10 Best The Finger Lakes Towns For A Weekend Trip
Once in a while, you want to drop everything and escape to some peaceful and beautiful place to unwind, decompress, and recharge. There is something about a shimmering lake, a singing river, a sparkling waterfall, and lush greenery that just resets your biological clock. Add small-town charm and mind-rousing architecture, and your weekend will be epic, life-renewing, and unforgettable. The Finger Lakes Region of the United States, a pristine expanse that always feels a world away from everyday humdrum, strikes the sweet spot between showy and coy. The following are the 10 best Finger Lakes towns for a weekend retreat.
Hammondsport
If you ever needed an escape to some quaint, charming village with a small-town feel and boatloads of eye-catching attractions, it has to be Hammondsport, a tiny town with a tantalizing wine scene and gorgeous scenery. Plop yourself at the picturesque Pulteney Square and gazebo, a beautiful little green space with benches to sit and admire the immediate surroundings. Verns Bakery, just across the street, offers delectable cinnamon rolls, croissants, and a wonderful assortment of pastries. Their almond cherry pastry is also just out of this world. A sop here should pave the way for the historic Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery, an iconic spot traditionally associated with the “Vinifera Revolution,” a movement that forever changed the course of wine growing in the Finger Lakes and the United States. After an evening with crisp and aromatic white wines or rich red wines, slide into some clean bedsheets at J.S. Hubbs Guest House, a comfy, centrally located property close to shops and restaurants.
Ithaca
Ithaca is a multifaceted beauty that is often ranked among the most beautiful in America. On landing here, you instantly notice that you are in the middle of something adorably beautiful. From the gorges that ring the town to the several misty waterfalls that draw people from every nook of the country to a charming downtown with mind-rousing art, Ithaca has a way of making other towns look average. And, of course, the setting on the serene shores of Cayuga Lake does not help matters. Start with an unforgettable brunch at MIX, a nice little restaurant on Elmira Road with indoor and outdoor seating. From wonderfully delicious French onion soup dumplings to some of the best mussels in the area, you will leave here with a grin. You can catch a mood-lifting matinee at the handsomely restored Smith Opera House, a historic staple of the town since 1894, or explore Cornell's stunning campus and wander through its bevy of attractions, including the swoon-worthy Cornell Botanic Gardens. Alternatively, you can never go wrong with Buttermilk Falls State Park, especially because of its sparkling waterfalls, peaceful atmosphere, and awe-inspiring scenery. In the final minutes of daylight, work your way back in town to The Hotel Ithaca, a neat, comfy place centrally located close to other desirables.
Geneva
Geneva takes its repose on the northern rim of the tranquil Seneca Lake, known for its picturesque shoreline, outdoor recreational opportunities, and depth. A weekend itinerary here can be curated to include sampling award-winning wines, learning about the area’s amazing history, basking in the romance of an 18th-century castle, and enjoying the eclectic food scene. Of course, avid anglers may already know that Seneca Lake is often called the Lake Trout Capital of the World. A decadent beef brisket at the Rusty Pig should give you the kick you need to start your adventure. Belhurst Castle is a historic landmark on Seneca Lake with an atmosphere reminiscent of a bygone era. A stay here can make you feel like a royal prince in Medieval Europe. There are Hobart and William Smith Colleges, historic private liberal arts colleges with a scenic campus. Of course, you will also enjoy just lounging on the beach and inhaling lovely views on every side. Geneva Row Houses, along South Main Street, has an architectural feel reminiscent of Georgetown and Boston.
Canandaigua
Canandaigua is a short drive southeast of Rochester and boasts one of the most endearing nicknames in the world: The Chosen Spot. The town is as historic as it is scenic, and boasts a decent variety of locally-owned shops, mind-rousing galleries, and restaurants serving fresh food in a warm, friendly atmosphere. The beautiful Canandaigua Lake is a stunning place to enjoy swimming, boating, and fishing, and can easily be a trip highlight. Still, it will be criminal to miss a place like Sonnenberg Gardens, one of just two public gardens in the NYS Parks system. Once the summer home of a New York City banker, the expansive, 50-acre estate features distinctive period architecture, statuary, formal gardens, lovely fountains, and unique garden structures. If you have a thing for German-inspired flavors, Rheinblick will meet or exceed your expectations. The Lake House on Canandaigua is a lovely place to spend the night, especially for its waterfront views and high-quality fixtures.
Watkins Glen
You cannot argue with Watkins Glen —no one ever doubts its vacation-worthy credentials, particularly the presence of the nationally famous Watkins Glen State Park. You can come here for the park, and nothing else, and you will still feel like you have hit a jackpot. Aptly described as the crown jewel of the Finger Lakes, Watkins Glen State Park features not one, but 19 waterfalls, enough to fill up a day, probably a weekend. A moment at Rainbow Falls, or the Rainbow Falls Bridge, is testimony that there is still magic in the world. Amble through the town, and gasp at the neat rows of Revival architecture. Sample its culinary scene, and check out Nickel's Pit, a vibrant outpost on N Franklin Street offering patio seating, delicious barbecue, and other unbelievably delicious items. The Benjamin Hotel is just steps away from Nickel's Pit and is probably the only accommodation in town with a 5-star rating on Google Reviews.
Skaneateles
Skaneateles is a quaint village that offers year-round fun and one of the most beautiful locations in the country to spend a weekend. It's adorable downtown buzzes with diverse shops, superb restaurants, some of which have earned national recognition, and serene scenery. For example, Rosalie’s Cucina is a Tuscan-style restaurant that has been featured in the New York Times and on the Food Network. They serve a tongue-tingling variety, although their famous banana budino dessert often steals the show. Clift Park is the centerpiece of the village, and you will soon figure out the reason. It features the beautiful Skaneateles pier, a swimming area with striking Caribbean-blue waters, a charming gazebo, and a beautifully landscaped stone seating area complete with gardens and a fountain. Such a place can easily draw folks craving some calm and clarity. Take note that Anyela's Vineyards serves some of the best reds in America. Their Cabernet Franc won the New York Wine Classic in 2023. As for accommodation options, you can rarely go wrong with The Sherwood Inn.
Corning
A well-known ode to glass art, Corning is a stepping stone to exploring the southern Finger Lakes. The town's nickname — the Crystal City — is as evocative as the ambiance that pervades the downtown area and the surrounding scenery. The downtown, which you will find to be enticingly quaint, is called “The Gaffer District,” gaffer being a term for a professional glassblower. The Corning Museum of Glass is a show-stopper, but find time to also experience the inviting ambiance of Market Street or the scenic local trails that traverse the area. The trick is to start with a filling brunch at Old World Café, whether hearty homemade soups, scrumptious panini sandwiches, or other specialty gourmet foods. Discover the treasures at the Rockwell Museum, a lovely architectural marvel that has won many accolades, including recognition as the first Smithsonian Affiliate outside of New York City in the entire state. You can mill around Centennial Park, and then spend a quiet night at Radisson Hotel Corning, a clean but modest option with pocket-friendly prices.
Penn Yan
It may strike you as small and with nothing much to offer, but Penn Yan, just 60 miles southeast of Rochester, has lots of stuff to see and enjoy. The setting itself is noticeably adorable, especially with Keuka Lake in the backdrop, a painfully beautiful water wonder that serves as a much sought-after outdoor playground. Start your adventure at Seneca Farms, an ice cream hangout that is also loved for its outstanding fried chicken. The Windmill Farm & Craft Market, a short drive from town, is an awesome market with all kinds of crafts, baked goods, clothing, and other unique offerings. They open on Saturdays. Indian Pines Park, not too far from Seneca Farms ice cream, is a cool place to sit by the water and enjoy the breeze. You can linger a bit for what will be an unforgettable sunset view. Spend the night at Hampton Inn Penn Yan, a clean and comfy place with heart-melting waterfront views.
Naples
Just an hour south of Rochester, Naples can make for a quick and fantastic weekend getaway. The area around Naples is incredibly beautiful and crisscrossed with great hiking trails and other enjoyable outdoor offerings. The town itself has a slew of cute little shops, a couple of nice dinner spots, and small but well-established drinking holes, including Hollerhorn Distilling, a small-batch, family-owned and operated distillery, whose drinks are fun, colorful, and flavorful. Not just that, they also serve some of the best avocado toasts in the area. RMSC Cumming Nature Center, just a hair out of town, is a beautiful nature retreat with lots of beaver dams, trees, birds, and flowers. They also have taxidermy-mounted animals along with other things to explore. Keep in mind that Grimes Glen Park is an awesome place, especially if you like natural waterfalls and beautiful stone formations. Spend a romantic night at The Brindle and Blonde Bed & Breakfast amid mind-rousing views of Canandaigua Lake.
Seneca Falls
For some three eventful days in July 1848, a fired-up group of 300 women and 42 men gathered at the Wesleyan Chapel in Seneca Falls for the first-ever women's rights convention in the nation's history. That meeting eventually culminated in the 19th Amendment, which granted women the right to vote, and sealed the town's reputation as the Birthplace of the Women's Rights Movement. But first, drop your bags at the historic Gould Hotel, which dates back to 1920. It features comfy beds, high ceilings, and dark hardwood floors. The National Women’s Rights Historic Park, the town's most well-known attraction, features famous landmarks like the Elizabeth Cady Stanton House, a restored home of a feminist pioneer in women's suffrage. Visit the It’s A Wonderful Life Museum as well, located in a portion of what was the first movie theater in town. You will find exhibits that illustrate why residents have long believed that the town was the inspiration for Bedford Falls. Spend a memorable night at Barrister's Bed & Breakfast, a beautiful Victorian with modern bathrooms.
So, next time the spirit wonder lust comes knocking, don't insist on a vacation to the Caribbean. Right here in the United States, the Finger Lakes Region is a fantastic outdoor playground with unimaginable opportunities for fun and adventure. From glittering lakes to beautiful wineries to world-famous museums, you will certainly find something that makes you light up. The trick is to pick a nice base for your adventure: a small, charming town with a decent number of accommodation options.
