Sonnenberg opens for season

Sonnenberg Mansion & Gardens in Canandaigua, an extensively preserved country estate that has survived from the late Victorian era, will open for the garden season on Saturday and remain open through Oct. 11. Hours will be limited in the beginning and end of the season.

Star-Gazette file photo The mansion at Sonnenberg Gardens is surrounded by nine themed gardens, built from 1902 to 1919.

The estate at the north end of Canandaigua Lake was the summer home of Frederick Ferris and Mary Clark Thompson and features 52 acres of themed gardens. An 1887 40-room Queen Anne style mansion, greenhouse complex, and other buildings complete the estate.

This Saturday, there will be concerts at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. in the Great Hall by a choral duet appearing as Frederick and Mary Thompson.

New this season will be ice-cream concerts. The 4th annual Arts at the Gardens is scheduled for August. A Victorian Christmas in December is possible, too, depending on sponsorship.

Regular Admission is $8.50 for adults, $7.50 for seniors, children under 12 are free. Some special events have special pricing. Call ahead for details.

The facility is open seven days a week. Hours of operation 9:30 a.m. until 4 p.m. Saturday to May 30; 9:30 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. May 31 to Sept. 6; and 9:30 a.m. until 4 p.m. Sept. 7 to Oct. 11.

Location: 151 Charlotte St., Canandaigua

More information: www.sonnenberg.org, 585/394-4922 or info@sonnenberg.org