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Pulling into SkyLand Farm, we were drawn to the unusual garden art set amidst a striking abundance of flowergardens with little paths, one leading over a small waterfall and pond, complete with croaking frogs. Vying for my attention, to the left, a labyrinth and a view of Seneca Lake. To the right, stained glass, a big open doorway out of which came music and two cats. First stop the cats. Once inside, I was greeted by the work of over 300 local, regional, and US artists‹hand made and one of a kind! Where to look first? Wool from the sheep next door. Mirrors crafted from Seneca Lake stones. Jewlery. Glass. Wrought iron. Over 50 kinds of essential oil & herb infused soaps. Colorful brooms (I was tempted to sweep). Walls of copper sculptures. Fountains. Beeswax & Bayberry candles. Wood artŠ. And potteryŠan entire pottery studio filled with pottery! Then I found the much talked about Bathroom. All I will tell you is that you will emerge inspired, and refreshed. Don¹t miss it. Beyond the pottery studio, one is drawn by delightful aromas into the Garden Room Café where a two story oak tree towers over the bakery. A spiral staircase winds amazingly up through the branches for an adventurous trip up to the second floor. It is like walking up through a gigantic natural sculpture. Look for the photos on how it was built. (The other side of the shop offers a conventional , beautifully wrought iron trimmed staircase.) Back in the Café, was an iresistable display of Œcomfort food for the heart¹: European tarts, mousses, cakes, pies, smoothies, salads & sandwichesŠand gelato (Italian ice-cream). Since it was warm. I decided on gelato for dessert. The 15 plus flavors, are pre-dipped daily and beautifully displayed in colorful rows in an inviting self serve fashion. A quick lesson: Gelato is denser (less air, less sugar, less butterfat). It has a creamier, more intense flavor which is derived from fresh fruits and spices, etc. not flavorings. I was instructed to let it thaw for just a minute so that one can experience and savor the full and surprisingly powerful flavors. Sitting in the one of the hand crafted booths overlooking Seneca Lake through the big open windows, I found myself wishing I had room to try some of the other amazing desserts such as the Hazelnut Torte or Cinnamon Bread Pudding. My gaze was drawn to the other side of the café where out in the little farm yard there were goats and sheep enjoying themselves just as much. I watched as the agile goats raced up inside a little barn only to appear through a second story window to await food being pullied up to them from below. Seeing this brought out the child in me I had to go feed them too. .. .. Once outside I found there were also many chickens racing busily about the pasture and stealing bits of feed that the sheep missed. So these were the gals that the laid the beautiful green, brown and white eggs for sale. I read that these chickens eat mostly grass, carrots, squash, little bugs, and what ever fruit falls from the trees. I am sure that these extraordinary eggs made the tuna sandwich that I had for lunch one of the best I¹ve ever eaten. I finally left laden with treats for home, the perfect wedding gift, pottery for myself, a wish list for my husband, and their open hours. This was the perfect (something for everyone) place to bring the parade of relatives scheduled to visit us this summer. SkyLand Farm is a 3000 sq. foot Art Barn set amidst stone walled gardens (including a cut-your-own bouquet garden), labyrinth and feedable goats, sheep & chickens, overlooking Seneca Lake. Featuring an in-house pottery studio and the work of over 300 local, NY, and US Artists, exquisitely displayed amongst stained glass, wrought iron and handhewn beams. The Garden Room Café tempts with a large dessert & gelato(Italtian ice-cream) selection as well as light lunches. The Café is built around a two story white oak tree with a spiral staircase winding through its branches, taking you up to the second floor for an overwhelming view of Seneca Lake. This is a true Finger Lakes Experience. ** |