Choosing to stay for Memorial Day weekend

Posted at: 05/24/2012 5:19 PM | Updated at: 05/24/2012 6:06 PM
By: Joangel Concepcion | WHEC.com

While some are heading out of town for the holiday weekend, many are staying behind to enjoy our area’s hidden treasures. From uncovering pools, to picnics to planting flowers and vegetables, this weekend marks the unofficial start to summer.

Memorial Day weekend is also a time to kick back and relax and what better way to do it than spending it with Mother Nature. A lot of us prefer to maybe get away from the city, but a lot of people are flocking to campgrounds. 

According to campground officials, this is just the calm before the storm. 

Victor Arsenault, of Kampgrounds of America in Canandaigua, said, “Friday night, this entire place comes to life.” 

Arsenault runs the KOA Campgrounds in Canandaigua; one of Rochester’s hidden getaways. He says the campground isn’t your average vacation. It offers a little more peace and quiet away from the city, away from it all. 

Arsenault said, “We're expected to have beautiful weather. We have over 450 people reserved to come.” 

As a matter of fact, this weekend is completely booked. The staff at KOA is putting the finishing touches on the place, right before the weekend.

Arsenault said, “Grass cutting, weed whacking cleaning the cafe, the store, the swimming pool, the jumping pillow, lots of wonderful activities ready to go.”

Campers have already started to arrive from all over the area. Ready to fire up the grill and relax along with Mother Nature.

Kathy Tamblin said, “Go on wine trails, we camp. We got to Victor’s pool and golfing. It’s just beautiful.”

Tamblin spends every Memorial Day weekend at KOA. She meets friends here every year to kick off the summer.

Tamblin said, “The weather has been gorgeous and this campground is well known because of the wine and because this area is just gorgeous. We just love it.”

Arsenault says this weekend is just the start of a very busy season. He’s not surprised people want to stick around and enjoy the outdoors.

Arsenault said, “This is going to be another fantastic weekend. What a beginning to a perfect summer."

KOA in Canandaigua is one of 485 facilities across the nation. They expect more than 26,000 visitors this summer. Hamlin Beach State Park and Letchworth State Park campgrounds are also sold out for the weekend.

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