8 Slow-Paced Towns to Visit in the Finger Lakes
The Finger Lakes region in New York is renowned for its massive array of wineries, vineyards, breweries, distilleries, and, most importantly, the charming lakes. However, the region promises more blissful experiences beyond these identifying characteristics, such as relaxation and slow-paced life. Thanks to the small towns in the area, visitors can enjoy undisturbed getaways in the Finger Lakes, having access to its natural and historic attractions without the crowd. From Seneca Falls, along the Seneca River, to Auburn and its historic landmarks, uncover eight towns in the Finger Lakes to visit if you seek a slow-paced life.
Hammondsport
The village of Hammondsport has just below 600 residents, accounting for its chilled-out atmosphere and slow-paced way of life. Additionally, this town is a treasure trove of history and a haven for adventures on the south end of Keuka Lake. It is the birthplace of Glenn Curtiss, a renowned Aviation engineer who invented seaplanes and tested them on Keuka Lake. Hence, the Glenn H Curtiss Museum in Hammondsport was named after him, and it is an attraction worth visiting to see several 19th-century planes.
Also, visit the Finger Lakes Boating Museum, which preserves the boating heritage of the region and features over 100 boats across six galleries. On the outdoors, head to Keuka Lake for swimming, boating, and canoeing from Depot Park & Champlin Beach. Afterward, when hungry, head to Burgers and Beer of Hammondsport.
Auburn
Auburn on the north end of Owasco Lake offers a small-town, laid-back vibe despite its population of nearly 27,000 people. The town is also a melting pot of history, with several mansions, churches, and homes on the National Register of Historic Places. Some of these top landmarks worth visiting include the Harriet Tubman House, Old Post Office & Courthouse, William H. Seward House, Willard Memorial Chapel, St. Peter's Episcopal Church, and Dr. Sylvester Willard Mansion. Notably, the Harriet Tubman House is a museum and memorial of the abolitionist Harriet Tubman, while the William Seward House is also a museum featuring artifacts of William Seward, a famed politician of the region.
Meanwhile, Dr Sylvester Willard Mansion is home to the Cayuga Museum of Arts and History, hosting fine arts and local history exhibits. Away from the historical attractions, Auburn also invites visitors to chill at Emerson Park which offers charming views of Owasco Lake, a pavilion, picnic shelters, and boat ramps to explore the water. In addition, the Auburn Public Theatre is an entertainment center worth visiting for shows, plays, movies, stand-ups, and concerts.
Penn Yan
Penn Yan sits on the east branch of Keuka Lake and brims with so much history, making it attractive for tourists in addition to its small-town, cozy aura. Visit this town and explore the bulk of its historic attractions at the Yates County Courthouse Park District. This two-acre area is home to the Yates County Courthouse, The Old Jail, and the County Office Building. It also houses the Penn Yan First Baptist Church and Civil War Memorial, honoring over 2,000 soldiers from the county who fought in the Civil War. Afterward, head outdoors to the Keuka Lake State Park to swim, boat, and fish on the lake or enjoy picnics on its bank.
Explore the town's wineries and vineyards, such as Vineyard View Winery, Red Tail Ridge Winery, and Keuka Spring Winery, to taste wines and appreciate the true essence of the Finger Lakes. When it’s time for lunch, visit the Tavern or Keuka Restaurant for an unforgettable dining experience.
Skaneateles
Skaneateles, along the shores of its namesake lake, is beautiful and laid-back, promising a cocktail of relaxing and adventurous pursuits. Naturally, the lake is a highlight attraction, with its seductive blue waters that beckon tourists for boating, swimming, kayaking, canoeing, and fishing activities. Alternatively, tourists can recline at Thayer Park to admire the lake’s beauty from picnic benches or under lush green trees.
A short drive from the town’s south leads to the 90-foot-tall Carpenter’s Fall, with three other nearby falls, all featuring pools beneath for swimming. Don’t forget to visit the Skaneateles Historical Society Museum to travel down the town’s old days through artifacts and exhibits. Before leaving, grab antiques at the Skaneateles Antique Center, and when hungry, enjoy a hearty lunch at The Krebs.
Watkins Glen
Watkins Glen is renowned as the wonder of the Finger Lakes, owing to the prominence of its state park, which is one of the most spectacular in the region. Thankfully, the town’s low population gives it a warm and welcoming vibe, making the Watkins Glen State Park even more inviting. Visit this 778-acre state park featuring a 400-foot gorge and 19 waterfalls, with several hiking trails to explore. Hike the Southern Rim and Indian Trail, as well as the Gorge Trail, which is the closest to Glen Creek and courses through all 19 waterfalls.
Away from the park, the town sits on the southern shore of Seneca Lake, a beehive of boating, kayaking, paddling, and fishing expeditions. Also, history enthusiasts here will appreciate the nearby Brick Tavern Museum, built in 1828 as a tavern and now the oldest brick structure in Schuyler County. Meanwhile, visitors are also invited to browse and shop for artworks, sculptures, and paintings at Quintus Studio/Gallery.
Aurora
Aurora is a small town of around 700 people sitting on the shores of Cayuga Lake. With such a small population, the slow-paced life here is admirable and promises visitors access to its attractions without the crowds. Once here, begin with the town's historic attractions, such as the nearby Howland Farm Museum, a historic site reflecting agriculture in Cayuga County.
Take a break from history and head to Lake Glass Beach for a relaxing and quiet beach day without the crowds. Next, visit The Spa at the Inns of Aurora, a historic and upscale spa that you won't want to miss. Afterward, head to the 1833 Kitchen and Bar with wines and grilled proteins.
Ithaca
The college town of Ithaca is one of the larger towns in the Finger Lakes, sitting elegantly on the southern shores of Cayuga Lake. Thankfully, the town still has a laid-back and welcoming aura for visitors to enjoy its iconic attractions like Buttermilk Falls State Park, which houses up to ten waterfalls. The park is also home to many nature trails, like the Gorge Trail, and activities such as fishing, swimming on a beach, and deer-bow hunting. Ithaca Falls Natural Area is another great attraction in town worth visiting to ward off heat on its splash pool and also enjoy fly fishing.
For outdoor buffs enjoying the numerous waterfalls, visit the mother of them at the nearby Taughannock Falls State Park, where a 215-foot plunge waterfall stands as a glowing spectacle. Afterward, relax at Cinemapolis downtown to enjoy movies, while history lovers can spend time at the History Center in Tompkins County browsing historic photographs of the county.
Seneca Falls
Seneca Falls is a captivating village in its namesake county, sliced by the Seneca River/Cayuga-Seneca Canal. This laid-back town with a population of just around 6,000 people is full of historic attractions. For starters, it is home to the National Women’s Hall of Fame, honoring great women like Maya Angelou and Viola Davis, among others across the globe. Also, the town hosts the bridge that inspired the fictional work, It’s A Wonderful Life, where a man jumped into the Seneca River to save a suicidal girl and died in the process.
Stop by the museum of this fictional work to see movie scripts, memorabilia, and photos related to the novel and the fictional town of Bedford Falls, where the story was told. Learn about the history of Seneca Falls and its waterways at the Seneca Museum of Waterways and Industry. Afterward, stroll along the Harbor Promenade, stop by the Harbor Canal to boat on the Cayuga-Seneca Canal, and enjoy a sumptuous lunch at Downtown Deli.
Visit these beautiful, small towns in the Finger Lakes to be stunned at how life and time can be so relaxed; it seems they have longer days and nights. Watch time move slowly with each stroke of the clock echoing down the heart as locals get involved in their day-to-day activities with unhurried calm. Explore natural attractions like lakes, waterfalls, streams, and lush forests, unruffled by the threat of urbanization. Go back in time across history museums to learn of the events that shaped the present and taste exotic wines like a connoisseur; the Finger Lakes has it all.
