New York State’s Finger Lakes Region combines natural beauty, top eateries, and charming bed-and-breakfasts. The region also creates stellar cold-climate wines, flavorful ciders, and aromatic beers. Whether you’re a wine enthusiast, nature lover, or a lover of fine foods, the Finger Lakes area has something for you. 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 ecology of the vast Finger Lakes Region.
Taste – Seneca Lake Wineries
The largest of the Finger Lakes, Seneca Lake, 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 favorite, Lemberger, at wineries like Fox Run Vineyards.
Eat – Main Deck Restaurant
Main Deck, on the north end of beautiful Keuka Lake, offers spectacular waterfront views, and a bar shaped like a boat. Chef Brian Broadwater prepared a sumptuous, 5-course meal, and came out to introduce each course.
Stay – 1897 Beekman House
After a day of wine tasting, it was nice to unwind at one of the many charming inns. 1897 Beekman House is a luxurious option. The inn exudes a warm opulence, with intricate hand-made quilts, maroon leather furniture, and red velvet, drawback curtains. Chef-owner, Greg Campbell, started preparing our gourmet breakfast of brioche french toast the night before.
Day 2 – Exploring Schuyler County
See – She-Qua-Ga Falls, Montour Falls, NY
Just south of Seneca Lake, She-Qua-Ga Falls, off the main street of Montour Falls, has 300-foot-high cliffs.
Climb – Watkins Glen State Park
With towering cliffs, 19 waterfalls, and a 2.4-mile gorge trail, Watkins Glen is the most famous of the Finger Lakes State Parks. The park was named one of the best places to travel in 2022 by Travel + Leisure editors.
Sail – Captain Bill’s Sightseeing Cruise
Captain Bill’s offers hour-long tours that delve into the history of Seneca Lake and the surrounding area.
Taste – Grist Iron Brewery
The Grist Iron Brewing Company has amazing views of Seneca Lake. The tasty burger I had was the perfect pairing for my beer flight.
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 gorgeous accommodations, 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 huge, 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, the goat, greeted me warmly and made me 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 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 – was selected by Travel + Leisure magazine as one of the world’s top 10 most spectacular tasting rooms.
- Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery is a pioneer in the region, famous for its sparkling wines and other 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 and fries. The food was hot and tasty, and the service was excellent.
Taste – Cider Creek Hard Cider
Cider Creek Hard Cider is made from 100% New York State apples, without water, sugar, or artificial sweetener. I loved the fruity beers.
Day 4 – Exploring Livingston County
See – Letchworth State Park
Letchworth State Park, the ‘Grand Canyon of the East’, the Genesee River flows through a gorge over three major waterfalls. Hikers can choose from 66 miles of hiking trails. The Autism Nature Trail (The ANT) is designed for visitors on the autism spectrum.
Eat – The Beachcomber of Conesus Lake
At The Beachcomber of Conesus Lake, you can hang out at the Cabana Bar, at a picnic table, or play volleyball on the sandy beach. You can order from the Dockside Grill, or eat at the Crab Shack, a cozy pub.
Visit – The National Warplane Museum
The National Warplane Museum preserves and displays significant historical and military aircraft and artifacts.
Stay – Hartford House Bed & Breakfast
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.
Activities in the Finger Lakes Region
The Finger Lakes region offers a variety of activities to enjoy year-round and during the winter! Here are some ideas:
- 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 the 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.
The Finger Lakes has fabulous food, local libations, gorgeous inns, historic attractions, and many outdoor activities. In four days, I just scratched the surface. I know I’ll be going back. How about you?
Author’s Note: This trip was sponsored by Yates, Steuben, Schuyler, and Livingston counties, but all shared experiences are personal.
Let’s Have a Conversation:
Are there parks where you live that you enjoy visiting? Sometimes the best adventures are close to home. What do you know about New York State? Have you visited the region? Did you know that New York State is famous for cool climate wines? Which are your favorite wines?
