BuffaloGolfer.Com participated in a three-day tour of the Turning Stone Resort in Oneida, New York, this summer. The junket revealed that Turning Stone is best understood when divided into three segments: Room and Board; Entertainment; Golf. This is the first installment of three on our time at Turning Stone.

Turning Stone Resort: Room and Board

It’s easy to spot the tower from the I-90 thruway. Central New York does not rise and fall like other regions of the state, so the main building of the resort stands apart quite evidently from its surroundings. The principal question is, where to stay? Like most choices, that depends. Turning Stone has two off-site locations for accommodations and three on-site ones. The nature of your visit, as well as the type of client you are, determines where you’ll make your reservation. Let’s have a little clarity.

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The Villages RV Park

If you travel with your home on your back, you’ll opt for The Villages RV Park. Located two miles up the road from the main resort, frequent shuttle service ensures that you’ll arrive with plenty of time to gamble, golf, dine or relax. The Villages offers back-in and pull-through spaces, separate fishing and boating ponds, an arcade, bathhouses and a retail store for all sundry items.

The Inn at Turning Stone

Situated across Interstate 90, about two miles from the main entrance to the resort, The Inn at Turning Stone offers an affordable alternative to the other accommodation options. The Inn provides guests with a smoke-free environment, complimentary breakfast, a slot machine parlor and other amenities. If you’re saving your funds for gaming, golfing, dancing or other forms of entertainment, you’ll enjoy your time at The Inn.

The Hotel

Located in the main building, but not in the Tower, the Turning Stone Hotel was the original accommodation at the resort. Opened in 1997 and remodeled in 2012, the Hotel has nearly 270 rooms and suites available for its guests. Included among them are patio and jacuzzi suites, as well as luxury suites.

The Tower

Easily the tallest building in central New York, the Tower offers suites and rooms, a health club, easy access to gaming, entertainment and dining. To boot, the TS Steakhouse occupies the top floor of the edifice.

The Lodge

The Lodge is the golfer’s hideaway. While it has its own dining establishment and a terrific wine bar, its location between the first tees at Shenandoah and Kaluhyat (adjacent to the putting green, I might add) makes it an ideal abode for the group whose sole purpose is to golf, golf, golf. The rooms are marvelously appointed, spacious and comfortable. The Lodge has its own fitness center, spa, pool and hot tub. It is a resort-within, an oasis amid an exciting, dynamic resort.

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The Tin Rooster and Upstate Tavern

Moving on to the dining facilities, two of the more low-key, high-value spaces for the epicurean are the Tin Rooster and Upstate Tavern. The Rooster is a honky-tonk, a place that serves great barbecue and often has live entertainment on stage. It’s a great kick-back place to get a little loud and sing a song or two if you happen to stop by on karaoke night. The Upstate Tavern replaced one of my favorite spots, the Brazilian steakhouse. Without skipping a beat, the Tavern offers a unique menu of regional favorites, from appetizers to the entrees to beverages. If you’re in the mood for cheesecake, consider triple-teaming the slab that the Upstate serves. It’s a monster and, my friends tell me, delicious from start to finish.

Opals and Emerald

If it’s pastries, cannoli or a quick coffee you desire, stop by Opals. If you would like a sit-down meal for breakfast, visit Emerald. The two restaurants are adjacent to one another and provide an informal, well-lighted place to enjoy a quick, informal meal.

Pino and Peach Blossom

If your taste tends toward the international, visit Pino for delightful Italian food or Peach Blossom for adventurous Asian cuisine. Both restaurants are semi-formal, so dress up a bit for your dining experience.

Wildflowers and TS Steakhouse

These two restaurants offer the finest at Turning Stone. Wildflowers is a smaller facility, and is also located away from the hustle of the main buildings. Situated in The Lodge, Wildflowers offers much, from delightful appetizers to tableside-churned ice cream for dessert. The TS Steakhouse offers the greatest view at the resort. Located on the top floor of The Tower, as far as the eye can see is viewable from here. From personal experience, we can confess that no lobster was ever prepared better, no was any filet cooked with greater attention.

Delta Cafe, Season’s Harvest and The Corner Market

If buffet-style dining is your pleasure, visit Season’s Harvest. If you cannot break away from the Bingo parlor, dine at the Delta Cafe on the Bingo floor. If you need choices, the food-court stylings of The Corner Market will hit the spot.