10 Of The Quietest Finger Lakes Towns

The Finger Lakes are a group of eleven long, glacier-carved lakes in upstate New York. This scenic region has long been one of the most popular escapes away from big cities, where travelers enjoy the outdoors and explore charming small towns that dot these scenic lakes. While popular mainstays such as Ithaca and Geneva get plenty of buzz, the region is home to many quiet towns that lie off the beaten path and are perfect for a curious traveler who is not afraid to explore more. If you want to spend time in less-visited destinations along the Finger Lakes for some peaceful relaxation, these ten quietest towns fit the bill.

Hammondsport

Hammondsport is a village with a population of less than 1,000 people at the southern tip of Keuka Lake, the third-largest lake in the region. Home to a handful of bars, restaurants, and boutique shops, this small town offers a nice mix of urban amenities and a slower pace of life.

The Glenn H. Curtiss Museum honors the aviation pioneer born here who worked alongside Alexander Graham Bell and others on the early development of aircraft and seaplanes. Keuka Lake is a perfect spot for kayaking or paddleboarding in glassy waters, and the Finger Lakes Trail has many scenic hikes through woods and over gentle ridges. If you are a wine lover, stop at Pleasant Valley Wine Company, one of the oldest wineries in the region, where you can sip local vintages in a stone cellar.

Aurora

Aurora is a small hamlet on the eastern shore of Cayuga Lake, and home to Wells College, whose spectacular architecture and lakeside views in the heart of a wine region are worth a stroll even if you're not a student. In many ways, Aurora feels like a step back in time. Before European settlement, the area was home to the Cayuga Nation and was once destroyed during the Revolutionary War in 1779.

This underrated town boasts several well-preserved 19th-century buildings, the main of them is the Aurora Village-Wells College Historic District, listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1980, which includes over 50 properties. If you want to spend time outside, just walk along the gentle lakefront or rent a kayak to explore the quiet waters of Cayuga. When you get hungry, pop into Fargo Bar & Grill, a cozy tavern that serves American comfort food.

Branchport

A hidden gem of the Finger Lakes Region, Branchport is nestled along the northwest shore of Keuka Lake. This tiny hamlet of just 300 people offers a charming small-town atmosphere and makes a perfect escape from more popular spots in the region that sometimes can be overrun by tourists. Whether you want to check out its many historic houses along tree-lined streets, shop in one of the local boutique stores along Main Street, or check out the Keuka Lake Wine Trail, you will have a blast in this small town with a unique personality.

Penn Yan

Nicknamed the Buckwheat Capital of America, Penn Yan is home to the Birkett Mills, one of the oldest mills in the United States that was built in 1797. The town’s quirky name comes from ‘Pennsylvania” and “Yankee” because of its early settlers who migrated to the area in the 18th century. Penn Yan Historic District is where you can see different architectural styles from the 1820s, including the Birkett Mills, the Chronicle Building, and the historic Knapp Hotel. Another can’t-miss spot in the area is the Oliver House Museum, a perfect stop for diving into local history with Victorian furnishings and guided tours.

Trumansburg

Trumansburg is an artsy village northwest of Ithaca, whose claim to fame is one of the tallest waterfalls east of the Rockies, Taughannock Falls, which plunges 215 feet, surpassing even Niagara Falls in height. Many visitors come to the area because of the waterfall and the Taughannock Falls State Park, which offers scenic hiking trails, a lakeside beach, and stunning gorge views.

Finger Lakes GrassRoots Festival of Music & Dance is a renowned annual music and dance festival on the second-to-last weekend in July and attracts performers and visitors from around the world. But if you don’t make it here in time for the festival, there are still plenty of places to visit, from Trumansburg Farmers Market to Ulysses Philomathic Library and The Trumansburg Conservatory of Fine Arts, which holds exhibitions and concerts in a converted church.

Skaneateles

Located along the shores of Skaneateles Lake, this town is a hidden jewel of the Finger Lakes that most tourists miss. Although Skaneateles seems like a sleepy village, it has a lively outdoor scene. The lake is ideal for boating, swimming, and other water activities. The nearby Charlie Major Nature Trail has scenic and easy hiking trails for some exercise, and you can also grab a warm scone or cinnamon roll at Skaneateles Bakery.

If you are an art lover, explore the John D. Barrow Art Gallery to see the famous artworks of the 19th-century artist. Don’t miss Anyela’s Vineyards which offer an ideal setting for wine tastings and culture tours away from the tourist crowds. Charlie Major Nature Trail is a quiet rail trail perfect for strolling or biking.

Naples

Naples is a laid-back town at the southern end of Canandaigua Lake with a unique character shaped by its grape-growing heritage, which you can enjoy when you stop at Inspire Moore Winery, which produces more than 12 different wines. The Grimes Glen Park offers a perfect escape to nature with short hikes leading to gurgling waterfalls surrounded by mossy stone walls. The area is also known for its arts scene, with the Bristol Valley Theater offering performances in a small-town setting. Autumn visitors are rewarded with vivid foliage and grape pies that have become a local specialty. Throughout the year, the Naples Historical Society keeps the cultural heartbeat of the town alive with exhibits and events.

Watkins Glen

Watkins Glen is one of the most well-known destinations in the Finger Lakes region thanks to Watkins Glen State Park, which was named one of the best places to visit in the U.S. by Travel + Leisure. Famous for its 19 waterfalls along a 2-mile gorge trail, carved by Glen Creek over thousands of years, this town attracts outdoor lovers from many parts of the country. Surrounding stone bridges, spiral tunnels, and lush greenery make it one of the most photogenic spots in the region, so make sure to bring your camera if you make it out here.

Besides the famous state park, the area is also home to some interesting motorsports history, and a relaxing small-town vibe, perfect for a serene getaway. Watkins Glen International, also known as “The Glen,” is a legendary racetrack that has hosted Formula One, NASCAR, IMSA, and IndyCar, and attracts motorsport fans to this day. If you are not into racing, check out the area’s craft breweries, cideries, and farm-to-table dining. Located at the southern tip of Seneca Lake, Watkins Glen is a key stop on the Seneca Lake Wine Trail with dozens of nearby wineries. Or take a scenic cruise on Seneca Lake, if you are in the area during warmer months.

Lodi

The small village of Lodi got its name after an Italian Fortress known for its high banks, and is home to just under 300 people. Lodi is a perfect spot if you are looking for a slow pace, as life here revolves mostly around vineyards, farms, and lake views. It’s an ideal spot for peaceful wine tasting or watching sunsets over the water without the crowds, thanks to minimal traffic and few visitors. A premier destination on the Seneca Lake Wine Trail, Lodi is a gateway to several wineries: Wagner Vineyards Estate Winery, Boundary Breaks Vineyard, Lamoreaux Landing Wine Cellars, and King's Garden Vineyards.

Dundee

Located between Keuka and Seneca Lakes, Dundee has deep ties to the region’s winemaking history. In the 19th century, the town was a vital part of the area's grape-growing boom, helping establish the Finger Lakes as a winemaking hub. You can learn local history at the Dundee Area Historical Society, a small but rich museum home to artifacts, photographs, and stories from Dundee’s past, from pioneer life to local Civil War veterans.

Dundee is close to one of the most scenic trails in the region, the Keuka Outlet Trail, which follows an old canal route between Keuka and Seneca Lakes, passing waterfalls, wooded ravines, and remnants of 19th-century mills. Another major draw is the proximity to world-class wineries just outside the village. Glenora Wine Cellars is one of the oldest and most scenic wineries on Seneca Lake, has a farm-to-table restaurant and on-site lodging, whereas Starkey's Lookout offers both a winery and microbrewery with sweeping views of the lake.

While the Finger Lakes is a popular region for thousands of tourists each year, you can escape the crowds in these quiet corners to reconnect with nature and enjoy a slow pace of life. Whether you want to go hiking along hidden waterfalls, sip wine with a view, or learn some local history, these quiet towns offer a kind of silence that will make you forget big city life.