Finger Lakes

Nestled in the heart of New York State, the Finger Lakes region captivates with its natural beauty, rich history, and cultural charm. Famous for its glacial lakes, vineyards, and quaint towns, it offers both serenity and adventure. With over a dozen lakes stretching across the landscape, the region provides diverse experiences for every traveler.

Planning Your Trip

Best Time to Visit

The ideal time to explore the Finger Lakes is between May and October. During this period, the region comes alive with lush greenery, vibrant vineyards, and a calendar full of festivals. Late spring and summer are perfect for hiking, boating, and wine tasting. In the fall, the area is renowned for its brilliant foliage and harvest celebrations. Winter, though quieter, offers unique experiences like skiing and visiting frozen waterfalls, though most travelers prefer the warmer months.

How to Get There

The Finger Lakes are easily accessible from several major cities. Rochester (ROC) is the nearest major airport, about an hour from the northern lakes, while Syracuse Hancock International Airport (SYR) is convenient for those visiting the eastern side. From New York City, a scenic 4.5-hour drive will bring you to the heart of the region. While buses and trains serve the area, renting a car is recommended to make the most of your trip.

Recommended Length of Stay

A 5-7 day trip allows ample time to explore the lakes, visit wineries, hike the parks, and enjoy the local towns. Though a shorter stay is possible, spreading your trip over a week ensures a more relaxed, immersive experience.

Transportation and Accommodation

Renting a Car

Renting a car is the best way to get around the Finger Lakes. Public transportation is limited, and many attractions are spread out. Driving through scenic country roads is a pleasure in itself, but be prepared for narrow, winding roads, especially in rural areas. Planning your routes in advance will help maximize your time.

Where to Stay

The Finger Lakes offer a range of accommodation, from luxury lakeside resorts to charming bed-and-breakfasts. Staying in towns like Watkins Glen, Hammondsport, or Ithaca gives you easy access to attractions. B&Bs provide cozy, personalized stays, while lakeside resorts on Seneca and Cayuga Lakes offer stunning views and full amenities. Vacation rentals are also popular, especially for families or groups.

Base Towns for Exploration

Choosing a convenient base can enhance your trip. Watkins Glen, at the southern tip of Seneca Lake, is a top choice for its proximity to Watkins Glen State Park and wineries. Hammondsport, near Keuka Lake, is ideal for wine lovers seeking a quieter retreat. Ithaca, on the southern end of Cayuga Lake, is known for its waterfalls, vibrant food scene, and cultural attractions.

Key Attractions and Activities

The Finger Lakes region is a haven of natural beauty and historical landmarks. From breathtaking waterfalls to world-class wineries, there is something for everyone.

Top Waterfalls

• Taughannock Falls (Taughannock Falls State Park) – At 215 feet, it’s the tallest single-drop waterfall in the eastern U.S., offering stunning views and several hiking trails.
• Buttermilk Falls (Buttermilk Falls State Park) – A multi-tiered waterfall near Ithaca, perfect for hiking and picnicking.
• Watkins Glen Falls (Watkins Glen State Park) – The area’s most famous falls, part of a dramatic gorge walk.
• Hector Falls (Seneca Lake) – Easily viewed from the road, this is one of the largest falls in the region.
• Montour Falls (Montour Falls Village) – A peaceful hidden gem near Watkins Glen.

Best Wineries and Tasting Rooms

The Finger Lakes are renowned for their wines, especially Riesling. Must-visit wineries include:

• Pleasant Valley Wine Company (Hammondsport) – One of the oldest wineries, known for its history and wine tours.
• Hermann J. Wiemer Vineyard (Seneca Lake) – Famous for its Rieslings and a blend of traditional and modern winemaking techniques.
• Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery (Keuka Lake) – A pioneer of wine production in the region.
• Fox Run Vineyards (Seneca Lake) – Known for tours, tastings, and its café with locally sourced foods.
• Wagner Vineyards (Seneca Lake) – Offering both wines and craft beers, with picturesque lakeside views.

Unique Museums and Historic Sites

• Corning Museum of Glass (Corning) – A world-famous museum dedicated to the art, history, and science of glass.
• Glenn H. Curtiss Museum (Hammondsport) – Showcasing the legacy of aviation pioneer Glenn Curtiss.
• Finger Lakes Boating Museum (Hammondsport) – Featuring vintage boats and maritime history.
• Mark Twain Study (Elmira) – Where Mark Twain wrote some of his most famous works.
• Sonnenberg Gardens & Mansion (Canandaigua) – A stunning 19th-century estate with beautiful gardens.

Scenic Hikes

• Watkins Glen Gorge Trail (Watkins Glen State Park) – A dramatic hike through a gorge, passing 19 waterfalls.
• Taughannock Falls Gorge Trail (Taughannock Falls State Park) – A gentle walk to the base of the tallest waterfall in the region.
• Keuka Outlet Trail (Penn Yan) – A scenic multi-use trail along an old canal, great for both hiking and biking.
• Letchworth State Park – Known as the “Grand Canyon of the East,” with dramatic cliffs, waterfalls, and hiking trails.
• Cascadilla Gorge Trail (Ithaca) – A short but beautiful hike through a narrow gorge with picturesque waterfalls.

Culinary Delights

The Finger Lakes boast a growing food scene, blending farm-to-table dining with local wines and craft beverages.

Best Restaurants

• FLX Table (Geneva) – A fine-dining experience with a communal setting and seasonal menus.
• The Krebs (Skaneateles) – A historic restaurant focused on sustainable, locally sourced ingredients.
• Stonecat Café (Seneca Lake) – A relaxed, farm-to-table spot with organic, locally grown food.
• Hazelnut Kitchen (Trumansburg) – Known for its inventive New American cuisine with local produce.
• Red Newt Cellars Bistro (Seneca Lake) – A casual bistro offering dishes paired with award-winning local wines.

Local Specialties and Farmers Markets

• Finger Lakes Cheese – Sample artisanal cheeses from soft goat cheeses to aged cheddar, often paired with local wines.
• Finger Lakes Maple Syrup – Enjoy local maple syrup on pancakes, ice cream, or even in cocktails.
• Seneca Lake Farmers Market (Watkins Glen) and Ithaca Farmers Market – Great places for fresh produce, baked goods, and locally crafted items.

Wine and Cheese Pairings

• Riesling with Goat Cheese – The acidity of Riesling complements the tangy flavor of goat cheese.
• Cabernet Franc with Aged Cheddar – The bold notes of Cabernet Franc pair well with sharp cheddar.
• Chardonnay with Brie – A lightly oaked Chardonnay matches the creamy texture of brie.

Seasonal Events

The Finger Lakes region offers events year-round, from vibrant summer festivals to cozy winter activities.

Summer Festivals

• Finger Lakes Wine Festival (July, Watkins Glen) – A three-day celebration with wine tastings, cooking demos, and live music.
• Canandaigua Art & Music Festival (July) – A showcase of local artists and musicians, along with food vendors.
• Naples Grape Festival (September) – A celebration of the grape harvest with wine tastings, arts, crafts, and local foods like grape pies.

Fall Activities

• Apple Picking and Harvest Festivals – Visit orchards for apple picking, pumpkin patches, and hayrides.
• Fall Foliage Drives – Scenic drives around Keuka and Seneca Lakes are especially beautiful in autumn.

Practical Tips for Visiting the Finger Lakes

To make the most of your trip to the Finger Lakes, it’s crucial to plan ahead and keep some practical tips in mind. These recommendations will help ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience.

Booking Wine Tastings and Tours in Advance

The Finger Lakes is renowned for its wine, and many wineries offer tastings, tours, and special events year-round. To avoid disappointment, book your visits in advance, especially during peak seasons (May through October). Wineries often have limited space for in-depth tours or private tastings. Some also offer food and wine pairings that require reservations.

Navigating the Region

Given the spread-out nature of the Finger Lakes, having your own transportation is essential. Renting a car allows you to explore at your own pace. While most roads are easy to drive, some rural roads around the lakes can be narrow and winding. GPS is reliable, but having a physical map as a backup is a good idea for remote destinations. Public transportation is limited, though larger towns like Ithaca and Geneva have bus systems. For winery tours, consider companies that offer shuttle services or guided tours.

What to Pack

• Comfortable Walking Shoes: Essential for hiking and exploring towns.
• Layered Clothing: Weather can vary, so bring layers. Fall temperatures can drop quickly.
• Waterproof Gear: Important for hiking near waterfalls or visiting in spring.
• Sunscreen and Hat: Necessary for summer outdoor activities.
• Reusable Water Bottle: Stay hydrated and reduce single-use plastics; many places offer refill stations.

Suggested Itinerary

Day 1: Hammondsport and Keuka Lake

• Visit Pleasant Valley Wine Company: Start at one of the Finger Lakes’ oldest wineries. Enjoy a tour and taste wines while learning about the region’s winemaking heritage.
• Museums: Choose between the Finger Lakes Boating Museum, showcasing maritime history, or the Glenn H. Curtiss Museum, dedicated to aviation pioneer Glenn Curtiss.
• Wineries Along Keuka Lake: Take a scenic drive and visit top wineries like Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery and Heron Hill Winery, known for their exceptional wines and views.

Day 2: Yates County and Seneca Lake

• Garrett Memorial Chapel: Visit this serene stone chapel with breathtaking views of Keuka Lake.
• Finger Lakes Rail Riders: Experience a unique adventure pedaling along old railroad tracks through scenic countryside.
• Wineries on Seneca Lake: Explore renowned wineries on the western shore, such as Fox Run Vineyards and Belhurst Castle and Winery.

Day 3: Watkins Glen and Seneca Lake

• Watkins Glen State Park: Hike the Gorge Trail, featuring 19 waterfalls and stunning natural scenery.
• Montour Falls: Visit the quaint village and see scenic waterfalls like Shequaga Falls.
• Seneca Lake Boat Cruise: Enjoy a relaxing cruise with panoramic views and insights into the region’s geology and winemaking.

Day 4: Corning – A City of Art and Glass

• Corning Museum of Glass: Discover a vast collection of glass art, live glass-blowing demonstrations, and hands-on workshops.
• Historic Gaffer District: Explore Corning’s downtown area, filled with art galleries, boutiques, and cafes.

Day 5: Elmira and Chemung County

• Tanglewood Nature Center: Hike trails through forests and meadows with scenic overlooks.
• National Soaring Museum: Learn about motorless flight and enjoy a glider ride.
• Mark Twain’s Connection: Visit Woodlawn Cemetery and Quarry Farm, and explore the Mark Twain Study at Elmira College.

Day 6 (Optional): Owego and Tioga County

• Explore Owego: Stroll through downtown, visit antique shops, and the Tioga County Historical Society Museum.
• Stoughton Farm (Seasonal): Enjoy fall activities like corn mazes, pumpkin picking, and hayrides.

Day 7 (Optional): Ithaca and Cayuga Lake

• Ithaca’s Waterfalls: Visit Ithaca Falls and hike to Buttermilk Falls State Park.
• Taughannock Falls State Park: See the tallest single-drop waterfall east of the Rocky Mountains and explore scenic trails.
• Cayuga Lake Wine Trail: Drive along the oldest wine trail in America, visiting wineries like Sheldrake Point Winery and Treleaven Wines.