New York's Finger Lakes Region
The Finger Lakes are known for their wine, particularly for the world renowned Rieslings crafted in this region of New York. That being said, the Finger Lakes region has much more to offer than just wine. The area boasts a number of breweries and several hard-cider producers. The Finger Lakes are quickly becoming a hot-spot for farm-based beverages. Visit the various wine trails located throughout the Finger Lakes or the Finger Lakes Beer trail.
The Finger Lakes are not just for the 21+ crowd, however. There are activities for those of all ages throughout the Finger Lakes region. Museums are spread throughout the Finger Lakes including the Glenn H. Curtis Aviation Museum, displaying the history of Glenn Curtis, who was awarded U.S. Pilots License #1 in 1911 and who held the motorcycle speed record from 1907 through 1930.
There are a number of state parks located throughout the Finger Lakes with scenic beauty to behold; visit the Watkins Glen State Park to see the beautiful gorges and waterfalls. Watkins Glen State Park hosts 19 waterfalls within the gorge itself! The area is filled with lots of waterfalls, state parks, and glimmering lakes to explore. Watkins Glen State Park is the most famous of the Finger Lakes State Parks, with a reputation for leaving visitors spellbound. Within two miles, the glen's stream descends 400 feet past 200-foot cliffs, generating 19 waterfalls along its course. The gorge path winds over and under waterfalls and through the spray of Cavern Cascade. Rim trails overlook the gorge –
There is also excellent shopping in the Finger Lakes region. Waterloo Premium Outlets offer discounts on over 100 of the leading brand names. Destiny USA in Syracuse offers entertainment options as well as world-class shopping. If upscale fashion is what you are looking for, make your first stop Eastview Mall in Victor.
Wineries & More
The Finger Lakes are probably best known for the award winning wines from this region and for good reason. Natural setting and the growing experience of in region winemakers is making for extremely high quality red and white wines. The world class varietals are not all the Finger Lakes get to boast about either. Other farm based beverages have been making a name for themselves in this region. Craft breweries, cideries and distilleries have been opening up throughout the Finger Lakes.
The Finger Lakes embraces its wine culture, providing everyone (well, everyone 21 or older) with the chance to experience and learn about wine. Find out how to pair your favorite wine with dinner, learn about the wine making and production process, and ask your burning questions about wine or grapes at the different winery tours and events held throughout the year
The different wine trails provide a connection easily navigable way to travel through the area while letting you taste what each has to offer. The Canandaigua Wine Trail takes you from just northeast of the city of Canandaigua all the way down the west side of Canandaigua Lake until you're just south of Naples; this route takes you to six wineries and four breweries. The other three wine trails, the Keuka Lake Wine Trail, the Seneca Lake Wine Trail and the Cayuga Lake Wine Trail, take you around the lakes that give them their respective names. The Finger Lakes Beer Trail includes craft breweries from across the Finger Lakes region and will not disappoint even the pickiest of beer connoisseurs.
History/Museums
It may surprise some to find out how much history there is in the Finger Lakes region. There are museums spread throughout the Finger Lakes. You can also check out the Finger Lakes Museum Trail, with nine museums celebrating the historic timeline of the Finger Lakes.
The Women’s Rights Movement was a national effort that forced change leading to equal rights for women and women’s suffrage in the United States.
The Harriet Tubman Home can be toured in the community of Auburn. Harriet Tubman was a former slave and is known for her efforts in the Underground Railroad, leading over 300 slaves to freedom
While you're in Corning, visit the Rockwell Museum, dedicated to art about America.