Simple Elegance in the Finger Lakes

Crystalline lakes, cascading waterfalls and acres of forests make the Finger Lakes a top-choice getaway in upstate New York. The region is a natural playground ripe for exploration in all four seasons, whether it’s hiking, biking or skiing. Numerous established museums and theaters are the result of a community alive with culture and pride of the area’s past. Not to mention, the bounty of verdant land is noted for myriad wineries and breweries that are multiplying rapidly, providing a beautiful and relaxing place to unwind.

Lakes and Waterfalls

The “Finger Lakes” area (consisting of Conesus, Hemlock, Canadice, Honeoye, Canandaigua, Keuka, Seneca, Cayuga, Owasco, Skaneateles and Otisco) received its title from the long, thin shape that was the result of glaciers moving through the area thousands of years ago. The surrounding lakes and land are dotted with deep gorges, waterfalls, forests, farms and vineyards. A popular activity for visitors is to go “waterfalling,” or exploring the collection of waterfalls surrounding each of the lakes. Of the more than 50 waterfalls in the area, several have gained particular popularity. Watkins Glen State Park has a series of beautiful waterfalls and gorges worth seeing, and the park’s near 2-mile hike treks up scenic stone steps and past 19 waterfalls. Taughannock Falls State Park has three waterfalls, including its namesake: the tallest single-drop waterfall east of the Rocky Mountains. Taughannock Falls can be seen from above or on a bridge below, perfect for photo ops and accessible for hikers of all skill levels. If you can’t decide where to start, the Finger Lakes Trail shepherds hikers along the 580-mile main trail, six branch trails or any of the loop and spur trails stemming from the main drag.

Spirits

Oenophiles will feel completely at home in the Finger Lakes. Named the top wine region in USA Today’s 10 Best Reader’s Choice national poll in 2022 and multiple times in previous years, it’s worth a stop at a vineyard or two. The cool and dry climate lends itself to an idyllic setting for producing award-winning riesling and cabernet franc, among others. Of the 11 Finger Lakes, more than 400 wineries and vineyards surround Cayuga, Canandaigua, Conesus, Hemlock, Keuka and Seneca lakes. Historical accounts tell of European settlers impressed with the profusion of wild grapes and noticing the potential of the area. However, local farmers and artisans in the area don’t just make wine—the Finger Lakes also boasts a number of renowned distilleries, breweries and cideries. Looking for an easy itinerary? The Seneca Lake Wine Trail has 27 members offering more than 600 varieties of wine, all made with Seneca Lake grapes.

Culture

Along with the natural beauty of the area (and the wine that is a result of said beauty) the culture of the Finger Lakes provides a fun and exciting backdrop for any trip. Between museums covering a range of topics, celebrated theaters, a thriving snow sport scene and festivals all throughout the year, endless possibilities await. Learn about the arts at the Corning Museum of Glass with contemporary art and design in glass and the George Eastman Museum that features photography and film exhibits. The celebrated theater scene consists of the Merry-Go-Round Playhouse, the Hangar Theatre and the Clemens Center, to name a few. During winter, the Finger Lakes region is a prominent destination for winter sports. The two major resorts, Bristol Mountain Ski Resort and Greek Peak Mountain Resort, are open year round and offer excellent downhill skiing, snowboarding, snow tubing and more.

A common misconception about New York is that it’s one big city from border to border. While there are amazing cities to see, the adventures available upstate and in the Finger Lakes are on a whole new level. Though it’s nearly impossible to see everything in one trip, the best way to truly experience the area and all it has to offer is to dabble in a little of everything. Try waterfalling, sample some of the award-winning vineyards and embrace the colorful culture of the area. No matter your adventure in the Finger Lakes, it’s sure to be unforgettable.