7 Little-Known Towns In The Finger Lakes
Imagine traveling through an area that combines small-town charm, nature, and history. Glaciers created the famous 11 long-shaped lakes in the Finger Lakes region of upstate New York thousands of years ago. This area blends stunning natural beauty, verdant vineyards, and centuries-old customs. Farming and the production of wines in this area go back to the early 19th century, although most towns preserved architecture and landmarks from their Native American and colonial pasts. Every town here has its charm, connecting visitors with lakeside serenity and linking them to beautiful historical destinations. Ready for a trip? Come and find the most charming towns in the Finger Lakes and embrace the beauty of these little-known towns in upstate New York.
Skaneateles
With its gorgeous lake and small-town charm, Skaneateles awaits you. Skaneateles Lake attracts tourists year-round for sailing, fishing, and lake tours because of its pure and clean water. A charming collection of boutiques and antique stores are on Genesee Street in the center of town for all kinds of shoppers. History and hospitality are at the historic Sherwood Inn, built in 1807, a cozy setting for dining or a lake-view overnight stay. The John D. Barrow Art Gallery is a treasure for art lovers: an impressive 19th-century collection fitted out in a quiet, intimate spot. Each December, it is decorated for the Dickens Christmas, a festival that brings Victorian-era traditions to life with costumed characters and carolers. In late summer, the Skaneateles Festival invites regional and national musicians to perform an open-air classic music series. Scenic walking paths connect all these attractions so Skaneateles can easily be toured on foot.
Hammondsport
Hammondsport is the birthplace of Glenn H. Curtiss, a pioneer in aviation and flight enthusiasts may want to visit The Glenn H. Curtiss Museum to deepen their knowledge. It has been a local favorite, offering a thorough look into his advancement of aviation, along with displays of early motorcycles and locally significant artifacts. After touring the museum, perhaps visit Keuka Lake where water lovers can enjoy kayaking and boating, which are easily accessible from Depot Park, a gathering place for families and friends to picnic by the shore. Wine aficionados won't be disappointed either. Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery is one of the first vineyards that introduced Rieslings into the region, offering tastings against beautiful backdrops of rolling vineyards. Meanwhile, Main Street is sprinkled with art galleries, quaint cafes, and boutique shops that offer a lively and calm setting for an afternoon stroll. Hammondsport's small-town atmosphere and its mix of cultures make for one very memorable stop for those to whom being immersed in history and leisure is so appealing.
Aurora
Situated on the eastern coast of Cayuga Lake among the hills, Aurora combines 19th-century elegance with modern conveniences. The Inns of Aurora's old structures have been renovated to provide tasteful lodging, communal areas, and a spa—all ideal for a restful retreat of luxury. True art lovers will be thrilled by the Aurora Cultural and Design Center, which displays pieces by local artists, and the Morgan Opera House, a small venue for community concerts and cultural activities. Aurora's hometown feel is sweetened by dining at Fargo Bar & Grill, a welcoming restaurant offering classic American fare. Small streets make walking to every part of Aurora possible, allowing you to enjoy the lake's tranquility and the preserved architecture.
Owego
A walk through its downtown is enough to fall in love with this little town. You will be surrounded by buildings that have seen ages pass by. The Tioga County Historical Society Museum presents Native American culture and Civil War artifacts. Hickories Park, located along the Susquehanna River, features riverside trails, picnic areas, and fishing spots for a relaxing day. Each June, the Owego Strawberry Festival crowds in with food merchants, local handicrafts, and live music entertainment. A book lover's dream, Riverow Bookshop has shelves of rare and unique finds, and local antique shops nearby allow the possibility of memorable souvenirs. Owego is a walkable town that is inviting in character; it is well worth visiting for anyone curious about its past and riverside charm.
Naples
Naples? Is it not in Italy? Actually, no. It is a little village hidden away between hills at the southern extremity of Canandaigua Lake. Naples is known for its crown jewel of tradition: grape growing. Every September, the town's annual Naples Grape Festival fills the city with grape pies, wines, and various handcrafts to honor the region's grape culture. The trail of Naples Open Studio, which happens every October of the year, allows art lovers to visit 21 local artists in their studios and showcase their works. Another building block in the town's cultural life, Bristol Valley Theater presents live productions throughout the year. A walk down the downtown area reveals restaurants like Naples Valley BBQ, Neapolitan Pizza, Roots Café, and many stores purveying grape-themed items that help make up this Finger Lakes community's distinctive character.
Trumansburg
This small town is the perfect gateway to the magnificent Taughannock Falls State Park. It has a 215-foot waterfall, 33 feet higher than Niagara Falls, and houses many accessible trails with scenic views so that people of all ages can visit it. The Gorge Trail is an easy 0.95-mile walk down Taughannock Creek to the base of the falls, and various sections of the North and South Rim Trails offer moderate hikes with spectacular views of the gorge. Downtown Trumansburg has many shops and restaurants on its streets. The town is turned upside down every July during the Finger Lakes GrassRoots Festival of Music and Dance, with eclectic music and artistic expression performances throughout, drawing people from far and wide. For a wine lover, there is proximity to the Cayuga Lake Wine Trail, which features several wineries offering wine tastings through their picturesque sites overlooking the lakes. Anchoring the city's center is a walkable town center, inviting casual exploration into Trumansburg's local charm and hospitality.
Penn Yan
Situated on the shores of Keuka Lake, Penn Yan manages to balance its vintage appeal against a very active community life. The Keuka Outlet Trail is an attractive path that connects Keuka and Seneca Lakes, offering hiking and cycling opportunities. History buffs can learn about the region's past at the Yates County History Center, which occupies historic buildings displaying exhibits on local heritage and provincial winemaking. Many of the town's shops are a treat for antique lovers, each holding special treasures that tell stories of times gone by. Examples include Route 54 Antiques and 2nd Hand Treasures & Antiques. One annual loved by locals is the Penn Yan Fly-In Breakfast, where lovers of vintage aircraft gather; the skies fill with hints of memory. Adding fabric to this historical tapestry of the town is Birkett Mills, one of the oldest mills in the United States, which was known for its buckwheat products and has witnessed the immortality of Penn Yan. With stunning lake views, engaging history, and eventful community activities, Penn Yan is an attractive destination in the Finger Lakes region.
The Takeaway
The Finger Lakes are home to inviting towns, each with diverse stories, landscapes, and traditions. From Skaneateles with lake views that are simply unmatched to Hammondsport, with its living legacy of aviation pioneers, every stop is a story waiting to be explored. The annual Naples Grape Festival celebrates the area's history of wine. The quiet trails of Grimes Glen and Taughannock Falls invite the nature enthusiast to stop and take a deep breath, recognizing the natural beauty of these grounds. From the canal-side vistas in Penn Yan to the immersion into the arts in Aurora, these towns provide an authentic slice of upstate New York, combining scenic charm, history, and friendly communities.
