Hello Finger Lakes! Hope your coffee tastes especially good this morning. In today’s bring-the-kiddos edition: A pizza farewell, a summerween party, and a snail walk + excuses to get the fam out and about this week.
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01 — Worth knowing In the newsThree local stories this week, plus a few worth your money.
End of an era: Canandaigua’s Pontillo’s will close after nearly 50 years, owners say, citing circumstances beyond their control. No final day announced yet, as customers share memories of the longtime pizza spot -- see Pontillo’s farewell.
Watershed protection advances: Canandaigua City Council accepted easements from five property owners to curb Sucker Brook flooding, approved land protection near Barnes Gully, backed a $2.6 million funding application for watershed resilience -- get the full details.
Safer access for everyone: Canandaigua added pedestrian safety upgrades along State Route 364, including a footbridge, sidewalk, and better lighting to improve access near CMAC and connect residents, cyclists, and Finger Lakes Community College -- see the safety upgrades.
Nothing prepares you for a pet emergency: I learned that the hard way after charging $10k to a credit card for life-saving surgery on my cat, Miss Stache. As soon as we got home, I signed up for Spot. It’s super affordable – and reimburses up to 90% of the bill.*
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03 — On our radar
Local business spotlightNearby spots we'd actually send a friend to.
Weeknight nature reboot: Buttermilk Falls State Park delivers waterfall-cooled hikes, shady gorge views, and just-enough stairs to count as cardio. Pack a snack, loop a trail, then linger by the creek and feel that smug local joy of having Ithaca’s backyard spectacular basically to yourself on a random Tuesday.
Level up game night: Great Escape Adventures has free-to-play tables, a community board game library, and regular events if you want to find a table. Browse thousands of board games, RPGs, CCGs, minis, and paints, then let your inner strategist come out to play.
Freshen up your space: Part greenhouse, part full-service florist, Michaleen's Florist & Greenhouse has kept Ithaca colorful for 30-plus years with fresh bouquets, sturdy houseplants, and seasonal finds that actually survive your apartment lighting. Stop in when the living room needs a reset or the week needs rescuing.
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04 — Our recommendations
We got your backA handful of products and services we think are worth a look.
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Buy one window treatment this summer, get the second 50% off: “My fourth order over 8 years. Product reliability, consistency to values & warranty kept me returning!” See what keeps customers coming back to 3 Day Blinds. Book your free consultation and enjoy summer savings on blinds, shades, and drapery. *Claim your summer savings →
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Have an event to share? We (and our readers) can't wait to hear about it! Submit an event → |
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05 — The event calendar Fun for the famOur favorite upcoming kid and family-friendly events. All events are subject to change. Always check official event pages before heading out.
🎃 Summerween Party @ Watkins Glen Public Library | Wednesday (6/24) at 2:00 PM – The library's annual Summerween Party is creeping back into the stacks, because nothing says summer like cobwebs and sunscreen. Costumes are encouraged, not required, and the reward is pizza, snacks, and delightfully odd spooky-in-sandals fun, free and open to everyone.
🌈 Story + Craft: Pride Edition! @ Tompkins County Public Library (Ithaca) | Thursday (6/25) at 4:00 PM – Bring the kiddos for a Pride-themed read-aloud, followed by art-making or a guided craft. Best for ages 5 and up, but younger siblings can absolutely crash the party. Expect big colors, tiny attention spans, and glitter that will haunt your minivan in the best way.
💃 Outdoor Toddler Dance Party @ Penn Yan Public Library | Friday (6/26) at 10:00 AM – On the Main St. side of the library, the tiniest dance floor in town comes alive with stories, songs, and serious wiggles. It is outdoors, so weather can cancel it, and yes, grownups boogie too, which counts as cardio, cultural enrichment, and bribery for naps.
🌺 Luau Weekend @ Watkins Glen / Corning KOA Resort | Friday (6/26) – Trade errands for a luau weekend at the Watkins Glen/Corning KOA, a tropical escape tucked right here in the Finger Lakes. Craving island vibes without the TSA? No passport, just flip-flops, sunscreen, your camp chair, and easy laughs by the fire.
🐌 Snail Walk @ Ellis Hollow Nature Preserve (Ithaca) | Saturday (6/27) at 9:00 AM – Stroll, slowly by design, through Ellis Hollow Nature Preserve with malacologist Marla Coppolino as you scout the secret hangouts of snails and slugs, the forest’s tiny cleanup crew. Pack a magnifier, spritz some bug spray, and relish moving at a civilized, snail’s pace.
📺 Saturday Morning Cartoons and Cereal Bar @ Waterloo / Finger Lakes KOA Holiday | Saturday (6/27) – Relive Saturday mornings at the rec hall with classic cartoons and a cereal bar piled with the sugary stuff we swore we outgrew. Mikey still likes it, and so will your inner 8-year-old, your actual kids, and anyone who remembers fiddling with VCR tracking.
🦊 Fantastic Mr Fox @ Smith Opera House (Geneva) | Tuesday (6/30) at 2:00 PM – Nothing beats a cozy night with a clever fox, stop-motion charm, and George Clooney's baritone on the big screen. Fantastic Mr Fox screens for the kids at heart, where a retired thief outwits three nasty farmers, breaks a promise, and saves his family.
Want more? Browse our full events calendar | Submit an event |
06 — From our sponsor Heads up for pet parentsTogether with our sponsor Lemonade. Nothing prepares you for a late-night emergency at the vet. I learned that the hard way after charging $10k to a credit card for life-saving surgery on my cat, Miss Stache. From the initial exam fee just to be seen, to x-rays, surgery, medication, and follow-up visits… the bill racks up fast (to say the least). And at that moment? You’re not thinking about your savings, you’re just saying yes to whatever keeps them thriving. As soon as we got home, I dug around online and ultimately signed up for Pet Insurance. It was too late for me, but you could save thousands on your next vet bill with *Lemonade. |
07 — The Finger Lakes report Weather forecastToday — High: 77°F — Low: 57°F — Precip: 0%
Sunny, with a high near 77. Northwest wind 3 to 8 mph. Later: Partly cloudy, with a low around 57. South wind 1 to 5 mph.
Tomorrow — High: 77°F — Low: 60°F — Precip: 86%
A slight chance of rain showers between 8am and 2pm, then showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 77. South wind around 6 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. Later: Showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 60. Chance of precipitation is 90%. This house is wildThis Mid-Century Modern estate spans more than eight secluded acres just minutes from Ithaca, pairing dramatic exposed beams, walls of glass, and rich hardwoods with resort-style grounds. A quartz-topped kitchen, hidden bourbon nook, sunken living room, pool, hot tub, and tennis-pickleball court set the tone. A sleek guest house and showroom garage add extra flair.
Take a peek inside → |
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