Stroll Through Sonnenberg Gardens and Mansion in Canandaigua

Flower-filled gardens, majestic trees, distinctive fountains and sculptures, a magnificent mansion, and a wine center: Sonnenberg Gardens and Mansion State Historic Park is truly an extraordinary place. German for "sunny hill," Sonnenberg is one of just two public gardens in all of the New York State Parks System, and is open to visitors May through October.

A little history: The property was once the summer home of New York City bank financier Frederick Ferris Thompson and his wife, Mary Clark Thompson, the daughter of New York governor Myron Holley Clark. In 1863, there were just 14 acres of land with a brick farmhouse. As the couple prospered, they added to the estate, which now encompasses 50 acres,  and replaced the farmhouse with a 40-room Victorian mansion. Visitors can visit the stately rooms of this grand estate and explore the expansive gardens that reflect a variety of styles, including Victorian, Italian, Colonial and Japanese influences.

If that wasn't enough, the historic park is also home to the Finger Lakes Wine Center, featuring some of the best wines and gourmet food products from more than 40 partner wineries and farms. It's a great place to sample a variety of Finger Lakes wines all under one roof.

Sonnenberg hosts public events throughout the year, one of its largest being Arts at the Garden, a two-day juried fine art show. At this year's event on July 31-August 1, juried artists will exhibit and sell their exquisite work in a variety of mediums including fine paintings, prints, ceramics, jewelry, glass, photography, fabrics, woodworking and more. The event also features music, performances, food and wine — plus all of the beauty and elegance of the estate  —making it a perfect way to spend a summer day.