2024's 8 Most Adorable Small Towns In The Finger Lakes

People often troop to the Finger Lakes Region to enjoy a break from big-city stress, get intimate with nature, and sip a vacation away. Aside from the occasional visit, however, the Finger Lakes Region is a fantastic place to live. Think of peaceful neighborhoods, slow-paced towns, and incredible natural beauty. The trick is to identify an adorable, small town ideal for one who wants to either visit or live in the Finger Lakes. Starting from Ithaca, one of the most adorable small towns in the United States, discover below 2024’s eight most adorable small towns in the Finger Lakes.

Ithaca

Layered in nature — with a big brush of man-made beauty — Ithaca easily earns a spot among the most adorable small towns in the Finger Lakes for 2024. Named after the famed Greek isle of Ithaca, a feature in Homer's Odyssey, Ithaca has something for a history nerd, a nature lover, and a culinary tourist. One will enjoy shopping at the Commons or foraging through the famous Restaurant Row on Aurora Street while admiring the town’s impressive architectural styles. Stewart Park is a lovely place for a walk or a sunset, the Cornel campus is a world of adventure, and Taughannock Falls, the tallest free-falling waterfall east of the Mississippi, is just north of town. But if you want to shop till you drop, Wegmans provides an unmatched experience.

Hammondsport

Hammondsport reclines at the southern tip of Keuka Lake, one of the most beautiful waterbodies in Upstate New York. Glenn H. Curtiss, whose aircraft were the first to make a takeoff, is among the town’s most famous sons. The Glenn H. Curtiss Aviation Museum, a 57,000-square-foot marvel, is among the town’s most sought-after attractions. A plate of salmon at Timber Stone Grill on Shethar Street should pave the way for venues such as the Finger Lakes Boating Museum, which features old boats restored to their original condition, Greyton H. Taylor Wine Museum, which comes with the Walter S. Taylor Gallery — and Champlin Beach — where one can slump on the grass and just inhale beautiful lake views.

Geneva

Geneva — named for one of Europe’s most beautiful cities — rests on the northern rim of Seneca Lake, the Lake Trout Capital of the World. Start by picking a map at the historical center on Main Street or having a melt-in-the-mouth BBQ beef brisket at The Rusty Pig before ambling through South Main Street, one of the most beautiful streets in the Finger Lakes Region. Proceed to the lake and let the breeze sweep across your face, then spend some time at the Hobart and William Smith Colleges, situated along the lake’s northern tip. For a good laugh, the handsomely restored Smith Opera House is the place to be. That said, do not miss the nearby Rose Hill Mansion, a beautiful, well-maintained representation of the area’s past.

Watkins Glen

Many associate “The Glen” with the Watkins Glen State Park, the most famous of the Finger Lakes State Parks. What is not as appreciated is how the town is sweet and adorable in its own right. Expect a small, old-timey place right on the lake, which features a fantastic line-up of inviting restaurants, neat rows of Revival architecture, and a legendary motorsports race track. Start your adventure at Nickel's Pit on N Franklin Street, especially if you have an affinity for delicious pig wings. Just across the street, Graft Wine + Cider Bar provides an incredible dining experience, possibly the best in the area. Some limbs of the Finger Lakes Trail run through Watkins Glen and are often a delight to explore. Cavern Cascade, which can be seen from one of the trails, provides the ultimate I-was-in-Watkins Glen photo-op.

Skaneateles

Skaneateles, Iroquois for "Long Lake," is tastefully positioned on the northern rim of Skaneateles Lake, one of the cleanest water bodies in the nation. The town center is adorable, right on a beautiful lake, and enticingly walkable. One will love exploring the eye-catching cottages that face the lake, some of which are celebrity hideouts. If you have a thing for stretch bread or croissants, Patisserie, a little bakery with a loyal following, will come in handy. Alternatively, grab some donuts at Skaneateles Bakery, a great spot in town for coffee, breakfast sandwiches, and sweets. Sated, stroll down to the pier. A boat ride on the lake's clear waters will work like a charm. For some outdoorsy stuff, get a dip at Clifton Park, chase waterfalls at Guppy Falls Trail, or chill out at Anyela's Vineyards, which serves some of the best reds in Upstate New York.

Canandaigua

There is a good chance a town nicknamed “The Chosen Spot” is going to be adorable. To the history lover, Canandaigua was where Susan B. Anthony, spotting a new blue silk bonnet, was put on trial for voting in the U.S. presidential election of 1872. A lovely downtown invites first-time visitors, who will not resist the urge to pop inside restaurants such as Simply Crepes Craft Kitchen, whose chicken and waffles are to die for — or the aptly named Nolan's on Canandaigua Lake — the go-to place for enjoying tasty lobster rolls on an outside patio. Pick a unique memento at Renaissance Goodie II Shoppe, sip your way through the Canandaigua Lake Wine Trail, or step back in time at Sonnenberg Gardens & Mansion State Historic Park, where beautiful flowers will cause the eye to sparkle like a child's in a toy shop.

Corning

Although the largest glass museum in the world is among Corning’s well-known features, its adorable downtown area earns it a spot here. Chemung River meanders through Corning, imbuing it with an atmosphere that is rustic and tasty. Stand-out attractions in town include Rockwell Museum, the only Smithsonian Affiliate in this part of the state. It is arguably the best-designed small museum for miles. Market Street is short and sweet for a stroll — and dotted with a good number of inviting restaurants, including Aniellos, a cozy eatery that boasts a treasure trove of gourmet pizzas. Not far from here, a beautiful pedestrian bridge leads directly to the Museum of Glass. For some top-notch retail therapy, Wegmans checks every known box. Just book a cozy room at the Gaffer Inn — especially if you want to be at the center of action.

Aurora

Rounding off this list is Aurora, a quaint community on the eastern shore of Cayuga Lake. Aurora is loved for its well-preserved 19th-century architecture and beautiful surroundings. The gorgeous Wells College campus, whose history goes back more than 150 years, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. An art enthusiast will want to sample the work of local artists at the nearby Aurora Arts and Design Center. Alternatively, the MacKenzie-Childs headquarters is known for its whimsical and colorful ceramics and will be a lovely spot to spend some time. Of course, one can enjoy a splash at Cayuga Lake — or just stroll and inhale heart-melting views. If spending the night, plan to stay at The luxurious Inns of Aurora, which features a lovely collection of historic homes now transformed into a premier lodging experience.

The Takeaway

To escape big-city stress — and regain one’s sanity — one should look for a quiet, peaceful spot to decompress, be in tune with nature, and just enjoy every moment. Although Americans have several options to work with, the Finger Lakes Region of New York, with its glittering lakes, award-winning wineries, and heart-stirring landscapes, provides an experience that is hard to beat. Dotting this awe-inspiring expanse are several beautiful towns, some of which are small, walkable, and adorable. For the most adorable small towns in the Finger Lakes, check out the options highlighted here, including Ithaca, one of America’s most adorable small towns.