7 Breathtaking Towns to Visit in the Finger Lakes
The natural beauty of the Finger Lakes Region, on average, brings in over 5 million tourists per year. This robust tourism is hardly surprising, given the area's picturesque vineyards and wineries, cascading waterfalls, flowing rivers, and shimmering blue lakes. Nestled within the heart of upstate New York, this captivating region offers memorable activities for outdoor enthusiasts, history buffs, and gastronomes alike. Whether you are seeking adventure on the hiking trails of Letchworth State Park or enjoying a craft beer or local wine in Skaneateles, the Finger Lakes always have some kind of relaxing getaway in store. If you are looking to plan a trip to this beautiful region, but are not sure where to start, look no further than these seven breathtaking towns in the Finger Lakes that are sure to impress.
Mount Morris
Nestled between Silver Lake and Conesus Lake, Mount Morris is an excellent base for various nearby natural wonders. At only a four-minute drive, Letchworth State Park is known as the “Grand Canyon of the East” due to its scenic wonders in the eastern part of the country and is home to 3 roaring waterfalls, lush forests, and many hiking trails. Swain Resort offers gorgeous trails for skiiers and hosts a fun, annual beer festival in the fall. Mount Morris’s cuisine is diverse and provides a variety of mouth-watering options, such as Questa Lasagna, which prepares fresh and authentic Italian cuisine. For those looking for a place to spend the night, Brick Inn is a charming bed and breakfast in a historic, colonial-style home from 1915 that is beautifully refurbished and excellently positioned near Letchworth State Park.
Corning
Sitting slightly south of Keuka and Seneca Lake, Corning glimmers as the Crystal City of America. The Corning Museum of Glass is the largest museum dedicated to glass art and artifacts in the world and is sure to be a unique and memorable museum for visitors. In the museum, visitors can also make their own glass during fusing, sculpting, and glass-blowing workshops. Travelers can make the trip up to Keuka Lake State Park, which offers views of rolling slopes with vineyards and sparkling lake water. The park is a great place to spend the day or night, with many spots to picnic and camp and trails to hike on. Those looking for a bite to eat can stop by one of Corning’s quality restaurants, such as Hand + Foot, which offers great music, a cozy atmosphere, and a large variety of food options that will please everyone.
Skaneateles
Skaneateles is a vibrant, lakeside village filled with quaint shops, recreational activities, and unique cuisine. Sitting on the edge of the lake, visitors can take advantage of its water activities by renting a boat or tube or booking a fishing charter. Those who want to relax off the lake can visit one of the town’s breweries or wineries to enjoy a drink, such as Skanteaneles Brewery which prepares craft beers, or Anyela’s Vineyard, which offers tastings and the opportunity to meander through the scenic vineyards. 2W Lake, which is strategically positioned near many of the town’s shops and features gorgeous views of the lake. The Victorian-style home beautifully embodies Skaneatele’s history and culture as well.
Seneca Falls
The scenic town of Seneca sits near the northern part of Cayuga Lake, with Van Cleef Lake positioned in the middle of the town. Home to the birthplace of the Women’s Rights Movement, travelers can step into history by visiting the Women’s Rights National Historical Park, which hosts a variety of important landmarks from the movement, such as the Wesleyan Chapel and the Elizabeth Cady Stanton House. While in Seneca Falls, visitors must also explore the Cayuga Lake Wine Trail, which features an array of family-owned wineries that offer tours and wine tastings, immersing travelers in the area’s rich viticulture. Near the wine trail, those itching for some exercise can hike through the Cayuga-Seneca Canal Trail. This trail, which follows the canal that links the two neighboring lakes, excellently encapsulates the Finger Lakes region, containing wildlife marshes and wetlands, lakes, and woodlands surrounded by agricultural fields.
Watkins Glen
Surrounded by an array of breathtaking waterfalls and perching on the edge of Seneca Lake, Watkins Glen is the perfect destination for hikers and water sports enthusiasts. Aunt Sarah’s Falls, Excelsior Glen, and Deckertown Falls are just a few of the spectacular waterfalls that visitors can find nearby. Watkins Glen State Park has a trail containing an impressive 19 waterfalls in less than two miles. Finger Lakes National Forest, also near Watkins Glen, is the only national forest in New York State and is sure to impress travelers with its gorgeous trails as well. Along the lakes, there are many opportunities to swim, kayak, and fish. In the town, cozy shops, bakeries, and restaurants are abundant. The Blackberry Inn Kitchen is an excellent place to stop by for a traditional, mouthwatering New York Bagel!
Naples
Naples is a quaint town near Canandaigua Lake that has a proud history and is surrounded by lush forests. The town has been celebrating its annual Grape Festival since 1872, the same year that they finished constructing the town hall. The festival currently lasts two days and features an array of music, art, pies, and more! Those inspired by the town’s rich history can walk or hike along the Village Historic Trail, which takes hikers by 23 historic sites that are significant to the town’s history. West Hill Preserve Trail and Gannet Hill Trail are stunning hiking trails as well. After an eventful day of hiking, visitors can return to the town and relax at one on of the many wineries or look for a souvenir along Main Street. Roots Cafe is a great option for those looking for a delicious and fresh meal!
Canandaigua
The town name “Canandaigua” comes from a Native American translation meaning “The Chosen Spot”, which continues to ring true today because of its beauty. Positioned along the northern part of the Canandaigua Lake, visitors can swim, boat, and fish. The historic town also has many places to shop, galleries to admire, and restaurants to enjoy. The award-winning Sutherland House Victorian Bed & Breakfast is a charming place to stay, featuring a house dating back to 1885 and a gourmet, daily three-course breakfast available to its guests. Nolan's on Canandaigua Lake is an upscale restaurant in town offering mouthwatering seafood and steak that also comes highly recommended.
Concluding our tour of these seven beautiful towns, one thing is clear: The Finger Lakes Region boasts one-of-a-kind landscapes and is home to many vibrant communities that await you with open arms. Whether marveling at the majestic Corning Museum of Glass or getting lost in the rich history of Seneca Falls, you are sure to walk away from the trip with something unique to talk about. So pack your bags and embark on an unforgettable journey through this enchanting region, which promises new adventures and experiences that will leave a lasting impression.
