ROAD TRIP TO THE FINGER LAKES
Wineries, Waterfalls & More In Central New York
By AP Connolly
We are aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life as we all practice social and physical distancing. While we are continuing to feature destinations like The Finger Lakes, we encourage you to visit destinations/hotels/restaurants online to see if they are receiving visitors. We believe that supporting local attractions is essential now more than ever, and we hope to inspire your future adventures!
New York’s Finger Lakes, a scenic region of 11 lakes stretching across 14 counties, is vast. It is known for its many award-winning wineries, but you will quickly realize there is so much more to discover—and just as quickly realize that figuring out what to do on a visit can be so relaxing.
The best way to plan a trip to this region is to narrow it to a few villages and wineries around some of the larger lakes, and while an itinerary couldn’t possibly cover all it has to offer, it is a great start.
CAYUGA LAKE
It is hard not to be charmed by the village of Aurora on the eastern shore of Cayuga Lake, the longest of the Finger Lakes. There are wineries in the area, including Long Point Winery, overlooking the lake and Bet the Farm, a small tasting room/market selling New York State products like cheeses and chutneys. Arts and craft fans should visit the MacKenzie-Childs studio and shop for its one-of-a-kind products. The idyllic campus of Wells College is a few steps down the road. After a day of exploring the area, have a quick bite at Dorie’s Bakery (it turns into a pizza place and wine bar in the evenings).
It is hard not to be charmed by the village of Aurora on the eastern shore of Cayuga Lake, the longest of the Finger Lakes. There are wineries in the area, including Long Point Winery, overlooking the lake and Bet the Farm, a small tasting room/market selling New York State products like cheeses and chutneys. Arts and craft fans should visit the MacKenzie-Childs studio and shop for its one-of-a-kind products. The idyllic campus of Wells College is a few steps down the road. After a day of exploring the area, have a quick bite at Dorie’s Bakery (it turns into a pizza place and wine bar in the evenings).
Nearby is the Wesleyan Chapel site of the First Women’s Rights Convention convened in 1848. Pioneering women, including suffragist Elizabeth Cady Stanton, organized the movement.
Eat & Stay The village is also known for its many historic mansions. The luxury collection called the Inns of Aurora includes the lake-side Aurora Inn, housed in an 1833 Federal-style building. Nearby are the E.B. Morgan House and Rowland House. Wallcourt Hall boasts the most modern décor. Once the sun sets dine on delicious charcuterie and scallops at Aurora Inn’s restaurant. The wine list features an abundance of local offerings, including a terrific sparkling wine from Heart & Hands Wine Company.
SENECA LAKE
After Cayuga Lake adventures, travel to the southeastern shore of Seneca Lake, where you’ll find Chateau LaFayette Reneau. Nestled on a hillside sloping down to the water, this winery is one of the prettiest settings imaginable to sample wine. Atwater Estate Vineyards, next door, has impressive views, too. From this vantage point, it is a quick ride down to Watkins Glen on the southern tip of Seneca Lake—be sure to pull over to snap a photo of the cascading Hector Falls along the way.
Eat & Stay For a memorable meal, head to Graft Wine + Cider Bar, which has a farm-to-table cuisine (the Brussels sprouts salad and the roasted carrots with dates, almonds and yogurt is delicious). Just a few minutes away, the Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel situated on the prime lakefront. The rooms are spacious, comfortable, and well-equipped—many feature lake-side views. On late afternoons, head to the outdoor patio; it’s the best spot to catch the sunset. On cool evenings sit by the fire pit and relax!
SKANEATELES LAKE
The next stop is the impossibly charming Village of Skaneateles on the northern tip of the lake. It is a beautiful walking village on the lake, one of the purest and most beautiful lakes in the world. With its quaint, tree-lined streets, 19th-century homes, interesting antique shops, boutiques, art galleries, and restaurants, you may not want to leave quickly. Be sure to visit Anyela’s Vineyards and sip a glass of chardonnay as you gaze at calm blue waters of the lake.
Eat & Stay Browse the village shops, visit historic Sherwood Inn, and brave the lines to lunch on a fish sandwich at Doug’s Fish Fry. For evening dining options, reserve a table at The Krebs restaurant in a meticulously restored 1899 home. Be sure to order oysters and duck with bok choy along with local wines, of course
Book a stay at Mirbeau Inn & Spa, one of the Finger Lakes’ most lauded properties. The wood-beamed luxurious accommodations face onto a flower-filled central garden and koi pond, created a Zen-like vibe; the spa with indoor/outdoor soaking pools and Vichy treatments helps, too.
Whether you are relaxing at the spa or taking a moment to sip a few wines glasses, savor the incredible beauty of this region known as the Finger Lakes
