The Enchanting Finger Lakes Region
Discover the Finger Lakes Region: A scenic haven of lakes, vineyards, and outdoor adventures in the heart of New York State.
Nestled in the heart of New York State, the Finger Lakes Region is a treasure trove of natural beauty and cultural richness. Named for its eleven long, narrow lakes that resemble fingers, this area is famed for its stunning landscapes, charming small towns, and world-class wineries. Whether you are a nature lover, history buff, or wine enthusiast, the Finger Lakes Region has something for everyone. Outdoor enthusiasts will find endless opportunities for adventure. The region boasts numerous state parks, including the iconic Watkins Glen State Park with its breathtaking gorge and waterfalls. Hiking, biking, and boating are popular activities, providing visitors with ways to explore the picturesque surroundings. In the winter, the region transforms into a wonderland, perfect for skiing, snowshoeing, and ice fishing. The Finger Lakes is also a haven for food and wine lovers. The area is renowned for its wine trails, featuring more than 100 wineries and vineyards. The cool climate is ideal for producing exceptional Rieslings and other varietals. Along with wine, the region offers an array of farm-to-table dining experiences, showcasing local produce and culinary creativity. History and culture are woven into the fabric of the Finger Lakes. The area is home to several significant historical sites, including the Women's Rights National Historical Park in Seneca Falls and the Corning Museum of Glass. Visitors can also explore charming towns like Ithaca, known for its vibrant arts scene, and Skaneateles, with its pristine lake and boutique shops.
Local tips in Finger Lakes Region
- Visit in the fall for stunning foliage and fewer crowds.
- Book wine tours in advance, especially during peak seasons.
- Dress in layers; the weather can be unpredictable.
- Explore the local farmers' markets for fresh, regional produce.
- Check out local events and festivals for a unique cultural experience.
The Enchanting Finger Lakes Region
Nestled in the heart of New York State, the Finger Lakes Region is a treasure trove of natural beauty and cultural richness. Named for its eleven long, narrow lakes that resemble fingers, this area is famed for its stunning landscapes, charming small towns, and world-class wineries. Whether you are a nature lover, history buff, or wine enthusiast, the Finger Lakes Region has something for everyone. Outdoor enthusiasts will find endless opportunities for adventure. The region boasts numerous state parks, including the iconic Watkins Glen State Park with its breathtaking gorge and waterfalls. Hiking, biking, and boating are popular activities, providing visitors with ways to explore the picturesque surroundings. In the winter, the region transforms into a wonderland, perfect for skiing, snowshoeing, and ice fishing. The Finger Lakes is also a haven for food and wine lovers. The area is renowned for its wine trails, featuring more than 100 wineries and vineyards. The cool climate is ideal for producing exceptional Rieslings and other varietals. Along with wine, the region offers an array of farm-to-table dining experiences, showcasing local produce and culinary creativity. History and culture are woven into the fabric of the Finger Lakes. The area is home to several significant historical sites, including the Women's Rights National Historical Park in Seneca Falls and the Corning Museum of Glass. Visitors can also explore charming towns like Ithaca, known for its vibrant arts scene, and Skaneateles, with its pristine lake and boutique shops.
When is the best time to go to Finger Lakes Region?
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Taughannock Falls State Park
Explore Taughannock Falls State Park: Experience stunning waterfalls, scenic trails, and breathtaking views in the heart of New York's natural beauty.
Buttermilk Falls State Park
Explore the breathtaking beauty of Buttermilk Falls State Park in Ithaca, NY, a natural wonder featuring stunning waterfalls and scenic hiking trails.
Long Point State Park
Experience the natural beauty and tranquility of Long Point State Park, a must-visit destination in the Finger Lakes region of New York.
Seneca Lake
Experience the stunning natural beauty and vibrant local culture of Seneca Lake, a must-visit destination in New York's Finger Lakes region.
Keuka Lake
Discover the enchanting beauty of Keuka Lake in New York, a stunning destination for relaxation, adventure, and unforgettable experiences.
Cayuga Lake
Experience the tranquil beauty of Cayuga Lake, a stunning destination in New York's Finger Lakes region, perfect for outdoor adventures and relaxation.
Canadice Lake
Experience the serene beauty of Canadice Lake, a hidden treasure in New York's Finger Lakes region, perfect for outdoor adventures and relaxation.
Finger Lakes
Discover the breathtaking beauty and diverse experiences of the Finger Lakes, from stunning landscapes to exceptional wineries and local culture.
Unmissable attractions to see
The Keuka Candy Emporium & Keuka Emporium Event Venue
Experience the sweetest adventure at Keuka Candy Emporium—your go-to spot for candy, ice cream, bubble tea, and memorable events in Penn Yan, NY.
Seneca Mill & Falls
Explore the breathtaking beauty and rich history at Seneca Mill & Falls, a captivating tourist attraction in Penn Yan, New York.
Saunders Finger Lakes Museum
Discover the rich heritage of New York's Finger Lakes region at the Saunders Finger Lakes Museum, where history comes alive through engaging exhibits.
Essential places to dine
del Lago Resort & Casino
Discover unparalleled entertainment at del Lago Resort & Casino: where luxury meets excitement in the heart of New York's Finger Lakes.
Jerlando's Ristorante & Pizza Co.
Experience authentic Italian cuisine at Jerlando's Ristorante & Pizza Co., where every dish is crafted with love in Watkins Glen.
The State Diner
Discover delicious breakfasts and delightful desserts at The State Diner in Ithaca - where every meal is made with love.
Moosewood
Discover Moosewood: Ithaca's iconic vegetarian restaurant serving creative dishes with fresh local ingredients.
Seneca Harbor Station
Discover delightful American cuisine at Seneca Harbor Station with stunning views of Seneca Lake in beautiful Watkins Glen.
Ports Cafe
Experience exceptional American cuisine at Ports Cafe in Geneva, NY - where delightful flavors meet stunning lakeside views.
Kindred Fare
Experience exquisite American cuisine at Kindred Fare in Geneva, NY—where flavor meets family-friendly dining.
The Switzerland Inn
Experience authentic American cuisine at The Switzerland Inn in Hammondsport - where delicious flavors meet stunning lake views.
Stonecutter's Tavern at Belhurst Castle
Experience exceptional American cuisine with breathtaking lake views at Stonecutter's Tavern in Belhurst Castle.
Wendy's
Discover delicious fast food at Wendy's in Geneva, where quality meets affordability with every bite.
The Elf In The Oak
Discover gourmet sandwiches made from fresh local ingredients at The Elf In The Oak, a must-visit culinary gem in Burdett, New York.
Elephant and The Dove
Discover vibrant Mexican cuisine at Elephant and The Dove in Skaneateles – where every dish tells a story.
Stonecat: Regional Cuisine & Bar
Experience farm-to-table dining at Stonecat Café in Hector, NY – where organic cuisine meets vibrant local culture.
Dano's Heuriger on Seneca
Experience authentic Austrian cuisine at Dano's Heuriger on Seneca while enjoying breathtaking views of Seneca Lake.
New York Kitchen
Explore culinary excellence at New York Kitchen - where delicious food meets educational experiences in Canandaigua.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Finger Lakes Premium Outlets
Explore unbeatable deals and delightful dining at Finger Lakes Premium Outlets, the ultimate shopping destination in New York's scenic Finger Lakes region.
Fingerlakes Mall
Explore Fingerlakes Mall: A shopping paradise in Auburn, NY, featuring diverse stores, delicious food options, and exciting events for all ages.
Spotted Duck
Experience the sweet taste of handcrafted ice cream at Spotted Duck, a delightful gem in Penn Yan, NY ideal for all ice cream lovers.
Watkins Glen State Park Gift Shop
Explore the charming Watkins Glen State Park Gift Shop for unique souvenirs, local crafts, and nature-inspired gifts in a stunning natural setting.
Penny Lane Antique Mall
Unearth unique antiques and vintage treasures at Penny Lane Antique Mall in Geneva, NY – a haven for collectors and history lovers.
Geneva Antique Co-Op
Explore the Geneva Antique Co-Op for a delightful journey through time with unique antiques and collectibles in the heart of Geneva, NY.
Big aLICe Brewing Finger Lakes
Experience the best of craft beer at Big aLICe Brewing Finger Lakes, where innovation meets tradition in a lively atmosphere.
Unique Toy Shop
Discover a whimsical world of toys and creativity at Unique Toy Shop in Canandaigua, NY, a perfect destination for families and toy enthusiasts.
Weaver-View Farms Amish Country Store
Experience the essence of Amish culture at Weaver-View Farms, where handmade quilts, furniture, and gourmet delights await your discovery.
Lake City Hobbies
Explore Lake City Hobbies in Geneva, NY - your ultimate destination for all things hobby-related, from model kits to crafting supplies!
Crooked Lake Mercantile
Explore unique local treasures and gifts at Crooked Lake Mercantile, a charming stop in Branchport, NY, near beautiful Keuka Lake.
Stomping Grounds
Discover unique gifts, handcrafted picture frames, and a cozy atmosphere in Geneva, NY's charming Stomping Grounds.
Finger Lakes Treasure Trove
Explore Finger Lakes Treasure Trove: Your Destination for Unique Vintage Finds and Sustainable Shopping in Canandaigua.
GENEVA CONVENIENCE AND SMOKE SHOP, INC.
Explore Geneva Convenience and Smoke Shop for all your travel essentials and delightful local service in the heart of Geneva, NY.
The Local Branch
Explore The Local Branch in Skaneateles for unique clothing and accessories that embody local artistry and charm.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Wolffy's Grill and Marina
Experience lakeside dining at Wolffy's Grill and Marina, where American cuisine meets stunning views and lively entertainment.
Kindred Fare
Experience the best of American cuisine at Kindred Fare, where flavorful dishes meet a cozy atmosphere in the heart of Geneva, New York.
Roosterfish Pub
Discover the vibrant atmosphere and delicious menu at Roosterfish Pub in Watkins Glen, where locals and tourists gather for memorable dining experiences.
Beef & Brew
Discover Beef & Brew in Geneva for a unique blend of American cuisine and craft brews in a lively atmosphere.
Stonecutter's Tavern at Belhurst Castle
Discover the culinary delights of Stonecutter's Tavern at Belhurst Castle, where American cuisine meets stunning lake views in a historic setting.
Fargo Bar & Grill
Experience the best of American cuisine in a cozy setting at Fargo Bar & Grill, a perfect stop in Aurora for food lovers.
Village Tavern Restaurant & Inn
Experience the best of Hammondsport at Village Tavern Restaurant & Inn, where delicious food meets charming hospitality, and local flavors come alive.
Two Goats Brewing
Discover Two Goats Brewing in the Finger Lakes, where craft beer meets stunning views and a welcoming atmosphere.
O'Malley's Lakeside Tavern
Experience delicious dining at O'Malley's Lakeside Tavern, where stunning views meet flavorful dishes in a cozy lakeside setting.
Vonnies Boathouse
Enjoy a unique lakeside dining experience at Vonnies Boathouse in Geneva, NY, featuring delicious food, refreshing drinks, and a vibrant atmosphere.
Edgar’s Restaurant in the Castle
Discover an enchanting dining experience at Edgar's Restaurant in the Castle, overlooking Lake Geneva with exquisite American cuisine.
Finger Lakes Public House
Experience the best of Canandaigua dining at Finger Lakes Public House, where local flavors meet a welcoming atmosphere.
Seneca Cheese Company - Whiskey & Cocktail Bar
Discover a unique blend of artisanal cheese and crafted cocktails at Seneca Cheese Company, the heart of Watkins Glen's culinary scene.
Sand Bar at The Lake House on Canandaigua
Experience the perfect blend of delicious food and breathtaking lake views at the Sand Bar on Canandaigua Lake.
Graft Wine + Cider Bar
Experience the best of Finger Lakes flavors at Graft Wine + Cider Bar in Watkins Glen, where local wines and ciders await your enjoyment.
Local Phrases about Finger Lakes Region
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- HelloHowdy
[hah-dee] - GoodbyeBuh-bye
[buh-bye] - YesYup
[yuhp] - NoNah
[nah] - Please/You're welcomePlease/No problem
[pleez/no problem] - Thank youThanks
[thanks] - Excuse me/SorryPardon me/My bad
[pahr-dn me/my bad] - How are you?How ya doin'?
[how yuh doin] - Fine. And you?Good. How 'bout you?
[good. how bout yuh] - Do you speak English?Ya speak English?
[ya speak english] - I don't understandI ain't gettin' it
[I aint get-tin it]
- HelloHowdy
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- I'd like to see the menu, pleaseCan I check out the menu?
[kan I chek out the menu] - I don't eat meatI don't do meat
[I don't do meat] - Cheers!Cheers!
[cheers] - I would like to pay, pleaseI gotta settle up, please
[I gotta set-tle up, please]
- I'd like to see the menu, pleaseCan I check out the menu?
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- Help!Help!
[help] - Go away!Beat it!
[beat it] - Call the Police!Get the cops!
[get the cops] - Call a doctor!Call a doc!
[call a doc] - I'm lostI'm turned around
[I'm turned around] - I'm illI'm feelin' under the weather
[I'm feelin under the weather]
- Help!Help!
-
- I'd like to buy...I'm lookin' to purchase...
[I'm lookin to pur-chase] - I'm just lookingI'm just browsin'
[I'm just brow-sin] - How much is it?What's the damage?
[whats the dam-age] - That's too expensiveThat's a bit steep
[thats a bit steep] - Can you lower the price?Can ya do any better on the price?
[can ya do any bet-ter on the price]
- I'd like to buy...I'm lookin' to purchase...
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- What time is it?What's the time?
[whats the time] - It's one o'clockIt's one o'clock
[It's one o'clock] - Half past (10)Half past ten
[half past ten] - MorningMornin'
[mornin] - AfternoonAfternoon
[afternoon] - EveningEvenin'
[evenin] - YesterdayYest'day
[yest-day] - TodayToday
[Today] - TomorrowTomorruh
[Tomorruh] - 1One
[One] - 2Two
[Two] - 3Three
[Three] - 4Four
[Four] - 5Five
[Five] - 6Six
[Six] - 7Seven
[Seven] - 8Eight
[Eight] - 9Nine
[Nine] - 10Ten
[Ten]
- What time is it?What's the time?
-
- Where's a/the...?Where's the...?
[wheres the] - What's the address?Where's it at?
[wheres it at] - Can you show me (on the map)?Can ya point it out?
[can ya point it out] - When's the next (bus)?When's the next (bus)?
[whens the next] - A ticket (to ....)A pass (to ....)
[A pass (to ....)]
- Where's a/the...?Where's the...?
History of Finger Lakes Region
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The Finger Lakes Region is the ancestral homeland of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy, also known as the Iroquois Confederacy. The Haudenosaunee, comprised of the Mohawk, Oneida, Onondaga, Cayuga, Seneca, and later the Tuscarora, played a significant role in the area's history. The confederacy is known for its sophisticated political system, which influenced the formation of the United States Constitution. The region is dotted with ancient trails, burial sites, and remnants of the Longhouse communities that once thrived here.
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During the American Revolutionary War, the Finger Lakes Region was the site of the Sullivan-Clinton Campaign. This military expedition, ordered by General George Washington, aimed to neutralize the threat posed by the British-allied Haudenosaunee nations. The campaign led to the destruction of numerous Haudenosaunee villages and crops, significantly impacting the indigenous population. Today, several historical markers and trails commemorate this impactful event.
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Seneca Falls, a town within the Finger Lakes Region, holds a pivotal place in the history of women's rights. In 1848, the first Women's Rights Convention was held here, organized by Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Lucretia Mott. The convention produced the Declaration of Sentiments, a document demanding equal rights for women, including the right to vote. The Women's Rights National Historical Park in Seneca Falls preserves the legacy of this landmark event.
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The construction of the Erie Canal in the early 19th century dramatically transformed the Finger Lakes Region. Completed in 1825, the canal connected the Great Lakes with the Atlantic Ocean via the Hudson River, facilitating trade and migration. The canal spurred economic growth and led to the development of towns and cities along its route. Today, the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor offers a glimpse into this transformative period with museums, historic sites, and scenic trails.
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The Finger Lakes Region played a crucial role in the Underground Railroad, the network of secret routes and safe houses used by enslaved African Americans to escape to free states and Canada. Notable figures such as Harriet Tubman, who settled in nearby Auburn, were active in the area. The region's Quaker communities and abolitionists provided essential support to the freedom seekers. Several historic sites and museums, including the Harriet Tubman Home, commemorate this significant aspect of the region's history.
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The Finger Lakes Region is renowned for its wine production, which began in the 19th century. The region's unique microclimate, influenced by the deep glacial lakes, provides ideal conditions for growing grapes. The establishment of wineries such as the Pleasant Valley Wine Company in 1860 marked the beginning of the American wine industry. Today, the Finger Lakes is one of the premier wine-producing regions in the United States, celebrated for its Rieslings and other varietals.
Finger Lakes Region Essentials
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The Finger Lakes Region is located in central New York. The nearest major airports are Greater Rochester International Airport (ROC) and Syracuse Hancock International Airport (SYR). Both airports offer car rental services, making it convenient to drive to the region. If you prefer public transport, Amtrak trains stop in Syracuse and Rochester, and from there, you can take a bus or rent a car to reach the Finger Lakes. Major highways like I-90 and I-81 also provide easy access by car.
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Once in the Finger Lakes Region, having a car is the most practical way to explore, as public transportation options are limited. However, there are local bus services and taxis available in larger towns like Ithaca and Geneva. For a unique experience, you can also rent a bicycle or join a boat tour to explore the lakes themselves. Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft operate in some parts of the region but may not be as readily available in more rural areas.
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The official currency is the US Dollar (USD). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops throughout the Finger Lakes Region. ATMs are readily available in towns and shopping areas. It's advisable to carry some cash for small purchases, especially if you plan to visit rural areas or local markets.
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The Finger Lakes Region is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, as with any travel destination, it's important to take standard safety precautions. Avoid leaving valuables in your car and stay aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded places. While there are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, it's always best to stay vigilant.
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In case of an emergency, dial 911 for immediate assistance. The region has several hospitals and urgent care centers, including Cayuga Medical Center in Ithaca and Geneva General Hospital. Pharmacies are available in most towns for minor health issues. It's also recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies.
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Fashion: Do dress in layers, as the weather can be unpredictable. Don't wear overly formal clothing unless attending a special event. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions, especially when visiting religious sites. Public Transport: Do be respectful and courteous. Don't be loud or disruptive. Greetings: Do greet people with a smile and a handshake. Eating & Drinking: Do try local wines and dishes. Don't forget to tip your servers, as it is customary in the United States.
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To experience the Finger Lakes Region like a local, visit the farmers' markets for fresh produce and artisanal goods. Engage with locals at community events and festivals, which are frequent in the summer and fall. Don't miss the opportunity to visit local wineries and breweries, many of which offer tours and tastings. For outdoor enthusiasts, hiking trails, waterfalls, and parks offer endless opportunities for exploration.
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