8 of the Most Charming Towns in the Finger Lakes
Mark Twain once wrote that the Finger Lakes "water is clearer than the air, and the air is the air that angels breathe." There is no better way to encapsulate the beauty of this part of New York state than in these prophetic words. One quickly realizes that if such a thing as utopia exists, it is built upon this landscape. With every corner picture postcard-worthy, it's not hard to see why it is home to one of the largest natural resource preservations in the country. From the energy of the roaring waterfalls to the charm of Americana bedecked towns, this Northeastern region attracts approximately seven million visitors annually. Learn why everyone from elite academic institutions to renowned artisans opt to set down roots in the Finger Lakes region.
Seneca Falls
Never has the need for a last-minute haircut turned out so serendipitously. It is said that when Frank Capra made a detour to Seneca Falls, for a quick trim, he found the inspiration for the setting of one of the all-time most beloved films, It’s a Wonderful Life. In a 1947 interview, Capra retold the story of being immediately charmed by its quintessential small-town aesthetic and instantly knew there was a story to be told. Renamed Bedford Falls for the movie, this quaint village proudly wears its place in Hollywood history, as reflected by its namesake museum and the various businesses lining Main Street.
Interestingly enough, over a century earlier, this town championed another very American way of life: the freedom to protest. In 1848, Elizabeth Cody Stanton drafted what would be the catalyst for the suffragette movement. The Women's Rights Trails and the National Women's Hall of Fame honor legendary crusaders, including Stanton and Susan B. Anthony.
Grab a bite to eat at a local favorite Parker's On Fall. The modest decor belies its plentiful offerings of lobster roll sandwiches and homemade bisque soups.
Ithaca
Set upon the banks of Cayuga Lake, this college town is home to over a hundred waterfalls. Lending to its Indigenous Cayuga Tribal roots, many of its attractions pay homage to its foundation in an unfettered celebration of its natural resources. Standing an impressive 150 feet in height and equal in width, Ithaca Falls provides a mighty backdrop for a hiker's adventure. This trail, suitable for beginners, offers some of the most impressive views from the bridge overlooking Lake Street.
With over 46 camping sites, Buttermilk State Falls offers natural pools, kayaking, and unlimited opportunities to connect with Mother Nature.
Cornell University provides over 60% of the employment in this town. It's not hard to see why. In addition to its prestigious academic reputation, it is home to some of the most impressive sites in the state. The Cornell Botanic Gardens has over 150 acres of botanical and ecological fields available to the public. Designed in 1972 by I.M Pei, the Herbert F. Johnson Museum at Cornell was created to provide the student body with an immersive appreciation for the world around them, not limited by only what they have personally experienced.
Watkins Glen
Located in Schuyler County, this charming hamlet attracts NASCAR enthusiasts yearly to the Watkins Glen International Racetrack.
With a more craggy topography than Ithaca, choose from over 19 waterfalls in which to indulge. If you only see one it must be Rainbow Falls. Surrounded by over one and a half miles of dense forest and adjacent to the Gorge Trail, it offers 360-degree stunning views.
Grab the homemade beef stew at local favorite 3812 Bistro. This farm to table establishment has been ranked in the top eateries in the Finger Lakes for the past five years. Best of all if your furry friends have accompanied you on your journey, they have a pet friendly outdoor dining area.
This town is built for those who thrive on adrenaline in their vacations. From hiking and watercraft racing at the Glen to testing your hand at novice days at a racetrack, it's miles of pure action.
Corning
If you have ever had a casserole made by Grandmom, you probably have heard about this American-made manufacturing mecca. Renowned for its glassmaking heritage, Corning has cemented its place in every home for over a century and a half. From designing the glass used in Edison's lightbulb to its kitchenware, this charming hamlet has become such a part of the American lexicon that the Oxford English Dictionary recognizes its name as an actual "houseware."
Incorporated in 1848 by railroad executive Erastus Corning, this town sits along the Chemung River. Self-proclaimed as America's most fun small town, it enjoys a vibrant city center with an emphasis on the arts. A choice of museums are within walking distance of each other. The Rockwell Museum highlights artists from North America, and the Corning Museum of Glass pays homage to the heritage of the city's most prestigious Fortune 500 company.
With endless shopping and dining in the Gaffer District, you too might agree with their "fun" moniker.
Naples
If you are going to name your town after one of the most traveled destinations in the world, it's wise to live up to that legacy. Fortunately for Naples, it rises to the challenge and brings a unique charm to this Finger Lake territory. Unsurprisingly, one of the hamlet's largest draws is its expansive grape vineyards. Naples has fully committed itself to the legacy of one of nature's most storied fruits. In addition to wineries, the entire town has embraced the appeal of the grape with purple festooned utility poles and fire hydrants, a local delicacy of grape pie, and, The Naples Grape Festival held annually each fall.
The Inspire Moore winery operates under an ethos of engendering “love, wisdom, and grace” in the community. Residents take this challenge to heart with various philanthropic organizations that promote and maintain the regions beauty.
The Mediterranean influence is carried throughout the town from the Italianate-designed Memorial Town hall to the patron saint of Naples, St Januarius Catholic Church, built in 1966
A carpenter's destination, thousands of tradesmen visit to both work and do business. Naples's second largest export is furniture made at Lake Country Woodworkers.
Naples is the ideal location for winter sports enthusiasts to ski and snowboard. Owing to its mountain topography, it boasts three ski resorts, including the Hunt Hollow Ski Club.
Elmira
In 1868, Mark Twain traveled to this sleepy town in Chemung County on the advice of a family friend. He became so enchanted with the region that it inspired his classic works. Spending over 20 years at Quarry Farm in Elmira, it would become the place where he wrote The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn. Decades later, the room where he penned these masterpieces was moved on campus to Elmira College. One can feel the spirit of Huck, Jim and Tom as soon as you step foot into the perfectly preserved wooden sanctuary.
Dubbed the “Soaring Capital of America,” Elmira houses the largest collection of sailplanes at the Soaring Museum. Aviation aficionados flock to Elmira to showcase their design skills at the biannual flight craft competitions.
The child in all of us will delight in the vintage carousel at Eldridge Park. Pack a lunch and enjoy the trails and duck ponds.
Waterloo
1966, the nation's first Memorial Day was held in this patriotic village in Seneca County. Rooted in Native American culture, Waterloo is the site of many memorable moments in history, including its role in the Suffrage movement and the design of the Pullman car.
Although it covers less than 20 square miles, its heritage can be found from every streetlight to the lush green parks. Spend an afternoon at the Memorial Day Museum, which highlights key points in US military operations for the past 250 years.
The Whitmer Farm is the site of the first assembly of the Church of Latter-day Saints. The original structure was built in 1830, and today, visitors will find a simple log cabin structure in its place.
Take a leisurely walk along the Cayuga-Seneca Canal Trail. This flat trail runs parallel to the Cayuga - Seneca Canal and connects the lochs of Waterloo and Geneva.
Skaneateles
Named after the Iroquois word for long lake, Skaneateles is known for its aquatic achievements. The launching pad for prolific sailing vessels, including the Lightning, built in 1938, has showcased innovative nautical designs for over two centuries. Despite this storied history, it did not have a downtown commerce district until 1985.
With an agriculture emphasis, its exports relied on the dairy and grain industries transitioning to a resort destination in the mid-century. Housed in the former creamery, the Skaneateles Historical Society offers walking tours, which include the Women's Suffragette trails.
If mud baths and facials are more your speed, book a luxury treatment at Mirbeau Inn & Spa Skaneateles. Indulgence abounds at this 36-room French manor house spa, which Forbes Travel & Leisure has recognized as one of the best in the northeast.
The Finger Lakes in New York and its charming towns provide something for every palate. The academic can spend hours immersed in aisles of the Cornell library. The adventurer can scale the waterfalls, and for those who enjoy a little indulgence, the naturally sourced treatments offered in over 30 spas throughout the region are just for you. To borrow a quote from George Bailey, it truly is a wonderful life if you can find it, and it is a safe bet that you will find it here.
