September 16, 2018 • 0

Sunday in Canandaigua

Decided to spend the day walking to two landmarks in town, the Granger Homestead & Carriage Museum, and Sonnenburg Gardens & Mansion.

It was another dreadfully hot and humid day like we’ve had at home, the kind where I’d curl up with a good book inside, the air conditioning my best friend. But vacations are meant for exploring and out I went. I was drenched in sweat in 5 minutes or less, gross!

But I survived and had a great day learning some of the local history, including names as well known as Helen Keller, Stephen Douglas, and Dolly Madison.

The Granger house includes a hand signed pic of Keller (see below) and her beautiful dog. The grounds include the original Hubbell law office where Douglas read the law, relocated from another spot in town. The office had original books and maps on the wall, and smelled like history…

As for Dolly Madison, while working to save what she could from the British (the War of 1812), she gave Granger (the longest serving Postmaster General), the mahogany dining table, featured in the Granger dining room.

Apparently the Kennedy administration called and asked to have the table back. They were refused. I love that!!

My docent, Victoria, was lovely and gave me a fabulous tour. I was the only person visiting, so she took her time and we had a wonderful visit.

I got to the Sonnenburg around 3, after a longer-than-expected walk in the heat. The cafe beckoned, and I heeded it’s call. It was air conditioned! I had a delicious lunch. But when I went to the ticket booth, they wouldn’t sell me a ticket because they were closing at 4:30 – I thought they closed at 5:30, sigh.

No matter, though, as it is now my first stop after breakfast tomorrow.

Here are some pics from the day. Enjoy!