The Finger Lakes in upstate New York have everything you need to have a great vacation. Vineyard fringed hills tumble into beautiful glacial lakes, small towns with bustling main streets and a laid back approach to life are just a few of the Finger Lakes charms. One of my favorite things about the Finger Lakes is just how many different things there are to do, many of which you’ll find nowhere else. Discover the best things to do in the Finger Lakes for your favorite vacation yet.
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Watkins Glen State Park
Watkins Glen State Park is one of the most iconic sites in the Finger Lakes. Over 19 waterfalls cut through the layers of shale to dramatic effect and is one of the best (and most popular) hikes you can do in the Finger Lakes. Cavern Cascade is the most beautiful of Watkin’s Glen waterfalls with a 52 foot drop and a walking path that takes you behind the falls.
Harris Hill Soaring Center
Looking for a sky high adventure? Look no further than taking to the clouds with a glider ride at Harris Hill Soaring Center in Elmira. As one of the oldest and largest glider clubs in the world the folks at Harris Hill love to share their passion for flying. Take a ride with a pilot in one of their motorless gliders for a stunning bird’s eye view of the Chemung River Valley from an elevation of up to 4500 feet high. Heights not your thing? Stop by the National Soaring Museum to learn about the fascinating history of gliders and aviation.
Cow Cuddling at Sunset View Creamery
The hills of the Finger Lakes may best be known for wines but this is also dairy country. Get to know some of the cutest residents in the Finger Lakes with a cow cuddling session at Sunset View Creamery. These friendly cows are just like giant dogs and love nothing more than a good scratch between the ears. Before you leave be sure to stop by the shop to sample some of Sunset View Creamery’s delicious cheese.
Rail Bike with Rail Riders
The Finger Lakes are home to some incredibly beautiful countryside that’s best explored by rail (but not the way you think!). Rail Riders will take you on one of their custom built rail bikes on a ride through the bucolic farmland near Penn Yan. This is a great activity for families and kids of all ages, and while you’re pedaling the rails you’ll learn about the area as well as the history of the railways you’re riding.
Ice Cream at the Spotted Duck Creamery
Being dairy country finding tasty ice cream is pretty easy but at the Spotted Duck Creamery it’s not the cows that make the ice cream they make so special. This farmside ice cream stand in the FInger Lakes is the only creamery in the country to make ice cream using duck eggs and the result is just spectacular. Try a flight of their always changing seasonal flavors (because it’s impossible to choose just one) and grab a seat out back where you can watch the flock of ancona ducks who’s eggs are used to make some of the best ice cream you’ll ever have.
Glass Blowing at the Corning Museum of Glass
There is plenty of outdoor adventures to be had in the Finger Lakes but the Corning Museum of Glass is a must for any visit to the Finger Lakes. From the science of glass and practical everyday items to contemporary fine art the CMOG shows the fascinating history of glass as well as the possibilities of what can be. Make sure to catch one of the live glass blowing demonstrations that go on throughout the day or take part in making your own glass work of art (assisted by one of the museum’s master glass workers).
Kayaking
To really get a feel of the Finger Lakes you need to get out onto the water and one of the best ways to do that is on a kayak. Head to Summit to Stream Adventures in the Watkins Glen Marina where they offer kayak and stand up paddle board tours and rentals on and around Lake Seneca.
Wine Tasting in the Finger Lakes
Whether you’re a casual wine drinker or a serious oenophile the Finger Lakes has a wine and winery for you. With over 100 small family owned wineries (most with amazing lake views) the Finger Lakes really does have something for every kind of wine drinker; and the best part is the wine experiences here are very approachable, laid back and the wines are very affordable. Along Seneca Lake the family at Lakewood Winery has three generations passionate about producing good wine, including their delightful Three Generations Dry Reisling. A few miles away Glenora Wine Cellars was the first winery on Seneca Lake and produces a wide range of wines to suite every palate ( I especially like their Blanc de Blanc sparkling wine) and has expanded to include a farm-to-table restaurant and an inn. If you like a more intimate wine experience be sure to make reservations for the reserve tasting at Heron Hill Winery on Keuka Lake. As tastings at Heron Hill are by reservation only you’re guaranteed a more relaxed experience as you sample their range of wines including Reisling, Gewertztraminer, Baco Noir and Merlot.
If you like this article be sure to take a look at some of my other posts!
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Sandra Whitmore says
I grew up in Buffalo and amazingly have never been to the Finger Lakes. Hope to get there in the coming year.
Amy says
Thanks for this guide which you published just as we’re sitting down to plan a road trip through NY. Already had a Watkins Glen in mind, but will add a few more stops now!
Pamela says
I love this! I’m hoping to plan a girls weekend to the Finger Lakes, so definitely saving this. The flying looks like so much fun!