This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone #RoadTripOil #CollectiveBias
Whether it is a complete vacation or a fun day-trip, there are so many spots hidden away in America that are such great places to visit. Canandaigua Lake in Upstate New York is one of those sites. It is a haven for those who live there – some year ’round and others in summer homes – and it is a destination location for many, many others.
Have you ever heard of Canandaigua Lake? Well, let me tell you more…
Canandaigua is a Seneca Native American name which means “the chosen spot.” Look at this picture and you will totally understand why. It is beautiful! It is the fourth largest of the Finger Lakes and is enjoyed by many for swimming, fishing, boating or simply looking at it. When we were there we saw so many people out early in the morning just taking a stroll or sitting on a park bench and contemplating.
The city of Canandaigua NY, where the lake is located, has a population of just over 10,500. The nearest large city is Rochester NY, with a population of 20 times that size. Canandaigua, which officially became a city in 1913, has preserved the quaint architecture of the past – especially on Main Street – and blended that look of the past with lovely modern hotels, apartments and commercial buildings.
We really didn’t have time to go anywhere this summer; our schedule is booked. But I didn’t want to let a year go by without visiting my favorite vacation town. So, I had a brainstorm. We needed an oil change for our Chevy Traverse, anyway. Why not head to Canandaigua and go to Walmart’s Auto Center? We’d get the oil changed there and spend some time enjoying the sites at the same time. It was perfect!
The places we would see while we were there:
- Canandaigua Lake
- The Courthouse
- Kershaw Park and Beach
- Walmart Auto Center
- Roseland Water Park
- The Canandaigua Lady Steamboat
- Villager Restaurant and Diner
Soon as we got to the outskirts of the city, I was ready with my camera. I love their courthouse. It reminds me of something from an old TV show. If those walls could talk, I bet there would be a lot of stories it could tell. Snap! My first picture:
Vintage courthouse building
As we drove further down Main Street, we could see the lake. Taking a bend to the left, we came upon Kershaw Park. Snap! Picture number 2. Residents can gain access to the beach (which is sectioned off for swimming and tended by lifeguards) for free. Visitors pay a small fee. They have a snack stand where visitors can buy grilled hot dogs, hamburgers and ice cream cones. Yum! There is a nice big playground for the kids directly adjacent, open for everyone to use.
Kershaw Park Lodge (above) and Beach (below)
Our next stop? Walmart to get our oil changed. I never expected to see a horse and carriage in the parking lot but that is exactly what we saw! An Amish family had come to shop at the store, driving their horse drawn carriage. Now you don’t get to see THAT every day!
I had called ahead and made our appointment for 10:00 am. They were ready and waiting for me. Our car has not reached the really high mile category but it has over 59,000 miles. It is important to have the best oil in it to keep things running well.
We selected PennzoilPlatinum® FullSynthetic Motor Oil with PurePlus™Technologywhich is designed for vehicles under 75,000 miles.
Soon as our vehicle reaches the 75,000 mile mark it will be time to switch to Pennzoil® High Mileage Vehicle® It keeps engines running clean and strong by cleaning out the sludge left behind by lesser oils.
*The Pennzoil High Mileage is on rollback until September 28, 2016 from $39.88 to $35.88. Great deal!
When I first entered Walmart’s Auto Center, their nice employees looked up the details on our make, model and year of car to be sure of everything it needs. From now on, when I return, they will have that information on file, making it even easier.
Here is the entrance to the Walmart Auto Center in Canandaigua NY.
Helpful Walmart Auto Center employees making sure my car got just the care it needs.
When they do your oil change at Walmart, they use bulk Pennzoil Platinum®Full Synthetic Motor Oil with PurePlus™Technology. Some adventuresome folks may prefer to change their own oil (NOT me!) If that is you, you can buy the very same Pennzoil motor oil at Walmart and do it yourself. I choose to have the experts do it and shop for things for my trip while THEY do the work!
After our oil change, which took less than an hour from start to finish, were back on the road with two more sights to see!
First, we found Roseland Waterpark. Families come to Canandaigua to make a whole day of family fun at Roseland. It is loads of fun!
And finally, we found the Canandaigua Lady 19th century style steamboat. People can pay to take a tour of the lake. We didn’t have time on this trip but I am planning on going back to do just that.
As we were winding up our day, we were really hungry. We had heard about the Villager Restaurant and Diner on Main Street Canandaigua so we decided to give it a try.
The food was delicious and very reasonably priced. What I loved was the hometown atmosphere. Several people from town had come in to sit at the counter, read the paper, eat good food and talk. The waitresses are so friendly -everything felt really “down home.”
That barely touches the surface of all you can do in Canandaigua NY but it is a good start. We had a really great day and I can hardly wait to do it again. Next time we need an oil change, we’ll take that boat tour, too!
Before you go, let’s take one more look at this marvelous view:
Planning any roadtrips?
When you do, remember to get your oil changed.
Find your closest Walmart Auto Center here.
And select your Pennzoil motor oil here.
Enjoy!
Note: many posts on this blog contain Affiliate Links.
Leave a Reply