by Lauren Chamberlain
When it comes to creating a memorable travel experience, accommodation and hospitality play a pivotal role in setting the tone for the entire journey. Traveling can be one of the most rewarding ways to spend your hard-earned free time – seeing new places, trying new foods and experiencing rich cultures.
One thing holding potential travelers back is accommodation. Finding the right place, at the right price, to stay safely and comfortably while you explore new areas can be a huge stressor.
The question many people may have is: Why choose a fancy getaway over a chain hotel if you are just there to store your stuff and sleep? If a name brand hotel is your choice, there is no problem with that. However, if you have ever wanted completely transparent pricing without hidden fees for parking or wi-fi, or to be able to have a contactless check-in, or not be forced into an elevator chock-full of dripping, chlorine-coated children, I may have a better option.
The Quiet Place, Apple Country Retreat and The Cliffs Bed & Breakfast at Sodus Point are three examples of the Finger Lakes Region’s unique hospitality and accommodation opportunities. Each has contributed to the area’s growing appeal. Whether you’re seeking relaxation, adventure or a taste of local culture, the right place to stay is essential to making your visit special.
These getaways provide the perfect backdrop to unwind and use your well-earned vacation time. Whether you are visiting for scenic drives, biking and hiking, antiquing, festivals, farm markets, museums, wineries, water sports, snow skiing — the list could really go on — these are the answer for you!
The Quiet Place Getaways
The Quiet Place Getaways are exclusive private vacation rentals scattered across the Finger Lakes Region. Here, guests can see much of the regional scenery before experiencing a continuing sense of quiet, ease and comfort at their accommodations that allows them to better connect with each other, nature and one’s self.
The Quiet Place offers a variety of private homes in the Finger Lakes for guests who are looking for a chance to unplug, relax with friends or reconnect as a couple.
The Quiet Place began 25 years ago but was only graced with the ownership of Mark and Catie Tortarella in January 2021. Eric Moon and Jan McKie launched The Quiet Place in 2000 with the first secluded cabin in Bloomfield, bought in an auction. Since the Tortarella’s took ownership, their vision stayed true to the original dream of the previous owners: to create a one-of-a-kind escape to experience true peace and quiet moments without sharing a living space with proprietors.
Similarly to the Nicols from The Cliffs Bed & Breakfast at Sodus Point, the Tortarellas discovered The Quiet Place while looking to celebrate their love. In October 2020, they reached out to Moon and McKie for a place to celebrate their 10th wedding anniversary.
During their phone call to reserve, Moon started sharing the story of The Quiet Place’s growth and how he and McKie had formed their company brick by brick. As they talked, Moon offered the Tortarellas the opportunity to take ownership of the business.
While they strive to maintain the authenticity of their predecessors, the Tortarellas enjoy making it their own through their attention to detail and personalized touches. They find an enjoyable challenge in evolving while maintaining “a personal, yet unique, experience no matter where the guests stay.”
Valerie Dimino is a long-time lover of the Tortarellas’ business. As a writer, she shared that one of their properties, the Naples Chalet — her personal favorite — was a pivotal piece in drafting and revising her first book.
“Throughout my stay, I feel assured that every need has been thoughtfully addressed — and yet I’m left entirely to my own devices,” Dimino wrote in her blog, “10 Reasons The Quiet Place is the Ideal Getaway.” She explained that her 10 reasons embody everything that the Tortarellas have hoped for visitors – from the amenities and decor to the locations with phenomenal views. The goal is to not only be a great place to stay, but to give guests a place to recharge and gain a better overall state of their mental and physical well-being.
Each of The Quiet Place’s 20 private properties are placed across the wine region of Upstate New York, are individually owned and only operates as a The Quiet Place exclusive getaway. The Tortarellas are hoping to grow with some new getaways and locations.
Apple Country Retreat
Welcome to Apple Country Retreat in Tully. Owners Jay and Marilyn James believe any visitors will be delighted with the many options offered at this facility.
Nestled in Otisco, Apple Country Retreat gives visitors convenient access to Otisco Lake, Syracuse, Skaneateles, Cazenovia, Cortland and Auburn. Just a stone’s throw from the lake, it offers year-round rustic luxury lodging with accommodations to suit each visitor’s needs.
The James family spends their days ensuring that everyone who visits their facility feels welcomed upon arrival and leaves eager to return.
“Our greatest compliment comes from the many guests who return and bring their friends and family back,” they shared.
Guests can indulge in a variety of lodging options. The Ginger Gold Loft suite features a fully equipped kitchen and a private bath. The Empire Suite boasts two spacious bedrooms, a kitchen, living room, full bath and additional half bath. For those looking for a cozier experience, the Jona Gold and Jona Mac rooms share a charming bathroom and a communal entertainment area complete with a pool table, baby grand piano and television.
The Apple Country Retreat has grown significantly since its humble beginnings in October 2003. Starting as a hunt for a place to store their equipment and machinery for their Royal Fiberglass Pool business, Jay and Marilyn ended up falling in love with a parcel of land in scenic Otisco. Previously, the historical Bardwell Farm operated for three generations as a dairy farm. Jay and Marilyn initially planned to reconstruct the barn as a bunkhouse for their crew for Royal Fiberglass Pools. However, this then evolved into a B&B and event space. Within the last several years, the idea of being more than a bed and breakfast came to fruition. Starting in 2013, the James family pitched the Apple Country Retreat to the community and began hosting events and overnight guests.
The property has a gathering area that can accommodate a catered event of up to 120 people, making it the perfect space for celebrations.
Rather than a traditional B&B, they had a much more extraordinary vacation spot with their rustically elegant environment and luxury suites. With a Hard Cider Tavern, Granny Smith Lounge, dining space, pools, hot tubs, firepits and their outdoor bar, “One Bad Apple”, there is not much room left for wanting.
The Cliffs Bed & Breakfast at Sodus Point
As you approach The Cliffs Bed & Breakfast at Sodus Point, the beauty of the landscape catches your attention. Tucked into four acres of private woods, visitors can gaze at the serene shores of Lake Ontario with 300 feet of waterfront views overlooking from a 60-foot cliff above the water.
Owners and Innkeepers Erin and Chris Nicol purchased the property in 2023. However, the story of The Cliffs began well before the couple acquired the property. The house was owned by a local doctor until the 1990s. It opened as a bed and breakfast in 2005.
Erin and Chris were engaged and looking for wedding venues when they stumbled upon the bed and breakfast, The Cliffs at Sodus Point. A year later, they celebrated their wedding there and returned each year after to celebrate their anniversary. When the property became available, they quickly jumped at the opportunity. Not only was this place of their new passion, but it was where they eternalized their love for one another.
The Cliffs features four spacious rooms, each especially designed for ultimate comfort. There is a gathering space with a refrigerator, television and board games. Beyond complimentary wi-fi and wireless device charging, a gourmet homemade breakfast awaits guests each morning in their cozy dining area. On warmer visits, guests are welcome to cool off in the in-ground pool. There are multiple areas to relax in – whether you prefer to lay in the sun by the pool, or cozy up inside with a book.
Their Lake Room has a full view of Lake Ontario. The Alaskan Room is the largest of the four and has a Jacuzzi tub. The English Cottage Room is quaint and cozy.
The Nicols seek to create nothing less than the perfect experience for their guests. They prioritize a restful, relaxing and unique lakeside atmosphere with above-and-beyond service. As hosts, they make a point to connect customers with other regional small businesses.
“Our B&B offers a unique location as a large property in a residential setting with an incredible view of Lake Ontario,” the Nicols said. “A relaxing stay with comfortable accommodations and excellent service from booking to check out is our goal, and we look forward to meeting guests traveling near and far.”
More than a place to rest
From the moment you check into any of these businesses, the warmth, comfort and service you receive can elevate your stay and turn a simple trip into a lasting memory. The Quiet Place, Apple Country Retreat and The Cliffs Bed & Breakfast at Sodus Point have special qualities that set them apart, from personalized service to unforgettable atmospheres. When booking a stay at any of these places, guests aren’t just choosing a place to rest – they’re adding to their experiences.
