8 Off-The-Beaten-Path Towns In The Finger Lakes
Off-the-beaten-path towns are just what they are—tucked away from the spotlight and choice destinations for quiet getaways. In the Finger Lakes region of New York, hidden towns prove that they may be hidden under the shadows of front-line cities like Rochester, Syracuse, and Ithaca, but are full of charms and exciting indulgences. For one, these towns are in the largest wine-producing region of New York, meaning numerous wineries are up for exploration. Plus, they enjoy a geographical advantage on the banks of lakes, making them serene playgrounds for recreation. From Canandaigua, where its lake and wineries leave a lasting impact on the heart, to Trumansburg, a paragon of natural elegance flaunting the tallest waterfall in the state, these eight towns in the Finger Lakes region are worth the extra effort to visit.
Naples
Naples is a village located along Canandaigua Lake, surrounded by scenic green hills, vineyards, lush forests, streams, and striking waterfalls, making it a choice destination for those who love to frolic with nature. One of its most prominent outdoor attractions is the Grimes Glen Waterfalls, located in its namesake park at the center of the village. The waterfalls roll down the surface of a massive rock wall, making it the perfect backdrop for memorable pictures.
Naples is also renowned for its grape pies owing to the numerous grapes that it grows, and visitors are invited to pick some at Jerome's U-Pick Fruit Farm, when in season. Every September, the annual Grape Festival is held in town and features grape pies, art, music, fresh foods, and lots more. Meanwhile, visitors can enjoy plays and musicals, mostly in summer, at the town’s Bristol Valley Theatre, or head to the Naples Maple Farm to shop for some maple syrup. As a wine-producing town, no visit to Naples is complete without checking out one of the area’s wineries, like the Hazlitt Red Cat Cellars, famed for its Red Cat wine, a must-try.
Canandaigua
Canandaigua is a serene town on Canandaigua Lake, just 24 miles from Rochester. Here, thrillseekers are invited to enjoy cruises on the lake aboard the Canandaigua Lady, a double-decker paddlewheel wheeler that operates from May to October. Alternatively, the Canandaigua Lake Marine State Park offers opportunities for boating and fishing on the lake, as well as picnicking with the views afterward. For swimming enthusiasts, there's a swimming beach at the nine-acre Kershaw Beach Park, which opens from Memorial Day Weekend to the end of August. Near the beach is the Canandaigua City Pier, which is ideal for long walks with lake views.
Beyond the lake, this off-the-beaten-path town hosts the Sonnenberg Gardens and Mansion State Historic Park, which houses a Queen Anne-style mansion and several gardens, including Japanese, Rock, Rose, and Italian gardens to explore. Visitors will also find the Granger Homestead and Carriage Museum in town, featuring dozens of horse-drawn carriages and farm implements reflecting the area’s early days.
Skaneateles
Skaneateles is one of New York’s gems, located on the shores of Skaneateles Lake. Travelers seeking peace and adventure will love this town, and its exciting attractions, one of which is Clift Park. This park has a gazebo with views of the Caribbean-blue lake, a swimming area, and a pier that’s great for strolling.
For wine enthusiasts, Anyela’s Vineyards, one of the best in the Finger Lakes region, is a few minutes from downtown. This vineyard offers a variety of wines and spirits, special events, and live music. Elsewhere, the Skaneateles Historical Society offers a dose of history, with artifacts and exhibits on the town's agricultural, boating, art, architecture, recreational, and manufacturing history. In addition to all of these incredible attractions, travelers enjoy eating, drinking, and chatting in a warm atmosphere at the LakeHouse Pub, which is located downtown and regularly features live music.
Hammondsport
The village of Hammondsport on the shores of Keuka Lake is small and secluded, with fewer than 600 people. Thus, it offers an escape from chaos alongside a couple of exciting attractions. Here, Keuka Lake presents opportunities for swimming, boating, fishing, and kayaking, while the Finger Lakes Boating Museum is one of the best places to delve into the boating history of the region. This museum has six galleries, showcasing over 100 boats and their builders, alongside artworks, all highlighting the boating history of the Finger Lakes.
Typical of towns in the region, Hammondsport is home to several wineries to delight wine lovers. While the Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery is the most popular, offering over 40 wines, the Heron Hill Winery is also exciting, with 20 wine varieties, a restaurant, and a gift shop.
Penn Yan
Sneak into the serene and peaceful town of Penn Yan on the east branch of Keuka Lake, renowned for its rich history, agriculture, and neighboring wineries. While here, enjoy the cozy vibes and unstuffy air of the town, but don't fail to yield to some of its indulgences on offer. Indian Pines Park does it for the outdoors, with premium access to the lake for fishing, while a swimming beach provides a playground to sunbathe or ward off the heat in summer. On the Keuka Lake Outlet Trail, hikers and bikers have 6.7 miles of trails to explore with visuals of a beautiful stream alongside attractions like Seneca Mill Falls and Cascade Mill Falls.
Art lovers can spend time at the Arts Center of Yates County to experience art come alive through exhibits, creative events, and workshops. On the historic side, Birkett Mills is one of the oldest in the country, operating since 1797, earning Penn Yan the “Buckwheat Capital of America” title. As always, there’s a winery and vineyard to explore in most Finger Lakes towns, and Penn Yan is no exception. Here, the Fox Run Vineyards caters to the needs of wine lovers with its 50 acres of vineyards, diverse wines, and a cafe offering delicious food, including sandwiches, salads, tacos, cheeseboards, and more.
Aurora
Aurora is a little town with a population of less than 700, ideal for a vacation full of relaxing experiences. Nestled on the shores of Cayuga Lake, this town is home to Long Point State Park, which offers five miles of hiking trails, picnic areas, and access to the lake for boating and fishing.
Within town, the Long Point Winery is open to delight all with some of the region’s finest dry red and white wines, delicious meals, and spectacular views. Meanwhile, the historic Inns of Aurora Resort & Spa, located downtown, is more than just cozy accommodations but includes a wide range of features to keep guests relaxed and happy, including spa services, kayaking excursions, archery lessons, and farm-to-table dining.
Trumansburg
Trumansburg is a secluded gem in the Finger Lakes, famous for hosting one of the state's most enchanting natural attractions: Taughannock Falls. At 215 feet, this is easily the tallest waterfall in the state of New York. Tourists in Trumansburg are invited to see this waterfall via the 0.75-mile Gorge Trail in Taughannock State Park. In addition, the park has the 20-foot Lower Falls and the 100-foot Upper Falls, alongside a sizable portion of the Cayuga Lake shoreline, where tourists can swim, boat, and fish.
Notably, Trumansburg is located along the Cayuga Wine Trail and hosts Bet The Farm Winery and Frontenac Point Vineyard & Estate Winery to delight wine lovers. History buffs are always welcome to the Ulysses Historical Society Museum for a detailed look at the town’s past, from the days of its Todarighroones Indians to the era of the Revolutionary War settlers and beyond. For art lovers, the Salmon Pottery Gallery and Studio is a must-visit, as it features many handmade pottery classes for those interested in learning the craft.
Geneva
Geneva is a cute little town on Seneca Lake, with so much to offer those willing to tread off the beaten path. There’s something for everybody here, especially wine aficionados, as the town is home to several wine establishments like the Belhurst Winery and Billsboro Winery. Both of these wineries overlook the beautiful Seneca Lake and present a wide selection of wines.
The wineries aside, Geneva will impress history buffs with landmarks, such as the Rose Hill Mansion, which was built in 1839 and stands as one of the country’s finest examples of Greek Revival architecture. The Smith Opera House is another of the town’s impressive landmarks, built in 1894. This opera house is stunning and hosts a wide variety of programs year-round, from live concerts to plays, community events, and more.
For those who can’t get enough wine, Ventosa Vineyards is in Geneva and touts itself as offering a taste of Tuscany in the Finger Lakes. Every Wednesday and on other select days, live music fills the air here, while guests are welcome any day to enjoy dry red wines, Mediterranean-inspired dishes, and the natural scenery.
Conclusion
The region characterized by 11 lakes shaped like a finger in New York hosts these off-the-beaten-path towns, which offer true escapes from the hustle and bustle. Across these towns, you'll find everything from roaring waterfalls and tranquil trails to beautiful parks, picturesque vineyards, and lush forest areas to explore. Additionally, each of these Finger Lakes towns plays host to some of the finest wineries in New York. While they have so much in common, there’s something unique to be found in every one of these towns, making them worth visiting individually.
