7 Picture-Perfect Towns in the Finger Lakes

A long time ago, in the area that is now modern-day New York State, melting glaciers retreating north cut deep valleys into the ground.

The long, narrow valleys gradually filled with water, forming what is now called the Finger Lakes.

The Finger Lakes name comes from its eleven elongated, slender lakes that appear to mirror a hand's fingers. From Keuka Lake, with its unique Y-shape, to the deep waters of Lake Seneca, the Finger Lakes offers a combination of natural beauty not easily found elsewhere.

With so many lakes, almost every town has boating, fishing, and more at their fingertips. Close to the watersides, villages brimming with personality and people contribute to making this region a picture-perfect destination.

Canandaigua

Often considered the jewel of the Finger Lakes region, the scenery of Canandaigua Lake is hard to ignore. It is easy to understand when you relax on the calming water with lush forested hillsides as the backdrop.

The area's allure extends beyond its water. Canandaigua houses architectural gems from history, such as the Granger Homestead and Carriage Museum, that hails from 1816. The mansion has over 100 horse-drawn carriages and sleighs, teaching about transportation in the area before cars took over.

In town, the Sonnenberg Gardens & Mansion State Historic Park is one of the few remaining estates from the Gilded Age in the United States. The park has a beautifully preserved Victorian mansion, standing proud with its red Medina sandstone exterior and nine formal gardens, each with its look and style.

The town has a reputation for great food and drink due to the wealth of the area's vineyards and farms. The New York Kitchen (previously New York Wine and Culinary Center) reflects this reputation, offering a chance to experience the state's best food and wine.

Owego

Inside Owego's historic downtown, the town's age-old brick structures have garnered some fame as one of America's most charming destinations.

One of the buildings that stands out when you walk through the streets is the Tioga County Courthouse. The building is an iconic centerpiece, showing off its Second Empire architectural style with its two-sided sloped roofs and tall windows.

Just south of Ithaca and Cayuga Lake, Owego sits beside the Susquehanna River, and there are lots of spots to take a minute to watch the river's current rush past. One of the riverside locales to check out is undoubtedly its cozy riverwalk, a quiet walkway perfect for casual chats with friends while having a coffee.

If you are considering when to come, strongly think about June. This time of the year, the town holds its Strawberry Festival, an annual celebration with a parade, strawberry-themed foods, and great local music.

Naples

When the fall hits Naples, the hills burn bright with the vivid reds and yellows of autumn. Located between Naples Valley and Canandaigua Lake, the town is connected by meandering roads, crisscrossing through hills peppered with vineyards and orchards.

Naples is known locally as the "Grape Pie Capital of the World," the town holds an annual Grape Festival to mark the grape harvest. The event is known for grape pies, attracting many visitors. The town has a multitude of pie stores, showing off the distinctive grape pie, a treat that has become deeply associated with the town.

Vineyards nearby give public tastings and tours, where you can try local wines like Riesling and Chardonnay, including locally famous ice wines. 

Nearby, the High Tor Wildlife Management Area offers outdoor and wildlife experiences. So, if you are in the mood for a calming walk outside or watching wildlife, this park has both.

Hammondsport

You can find Hammondsport on the southern point of Keuka Lake, embraced by the rises of the Appalachian Plateau.

The hills near Hammondsport are alive with the world of wine. It sits in the middle of New York's wine culture, with wineries like Bully Hill Vineyards and Keuka Lake Vineyards just minutes outside town.

In Hammondsport, the roots of naval aviation run deep; credit goes to Glenn H. Curtiss, an early 20th-century stalwart who played a pivotal role in shaping maritime aircraft. The Glenn H. Curtiss Museum immortalizes his influence and his additions to aerial navigation at the aptly named local landmark.

Since the town is so close to Keuka Lake, the beauty of the Y-shaped Lake is right at your doorstep. Boating, fishing, and swimming are all on the menu when you are in Hammondsport. Near town, Depot Park is a great spot to get views of the lake while you have a picnic with friends.

Ithaca

Ithaca is well-known for a few reasons. One of those reasons is the gorgeous collection of waterfalls and gorges that led to the town getting its funny catchphrase, "Ithaca is gorges."

If you are in the mood to see the best waterfalls this side of the Mississippi, there is an absolute gem not too far from Ithaca that deserves your attention. Taughannock Falls is a massive 215-foot drop into a large, natural amphitheater-like setting, sculpted into rock formations over 380 million years old. Better yet, the entrance to the park is only 15 minutes away by car.

Another reason people know so much about Ithaca is Cornell University. Cornell is one of the eight Ivy League members and one of the country's educational gems.

For an authentic taste, the Ithaca Farmers Market leads the pack among local markets. It has great locally-made food, all with the Cayuga Lake as its backdrop.

Another option to check out is the Ithaca Commons, with a collection of locally owned businesses. Remember to park your car somewhere else. The area is pedestrian-only.

Seneca Falls

Sometimes, small towns play big roles in the pages of history. Seneca Falls is one of those places. In 1848, a convention brimming with determined women came together.

This event marked the genesis of what we now widely identify as the "Women's Rights Movement" in America. The conference was a vital moment in the women's suffrage movement.

Also located here is The National Women's Hall of Fame, a salute to distinguished women who have left indelible marks on American society. This enduring monument reflects their accomplishments but also stands as the community honoring the feats accomplished by the country's leading female figures.

A short 10-minute drive northeast of Seneca Falls takes you to the Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge, where a daunting bald eagle sculpture commands attention at the sanctuary's entrance. This enormous refuge stretches across more than 7,000 acres of landscape and serves as a crucial halt for transitory birds. It also plays an essential role as a feeding and reproduction site for numerous diverse species.

Trumansburg

When you are in Trumansburg, old brick buildings poke out softly from the dense forest surrounding the town.

Inside Trumansburg's downtown core, you can find beautifully kept 19th-century buildings. They are a testament to the town's residents in keeping their rich architectural heritage alive.

For a small town, there are a lot of interesting buildings to see. The Trumansburg Conservatory of Fine Arts lies inside a bold white Greek Revival building, originally the Second Baptist Church from 1851, and is recognized on the National Register of Historic Places.

The Ulysses Philomathic Library, with its striking pillars, is a landmark in its own right. Regardless of your interest (or lack thereof) in borrowing books, the beauty of this architectural gem commands a stroll within and around it.

Fancy moving your feet? Visit during the second-to-last July weekend, to coincide with the Finger Lakes GrassRoots Festival of Music and Dance. You can join crowds of revelers who flock there each year to revel in an eclectic mix of folk and bluegrass, all the way to reggae and electronica.

The product of ancient glaciers, the Finger Lakes region is a mix of scenic allure and cultural profundity.

From IIthaca's gorges to Seneca Falls' instrumental part in women's empowerment, physical beauty and historical importance are complex. There is also a calming, peacefulness to the area. You will see and understand when you are relaxing on a boat, on one of the many lakes, and all you can hear is the water slapping the sides of the shore.

So, if you find yourself in New York, do not miss a chance to get your fingers wet in this fantastic region.