Visit the Historic Sonnenberg Gardens

Named “Sunny Hill” in German, Sonnenberg Gardens is one of the finest remaining Victorian-era homes in the United States and a New York State Park prominent for its 50-acre, nine-garden estate and Queen Anne-style mansion that has placed it on the US National Register of Historic Places. Its original owners and creators were Frederick Thompson, a New York City banker that started Citibank and Chase, and Mary Lee Clark, the daughter of the New York State governor in 1855 and a Canandaigua native.

With period architecture, garden statuary, and themed gardens, Sonnenberg Gardens & Mansion State Historic Park is one of the premier attractions of the Finger Lakes region and provides a breathtaking landscape for a walk in the gardens or a savory meal within its antique walls. There’s also more to experience on this spacious estate with its wine tasting room and solarium.

The Finger Lakes Wine Center allows visitors to taste selections from 10-15 different wines made with New York State-grown grapes in the building’s wine cellar. As a member of the Canandaigua Wine Trail, the Finger Lakes Wine Center is also a gateway to all the wine trails in the Finger Lakes region. The retail store situated near the greenhouse conservatory sells wine and food products from more than 40 wineries and farms.

The greenhouse conservatory complex, a massive glass-encased solarium, is a Lord & Burnham glass structure that is one of the last remaining in the United States. You can find these kinds of buildings at the world’s biggest botanical gardens, as well as at Sonnenberg. Sections within the greenhouse buildings include the palm house, mushroom cellar, grapery, orchid house, and rose house, as well as several more. In total, you’ll find more than 13,000 square feet of lush flora. Be sure to visit the detailed Japanese Garden, designed by Mary Lee Clark, which also is home to the Tea House, five bridges, and a bronze Buddha statue from the 12^th century.

The 17^th Annual Arts at the Gardens event is held August 19-20, 2017 10AM-5PM on the grounds of Sonnenburg. Discover over 100 of the Finger Lakes’ finest artists and musicians and enjoy delicious food and wine from area vendors. The two-day outdoor fine art and craft show costs $7 and provides a unique setting for visitors that are here to view, collect, or enjoy the art and culture. For more information visit the website.

Sonnenberg Mansion and Garden

151 Charlotte Street

Canandaigua, NY

585-394-4922