Your Guide To The Perfect Long Weekend in Finger Lakes, NY
Often when you are considering a trip to New York you think of New York City, a hub for all things fashion, finance, and culture, the city that never sleeps. However, New York City is not all that New York has to offer! Just five hours away is a grouping of charming little towns filled with history, culture, and natural beauty called Finger Lakes!
Finger Lakes is made up of eleven long and narrow lakes, all roughly running parallel to one another, hence the label of fingers! This area is a step away from the consistent hustle and bustle of New York City, into a more relaxing environment filled with scenic views and historical significance. With deep ties to America’s roots, Finger Lakes serves as an important landmark, specifically for abolitionist and women’s rights movements. Located on Seneca Lake, one of the largest of the Finger Lakes, is Seneca Falls, home to the very first Women’s Rights Convention in 1848.
Although there is plenty of history and cultural significance to be found in the Finger Lakes, that is not all they have to offer! The excitement and adventure available to explore is endless. Here are some of the best things to do in Finger Lakes, NY for your next long weekend vacation.
1. Explore the Outdoors!
Finger Lakes is known for their natural beauty and scenic views, with no shortage of enchanting locations to choose from, you will want to spend some time reconnecting with nature. To do so you can visit any number of state parks and waterfalls in Finger Lakes. With four state parks to choose from (Watkins Glen State Park, Taughannock Falls State Park, Buttermilk Falls State Park, and Letchworth State Park) and an endless number of waterfalls, hiking trails, and gorges to visit, there is more than enough natural beauty to go around!
If you are looking to have some fun in the water then you can rent a boat or kayak at either Seneca Lake, Cayuga Lake, or Keuka Lake. You can also take a shot at paddleboarding or fishing with several of the marinas offering rentals for sailboats and powerboats. There are also options for horseback riding, mountain biking, boat cruises, and so much more. Regardless of how you like to connect with nature, Finger Lakes has you covered!
2. Wineries, Distilleries, and Breweries
Finger lakes is renowned for its incredible wineries and vineyards, specifically the Riesling! With three different wine trails to choose from (Seneca Lake Wine Trail, Cayuga Lake Wine Trail, or Keuka Lake Wine Trail) there is enough tastings and vineyard tours to fill an entire weekend! Some of the more popular wineries in the area include Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery, Hermann J. Wiemer Vineyard, and Ravines Wine Cellars and many more. This is the perfect place to visit for enthusiasts or those who just enjoy a glass or two!
There are also a number of extraordinary breweries in the area to choose from such as Ithaca Beer Co., Seneca Lake Brewing Co. and Two Goats Brewing. If you are looking for a stronger taste of locally made spirits such as gin and whiskey, then Finger Lakes Distilling offers amazing tours and tastings. Regardless of your specific interests, Finger Lakes has a little something to cater to everyone!
3. History, Culture, and Shopping!
Although New York City is a center for fashion and art, Finger Lakes brings its own significance when it comes to culture and history. Apart from the Women’s Rights National Historical Park, Finger Lakes is also home to the Harriet Tubman National Historical Park and Sonnenberg Gardens and Mansion State Historic Park. You can explore and tour each of these parks to learn more about the different important moments in American History. You can also visit spaces such as Cornell University, Ithaca College, and Herbert F. Johnson Museum of Art, all worth a visit if art and culture are of major interest.
Apart from the historic significance of Finger Lakes, you can also experience true culture by attending local festivals! The Naples Grape Festival celebrates the region’s grape harvest through live music, art and food, a true local favorite! You can also take part in the Finger Lakes Wine Festival located at Watkins Glen International Raceway. You can also experience the culture of the area by taking a stroll or shopping in areas such as Ithaca Commons, this lively downtown area has no shortage of shops, restaurants and street performers to enjoy. There are also a number of other antique shops and markets located throughout Finger Lakes, especially around the Canandaigua and Hammondsport areas. There are plenty of historic and cultural experiences to take part in in Finger Lakes to make your visit unforgettable!
The Best Places To Stay in Finger Lakes
Finger Lakes is the perfect destination for your long weekend vacation, with an endless amount of exciting things to get into, there is truly something for everyone! However, as we know, the perfect destination is nothing without the perfect place to stay. Luckily, we at the 100 Collection™ specialize in finding the best places to stay wherever you go! For Finger Lakes, Linger Hospitality offers comfort, quality, and convenience exactly how you need it. Whether you are looking for a charming farmhouse, a sweet hillside cabin or a luxurious lake home, Linger Hospitality has you covered. With luxury amenities such as private beaches, saunas, game rooms, and sunrooms, you will have a stay you will never forget when renting with Linger Hospitality.
Now with the perfect place to stay and a complete lineup of all the best things to do in Finger Lakes, you are ready for your next long weekend vacation! If you have a few long-weekend trips you’d like to plan, or are just looking ahead, then go over and checkout Quick Getaways from New York City: Long Weekend Road Trips! A complete list of all the best cities to visit near New York City for a long-weekend getaway.
