8 Most Laid-Back Small Towns in the Finger Lakes
The eleven natural wonders of upstate New York called the Finger Lakes—Skaneateles Lake, Cayuga Lake, Seneca Lake, Keuka Lake, Canandaigua Lake, Canadice Lake, Owasco Lake, Otisco Lake, Honeoye Lake, Hemlock Lake, Conesus Lake—slice into the hilly landscape like long, jagged claw marks. Yet the lakes are full of serenity and beauty, perfect for those seeking a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The Finger Lakes House is a collection of small towns where time seems to slow down, and here, we explore eight of the most laid-back communities in the region.
Penn Yan
At the northern tip of Keuka Lake, Penn Yan was founded by a mix of Pennsylvania (Penn) and New England Yankee (Yan) settlers and is one of the oldest towns in the region. The town's exciting past is highlighted by the 200 structures in its Historic District and the Yates County Historical Society Museum. Speaking of history, Penn Yan’s oldest business, Birkett Mills, has been grinding buckwheat flour since 1797! Penn Yan is also a great place to unwind with a glass of local wine—it is the starting point for the Keuka Lake Wine Trail and hosts a Wine and Cheese Festival every April.
Seneca Falls
Famous for its role in the women’s suffrage movement, Seneca Falls is home to the Women’s Rights National Historical Park, which includes the site of the 1848 Seneca Falls Convention. A century after that historic convention, this town set between Cayuga Lake and Seneca Lake served as the model for the fictional Bedford Falls in the 1946 holiday classic It’s a Wonderful Life. Downtown Seneca Falls has the feel of a classic movie set, with charming shops, delightful restaurants, and friendly locals. After exploring town, unwind with some sightseeing at the nearby Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge.
Skaneateles
The town of Skaneateles, pronounced “Skanny-atlas” or “Skinny-atlas,” occupies a picturesque location along the shores of the lake with the same distinctive name. Skaneateles Lake, often regarded as one of the cleanest lakes in the region, is perfect for a peaceful boat ride or idyllic lakeside picnic. After some relaxation along the lake, check out the 1810 Kelsey-Davey Farm and 1832 Community Place, both connected to the town’s history of antislavery activism. Skaneateles’ community calendar is also full of fun events, including the Easter Scavenger Hunt, Restaurant Week, Curbstone Festival, Antique and Classic Boat Show, and Dickens Christmas.
Watkins Glen
Do you enjoy wine? Auto racing? Waterfalls? Whether you answered “yes” to one or all three, Watkins Glen in the south of Seneca Lake, is for you. The town is home to Watkins Glen State Park, a dramatic gorge with trails that pass 19 waterfalls, which are sure to elicit a sense of tranquility and awe. Adjacent to the park entrance, the compact downtown includes a nice collection of wine shops, which is no surprise since several of the Finger Lakes’ premier wineries are located nearby. It may be hard to imagine that auto races used to happen on these quiet downtown streets, but you can now get your racing fix at Watkins Glen International Speedway.
Auburn
It may not be a big tourist draw to note that Auburn has been home to a state prison for more than 200 years, but this fact speaks to the town’s long history in the Finger Lakes. More positively, Auburn was home to two key anti-slavery figures, Harriet Tubman and William Seward, both now honored with historic home museums. After some museum-hopping, check out Hoopes Park, an excellent spot for a relaxing afternoon with walking paths, gardens, and serene water features. Auburn also has a vibrant arts scene, with a nice collection of local galleries and theaters.
Canandaigua
Canandaigua, “the chosen place” in the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) language, is a very appropriate name for the tranquil lake and the easy-going community that sits along its northern shore. The town’s lovely waterfront is punctuated by the Canandaigua Lady, a replica 19th-century steamboat that offers scenic lake cruises. Meanwhile, the classic downtown area is home to boutique shops, cafes, and restaurants, and the grounds of the Victorian-era Sonnenberg Mansion is a 50-acre state park with spectacular gardens. Canandaigua’s combination of lakeside charm and historic appeal makes it a wonderful place to unwind.
Geneva
Located on the northern tip of Seneca Lake, Geneva is home to Hobart and William Smith Colleges, which contribute to the town’s vibrant yet relaxed atmosphere. The downtown area is both a great shopping district and a showcase for historic architecture, with highlights including the 1894 Smith Opera House. Wander over to Geneva’s waterfront area, which has beautiful parks that are perfect for a peaceful lakefront stroll and picnic. Then, drive south along the lakeshore, with a stop at the impressive 1884 Belhurst Castle to visit some of the region’s best wineries.
Hammondsport
Hammondsport is yet another small-town gem in the Finger Lakes and lays claim as the birthplace—starting all the way back in 1829—of the region’s wine industry. Located at the southern tip of Keuka Lake, Hammondsport features local wine shops in its quaint downtown, the Taylor Wine Museum, and multiple wineries in the surrounding hills. Hammondsport is also home to the Glenn H. Curtiss Museum, which is dedicated to the aviation pioneer and local hero. The town celebrates its serene lakeside setting with fun events like a boat show in summer and a car and seaplane show in autumn.
Relax and Explore the Finger Lakes’ Small-Town Charm
The Finger Lakes region is a mecca for outdoor recreation but also boasts an enviable collection of delightful small towns that blend historical allure, natural beauty, and a relaxed atmosphere. When you walk the historic streets of Penn Yan and Seneca Falls or enjoy the peaceful lakeside of Skaneateles and Hammondsport, you will feel the urge to slow down and savor life. From exploring breathtaking gorges to sampling local wines to simply enjoying a peaceful waterfront stroll, the Finger Lakes is a perfect destination for a tranquil getaway.
