More than Wine: Fun Things to Do in the Finger Lakes Between Sips
The Finger Lakes region is New York’s Wine Country, and it draws thousands of vinophiles from far and wide. But that’s not the only thing it has in common with California’s Napa Valley. In the Finger Lakes, you can find sweeping vistas, lush foliage and diverse wildlife. In addition to its natural beauty, the surrounding towns are rich with history, culture and unique architecture. So if you’re looking for something to fill the time between sips, here are some of our favorite things to see and do in and around the Finger Lakes.
Why is it called the Finger Lakes?
The Finger Lakes are named for a legend originating from the many indiginous tribes of the region. Legend asserts that the lakes originated from a time when the Great Spirit laid their hands on the land, and in the course of blessing it, left the imprints of fingers in the fertile soil. These impressions later filled with water forming the lakes as we know them today. The two largest of these lakes are named for the Seneca and Cayuga nations.
What are the best Finger Lakes to visit?
The eleven Finger Lakes reside within a roughly heart-shaped area (or inverted triangle, if that makes more sense) between Rochester in the Northwest, Syracuse in the Northeast, and Elmira-Corning in the South. Each lake has its own unique characteristics, so it’s difficult to say which are the “best” to visit, but you could certainly discern between them based on your interests. If you prefer more secluded, undeveloped, tranquil areas and have a penchant for hiking, canoeing and kayaking, then the smaller lakes, like Canadice or Hemlock, will likely be right up your alley. Then there is Skaneateles and its namesake town, which has a more affluent, country club vibe. Or if, like us, you prefer your majestic outdoor settings a little more developed and accessible, with ample piers, beaches and parks, then the Canandaigua, Seneca, and Cayuga lakes will certainly fit the bill.
What are the best things to do in the Finger Lakes?
When planning your visit, it’s important to remember that it’s called the Finger Lakes “Region” for a reason. While we can understand the charm of visiting winery after winery for elaborate tastings of (among other things) world-renowned Rieslings, the region is made up of a number of outdoor areas, small towns and historic sites that will appeal to every type of visitor. Whether you’re a fan of nature, history or architecture, you’ll find plenty to keep you occupied around the Finger Lakes.
Explore the natural wonder of Watkins Glen State Park
Watkins Glen State Park isn’t just the most famous of the Finger Lakes State Parks, it’s also the region’s first. The ravine is the result of thousands of years of erosion, and the mixture of sculptured rock, waterfalls and natural pools create a bonafide natural wonder. Watkins Glen State Park must be explored on foot, but there is ample parking at each of the park’s entrances. The Indian Trail starts at the Upper Entrance and follows the north rim of the gorge. It has three gorge overlooks and connects to the Gorge Trail after the suspension bridge. The South Rim and Finger Lakes Trails take you through the forest but offer no gorge views.
The name kind of gives it away, but the star of the show is the Gorge Trail, where the glen’s stream descends 400 feet past 200-foot cliffs, with 19 waterfalls peppered along its course. The trail path winds over and under waterfalls and through the spray of Cavern Cascade. Watkins Glen State Park also offers an Olympic-size swimming pool, two pavilions, campsites and many other amenities.
Pro Tip: It should be noted that there are steep staircases and narrow, sometimes slippery, pathways at Watkins Glen State Park. Adequate footwear is essential, and regular breaks can make your visit not just more manageable, but more enjoyable. Keep an eye out for signs marking one-way paths, and follow all posted safety guidance. There are no restrooms in the gorge, so take advantage of the ones at the entrances before you begin your trek.
Explore the Grand Canyon of the East
Having visited the north and south rims of the Grand Canyon a few times, it was a head scratching moment when we read Letchworth State Park described as the “Grand Canyon of the East”. But, as it turns out, it’s actually a rather good approximation. Imagine, if you will, the Genesee River roaring through a deep gorge, with three spectacular waterfalls between cliffs as high as 600 feet and flanked by lush forests the length of its course. All of this you can experience year-round by taking advantage of 66 miles of hiking, horseback riding, biking, snowmobiling, and cross-country skiing trails.
Get the royal treatment at Belhurst Castle & Winery
Belhurst Castle & Winery, located in Geneva, NY, has a little bit of everything. The castle structure was built in 1885, using materials imported from Europe and limestone from Medina, NY, but its history traces back to a time when the land was a part of Massachusetts, and even further back, when the grounds were the site of a tribal village. Its long and intriguing list of owners includes William Henry Bucke, who embezzled funds from the Covent Garden Theater in London, married his stepmother and fled to Geneva, as well as Cornelius J. Dwyer, who turned the property into a speakeasy and smuggled liquor from Canada using canals.
As for the location, the castle’s verdant grounds are the real crown jewel of the operation, with a lush back lawn gently sloping toward the shoreline of Lake Seneca. The stunning views make it a popular wedding destination, but they also happen to be the perfect backdrop from which to enjoy a glass of wine. Even though the architecture and landscape are enough to warrant a visit, the amenities of Belhurst Castle and Winery shouldn’t be overlooked. They offer spa and salon services, so you can easily strike “getting pampered” off your list. Besides the two dining options--both a tavern and a more refined experience in the castle--there is the winery, which also offers their own craft beers and ciders as well. A visit to Belhurst is an experience.
Explore small town charm in downtown Geneva
The Finger Lakes is brimming with small towns to explore, from the picturesque college town of Ithaca to Mark Twain’s home of Elmira. Another such gem is Geneva, with a walkable downtown area offering architectural splendor, delightful restaurants and tantalizing shops.
Linden Street is a small one-way street where, weather permitting, you can listen to live music on weekend nights, eat, drink, and socialize with locals and tourists alike. Two large murals provide the perfect backdrop: a Love mural courtesy of the Baltimore Love Project, and a colorful street art piece by Victor Pultina. Here you’ll find F.L.X. Fry Bird, a comfort food spot primarily serving its namesake fried chicken and sides. Even though fried chicken sandwiches have become a national obsession, F.L.X. Fry Bird is not your usual fried chicken joint. It offers gluten-free and vegetarian options (hello, cauliflower bites!), as well as shakes, spiked slushies and an array of beer and wine. Finger Lakes Goods is another worthy stop, as it curates goods exclusively produced in the Finger Lakes Region, like biscotti made by Abbey of the Genesee monks and prints by talented local photographers.
Around the corner on Seneca Street, don’t miss the Smith Opera House, an architectural gem dating back to 1894. Even if you aren’t fortunate enough to catch a performance or a film screening there to experience the grandeur of its interior and famed acoustics in person, its exterior is a captivating example of the Richardsonian Romanesque style, which incorporates 11th and 12th century southern French, Spanish, and Italian Romanesque characteristics. Pulteney Park used to be the village center and still features many beautiful structures, including the colorful row houses known as Rainbow Row.
Discover the stunning grounds of Hobart and William Smith Colleges
If you’ve ever wandered around a college campus, particularly one with a long and storied history, you’ve probably felt one of the following sensations: the pleasant disorientation one feels when experiencing something new, the nostalgia one feels when vividly recalling something familiar, or a strong sense of envy when one’s personal experiences don’t quite stack up by comparison. Located just a stone’s throw away from the northwestern shore of Lake Seneca, it’s hard to imagine the predominant feeling wouldn’t be envy when visiting the picturesque campus of Hobart and William Smith Colleges for the first time.
Once separate institutions, Hobart (the men’s college) and William Smith (the women’s college) were established in 1822 and 1908, respectively, and then began operating in joint commencement from 1922 onward. They are private liberal arts colleges, whose origins can be traced back to 1797 and the Geneva Academy. A sense of its storied history can be felt and seen, particularly through its incredible array of architectural styles, while strolling across this eminently charming and walkable campus--an activity we highly recommend. You’ll find that the campus offers fantastic examples of Jacobean architecture, among others, though its oldest structures, such as the chapel, are in the Gothic style. The boathouse is a popular sunrise viewing site.
Enjoy a picnic at the historic Canandaigua City Pier
If you’re looking for an optimal location for a picnic while taking in a gorgeous lakefront view, you’ll find everything you need at Canandaigua City Pier. Lined with nearly 80 iconic boat houses, the pier, which is a part of the Canandaigua Historic District, has been serving boaters, fisherman, and in more recent years, tourists for nearly 150 years. The pier is adjacent to a lovely little greenspace, Kershaw Park, and a short drive from numerous eateries in Canandaigua city center.
From the picturesque pier, you might spy the tiny patch of land known as Squaw Island. According to lore, the women and children of the Seneca tribe found refuge on the island when attacked by General Sullivan in 1779, though it is now believed to have been a hunting and fishing site. It is one of two known islands in the Finger Lakes, and is often called New York’s smallest state park. Time your visit towards the end of the day, and you'll likely be rewarded with a spectacular sunset.
Time travel with a visit to the Sonnenberg Gardens & Mansion
One of America’s few remaining Victorian estates and one of only two public gardens in the New York State Parks system, the Sonnenberg Gardens and Mansion State Historic Park includes the 40-room Queen Ann-style mansion built between 1885 and 1887, as well as 9 formal gardens and arboretum sitting on a 50-acre plot.
Sonnenberg was once the summer home of two prominent New Yorkers, Frederick Ferris and Mary Clark Thompson. F.F. Thompson founded two banks which survived as Citibank and JP Morgan Chase, while Mary Clark Thompson was the daughter of the governor of New York. They introduced the tradition of inviting distinguished guests to plant a tree at Sonnenberg--including one planted by Thomas Edison-- which are still part of the arboretum today. After F.F. Thompson passed away, Mary Clark Thompson made Sonnenberg her primary home. She dedicated herself to cultivating its impressive gardens with the help of renowned designers. Tour the mansion and the grounds to see the distinctive period architecture, statuary, floral displays, fountains, and the antique greenhouse complex.
Try Grape Pie at Monica’s Pies
It would be irresponsible, maybe even unkind, not to mention the regional specialty known as grape pie. While grapes usually make their way into wine here in the Finger Lakes, we’re thankful that more than a handful of them make their way to Monica’s Pies. It's easy to spot the local eatery, as there will likely be a line of locals and tourists out the door.
If it seems rash to drive all the way to Naples, just south of the Canandaigua Lake on Route 21, for some pie, you can justify your visit by enjoying said pie in Carolabarb Park, just a 3 minute drive away. The scenic overlook offers a breathtaking view that stretches all the way down to the north end of the lake.
Meet the Three Bears in Ovid
Whether it’s a marvel of engineering, an aesthetic wonder, or a prime example of the popular fashion of the day, we believe architecture can be just as captivating as a great work of art in a museum. That’s why visiting the Three Bears in Ovid was a no-brainer. Listed on the National Registry of Historic Places, the former Seneca County Courthouse complex offers incredible examples of Greek revival structures built during the middle of the 19th century. Each building--the Courthouse, the old Clerk’s Office, and the new Clerk’s Office (Papa Bear, Baby Bear, and Mama Bear, respectively)--sport four signature Doric order columns. But there is more to the Three Bears than just great architecture.
The usage of these historic structures continues to evolve and their important position as the literal and figurative cultural center of Ovid continues to increase. The newer Clerk’s Office (Mama Bear) has transformed into the new Tourist Center and the Courthouse (Papa Bear) has become an Arts and Cultural Center. Also, numerous events, such as farmer’s markets and concert series, are regularly scheduled at the complex, and tours can be requested through their website.
Conclusion
If there’s one thing you should take away from this post, it’s that the Finger Lakes--renowned for their wonderful vineyards almost by default--have so much more to offer. Whether you’re into history, culture, architecture, or just communing with nature, you’ll find all of that within a drivable distance. So when you decide to plan your visit, and you absolutely should, leave plenty of room between sips to explore everything else you can savor in the Finger Lakes Region.
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