Located in central New York State, the Finger Lakes region is a four season travel destination that offers something for everyone. Carved out by glaciers over 10,000 years ago, the lakes are named for their long finger like shapes.
There are eleven lakes in total, encompassing over 9,000 square miles. The five largest lakes are Seneca, Cayuga, Keuka, Canandaigua, and Skaneateles. The six smaller lakes are Conesus, Hemlock, Canadice, Honeoye, Owasco and Otisco. The lake’s names are derived from Native American tribes who lived in the region.
The Finger Lakes offer year round enjoyment for people of all ages, activity levels, budgets, and interests. Whether you are looking for a friends weekend, a romantic getaway, or a family holiday with children and grandchildren, you can be certain to find something that appeals to you here.
Nature and Outdoor Recreation
Known for its natural beauty including many gorges and waterfalls, the Finger Lakes regions is a spectacular place to visit any time of the year. For many people, the ideal time to visit is from May to September when you can enjoy many of the area’s outdoor activities including hiking, biking, fishing, boating, swimming, horseback riding, golfing, and hot air ballooning. During the fall months, thousands of visitors are drawn to the beautiful fall foliage. The region receives a moderate amount of snow making wintertime ideal for skiing, sledding and ice skating.
Motorsports
Motorsport enthusiasts might enjoy a visit to Watkins Glen at the southern end of Seneca Lake. where they can watch professional NASCAR or Grand Prix motor racing. You can even rent a race car and experience the thrill of driving the course yourself. Beyond auto racing the Village of Watkins Glen and Watkins Glen State Park make it the perfect destination for those who want to explore everything the area has to offer.
Eat and Drink
The Finger Lakes region is acclaimed for its wine. The area’s microclimate is ideal for growing many varieties of grapes. With over 150 wineries to choose from, you have many opportunities to tour the wineries and do some wine tasting. You might want to take advantage of a wine tour so you can relax and enjoy the scenery while someone else does the driving.
If beer is your beverage of choice you will find plenty of breweries to choose from. With over 80 craft and microbreweries in the area, the Finger Lakes are becoming a popular destination for beer lovers. Many breweries feature locally grown hops and other ingredients in their beers.
Restaurants in the area offer a diverse culinary experience from casual family owned diners and cafes, to more elegant dining experiences. Many restaurants menus are focused on local, seasonal ingredients and the farm to table experience. There are many waterfront dining options that let you take in the beautiful view while you dine.
Art and Music
The Finger Lakes offers a vibrant art and music scene. There are many local art galleries and artist studios that showcase the area’s diverse range of talents. Art festivals and music festivals are abundant throughout the region especially during the summer months. Local musicians can be found playing year round at locales such as coffee shops and breweries.
Shopping
The Finger Lakes are dotted with quaint towns and villages offering a variety of shopping experiences from specialty boutiques to antiques. Farmer’s markets offering fresh produce and flowers are very popular in the summer months. Many offer a variety of artisanal foods such as breads, cheeses, jams, oils, vinegars, and maple syrups.
Spas and Wellness Centers
If you are looking for relaxation, you can pamper yourself at one of the area’s many spas and wellness centers. From massages and yoga to forest immersion, you have many options to help restore your mind, body, and spirit.
Lodging
There is a large variety of lodging options to choose from, depending on your personal preference and needs. Options range from budget friendly campgrounds and cabins to moderately price hotels and bed and breakfasts, to upscale luxurious resorts. Prices and availability fluctuate by season. If you are planning to visit during the more popular summer months or fall foliage weekends, you should plan ahead and book early.
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