Things to See on a Finger Lakes Road Trip
Deep gorges, splashing waterfalls, neat Amish farms with long views of blue water, and fabulous wine and cheese tasting—the Finger Lakes have it all.
They stretch across central New York, a region of scenic roads and small vineyards that make the area prime for road tripping. Here’s a shortlist of the best things to do when taking a Finger Lakes vacation.
Ithaca
With nearly 100 wineries nestled along the shores of 11 lakes, it’s hard to know where to stop on a road tour of Finger Lakes Wine Country. Start with the largest lakes—Cayuga and Seneca. They share a pleasingly moderate microclimate that grows grapes for excellent wine. The lively college town of Ithaca—home to Cornell University and Ithaca College—perches on steep hills near the southern tip of Lake Cayuga, a perfect base for visiting the Finger Lakes. You'll find over 150 waterfalls within a 10-mile radius, as well as breweries, wineries and art galleries.
Taughannock Falls State Park
Head northwest from town to start your road trip in style with a visit to Taughannock Falls State Park. Did you note the many “Ithaca is Gorges” bumper stickers along the way? Taughannock Falls State Park proves the slogan is true. A massive limestone gorge stretches the length of the river, its rocky cliffs soaring some 400 feet. Get a bird’s eye view of the famous cascade from a scenic overlook with a hike to the rim above, then drive back down to take the 20-minute trek to see the Taughannock Falls up close and personal. The water drops over 200 feet.
Cayuga Lake Wine Trail
Route 89 edges the shore of Cayuga Lake, and the serene drive offers a taste of the best of the Finger Lakes. The countryside is an attractive collage of small, friendly towns with 19th-century homes, rich farmland and 25 unique wineries. The narrow road hugs the Cayuga Lake shore, and pasture land and forest run almost to the water on the other side. Cayuga Lake's wineries are some of the most recommended in the region and they're perfect for a Fingers Lake wine country trek. Tool the lakefront and stop at a few of the wineries scattered every mile or so.
Cayuga Lakeshore Wineries
Try these three if you want a few winery names to get you started. You’ll come to the small community of Interlaken as you drive along Cayuga’s western shore. You can’t miss Lucas Vineyards, the oldest winemaking operation on Cayuga Lake with 30 acres of vineyards tilting down the lakeshore. The views go on forever and make wine-tasting a delight. Look for Sheldrake Point Vineyard in equally tiny Ovid, perching so close to the lake it’s almost on the water. Here you can taste wines in an outdoor garden café while chowing down on the lunch specials. The Buttonwood Grove Winery offers a spacious tasting room as well as manicured grounds and local cheeses.
Smile and Say Cheese
If cheese tops wine on your personal list, you’re still in seventh heaven in the Finger Lakes region. Almost a dozen local farms make cheeses—varieties you’ve heard of and many you haven’t—including the only Dexter cheese in North America. Cheese-tasting locations are scattered throughout the region so plan your route accordingly. Remember that many of these “tasting rooms” are really someone’s home, so call ahead to organize a time to visit. Muranda Cheese Company on State Route 96 S can cater to visitors without a call-ahead. You’ll love sampling from its long tasting table of aged raw milk cheeses. Check out the Finger Lakes Cheese Festival for many of the best cheeses in one location if you visit in July.
Seneca Lake Attractions
As you reluctantly leave beautiful Cayuga behind, head toward equally pastoral Seneca Lake, the largest and deepest of the Fingers. You’ll find fascinating feminist history at the National Women's Hall of Fame and the Women's Rights National Historical Park in Seneca Falls—both celebrate the work of early activists who lived here. Hike the gorges of Watkins Glen State Park with its 200-foot cliffs and 17 waterfalls. Look for the attractive town of Geneva at the lake’s northern edge, full of Greek Revival and Italianate houses, as well as the Smith Opera House with its art deco décor. Ready for more wine? Try the Miles Wine Cellars in peaceful Himrod, with its Greek-style architecture overlooking the lake.
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