Ready for a road trip worth bragging about? With glimmering lakes, an impressive, food and wine scene and a wealth of outdoor and cultural activities, you’re sure to be talking about New York State’s Finger Lakes long after you return.
Come and get inspired by all this stunning region has to offer.
First, Some Background
The 11 bodies of water comprising the Finger Lakes are located in 14 counties between Lake Ontario in New York and Pennsylvania. They were named after Iroquois tribes that once lived in the area.
The lakes were formed about 2 million years ago after glaciers that covered North America began to melt, carving out the long narrow lakes and leaving behind waterfalls and other formations.
Wine, Anyone?
A prime destination for wine lovers, the favorable microclimate and altitude of the Finger Lakes region make it one of the most ideal areas in the country for wine-making. The region boasts more than 150 wineries, each with its own identity, and was named one of the 10 Must-Visit Wine Regions in the U.S. by USA Today.
Wine tastings are only part of the experience; visitors can also explore different wine trails and attend wine events throughout the year. If do plan on drinking, do so responsibly and always designate a driver.
Be sure to add Pleasant Valley Wine Company to your itinerary. Founded in 1860, it is the oldest winery in the Finger Lakes region and home of the acclaimed Great Western brand of sparkling wines. At its flagship location in Hammondsport, visitors can get a glimpse into its history with a tour of the property’s eight historic buildings.
Enjoy the Lakes
Of course, there are plenty of lake experiences you don’t want to miss while here. Check out the local beaches for swimming and taking in the views.
Canandaigua Lake has three parks with beaches. Visitors can also book a cruise on the Canandaigua Lady, a replica of a double-decker paddle wheel steamship.
Kids especially will enjoy Seneca Lake State Park in Geneva, which in addition to a beach, marinas, picnic areas and three playgrounds, has a Sprayground with more than 100 water jets.
To experience the serenity of paddling on the water, there are many places you can rent kayaks, canoes and paddle boards.
In winter, the lakes and surrounding areas become a wonderland for skiing, snowmobiling, ice skating and other snowy activities.
Hike or Bike
From traditional to spiritual, rugged to leisurely, visitors will find hiking and biking trails that suit every activity level throughout the Finger Lakes State Parks. Watkins Glen State Park (famous for it’s stunning Gorge Trail), Letchworth State Park (also known as the “Grand Canyon of the East”) and Taughannock Falls State Park (boasting one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the Northeast) are just a few favorites.
Finger Lakes Forest Immersion guided walks and retreats have their roots in Shinrin-Yoku, a Japanese practice designed to reconnect people with the forest. A one-and-a-half-mile walk could last three hours, to allow time for reflection.
If you are looking for more challenging terrain with a view, consider the High Tor Wildlife Management Area, which sprawls over 6,800 acres. There are over a dozen miles of hiking trails and access roads to the upland plateau; it’s a steep journey whether walking or driving but levels out for easier hiking and biking when you arrive. Here you can also cycle along the Lehigh Valley Rail Trail and explore the creeks and and gorges in Conklin Gully-Parish Glen and Clark Gully. Ponds, waterfalls, rivers, gorges, forests and open fields await!
The Manchester Gateway Trail offers a more leisurely experience, with a one-and-a-half mile long paved hiking, biking and running trail.
Culture and History
While outdoor activities are the main draw for the Finger Lakes region, there’s also a lot of interesting history to explore.
Look back on 200 years of communications technology at the Antique Wireless Association Communications Technology Museum in Bloomfield, such as the first transistor radio and a replica of the Titanic’s wireless room.
The Ganondagan State Historic Site in Victor is located where one of the largest towns settled by the Seneca tribe in the 17th century once thrived. Visitors can explore 500 years of the tribe’s history, culture and art.
Get a tour of Harriet Tubman’s homestead in Auburn, where the Underground Railroad conductor lived as a free woman for over 50 years at Harriet Tubman National Historic Park.
One of the area’s most popular attractions, Sonnenberg Gardens & Mansion Historic Park, gives visitors a chance to tour an elaborate 40-room mansion on 52 acres in Canandaigua. The site includes multiple gardens and the Finger Lakes Wine Center, where you can sample 40 wines from area vineyards.
Aviation and motorcycle fans will enjoy the Glenn H. Curtiss Museum in Hammondsport. Curtiss was a pioneer in the motorcycle and airplane industries.
Farm-to-Table Delights and More
Restaurants in the Finger Lakes often specialize in farm-to-table fare, featuring locally grown produce and local wine pairings.
Set within a historic Italian-style villa overlooking Seneca Lake, Diciannove Dieci uses its own garden herbs and features Finger Lakes wines on its menu. Enjoy your candlelit dinner with live music nightly
New York Kitchen makes comfort food with farm-fresh ingredients and a side of Canandaigua Lake views. If you want to get more hands-on, the restaurant also offers cooking classes.
Where to Stay in the Finger Lakes
Looking for a Finger Lakes hotel? Head to The LUX Hotel & Conference Center Ascend Hotel Collection in Waterloo. Located in the heart of the Finger Lakes, it’s central to Cayuga Lake and more than 80 wineries, breweries and cheese stores. The hotel has free Wi-Fi and hot breakfast, providing great value for your money.
Start planning your Finger Lakes getaway.
Ellen is a content producer for AAA Northeast, covering automotive, finance, public affairs and electric vehicle news. She is a former newspaper reporter with experience writing for print and online publications about everything from higher education to sustainability. She recently returned to her native Long Island after living in Connecticut for 20-plus years, and has never met a beach she didn’t like.
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