If you walk down East Lake Road on a daily basis, you observe the slow evolution of the seasons — both natural and man-made. In the fall, a big white van with inner tubes hooked onto the back might pull over in front of you, and a cadre of men in wetsuits might hop out and proceed down to the shore. It’s time to remove the docks. Meanwhile, milkweed patches on the side of the road will have turned orange and crinkly, leaving only their silky pods of floss. You look carefully for any chrysalises or caterpillars, without such luck. They say monarchs are making a comeback.

Trees turn yellow, orange, then red, and Camp Stella Maris is quiet and empty. Lake lingerers sun-bathe on the remaining docks or head down to the boat launch for one last ride. The weather is perfect for a motorcycle convoy, while the next wave of tourists comes through for fall foliage season. Summer may have left for the night, but as far as you’re concerned the party’s still going. Apple harvest is at its peak, and Halloween’s spooky pop-up shops and trunk-or-treats are just around the corner. Whether it’s a wedding or wanderlust — you can’t go wrong with visiting Conesus Lake in autumn. Click below to explore lodging options today.