disappointed. Private entrance to the modernly appointed room, bath, full eat-in kitchen stocked with a gift basket of local favorites and homemade coffeecake, large garden and fountain view windows and balcony overlooking horse pastures and rolling hills add to this special property.

Meticulously kept, endless fences lead to a swimming and fishing pond, complete with tiny imported sand beach, romantic sunset and stargazing historic carriage rides (pulled by the owner on a sparkling tractor), hiking and riding trails add up to an idyllic farm experience. Horseowners, take note, boarding is available in the large spotless barn, $15 per horse.

© Avalon Travel and Sascha Zuger from Moon New York State, 5th Edition