7 Delightful Towns to Visit in the Finger Lakes
The Finger Lakes region of the US is home to eleven north-south lakes below Lake Ontario. With lots of interesting commercial locales and natural or historic landmarks, there is no shortage of delights to be had. This is most prominent when visiting the delightful towns spread throughout the region, where one can find everything from trendy wineries to modern-day animal farms in New York. With various climate seasons and some of the coolest things to see and do, these towns will make any itinerary more worthwhile for travelers craving newfound enjoyment.
Hammondsport
A small village town in New York with 600 residents, Hammondsport is great for travelers who love Keuka Lake’s sightseeing and delightful wineries. The Pulteney Square Historic District is among the best spots for 18th-century cultural architecture and scenic lake viewing, and even doubles as a famous wine-tasting spot! Glenn H. Curtiss Aviation Museum, located on State Route 54, is known for its vintage airplane exhibits and pioneering history. Finger Lakes Boating Museum is another great stop for history lovers who desire knowledge on boat building heritage and tourism.
Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery is a hotspot for famous Pinot Noir and local tasting rooms, with a scenic, welcoming atmosphere that makes any trip more delightful and amazing! The Bully Hill Vineyards Winery is also around for interactive lake-viewing activities and a cozy gift shop full of cute finds. One can check out Weis Vineyards for relaxing picnics and beach delights for beautiful beachfront amusement and laid-back locals.
Seneca Falls
A hamlet town in the northern Finger Lakes with 6,600 locals, Seneca Falls is quite a delight for anyone who likes historical landmarks and comfortable dining. The Women's Rights National Historical Park is a museum stop that showcases the importance of feminist movements and women's rights from past eras of racial discrimination. The National Women's Hall of Fame also contributes to young females' recognition of women, arts, and talents. For those who want to learn more about the history of the industrial era, the Seneca Museum of Waterways and Industry has 9,000 square feet devoted to the history of the Erie Canal and the abolitionist movements.
The Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge is a natural pleasure for tourists who want to observe migratory bird movements through Seneca Lake, with over 10,000 acres of swamp wildlife and Cayuga Lake splendors! For a truly tranquil and delightful itinerary, travelers can book a stay at Glamping at Meadeville Farm, a splendid "bed and breakfast" locale that remains a hidden gem in a scenic creek area for farmlands and canopy dining comfort. Those hungry in town can visit El Bajio Mexican Restaurant for delicious Mexican cuisine within an easygoing atmosphere full of friendly locals and colorful decor.
Naples
A delightful town of 1,000 inhabitants south of Canandaigua Lake, Naples is a grape-growing tourist destination with fun commercial locales and outdoor landmarks. The Grimes Glen Park is a must-see for nature lovers with its deep gorges and vibrant waterfalls. Hikers may prefer Conklin's Gully for an underrated trekking experience with dramatic stone wall landscapes and lush greenery. RMSC Cumming Nature Center is another lesser-known landmark with 900 acres of preserved nature trails and delightful yoga activities right in the heart of the Finger Lakes!
For commercial enjoyment, Bristol Valley Theater offers summer thrills and charming entertainment for evening tourists. Wohlschlegel's Naples Maple Farm is a delightful maple house with the most scenic forestry and the coolest boutique maple syrup products! Pottery shopping comfort can be had at Artizanns, where creative hand-blown glass sculptures, paintings, and fabric art make for a wonderful return trip. Roots Cafe provides fruity cocktail delights and cozy flowerbed seating arrangements to make travelers feel like esteemed guests.
Aurora
Aurora is a village town on Cayuga Lake's shoreline with less than 1,000 locals, and it is a guaranteed delight for travelers. At Long Point State Park, 300 acres of eastern shoreline thrills, relaxing bathhouse vibes, and spectacular sunsets are everything one may need for a good time! Knox Farm State Park capitalizes on history with 630 acres of former country estate living and delightful grassland pastures. At the Howland Stone Store Museum, it is easy to find cobblestone architecture dating back to the 1830s and Quaker history that has survived even today.
Further history can be explored at Roycroft Campus, a historical 1890s village landmark with craftsmanship guild upbringing and cool gift shop trinkets. Luxury enthusiasts can tour the town with the help of Bianconi Tours, which offers gorgeous views of Cayuga Lake by boat cruise with ocean winds and historical sunsets included! After roaming around, Bar-Bill Tavern is up anyone's alley for classic pub dining and features rustic hangout spots that are quite delightful.
Watkins Glen
Watkins Glen, with a population of 1,800 residents, is a top contender for natural delights. Watkins Glen State Park is a must-see for its scenic waterfalls and rocky lookouts, which would make any hiker want to stay a while. Similarly, Clute Memorial Park Campground has amazing campground splendors and downtown recreational pleasures to satisfy casual tourists. Travelers may also discover Farm Sanctuary, a solitary green pasture in upstate New York with hundreds of rescue animals and 275 acres of farmland cabin enjoyment perfect for families!
Back in town at the International Motor Racing Research Center, one can discover many collections of professional photographs from racing history, with lots of excellent workshops related to motor racing and its influence on the town. Art lovers may enjoy Quintus Gallery for its inspirational fine prints and luxurious shopping relics from the past. Lastly, Reisinger's Apple Country has a mix of delightful apple orchards and wine-tasting tours to please just about any newcomer willing to try some new cider!
Trumansburg
A village town of 1,700 locals, Trumansburg is home to many popular attractions that would be delightful to outsiders. Taughannock Falls State Park is a definitive spot for rocky cliffs and gorge rim trails that make everything more appealing to campers and hikers of all backgrounds. The Ulysses Historical Society has quaint farmland architecture and cultural heritage related to the Todarighroones Indians. Henry A. Smith Woods offers delightful hikes and diverse forests for anyone needing a calming walk through woodlands on rainy days.
At Frontenac Point Vineyard & Estate Winery, travelers can find the best wine-tasting overlooks and panoramic views of Cayuga Lake. Cabin View Alpacas is a delightful option for animal lovers who crave a blend of nature and farm habitat in one trip. Travelers who love alpacas can also check out Shepherds Creek Alpacas for family-friendly tours of the barn, and it even allows families to adopt an alpaca!
Penn Yan
Penn Yan, with a population of 5,000 inhabitants, is known for its top-notch wineries and natural views north of Keuka Lake. Keuka Lake Outlet Trail is a delightful landmark with its 18th-century rail trails and dog-friendly gravel roads that make it easy to see the Keuka Lake Outlet Preservation Area close by. Nature enthusiasts can stop by Keuka Lake Wine Trail, an award-winning grape winery with a glacial history, welcoming families, and exotic wines. Keuka Spring Vineyards is yet another nature stop for Austrian wine-tasting exposure and breathtaking views of Keuka Lake!
At Apple Barrel Orchards, visitors can tour the orchard for heirlooms and one-of-a-kind apple finds, with some delightful cider activities to make newcomers feel like they are long-term settlers. For some more food, the Keuka Candy Emporium is a wholesome locale in town with the best historic candies and old-fashioned coffee and ice cream recipes! If the snacks aren’t cutting it, Tavern Restaurant offers live music performances and down-to-earth conversations over some quality hamburgers and homemade soups.
Conclusion
These delightful towns all have one thing in common: They can attract all types of tourists. Whether it is enjoying a glass of wine along the Kueka Lake Wine Trail in Penn Yan or exploring the array of outdoor parks in Aurora, there is something for everyone in these towns. With so many ways to find enjoyment and thrills in the Finger Lakes region, nothing would hold anyone back from seeing what is out there when traveling around New York. This list guarantees tourists will have many delights during any season.
