A Whole (in one) Resort

Western New York has an assorted selection of golf courses. With the combination of its plush, green rolling hills and its wide-open landscapes, this area offers a magnitude of golfing opportunities that can challenge even the most seasoned of golfers. But what if you’re in the mood for something a little easier in the golfing stratosphere … maybe something that would make for a good date night … or that the entire family can enjoy? Well, then you are probably talking about miniature golf and in that case your options are limited.

Luckily for you there is a solution. Snuggly nestled in between Salamanca, NY and Bradford, PA sits Limestone, NY, home of Mystic Water Resort. Conveniently located on the edge of a scenic 20-acre lake, Mystic Water Resort offers a variety of family entertainment options.

Known throughout Western New York for its serene location, this unique facility is much more than just a miniature golf destination. Situated within the grounds are rental cabins that one would be hard-pressed to classify as “roughing-it” in terms of camping accommodations. Each cabin is capable of comfortably sleeping four people and comes with a furnished living room, two bedrooms (one with a Queen size bed and one with bunk beds), a fire pit and charcoal grill. A fully equipped kitchen also allows guests all the conveniences of modern living even though the view outside the window depicts nothing but old-fashioned country living.

Owned and operated by Bill and Karla Rounsville, a very gregarious and energetic couple, Mystic Water Resort started off as a driving range twelve years ago when Bill thought it would be fun to put his waterfront property to use while allowing golf fanatics to work on their swing. And after some initial issues of finding floating golf balls, the Rounsvilles were on track for a newfound labor of love.

“In today’s economy you couldn’t make it if you didn’t do all the work yourself,” said Bill Rounsville. “Over the years my extended family has been great about pitching in and helping us get projects done. But recently they don’t seem to visit as much. I think they’re afraid of getting roped into more work.”

Soon after the aquatic driving range opened, the Rounsvilles began talking about building the miniature golf course. But they knew that if they were going to go that route they would have to go all in. Using their property, which at one point was a horse pasture, they began building cabins around the lake and they expanded by building a rustic pavilion not too far from the lake. Over the years the pavilion received some additions as business started to expand. Before they knew it, Bill and Karla were renting out the grounds for birthday parties, graduations, corporate outings, reunions and even weddings.

The miniature golf course is an 18-hole championship facility that is sure to test the short game skill-set of even the most accomplished golfer while still providing plenty of fun for kids of all ages. Fusing a perfect blend of natural grass, floral, shrubs, water, and hand-laid stone, a group of local landscapers constructed a course that is as pleasing visually as it is to play on. And as far as degree of difficulty is concerned, you will quickly learn that this course is no pushover. The course was developed in such a manner that on a fair number of the holes, if you are not careful, you will find your ball rolling right back to you.

The Rounsvilles’ business philosophy centers around the idea that you have to put the money you make back into your establishment in order to make it succeed. “Word of mouth has really helped us get new customers but we also advertise in various county magazines and we belong to the Ellicottville Chamber of Commerce, which has been very effective because we’re now starting to get skiers renting the cabins during the winter. We’re not that far from Ellicottville and we offer a great value for families looking to rent a place to stay.”

That’s one of the many great things about Western New York. It’s an area where you can start off with a lakeside driving range and before you know it you have an affordable year-round destination resort for the entire family. For more information check out www.mysticwaterresort.com or call 716-925-8553.