Gauged out by glaciers, New York State’s Finger Lakes region is full of natural beauty, culinary delights, and charming accommodations. Whether you’re a wine enthusiast, a nature lover, or a lover of great food, the Finger Lakes has something to offer. Fall is the perfect time to watch the leaves turn in pretty parks. Let’s explore the four regions that make this area so special.
Day 1 – Exploring Yates Country
See – Saunders Finger Lakes Museum
Nestled in the north end of Keuka Lake, the Saunders Finger Lakes Museum celebrates the cultures and ecology of the vast Finger Lakes Region.
Taste – Fox Run Vineyards
Seneca Lake, the largest of the Finger Lakes, is renowned for its wineries. The cool climate is perfect for growing riesling, but you’ll also find excellent pinot noir, cabernet franc, chardonnay, and my new favourite, lemberger.
Eat – Main Deck Restaurant
Main Deck sits on the north end of beautiful Keuka Lake, and offers excellent waterfront views from the dining room, outdoor deck and lakeside patio. I had a sumptuous, 5-course meal, and the chef, Brian Broadwater, came out to speak to each course.
Stay – 1897 Beekman House
After a day of wine tasting, unwind at one of the many charming inns. 1897 Beekman House is a luxurious option, with a gourmet breakfast. Beekman House exudes a warm opulence, with gorgeous quilts, maroon leather furniture, elephant and zebra wallpaper, and red velvet, drawback curtains. The second floor landing used to be a dance floor.
Day 2 – Exploring Schulyer County
See – She-Qua-Ga Falls, Montour Falls NY
Just south of Seneca Lake, this waterfall in Montour Falls is located near the town’s main street, and has 300 feet high cliffs.
Watkins Glen State Park
Watkins Glen is the most famous of the Finger Lakes State Parks. The stream descends 400 feet, with 19 waterfalls. In 2015, the park was chosen from more than 6,000 state parks across the nation, as a nominee in the USA TODAY Readers’ Choice Poll for Best State Park in the United States, and won third place!
Captain Bill’s Sightseeing Cruise
Captain Bill’s offers hour-long tours of Seneca Lake, and delves into the history of the lake and the surrounding area.
Taste – Grist Iron Brewery
The Grist Iron Brewing Company has gorgeous views of Seneca Lake. I had a beer flight and a tasty burger.
Eat -The Graft Wine + Cider Bar
The Graft in the small town of Watkins Glen, is a wine cellar, beer and tapas bar, serving locally-sourced food.
Stay – Pleasant Valley Inn, Hammondsport
The Pleasant Valley Inn in Hammondsport offers luxury accommodation, and a made-to-order breakfast prepared each morning by the chefs of Lake Life Catering. The massive breakfast sandwich had farm fresh eggs, on a massive, homemade scone.
Day 3 – Exploring Steuben County
Ride – Mountain Rose Horse Farm
The sister owners at Mountain Rose Horse Farm took us on a tranquil ride, through a sea of goldenrod. Lucas greeted us warmly and made us feel welcome.
See – Keuka Lake State Park
Often referred to as the “Crooked Lake” due to its unique Y-shape, Keuka Lake is a favorite among visitors for its serene beauty and relaxed atmosphere. The lake is perfect for boating, fishing, and swimming.
Taste – Top Wineries
- Weis Vineyards is an enchanting boutique winery situated on Keuka Lake, founded by Hans Peter, from the Zell Mosel in Germany, and Ashlee, a native of Hammondsport, NY.
- Keuka Spring Vineyards is known for its vegan wines and stunning views.
- Heron Hill Winery – Travel & Leisure magazine selected Heron Hill Winery as one of the top 10 most spectacular tasting rooms in the world.
- Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery is a pioneer in the region, famous for its sparkling wines and vinifera varieties.
Eat – Snug Harbor Restaurant
Snug Harbor Restaurant is located on the Keuka Lake Wine Trail, just moments from the ‘Coolest Small Town In America’, Hammondsport, NY. I had a huge portion of fried haddock. I heard the crunch as I cut it.
Taste – Cider Creek Hard Cider
Cider Creek Hard Cider is made from 100% New York State apples, without
water, sugar or artificial sweetener. I love fruity beers and thoroughly enjoyed a flight.
Day 4 – Exploring Livingston County
Letchworth State Park is known as the ‘Grand Canyon of the East’. The Genesee River flows through a gorge over three major waterfalls. As we arrived, a group had just finished a hot air balloon ride. Hikers can choose among 66 miles of hiking trails. The Autism Nature Trail (The ANT) at Letchworth State Park is designed for visitors on the autism spectrum.
At The Beachcomber of Conesus Lake, you can hang out at the Cabana Bar, a picnic table, or in a chair on the sandy beach. You can order from the Dockside Grill, or eat at the Crab Shack, a cozy pub.
The National Warplane Museum preserves and displays significant historical and military aircraft and artifacts.
Hartford House Bed & Breakfast is a National Landmark Historic Home, built by Civil War General James S. Wadsworth in 1835 in Geneseo. The building has been continually occupied by members of the family ever since.
After spending four wonderful days in the Finger Lakes, I realize that there is so much more to go back and see!
- Downhill Skiing at Bristol Mountain: With a 1,200-foot vertical rise and nearly three dozen trails, it’s perfect for all skill levels.
- Snowshoeing: Explore scenic trails at places like Cumming Nature Center and Ganondagan State Historic Site.
- Ice Skating: Enjoy outdoor ice skating in downtown areas or at local rinks.
- Wine and Cider Tastings: Visit wineries, distilleries, cideries, and craft breweries for a cozy tasting experience.
- Cross-Country Skiing: Hit the groomed trails for a serene skiing experience.
- Sledding and Tubing: Have fun at parks like Ellison Park, Harris Whalen Park, and Greystone Tubing.
- Spa Treatments: Pamper yourself with massages, wine wraps, and float suites at luxurious spas.
- Cooking Classes: Learn to make winter comfort foods at the New York Kitchen.
- Art and Culture: Visit the Seneca Art & Culture Center at Ganondagan State Historic Site for exhibits and performances.
- Dining in an Igloo: Experience a unique dining adventure at Kettle Ridge Farm’s Sugarmaker’s Igloo Brunches.
My dear sister and her wife have lived in Ithaca for years, so we’re quite familiar with this area. An amazing place to relax, explore, and be entertained!
Yes. It’s beautiful, and so close to Toronto!
I haven’t been to Finger Lakes for several years but am inspired to go back. Loved Ithaca and the waterfalls
If you like wine, Fox Run Winery on Seneca Lake is wonderful.