The Enchanting Finger Lakes of New York

• HelloHowdy
  [hah-dee]
• GoodbyeSo long
  [soh-lawng]
• YesYup
  [yuhp]
• NoNah
  [nah]
• Please/You're welcomePlease/No problem
  [pleez/noh prah-bluhm]
• Thank youThanks a lot
  [thanks uh laht]
• Excuse me/SorryPardon me/My bad
  [pahr-dn mee/my bad]
• How are you?How ya doin'?
  [how yuh doo-in]
• Fine. And you?Good. You?
  [good. yuh?]
• Do you speak English?Ya speak English?
  [yuh speak ing-glish?]
• I don't understandI ain't gettin' ya
  [I aint get-tin yuh]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseCan I check out the menu?
  [kan eye chek out the meh-nyoo]
• I don't eat meatI don't do meat
  [I dohnt doh meet]
• Cheers!Cheers!
  [cheers]
• I would like to pay, pleaseI gotta settle up
  [I gaw-tuh set-tul up]

• Help!Help!
  [help]
• Go away!Git outta here!
  [git out-uh here]
• Call the Police!Get the cops!
  [get the cops]
• Call a doctor!Get a doc!
  [get uh doc]
• I'm lostI'm turned around
  [I'm turned around]
• I'm illI'm feelin' poorly
  [I'm feel-in poor-lee]

• I'd like to buy...I wanna grab...
  [I wan-nuh grab]
• I'm just lookingI'm just browsin'
  [I'm just brow-zin]
• How much is it?How much for this?
  [how much for this]
• That's too expensiveThat's way pricey
  [That's way pry-see]
• Can you lower the price?Can ya do me a deal?
  [Can yuh do me uh deal?]

• What time is it?What's the time?
  [whats the time]
• It's one o'clockIt's one
  [it's one]
• Half past (10)Ten thirty
  [ten thur-tee]
• MorningMornin'
  [mor-nin]
• AfternoonAfternoon
  [after-noon]
• EveningEvenin'
  [eve-nin]
• YesterdayYest'day
  [yes-t-day]
• TodayToday
  [today]
• TomorrowTomorrah
  [tom-ah-rah]
• 1One
  [wun]
• 2Two
  [too]
• 3Three
  [three]
• 4Four
  [four]
• 5Five
  [five]
• 6Six
  [six]
• 7Seven
  [seven]
• 8Eight
  [eight]
• 9Nine
  [nine]
• 10Ten
  [ten]

• Where's a/the...?Where's the...?
  [wheres the]
• What's the address?What's the addy?
  [whats the addy]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Can ya point it out?
  [Can yuh point it out]
• When's the next (bus)?When's the next one?
  [whens the next one]
• A ticket (to ....)A pass (ta ....)
  [A pass ta]

Long before European settlers arrived, the Finger Lakes region was home to the Haudenosaunee, also known as the Iroquois Confederacy. This powerful alliance of six Native American nations—Mohawk, Oneida, Onondaga, Cayuga, Seneca, and later the Tuscarora—played a significant role in the history and culture of the area. The Seneca, known as the 'Keepers of the Western Door,' inhabited much of the region and left a lasting legacy of trails, longhouses, and oral traditions.

During the American Revolutionary War, the Finger Lakes region was the site of the Sullivan-Clinton Campaign, a military expedition ordered by General George Washington. The campaign's goal was to neutralize the threat posed by the Iroquois nations, who were allied with the British. The expedition resulted in the destruction of many Iroquois villages and crops, significantly altering the landscape and the lives of the native inhabitants.

Completed in 1825, the Erie Canal had a profound impact on the Finger Lakes region, facilitating trade and migration. Towns like Seneca Falls and Geneva thrived as important stops along the canal. The canal not only boosted the economy but also played a role in the westward expansion of the United States, making the Finger Lakes a bustling hub of activity.

Seneca Falls, located in the northern part of the Finger Lakes, is renowned as the birthplace of the Women's Rights Movement in the United States. In 1848, the first Women's Rights Convention was held at the Wesleyan Chapel, organized by leaders like Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Lucretia Mott. This historic event marked the beginning of a long struggle for women's suffrage and equality, and the site now houses the Women's Rights National Historical Park.

The Finger Lakes are famous for their wine production, particularly Riesling. The region's unique microclimate, shaped by the deep glacial lakes, provides ideal conditions for grape growing. The first commercial winery, Pleasant Valley Wine Company, was established in Hammondsport in 1860. Today, the Finger Lakes boast over 100 wineries, contributing to the area's economy and attracting wine enthusiasts from around the world.

Founded in 1865 in Ithaca, Cornell University has had a significant impact on the Finger Lakes region. The university's College of Agriculture and Life Sciences has been a leader in agricultural research, helping to advance the region's farming practices. Cornell's contributions to viticulture, dairy farming, and other agricultural sciences have cemented the Finger Lakes' reputation as a center of innovation and education.

The Finger Lakes region is home to several state parks, including Watkins Glen, Taughannock Falls, and Letchworth, often referred to as the 'Grand Canyon of the East.' Efforts to preserve these natural landscapes began in the early 20th century, leading to the establishment of state parks that protect the area's stunning gorges, waterfalls, and forests. These parks offer recreational opportunities and showcase the region's commitment to conservation and environmental stewardship.

The Finger Lakes region played a crucial role in the Underground Railroad, the network that helped enslaved African Americans escape to freedom in the North. Towns like Auburn and Rochester were key stops, and prominent abolitionists such as Harriet Tubman and Frederick Douglass lived and worked in the area. Their efforts and the region's support for the abolitionist movement are commemorated in various historical sites and museums.

The Finger Lakes region is located in central New York State. The nearest major airport is Syracuse Hancock International Airport (SYR), approximately 50 miles from the northern tip of the region. Rochester International Airport (ROC) and Greater Binghamton Airport (BGM) are also viable options, located on the western and southern edges of the Finger Lakes respectively. From any of these airports, you can rent a car or take a shuttle service to your final destination within the Finger Lakes. Alternatively, Amtrak offers train services to Syracuse and Rochester from various major cities.

While public transportation options like buses exist, they are limited and not the most convenient for exploring the Finger Lakes. Renting a car is highly recommended to fully experience the region's scenic byways, wineries, and outdoor activities. Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available but may be limited in more rural areas. Biking is another popular option, especially along designated trails like the Cayuga-Seneca Canal Trail.

The official currency is the US Dollar (USD). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops throughout the Finger Lakes. However, it's advisable to carry some cash, especially when visiting rural areas or small, local businesses. ATMs are available in most towns and villages.

The Finger Lakes region is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, it is always wise to exercise standard precautions. Avoid isolated areas at night and keep your belongings secure. While the region doesn't have specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, cities like Syracuse and Rochester do have neighborhoods where caution is advised, particularly after dark.

In case of an emergency, dial 911 for immediate assistance. Hospitals and urgent care facilities are available in larger towns like Ithaca, Rochester, and Syracuse. It is advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Pharmacies are widely available, and many are open 24 hours in larger towns.

Fashion: Do dress in layers as the weather can change rapidly. Don't wear overly casual attire when dining in upscale restaurants. Religion: Do respect local customs, especially if visiting religious sites. Public Transport: Do be punctual and respectful when using public transport. Don't rely solely on public transport for getting around. Greetings: Do greet locals with a friendly 'hello' or 'hi'. Don't be overly formal; the region is generally laid-back. Eating & Drinking: Do try local wines and farm-to-table dining options. Don't forget to tip; 15-20% is standard in restaurants.

To experience the Finger Lakes like a local, visit the numerous farmers' markets and farm stands for fresh produce and locally made products. Engage with locals at community events and festivals, which are frequent in the region. Don't miss the opportunity to explore the lesser-known trails and waterfalls; Taughannock Falls State Park and Watkins Glen State Park are local favorites.