10 Small Towns in the Finger Lakes to Visit for a Weekend Getaway

The Finger Lakes area lies in New York, encompassing around 9,000 square miles. As the bizarre name suggests, the Finger Lakes is a collection of 11 breathtaking lakes- all of which have distinct water quality, marine life, and recreational opportunities. The reputation of these destinations speaks for itself, but the only way to experience the magic of the lakes is by visiting them yourself during holidays and weekends. Since visiting all 11 lakes is difficult in one weekend, here is a list of the most unique towns in the Finger Lakes area and lodging options that will make the most out of your weekend trip to the Finger Lakes. 

Auburn

Auburn attracts people from all ends as it sits on the northern lot of Owasco Lake. The town has a rich history since its water supply sparked an industrial boom during the 19th century. Auburn is also best known as Harriet Tubman's home, a noteworthy preserved sight for visitors. Scholars and tourists supplement their visit to the maintained home at the Harriet Tubman National Historical Park. Being Cayuga County’s seat, the town was and continues to be an active reagent in the development of the county and Finger Lakes area as it preserves the Case Research Lab where Yale University alum Theodore Case developed the first motion sound synchronized motion picture in the 1920s. Other tourist attractions include the Cayuga Museum of History and Art and the Seymour Library. The town’s residents enjoy many privileges due to their proximity to Lake Owasco, such as visiting Emerson Park and hiking the trails of the Owasco Flats. Lodging options include the Holiday Inn at the Auburn-Finger Lakes Region and Inn at the Finger Lakes. 

Geneva

Although the origins of the town’s name remain undetermined, it is safe to say that Geneva’s scenic trails and calm ambiance resemble those of Switzerland’s renowned village. Geneva borders Lake Seneca on the northern end and is relatively secluded compared to other towns in the Finger Lakes Area. With Lake Seneca being the most significant water body amongst the remaining 10, residents continue to benefit from the lake’s generous waters as grape wineries produce some of the best wines in the area. The best place to get a taste of Geneva is in the Seneca Lake Wine Trail, which incorporates almost 35 wineries, with major ones such as Barnstormer Winery on the West side and Damiani Wine Cellars on the East side. The Smith Opera House and the Geneva Historical Society will supplement your trip and walk you through the town’s history. To make the most of the town's ambiance, you can spend the night at Days Inn by Wyndham Geneva. 

Canandaigua

Iroquois for “chosen spot,” Canandaigua’s name is accredited to its natural allure since it benefits from Lake Canandaigua and its pristine shores. The regulated areas in Kershaw Park and Deep Run Park welcome swimmers from all around, as well as fishers and sailors at the New York State Park and the Seager and Sutter Marinas. Catalyzed by the ideal weather and water sources, New York’s Wine and Culinary Center showcases some of the lake's finest wines. For a glimpse of the town's history, visit the Ontario County Historical Society Museum and City Pier. Lodging options include the Holiday Inn at Canandaigua. 

Aurora

With a population of less than 1,000 people, the town appears quiet and dull at first, but a closer look at Aurora reveals its concealed charm and hidden recreation opportunities. Aurora sits on the eastern shores of the Finger Lakes longest lake, Lake Cayuga, and enjoys the scenic views from the porches of the Inns of Aurora. Aurora’s history museum adds depth to the visitors' experience and provides a glimpse into the life of Mackenzie Childs and the history of the town's first educational institution for women, Wells College. As with almost every city in the Finger Lakes Area, the town boasts a collection of wineries such as Aurora Brewing Co and the Finger Lakes Wineries. Although Aurora’s Inns are a great place to spend the weekend, drivers passing by the town can drive by the Cayuga Lake Scenic Byway to catch a glimpse of some of Aurora’s scenic lakes. 

Hammondsport 

Although Keuka Lake stands out with its peculiar Y shape, Hammondsport is a hidden gem that attracts tourists with its greenery and scenic sunsets. To witness the town’s natural beauty up close, Camplin Beach allows visitors to swim and experience the water of the crooked lake. Also, Birdseye Hollow Park grants nature enthusiasts the opportunity to fish and hike through the Finger Lakes Trail. Families can also enjoy picnics in designated areas, and playground amenities are available for children. The town’s allure and location have been recognized early on, as shown in the Finger Lakes Boating Museum, which showcases the town's boating heritage and incorporates educational programs in boating, navigation, and “on-water programs.” Special Events such as the Classic Boat Show hosted in mid-July bring this history to life. 

Ithaca

Home to the infamous Ivy League, Cornell University, Ithaca overlooks Lake Cayuga. The best place to begin exploring the college town is at Cornell University's campus, where you can walk the same halls as some of America's best and brightest, Ruth Ginsburg and Bill Nye. However, that is not all. Ithaca is where great minds and the great outdoors intersect. In particular, Taughannock Falls, Lick Brook Falls, and Triphammer Falls are excellent destinations for hikers. Ithaca Children's Garden and the Museum of the Earth are the best family and school field trip destinations. The Benn Conger Inn and Brookton Hollow Farm Bed and Breakfast are the best places to soak in the vibes of the quaint town. Whether attending top Ivy League athletic events or looking for a quaint city of New York to spend the weekend, Ithaca has something for everyone. 

Naples

Even though Naples is home to approximately 900 residents, the town has much to showcase in natural beauty and fall events. Naples Valley blesses the lakeside villages with ideal weather conditions and large crop yields, as shown in the Naples Grape Festival. The annual event takes place in September and showcases Naples' grape production in various activities, such as the World's Greatest Grape Pie Contest. The High Tor  Wildlife Management Area overlooks Canandaigua Lake and protects the habitats of species such as rainbow trout by regulating fishing and hunting. Drivers are recommended to take the Finger Lakes Barn Quilt Trail to enjoy the town's secluded painted barns and natural beauty. Naples’ allure and natural beauty made it a destination for Seneca Indians in the 1400s, making them the town's first settlers. After the arrival of white settlers, the conflict resulted in the emigration of Senecans, as documented in the Naples Historical  Society Museum. Visitors flock to the Naples Hotel during spring and fall to experience the town's charm.

Honeoye

Honeoye’s small but tightly-knit community and the village's vistas make it an unmissable destination. The best spot to marvel at Honeoye Lake is the Honeoye Lake State Boat Launch, which recently incorporated new docks for the town’s events. Travelers who visit during the fall can partake in some of the town's many occasions, such as the Pumpkin Festival. To delve into the history of the small yet influential town, the childhood home of Helen Pitts Douglass, second wife of the renowned abolitionist Frederick Douglass, remains preserved and open to visitors and is known as the Pitts Mansion. Honeoye’s downtown is a hub for artists and craftsmen, with some of Philippe Faraut’s sculptures on display in the Mill Creek Cafe. Tourists frequent Turtle Rock Hollow nature retreats and Honeoye Lake Rentals to spend the weekend and make the most of their stay. 

Watkins Glen

Watkins Glen’ grew very popular after it claimed its spot in the auto racing world, with Watkins Glen International Raceway boosting its reputation. However, that is not the sole reason the town has captivated those who have visited it. Overlooking Lake Seneca Lake, the town's views and landscape make it ideal for a short retreat. Watkins Glen State Park has 19 breathtaking waterfalls for visitors to marvel at. The park's shuttle services facilitate the transport of hikers to the top of the gorge, not to mention its many amenities, such as showers, pools, and tour guides. The town's residents are busy all year round, as events such as Ice Bar, Finger Lakes Wine Festival, and The Finger Lakes Beer Festival are organized in January, July, and October, respectively. As a result, the town's award-winning hotel, Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel, never runs out of travelers to host. 

Penn Yan

Penn Yan’s history shows a long-standing commitment to gender equality, with its current 5,000 residents boasting the town’s reputation as the host of the second women's rights convention in 1855. The YCHC Oliver House Museum and Yates County History Center document the history of the proud small town. Penn Yan’s shoreline overlooks Keuka Lake's north and eastern sections. The Keuka Lake Outlet Trail starts from Penn Yan and extends 6 miles toward Dresden. The trail permits visitors to hike and explore the area’s natural beauty. Other amenities the town provides include swimming beaches, pavilions, and playgrounds. Visitors also tour the Art Center of Yates County and Penn Yan Art Guild. 

Discover the Charm of the Finger Lakes

Each Finger Lakes stands out with its unique microclimate and natural allure. With Seneca and Keuka Lake being some of the biggest, many of the towns mentioned overlook them but provide different amenities and activities specific to their history and cultural identity. The area is a one-hour drive from Syracuse, and fortunately, diverse lodging options make the Finger Lakes an excellent spot for a weekend getaway.