Meet Laurie Ames Fontaine, owner
How did you become involved with Shoreless Acres? Did you create the store yourself, and when did that all happen?
It all happened when I bought the store on April 20, 2017. It’s a neighborhood store; it’s right by my house on Hartson Point.
I’ve named each section of the store after one of my 12 grandchildren: McKaleigh’s Milkshakes, Kristy’s Krawlers and Tacoma’s Tackle for fishing, Kash Out Here for the register, Olivia’s Donuts for the apple cider donuts – the customers really love those on the weekends – Emerson’s Eats where we make the food, Quinley’s Quick Energy for energy drinks, Gavin’s Games where we sell toys for the kids, Harper’s Hots, Connor’s Candy where we keep all the candy in an old-timey porcelain cooler, Jane’s Java and Cole’s Clothes.
Since my ownership, I’ve added a bunch of additions to the store, including where I make our fresh, homemade, old-fashioned apple cider donuts.
What is Shoreless Acres is all about? What makes it special and unique?
Shoreless Acres and Serious Foods have become staples for life on Conesus Lake; it’s hard to imagine the lake without them. It has this timeless charm, and people of all walks of life feel comfortable here. I make food for customers, help them with what they need, make people feel at home no matter where they’re from or who they are. It’s not easy, especially during the summer, but it’s worth it to know that my friends and family have a place to be.
I read that the store is a market and also has serious food offerings. Tell us more about that.
The store has all of your needs for living on the lake – like eggs, milk, ice, beer and fishing equipment. During the winter, we sell a lot of sandwiches for breakfast and lunch, and on Friday we sell fish fries, Saturday we’ll do a prime rib, and on Sunday we sell a lasagna, all freshly made at the store. Serious Foods, which opens up in the summer, has everything from our Serious Trash Plates, chicken wings, hot Italian sausage, hamburgers, hot dogs, and any kind of fries (though we are known for our curly fries!). We also have an ice cream stand right next door, all situated around our pavilion with plenty of seating around the year, including the patio which is heated in the winter. Even when it’s raining or snowing, there’s always a place to eat, even if it’s just around the fire pit.
What are some of your customers’ favorite things?
Customers love to have their Coffee Club here. It’s sort of a wellness check for the neighbors that live alone through the winter. Every week, they get together and hang out, drinking their coffees on the patio. They’ll celebrate their birthdays together, and sometimes they ask for special dinners which I’ll oblige. We’ve got each other’s backs here, especially during the winter when business is slow. I always make sure that the coffee is on for them. If you ever need a plumber or an electrician or anybody that can help, they’re the ones to ask. I try my best to foster a community here where we all support each other, and the customers appreciate that about me and my business.
People also love the apparel here, Cole’s Clothing. It’s got all this Conesus Lake branding all over it. Tourist and locals like to get the shirts and remember their time on the lake.
What is your favorite part of being the owner of this unique establishment?
As the owner, I get to interact with all kinds of people, especially during the summer when the boat launch here on the lake opens up and everyone roams in from anywhere. I consider them a part of the community, too. We offer propane, batteries, firewood and air for their tires. I just like helping people, and I think of it as a privilege to meet a variety of people.
Where do you hail from? Are you a Finger Lakes native?
I’m originally from the Adirondacks, in Tupper Lake. I moved to the Finger Lakes Region more than 40 years ago, and I just love it so much. I’ve had three homes in Livonia, on East Lake Road, Hartson Point, so I would say that in 40 years I’ve grown to know the area pretty well.
What do you enjoy most about the Finger Lakes Region?
What comes to mind first is July 3. On July 3, we have the Ring of Fire around the lake – every home, every property around the lake lights flares at 10 p.m. and set off fireworks. It’s a huge event. Everyone comes out onto the lake and celebrates all day and night, it’s beautiful. I love everything that the Finger Lakes has to offer: boating, tubing, kayaking, skiing, paddle boarding, hiking. The parks around here, Letchworth, Stony Brook, hiking is huge around there. Even on Conesus Lake we have Vitale and all the other campgrounds. Everyone here is friendly. How couldn’t you be friendly, in a place like this?
Do you have any favorite local activities you enjoy?
Of all of them, I think boating is my favorite. Hiking is important to me, too. I’m a member of a biking group based in the area, and we ride around the lake three times a week. Shoreless Acres is the only place around East Lake Road where bikers can fill up their tires or their water and use the bathroom. I believe in staying active, and there’s no better place to do all that than here on Lake Conesus.
Shoreless Acres General Store is located on the east side of Conesus Lake at 5006 E Lake Rd, Livonia, NY 14487. Their hours are 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday-Saturday, and 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday. Visit them at facebook.com/seriousfood.
