Canandaigua Downtown Blog

This new year marks the 20th Anniversary of the existance of Ontario County Arts Council and the 10th Anniversary of its home at 65 South Main Street.  If you have been to any gallery shows or events at ALL THINGS ART, you know how it enhances the corner of Main and Niagara.  If you haven’t been to any events there, then shame on you!  But there is still time, and by your attendance, you will extend the time.

Founded with the mission to make the arts accessible to all people, ALL THINGS ART continues to offer a venue for all types of art from Christian to private multi-media shows to the many varied themes and media in between.  Musical events range from band shows for the youth of the area to cigar box guitars to classical.  Theater performances vary from one-person dramas to ensemble comedy. The Ontario County ARC, Happiness House, a benefit show for the American Heart Association and ATA, Student Art and Teacher Art shows for the county are just some of the shows planned for this anniversary year.  Workshops are offered to stretch the creativity of people of all ages.

As with any non-profit group, this will prove to be the most challenging year for ATA’s survival.  With the community’s support and attendance, we hope to celebrate this year these important anniversaries.  Watch for the campaign “Save ATA” in which we will attempt to raise $50,000 to support us through this fiscal year.  Please attend, join, and donate to keep ATA a viable asset to our county.

Thanks to everyone who entered the shopping spree!  We have a winner!  Sean Reed from Victor, NY entered only once at Davidson Shoes on Main Street and won over $1000 worth of gift certificates from local merchants from the Canandaigua Merchant’s Association.

Here is a pic of Santa picking the names with some help.

And here is the winner of this year: Sean Reed, a local who does shop in Canandaigua often.  He says, “Canandaigua is one of the few towns that actually has a nice variety, you can get almost everything here.”

Thank you to all the merchants who donated the gift certificates, and all the volunteers who helped make this a memorable season of giving.  You’ve made someone’s Christmas a little more merrier.

To see the latest video on Holiday Shopping visit: Downtown Canandaigua

Do the Right Things, support Downtown Canandaigua, your Downtown! Artwork by Judi Cernak, All Things Art in Downtown Canandaigua

1. Shopping Downtown creates jobs.
Shops in our downtown create local employment and self-employment. These people in turn spend in the local economy.

2. Local independent shops invest more in our communities.
Local businesses in Canandaigua are more generous in their support of local charities, schools, and community events. So supporting local shops means a financial impact on your community.

3. Local Merchants sell a wide range of great products at affordable prices.
Many people are amazed by the range of products and gifts available.

4. Shopping Downtown saves you money.
Out of town shops have done a good job of convincing us all that local businesses = expensive. If you add travel, fees to transfer larger items and your time, the overall cost is often much higher.

5. Shopping local retains our communities.
People don’t like losing shops and services on Main Street but don’t equate this to how they spend their money.

6. Shopping Downtown retains our distinctiveness.
Independent merchants create distinctive shopping experiences and stock different products. Local businesses respond more quickly to the needs of local customers, stocking products to meet the changing population needs.  We have more local Finger Lakes and/or Canandaigua items than anywhere else!

7. Shopping local saves the environment. Go Green.
Local shops often stock a high percentage of local sourced goods which do not require long car and bus journeys, helping reduce our global footprint.  Some merchants create their crafts right in their shop!

8. Local shops are for everyone.
Most people can get to their local shops easily and this especially important for the elderly and young people and those without transportation.  We cater to bikes, skaters, walkers, etc.  Some merchants also have wheelchair accessibility.

9. Local shops value you more.
Evidence from numerous surveys show people receive better customer care and service locally. These businesses survive by their reputation and repeat business which means you get a higher standard of service. Some of our downtown merchants have been in business over a decade, or more!

10. Shopping local saves services.
Private and public sector services cluster around shops. As shops disappear so do hairdressers, banks, and restaurants, etc.  Keep your downtown thriving.

Don’t forget to enter to win a $1000 Shopping Spree for the Holidays!  Visit http://www.downtowncanandaigua.com for more info.

Wick-edly Sent is welcoming the winter season by introducing a new line of holiday scented candles that friends and family can enjoy.

As with all of the candles at Wick-edly Sent, these new holiday candles are made with 100% soy wax, which burns very clean and even, and last 80-100 hours. The new holiday candles come in a variety of scents that will cater to a variety of different people and a variety of different tastes.

According to co-owner Don Stevens, “Cranberry Orange is a perfect scent for the holidays. It has a fruity clean scent that fills the room with a burst of citrus and the warmth of cranberry.” Wick-edly Sent’s new Hollyberry soy candle also has the same effect but with the sent of holly berries that goes hand in hand with the holidays. Keeping with the seasonal berries, there is also a new Bayberry holiday candle that has a blend of bayberries, spices, and a hint of clove. For people who like the fruity smell of berries, but who also like a woodsy note, the new Twigs and Berries soy scented candle might be the best choice. For those who just like the smell of a fresh cut tree in the house, the Winter Pine holiday candle will fill the room with a delicate refreshing smell of a Northern Pine. There are also Apple’s and Cinnamon and Pumpkin Spice holiday candles that are familiar with two favorite pies of the holidays.

About Wick-edly Sent:
Scott Mackey and Don Stevens, owners, opened Wick-edly Sent in 2003 in Baltimore, and moved to NY State in 2005. The scented candles are available online, and can be shipped nationwide. In addition, natural olive oil soap and bath products are available.  Soy candles, olive oil soaps, and natural bath and body products are all made in their shop on Main Street in Canandaigua.

Contact Don Stevens/ Scott Mackey for more information about soy candles

Wick-edly Sent Soap and Scented Candles Company
94 South Main Street
Canandaigua, New York 14424
http://www.escentedcandle.com
585-394-5260

Seasons Greetings,

The holiday season can be over whelming some times so Simply Crepes has devised a couple of plans to keep everyone happy, harmonious and relaxed through the holidays.  Need something to warm your spirits come and relax by our cozy fireplace and enjoy a cup of house made corn chowder, or a seasonal hot cup of Italian eggnog chai.  If you are having family visit or need something to keep the children entertained how about breakfast with Santa exclusively at our downtown Rochester location.  Seating’s are at 9 and 11 am December 13th. Reservations are required and tickets can be purchased at any of our three locations.  Finally if you are tired of all of the cooking and cleaning associated with the season, let us feed the family for you.  Below is a picture of our newly renovated upstairs banquet room.  This large mahogany table seats ten and is ideal for a private family meal.

So keep us in mind, come and unwind and have a wonderful holiday season!

This past weekend proved to be a success with visitors.  People discovered new businesses, said hello to old friends, and found new ones.  Merchants displayed holiday oriented gifts, products, or apparel, and patrons got to vote on who had the best holiday drink.

And the winners are:

Crown Jewelry, first place

Sweet Expressions and Wick-edly Sent Soap and Candle Company (tied), second place

Simply Crepes, third place

Daisie at Icon Salon (above) knows how to serve it up right, with pomegranate martinis, along with a buffet of food for hungry and cold Main Street walkers. Holiday Open House proved to be a success.

Along with drinks, patrons enjoyed a free stocking stuffer trail that included 20 merchants giving away free stocking stuffers.  Plus, an elf was there Friday thru Sunday handing out 1.00 Canandaigua Holiday Cash.

Main street merchants prove again to be fun, friendly, and ready to serve great customer service.

Taste of the Finger Lakes happened November 19th at The Inn on the Lake.  It was well attended, and the food, wine, and specialty foods were outstanding.  Having a taste was more than enough with so many vendors, offering a sample of new and exciting creations.

And the Winners:

Best Taste – Fiddlehead Concepts

Best Sip Dr. Frank Konstantin

Best Specialty Food – Sweet Expressions

Best Display – The Inn on the Lake

Some pics of fun and adventurous folks:

Lynne Stewart from Bristol Harbor, serving up sips and tastings.

Just married, and enjoying a night out in town - Mitch Donovan and Rebecca.

Winning table Sweet Expressions, with April, John MacKenzie, and Denise Chaapel.

Great friends Anna Polemini and Chris Henehan enjoying the night.

Newest couple in town, artist Nancy Wiley and her husband, Robert O’ Brien

Winning table for best display, The Inn on the Lake.  They had scrumptious meatballs, and a soup that I voted for, Butternut Squash with pistachio.

Jeff Anthony from Dick Anthony LLC, and his lovely date, Marge.

Alison Grems from the Chamber, with her handsome date, Todd Kestor with a groovy bowling shirt.

The event is a fundraiser for the BID and Nicole Mahoney did a great job organizing it.  There were also silent auctions, and Live Music.  To keep informed of events, go to http://www.downtowncanandaigua.com and sign up on our free newsletter for Downtown Canandiagua happenings, events, and promotions.  Thanks.

Downtown Merchants create a festive holiday experience with free stocking stuffers, holiday drink recipes with tasting, free elf dollars, plus a $1000 shopping spree.

With the holidays approaching, the Downtown Canandaigua Merchants Association is creating a holiday open house experience. The event is Friday, November 21- Sunday November 23^rd in downtown Canandaigua. The weekend event is their holiday kick off, unveiling Main Street’s holiday decorations, holiday themed gifts, apparel, and art. This year they have planned a fun adventure. A holiday drink recipe contest invites the public to go to participating merchants to sample a holiday drink with recipe. Consumers will also vote on the best. There is also a free stocking stuffer giveaway from participating merchants. The free stockings and stocking stuffers are one to a family while supplies last. A live elf will liven things up by giving away free “Holiday Elf Dollars” that can be redeemed by merchants. And for the third year, consumers can register to win a $1000 shopping spree for the holidays.

“This is the whole experience,” Don Stevens, president of the Downtown Merchant Association explains. “The old historic buildings, the unique shops, restaurants, and galleries, and quaintness bring people together.” As a business owner himself, he looks forward to a bright holiday season. “The horse drawn wagon rides, the newly renovated Santa’s House, and the friendly merchants make downtown Canandaigua a holiday destination.”

The Holiday Open House is a time when the merchants display their holiday themed products, whether it’s apparel, gifts, or art. This is a time when Main Street is decorated with holiday lights, and represents a kick-off to the holiday shopping season. Having more activities, such as the holiday drink contest, free stocking stuffers, and elf dollars create a more festive atmosphere for consumers.

For a list of participating merchants for the holiday drink contest and free stocking stuffer giveaway visit http://www.downtowncanandaigua.com

Here is the complete list of Participating Merchants

Free Stocking Stuffer Giveaway

Visit Merchants to receive a Free Stocking Stuffer Giveaway!
Includes one free stocking per family, while supplies last.

• Unique Toy Shop
  120 South Main
  394-2319 Website

• Cat’s In the Kitchen
  367 West Avenue
  585-394-3994 Website

• Wildflowers
  88 South Main Street
  396-9420 Website

• Sweet Expressions
  169 S. Main Street
  Canandaigua, NY 14424
  (585) 394-5250 Website

• RVE Bike and Skate
  168 S. Main Street
  585-393-5680 Website

• JOOLZ
  237 South Main Street
  396-3520 Website

• Wick-edly Sent Soap & Candle Company
  94 South Main Street
  394-5260 Website

• Crown Jewelry
  142 S. Main Street
  585-394-3115 Website

• Finger Lakes Gallery & Frame
  36 South Main Street
  (585) 396-7210 Web

• Adorn Jewelry and Accessories
  24 Coy Street, Number 2
  585-393-1520 Website

• Liberty Cottage
  116 South Main Street
  585-393-1070 Website

• Expressions in Needleart
  110 South Main Street
  585-394-4870 Website

• Country Ewe
  79 Main Street
  1-888-708-0820 (toll free) Website

• Simply Crepes
  101 S. Main Street
  394-9090 Website

• Icon Salon and Spa
  84 South Main Street
  394-2150 Website

• Pat Rini Rohrer Gallery
  71 South Main Street
  394-0030 Web

• Holiday Drink Recipe Trail

  Visit Merchants and Vote for the “Best Holiday Drink” with recipe
  Along the Downtown Canandaigua Trail:

• Wildflowers
  88 South Main Street
  396-9420 Website

• Sweet Expressions
  169 S. Main Street
  Canandaigua, NY 14424
  (585) 394-5250 Website

• RVE Bike and Skate
  168 S. Main Street
  585-393-5680 Website

• JOOLZ
  237 South Main Street
  396-3520 Website

• Wick-edly Sent Soap & Candle Company
  94 South Main Street
  394-5260 Website

• Crown Jewelry
  142 S. Main Street
  585-394-3115 Website

• Finger Lakes Gallery & Frame
  36 South Main Street
  (585) 396-7210 Web

• Adorn Jewelry and Accessories
  24 Coy Street, Number 2
  585-393-1520 Website

• Olde Country Picture Framers
  106 South Main Street
  394-4170 Website

• Liberty Cottage
  116 South Main Street
  585-393-1070 Website

• Expressions in Needleart
  110 South Main Street
  585-394-4870 Website

• Country Ewe
  79 Main Street
  1-888-708-0820 (toll free) Website

• Simply Crepes
  101 S. Main Street
  394-9090 Website

• Icon Salon and Spa
  84 South Main Street
  394-2150 Website

• Dick Anthony, Ltd.
  166 South Main Street
  585-394-4876 Web

• Pat Rini Rohrer Gallery
  71 South Main Street
  394-0030 Web

Sponsored by the Downtown Canandaigua Merchant’s Association

The 7^th annual Taste of the Finger Lakes will be held on Wednesday, November 19^th at The Inn on the Lake in Canandaigua from 6:30pm to 9:30pm. Thirty Finger Lakes area restaurants, wineries, custom brewcrafters and specialty food vendors will be on hand offering delicious samples. Tickets are $40 in advance and $45 at the door. Canandaigua BID Director Sal Pietropaolo states, “The attraction of this event is two-fold. First, it helps bring together a diverse display of the culinary delights that the region has to offer and second it serves as an important fundraising event for our organization.”

Scott Kreyer will be performing solo on keyboard throughout the evening. Locals may recognize Scott from his performances at NY Wine & Culinary Center and philanthropic events for the Canandaigua Rotary and VA.

With thirty tasting booths, attendees should plan to bring an appetite. People’s Choice awards will be given in four categories, Best Taste, Best Sip, Best Specialty Food and Best Display. Attendees will want to make sure they have a good sampling before casting their votes. There are 12 restaurants including, Bristol Harbour, Brown Hound, Esperanza Mansion, Fiddlehead Concepts, Lumberyard Grille, Madder Lake Café, New York Wine & Culinary Center, Simply Crepes, Steamboat Landing, The Inn on the Lake, The Waterfront Grille and Vineyard Buffet. Seven specialty food vendors including, Allens Hill Farm, Chalet of Canandaigua, Hartmann’s Old World Sausage, Monk’s Bread, Naples Valley Brand Products, Red Jacket Orchards and Sweet Expressions. Nine wineries including, Anthony Road, Arbor Hill Grapery, Dr. Konstantin Frank, Eagle Crest Vineyards, Fox Run Vineyards, Fulkerson Winery, Glenora Wine Cellars, Heron Hill, and Wilhelmus Estate Winery. Two custom brewcrafters including, Custom Brewcrafters and High Falls Brewing Company.

In addition to the tasting booths, attendees will be able to bid on over 60 silent auction items. Including a Bat Kid package from the Red Wings, a Taste of the Finger Lakes Dine Around package that includes dinner at 8 area restaurants, dinner and a cruise on Seneca Lake , artwork, children’s parties, spa packages and more.

Morrell Builders, Finger Lakes Gaming & Race Track and Thompson Health have all given support to this event in the form of sponsorship. The proceeds from The Taste of the Finger Lakes benefit the Canandaigua BID. The BID is a non-profit organization created to promote, beautify and improve downtown Canandaigua for its residents, merchants and property owners. The events and services that the BID provides for Downtown Canandaigua have a big impact on the entire community by helping to attract new residents, new businesses and tourists to the area.

For tickets and more information visit http://www.downtowncanandaigua.com or call 585-396-0300.

Greetings,

This is out first blog and we are very excited about getting the word out about what we are doing with the restaurant for the upcoming holiday season.  We are also excited to get some feed back from the community.

Here at Simply Crepes we have created some delectable dishes for the fall season, as well as developing drink specials to compliment these items.  To mention just a few, we have a house made butternut squash soup garnished with a scoop of sour cream and of course a crepe chip.  This has been a very popular item, soup warms the soul and with the colder weather who can resist.  For a lighter lunch choice  we have a harvest chicken salad crepe, this crepe includes royal empire apples, dried cranberries, and celery with a house made dressing with fresh greens and tomatoes.  Customers have been raving about our featured dinner special; Butternut squash crepes.  These ravioli style crepes are stuffed with a house recipe squash and topped with a white wine leek sauce, yum!  And last but never least here we have dessert.  This month  we feature a spiced pumpkin crepe.  This amazing dessert involves pumpkin filling, our signature sweet vanilla cream, candied walnuts, and whipped cream, and comes topped with genuine upstate maple syrup.

We hope you stop in and celibrathe the season with us.  Stay tuned next week when we will be telling you more about our participation in down town events this holiday season.  I will also be posting some pictures of our newly renovated banquet rooms on the second floor.