Kershaw Park provides its guest with a lot of options for fun. Whether swimming, renting kayaks, feeding the ducks, strolling along the shore, tanning in the sun, or eating at the fabulous restaurants; you will not leave disappointed. If this is your first time visiting Kershaw Park, then you must ride the famous Canandaigua Lady Paddlewheel Steamboat.

Last Saturday, I was walking along Kershaw Park on Canandaigua Lake, when my boyfriend saw the Canandaigua Lady. He looked at me with a smile on his face and I knew we were going on a boat ride. Before Saturday’s excursion, I had not been on the Lady since I was in third grade. Twelve years later, I still feel marveled by this double-decker paddlewheel boat and compelled to go on a boat ride every time I pass by.

It was 1:30 in the afternoon and the next boat ride was boarding at 2:00 PM. I was unsure if we would be able to get a seat, but the Canandaigua Lady always welcomes walkups. The Lady boards behind The Steamboat Landing, a restaurant and banquet center that also operates the Canandaigua Lady. Starting in May, the Lady cruises around the north end of Canandaigua Lake three times a day for a lunch cruise, an afternoon excursion, and a dinner cruise. It operates everyday from Memorial Day until September 16. Also, a wine tasting cruise is held every Wednesday and a different winery is featured every week. The lunch and dinner cruises are usually the most popular because a meal is served to you on the boat, but they also tend to meet capacity before boarding time. You can reserve your boat cruise ahead of time online by visiting www.steamboatlandingonline.com and then clicking on ‘Boat Cruises.’

My favorite part of taking a ride on the Canandaigua Lady is the fact that it travels a lot slower than motorized boats. Today, life always seems fast paced and our days are filled with endless chores. The Lady allows its guests to sit down, relax, and enjoy the beautiful landscapes the glaciers created. The lake provides a slight breeze that is completely refreshing. For my hour and a half excursion, I savored a serene boat ride that took me away from my busy schedule. If you need a break from life or maybe your vacation, I recommend treating yourself to a ride on the Canandaigua Lady to be taken back to a simpler way of life.

Clare Scott