7 Must-Visit Small Towns in the Finger Lakes
One of the most famous natural spaces near New York is the Finger Lakes. The region gets its name from resembling the fingers of a hand. It has eleven linear lakes, including the 40-mile-long Cayuga Lake and the 3-mile-long Canadice Lake. From wineries to waterfalls and forests, the region has an unmatched allure. There is no better way to experience the area's beauty than by exploring the nearby small towns. Owego is an enchanting, scenic town on the Susquehanna River. Hammondsport is another Finger Lakes town, perfect for Lakeside lovers to enjoy waterfront vistas. Many of the towns in the Finger Lakes region are full of stunning waterfall views. Ithaca has particularly beautiful trails where you walk past breathtaking waterfalls. Whether you want to experience small-town charm or gorgeous natural vistas, these are the small towns you have to visit on your trip to the Finger Lakes.
Corning
A small town known for creativity in the Finger Lakes is Corning. Located in Steuben County, Corning is on the southern edge of the Finger Lakes, on the Chemung River. One of the town's most popular attractions is the Corning Museum of Glass, the world's largest museum of glass art. The museum houses over 45,000 glass art pieces, along with other intriguing displays. Beyond glass crafting, Corning is also a great place to explore the region's wine trails. Corning is only a 30-minute drive to Keuka Lake and Seneca Lake. Both areas have unique wine trails to enjoy.
Owego
Another charming town in the Finger Lakes is Owego, a quaint village in Tioga County. Owego is on the scenic Susquehanna River, one of the longest rivers of the Eastern Seaboard of the United States. There are cute shops and restaurants on Lake Street. The Early Owego Antique Center is a popular shop to stop at. You never know what kind of hidden treasure you might find. A unique spot to visit in Owego is Belva Lockwood Inn. The Inn offers a historic stay; the building dates back to 1872. The Inn pays homage to Belva Lockwood, a former Owego resident known for her dedication to fighting for equal rights for women.
Owego is a great town to visit any time of year but is a hot spot in summer because of the special events the town hosts. One of the most popular festivals is the Owego Strawberry Festival. The fest takes place annually in June at the Historic Owego Marketplace and is a strawberry lovers paradise.
Penn Yan
Another town to visit in the Finger Lakes is Penn Yan, a beautiful village on the north end of the eastern tip of Keuka Lake. The town is a favorite spot for waterfall lovers and those who like sightseeing. Penn Yann has classic old-school diners, charming cafes and shops, and lots of opportunities for outdoor hikes. The Keuka Outlet Trail is a quiet 7-mile trail near town that passes stunning views of New York Waterfalls. The trail connects Seneca and Keuka Lakes. It is the perfect trek for those looking to walk, jog, or bike. Penn Yan also has an interesting history as the home to Birkett Mills. The Birket Mills is one of the oldest mills in America and produces buckwheat products. Just outside the mill, you will find the famed world's largest pancake griddle. The griddle is 28ft x 1 and made the world's largest pancake in 1987. Whether you love small-town charm, scenic waterfall vistas, or a bit of history, Penn Yan is one of the best Finger Lakes towns to visit.
Hammondsport
If you like wine tasting and waterfront views, Hammondsport is the town in the Finger Lakes for you. The small town is a hamlet of around 500 people, making the town's lakeside views more peaceful. One spot to enjoy the town's waterfront is Depot Park. The waterfront park is on Keuka Lake. Here, you can walk around, sit on a bench and enjoy the vistas, or rent a boat and enjoy a day in the sun. Similar to other towns in the Finger Lakes, Hammondsport is also a great spot to enjoy local wineries. There are wineries on the Keuka Lake Wine Trail with stunning views. Some of the most popular to visit are Heron Hill Winery, Bully Hill Vineyards, and Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery. To enjoy a bit of the town's history, visit the Glenn H. Curtis Museum. There, you can learn about local hero Glenn Curits and his contributions to aviation and mechanics.
Naples
Located in the gorgeous Naples Valley, Naples is a must-visit town in the Finger Lakes region. Naples is near Honeoye and Canandaigua Lakes. There is plenty of nature to enjoy in town. Hiking and sightseeing are popular in the area. Conklin Gully 12 Falls Trail is a popular hike in the area following a riverbed. There are many waterfalls along the way. Those looking to see more waterfalls should visit Grimes Glen Park. The park has many waterfalls accessible by trail. Art lovers should check out Bristol Valley Theater. The theater hosts professional theatrical productions and makes the perfect day trip.
Ithaca
One of the most lively towns in the Finger Lakes is Ithaca. The town has a big student population since it is home to both Cornell University and Ithaca College. Ithaca is a mix of both the charm of a small town and the vibrancy of student life. There are many things to do in town, from dining, shopping, and lake activities to wine tasting and, of course, enjoying the Ithaca waterfalls. The Commons is a year-round hub that offers a mix of shopping, dining, and entertainment.
Nature lovers will have lots to do in Ithaca. The area has many forests and waterfalls to explore. Some of the most popular trails in town are the Buttermilk Falls Gorge and Rim Trail Loop, and Cascadilla Falls. Both trails offer spectacular waterfall views and make for an amazing hike. If you are looking for a surreal natural landscape and love waterfalls, Ithaca should be at the top of your list.
Elmira
Another town known for its art and rich history in the Finger Lakes is Elmira. The town is home to 'Mark Twain Country'. The famous author loved the area and spent his summers at a home in Elmira for more than 20 years. To visit the spots Twain loved in Elmira, hop on the Mark Twain trolley tour. The train takes you around Elmira, pointing out relevant spots to Mark Twain, such as his final resting place.
Elmira is also known for its fine arts and architecture. The Arnot Art Museum downtown is one of the most popular spots to visit. The gallery showcases an art collection curated in the late 1900s. Like other towns in the Finger Lakes, Elmira has stunning natural beauty. There are gorgeous trails to explore in town. One of the most popular is Twain and Presidents Trail. The trail circles Gleason Meadows and offers beautiful views of the Chemung River.
Considering the spectacular natural beauty of the region, it's no wonder the Finger Lakes is a popular tourist attraction. The small towns all have something unique to offer. Ithaca has gorgeous trails offering stunning vistas of waterfalls, such as the Buttermilk Falls Gorge and Rim Trail Loop, and Cascadilla Falls. Penn Yan is home to a historic mill to explore and the world's largest pancake griddle. To top it off, Elmira is a mix of natural beauty and historic glamor, offering visitors the opportunity to explore some of Mark Twain's favorite summer spots. If you love the outdoors and walking through historic, charming towns, the Finger Lakes is the place for you!
