7 Whimsical Towns to Visit in the Finger Lakes Region
Thought to be a geological anomaly due to their unique formation, the 11 Finger Lakes attract millions of visitors from across the Empire State every year. As some of New York's most sought-after getaway destinations, these stunning anomolies serve as spirited hubs for outdoor recreation and promise breathtaking scenes in every season.
While the lakes are undoubtedly the heart and soul of the Finger Lakes Region, the small towns that surround them boast their own charms to entice out-of-towners. From record-breaking landmarks to museums with world-renowned exhibits, these communities may be known as Finger Lake towns, but their whimsical qualities and quirky attractions add a special touch that keeps tourists coming back for more.
Corning
Nicknamed America’s “Crystal City,” Corning is a historic river town that celebrates its glass past in a shining way. Famous for producing the very first glass light bulbs in 1879 (and later inventing a machine that led to their mass production), visitors come to Corning from all over the world to visit the renowned Corning Museum of Glass.
Although a glass museum may not sound particularly thrilling, its impressive annual attendance of over 300,000 visitors tells a different story. Along with exhibiting over 45,000 glass artifacts and artworks, visitors can view live glass-blowing demonstrations or even attend a class to try the exciting technique themselves.
Afterwards, Corning has plenty else to see and do, like The Rockwell Museum, Heritage Village of the Southern Finger Lakes, and Centerway Square. Known for its signature clock tower in historic downtown Corning, USA Today once rated this charming town center the "Best Public Square" in the United States.
Penn Yan
Short for “Pennsylvania Yankee,” Penn Yan is another Finger Lakes town with a whimsical attraction celebrating its history. Home to one of the oldest mills in the United States, Penn Yann’s Birkett Mills has been in continual operation since 1797. But the true eye-grabber sits right outside: the largest pancake griddle in the world. Built-in 1987, the 28-foot pan was once used for cooking (what was then) the largest pancake in the world, and today, tourists love to snap photos with the quirky attraction.
Beyond this zany landmark, beauty awaits in Penn Yann’s backyard. The town is located on a branch of Keuka Lake, granting access to the gorgeous Keuka Outlet Trail. The 7-mile path follows the river that connects Keuka Lake to Seneca Lake, passing countless waterfalls like Seneca Mills Falls and Cascade Mills Falls.
Naples
If you have a taste for quirky food-related attractions, quaint and cozy Naples is the perfect follow-up town. A 30-minute drive from Penn Yan will bring you to this nearby Finger Lakes gem, which is famously known as the “Grape Pie Capital of the World.” Selling over 70,000 of the delicious yet unconventional pies every year, Naples is also known for its annual Naples Grape Festival. Held this year on September 28th and 29th, 2024, the event will feature live music, wine-tasting booths, vendors, and the crowd-favorite Naples Greatest Grape Pie Contest.
Outside festival season, visitors can still buy the town’s signature dessert from bakeries like Cindy's Pies. There are also plenty of other ways to have fun in this sweet town, including waterfall views at Grimes Glen Park, picnics and hikes at the 900-acre Cumming Nature Center, and live shows at the Bristol Valley Theater from May to October.
Aurora
Settled along scenic Cayuga Lake, Aurora, affectionately known as Aurora-on-Cayuga, is a darling little village with a dollhouse feel. This storybook quality is showcased in the town’s historic 19th-century homes, which owe their restorations to a famous doll maker. Over several decades, Pleasant Rowland (creator of the original American Girl Doll Company), has been revitalizing and restoring the town’s once-deteriorating properties, breathing new life into this enchanting Finger Lakes village.
For those looking to stay a while, a variety of centuries-old homes like the Rowland House and E.B. Morgan House have since been restored into adorable lakefront hotels. But whether you visit this fairytale town for a tranquil weekend away or a more spontaneous day trip, Aurora has plenty to keep visitors busy. Highlights include sunset hikes at Long Point State Park, waterfront wine tastings at Long Point Winery, and lake cruises with Bianconi Tours.
Elmira
Known as the "Soaring Capital of America," Elmira is a must-visit town for aviation enthusiasts looking to visit the National Soaring Museum. But Elmira's true claim-to-fame is definitely its recognition as "Mark Twain Country" due to the beloved writer's years of living in the town. For fans of the famous American author, the Mark Twain Country Trolley Tour is a bucket list-worthy encounter, showing guests where the literary legend spent his summers and crafted many of his iconic works. The hour-long trolley ride includes stops like Mark Twain's Study, where he brought his famous characters to life.
As for those eager to explore the stunning landscapes that fueled Twain's adventurous pen, the Tanglewood Nature Center and Museum is the perfect next stop. Boasting over 10 miles of nature trails through glacier-formed hills, deciduous forests, and wildflower meadows, the Nature Center is gorgeous in every season. But in the upcoming months, fall foliage will brighten Elmira with the colors of the season, making it one of the Center’s best and busiest times to visit.
Seneca Falls
Fall foliage is also a major allure of serene Seneca Falls, home to the stunning Cayuga Lake State Park. The 141-acre, tree-draped park transforms into a vibrant tapestry of reds and yellows in autumn, creating a breathtaking landscape along the Finger Lake. While the hilltop campsites are beautiful year-round, with the season’s changing hues, it is unsurprising why so many choose to camp here in the fall.
Beyond its breathtaking natural scenes, Seneca Falls’ star feature is its dazzling past. Famously known as the birthplace of women’s rights in the United States, history stretches across Seneca from corner to corner. It was right in town that the country’s first-ever women's rights convention took place at the Wesleyan Chapel, which now serves as a museum. Within the National Women’s Rights Historic Park, you will also find significant sites such as the Elizabeth Cady Stanton House and the bronze statue installation titled "The First Wave,” both celebrating the legacy of the Women's Suffrage Movement.
Skaneateles
Finally, on the shores of Skaneateles Lake, its namesake town (pronounced “Ski-nee-at-luhs”) invites visitors to experience the whimsy of a different era. The town’s 17-acre historic district boasts buildings dating back as far as 1796, along with a gorgeous range of 19th-century structures housing cafes, restaurants, and businesses like the Skaneateles Antique Center.
Every December, the town takes its historic charms even further, transforming into a Victorian storybook village inspired by the classic Charles Dickens holiday tales. Hosting carriage rides, period performances, and festive live music, the holidays are the perfect time to visit this whimsical historic town. Nonetheless, visiting outside the holiday season is still beyond worthwhile, offering access to the beautiful blue waters of Skaneateles Lake from spaces like Clift Park.
Final Thoughts
As the name implies, it is obvious why most people visit the Finger Lakes Region. But increasingly, people are pairing their lake getaways with detours to the charming surrounding towns. With that being said, if you are seeking a quirky experience or a story you can share for years to come, these 7 whimsical towns are a must. From Penn Yan’s record-breaking pancake griddle to Elmira’s affection for all things Mark Twain, the memories and experiences found in these Finger Lake towns are the best souvenirs anyone could ask for.
