The Perfect Winter Weekend at The Inn at Bonnie Castle

There’s something magical about winter on the water — especially when the bay is frozen, the fireplaces are lit, and the world feels quieter than usual. If you’re craving a peaceful, romantic reset or planning a weekend built around snowmobiling and ice fishing, a winter stay at Bonnie Castle offers the perfect secluded country escape.

Here’s what the ideal winter weekend looks like.

Friday Evening: Settle In & Slow Down

Arrive just before dusk, when the sky over Sodus Bay turns soft shades of lavender and blue. After check-in, head out for dinner at Skipper's Landing — a cozy, intimate spot with a relaxed, unfussy vibe. It’s the perfect way to ease into the weekend without overcomplicating the evening.

When you return to the inn, the pace naturally slows. Pour a cup of tea or a glass of wine and explore the historic home’s public spaces. Play a board game. Chat quietly in front of the fireplace. Let the stillness of winter settle in.

This is where Bonnie Castle shines — family-owned, tucked along a private road, and designed for guests who truly want to unplug.

Saturday Morning: Farm-to-Table & Frosted Views

Wake to the smell of locally sourced, farm-to-table breakfast prepared fresh each morning. Hot coffee or tea in hand, take in the peaceful view of frozen Sodus Bay from the dining room windows. It’s the kind of morning that doesn’t require an agenda — but you’ll have plenty of options.

Choose Your Winter Adventure

For the outdoorsman (or adventurous couple):

• Ice fishing on Sodus Bay

• Snowshoeing across the quiet, snow-covered shoreline

• Snowmobiling through the surrounding countryside

For skiers: Spend the day carving turns at Song Mountain Resort or Bristol Mountain Ski Resort, both easy day trips from the inn.

For a slower pace: Take a scenic winter drive to nearby towns like Fair Haven, Sodus Point, or Oswego for small-town shopping and lakeside charm.

No matter how you spend the afternoon, coming back to the quiet privacy of Bonnie Castle feels like returning to your own winter retreat.

Saturday Night: Martini or Music

Winter evenings are made for hearty dinners and good conversation.

For an elevated night out, enjoy martinis and a classic steak dinner at The Bay Street. If you’re craving something more laid-back, grab a beer and burger with live music at Riley's Bar & Grill.

Then it’s back to the inn — where the fireplace is waiting and the stars over the bay feel brighter in the cold.

Sunday Morning: A Gentle Goodbye

Sunday mornings at Bonnie Castle are intentionally unhurried.

Enjoy one last cozy breakfast before bundling up for a walk along the private dirt road. Snow blankets the surrounding apple orchards, and you may pass a friendly local out for a morning stroll. It’s quiet. Simple. Refreshing.

Check out at 11 a.m., but don’t head home just yet.

Make one final stop at Sweet Indulgence Pastries in Wolcott for something sweet for the drive home — a perfect ending to a restorative winter weekend.

Why Winter at Bonnie Castle Is Different

Winter here isn’t about crowds or packed itineraries. It’s about:

• A historic, family-owned home

• Locally sourced breakfasts made with care

• Private, quiet surroundings

• The beauty of frozen water and snow-covered orchards

• A true secluded country escape

For couples seeking reconnection or outdoor enthusiasts exploring the winter landscape of Sodus Bay, Bonnie Castle offers something increasingly rare: space to breathe.

If you’ve been waiting for the right weekend to slow down, this is it.