7 Coolest Towns in the Finger Lakes for a Summer Vacation in 2024
As 2024’s summer approaches, travelers are searching for vacation spots to spare the summer heat while offering unparalleled sightseeing opportunities. Luckily, the Finger Lakes region in the state of New York is blessed with ideal humidity levels and temperatures - perfect for cooling off from 2024's predicted heat waves. In addition to its ideal climate, this East Coast hidden gem of a region is home to a whopping 11 geographically unique lakes, showcasing the area's natural beauty and topology. Summer vacation is a great time to backpack any and all of the lakes, and the following seven small towns offer perfect locations to make your launching pad!
Ithaca
Ithaca, home to the prestigious Cornell University, keeps things interesting during summer. Visitors flock to the small yet gorgeous town to get a panoramic view of Ithaca Falls and Cornell's incredible campus. But why hike the town’s trails when you can cruise it from the skies? Helicopter tours take to the skies with packages that range from five-minute micro tours to two-hour specials, taking sightseeing to new heights as they fly over Lake Cayuga, Buttermilk Falls State Park, and the Meyers Point Marina. You can have it all in this New York town- museums, hiking trails, and water parks.
Geneva
Another award-winning tourist-centered spot is Geneva, a quaint town whose European architecture and scenic views earned it its name and stellar reputation. The bustling Linden Street is the downtown’s most popular and lies at the heart of the culinary and retail scene of the town. Seneca Lake is vital for the town since agriculture and vegetation make the local cuisine a major attraction. The best places to experience this firsthand are Geneva on the Lake and the New York State Agricultural Experiment Station. The warm weather is also ideal for hikes in the Seneca Lake State Park and Kashong Conservation Area, a pet-friendly 83-acre nature trail and picnic area.
Skaneateles
Skaneateles overlooks a long-shaped lake with the same name, Iroquois, for “long lake.” The lake is popular for its rental vacation houses and cottages which are situated on the very rim of the lake. Its depth and distinct blue waters are attributed to its high elevation and natural water pressure. This water drew settlers as shown in the architecture on Clift Park Waterfront, and played an integral role in the Underground Railroad. Some of the town's summer events include the 50-year-old Skaneateles Antique and Classic Boat Show, which typically takes place in late July yearly. In addition to the Curbstone Festival and Sidewalk Sales which will take place on July 11 in Jordan Street, the lively town makes sure visitors leave with a memorable experience.
Canandaigua
Canandaigua has been attracting travelers since old times, as its name translates to “the chosen spot” in Haudenosaunee. Nevertheless, the town itself has played an integral role in American history. Having witnessed the signing of the Pickering Treaty establishing formal peace between the United States and the Six Nations of the Iroquois Confederation on November 11, 1794, history still comes to life at the town’s museums: Ontario County Historical Society Museum and City Pier, which showcases boathouses from the 1900s. To get a full taste of the town and Canandaigua Lake, explore the Downtown Canandaigua Wine Walks and Canandaigua Lake Wineries.
Watkins Glen
Watkins Glen was once infamous for hosting European-styled car racing events in 1948, but its reputation as a natural attraction is here to stay. The Watkins Glen International Raceway hosts events to this day. The town’s natural scenery contrasts the race’s fast-paced hustle and bustle, with rental homes overlooking the southern end of Seneca Lake, which blesses the town with a large water reservoir and breathtaking greenery. The town’s numerous waterfalls and hiking trails include Aunt Sarah’s Falls and Excelsior Glen, as their shade and greenery are perfect for cooling off on a hot summer's day. You can also keep busy this summer by stopping by Watkins Glen State Park and the Clute Park Campground.
Auburn
Auburn overlooks Owasco Lake and has a longstanding relationship with the Underground Railroad as it once housed Hariet Tubman in 1858. Tubman’s Harriet Tubman Home for the Elderly is open for visits, as well as the Cayuga Museum of Art and History. Auburn’s proximity to Skaneateles (7miles) and other towns make it a great spot to stop by and explore the town’s artistic side at the Schweinfurth Art Center and historic Carriage House Theatre. Other famous Aubrarians include Theodore Case and William H. Seward.
Aurora
Visitors often refer to Aurora as one of America’s best-kept secrets. Home to less than 1,000 people, the small town is one of the less popular towns in the Finger Lakes and overlooks Cayuga Lake. Similar to Auburn, Aurora is listed in the National Register of Historic Places and is home to one of the first steam-powered flour mills west of the Hudson River. Up until recently, the town was forgotten until its resident, Samantha Parkington, creator of the American Girl Doll, launched an upscaled transformation of the hamlet into a lodging town. One of the most remarkable would be Wallcourt Hall, which once served as an all-girls school. The recently opened Inns of Aurora provides a unique spa experience for visitors who get to experience the quiet town from an even more relaxing perspective!
Whether it is spending time in a chill lake house, exploring a bustling downtown, or quaint winery you're looking for this summer, these Finger Lake towns will not disappoint. With 11 lakes to choose from and a myriad of attractions, summer 2024 is best spent on the Finger Lakes where warm temperatures and friendly townspeople will welcome you with open arms.
