8 Of The Most Captivating Small Towns In The Finger Lakes
The Finger Lakes are a collection of 11 thin lakes in New York, known for their beauty and surrounding natural areas. Hiking, biking, and boating are among the outdoor activities associated with the small towns that border the lakes. The region is also famous for its wineries and vineyards, adding to the natural charm of the small cities, a perfect end to a day of outdoor adventure.
These eight captivating towns are known for many things, and each one offers something different. Auto sport enthusiasts love visiting the iconic track in Watkins Glen, while history buffs enjoy the many sites of Seneca Falls. These are the most captivating Finger Lakes towns, each offering unique finds, elegant eateries, and quaint downtowns that are fun to explore.
Watkins Glen
Watkins Glen is known for its famous racetrack, charming downtown, and natural scenery. The scenery is on full display at Watkins Glen State Park with 19 waterfalls and 200-foot cliffs. Opened in 1948, Watkins Glen International is the premier racetrack in New York and hosts many races throughout the year, including previously hosting the Indy series.
Other landmarks include the downtown area, filled with alluring hotels, restaurants, and wine tasting rooms. The Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel, next to Seneca Lake, was named "Best Waterfront Hotel in the Nation" by USA Today. It features 107 luxurious guest rooms. Finish the day with a glass of local wine or cider at Graft Wine + Cider Bar.
Penn Yan
Penn Yan is a fascinating town with a quaint downtown area, perfect for shopping and dining on the north end of Keuka Lake. It is also a premier wine destination along the Keuka Lake Wine Trail, with the first vineyard being established in 1860. Outdoor enthusiasts should not miss the seven-mile Keuka Outlet Trail.
The hiking and biking path runs between Keuka and Seneca Lakes, with views of two waterfalls along the route. The Oliver family home, located in the heart of downtown, features over 50,000 items from the mid-18th century, both from the family and from others in the region. Penn Yan's historic downtown village is filled with elegant restaurants like the 18th Amendment Kitchen & Cocktail Bar and shopping opportunities.
Skaneateles
Skaneateles is on the banks of Skaneateles Lake and is known for its vibrant downtown and natural beauty. It has a pleasant combination of outdoor activities, like biking the 32 miles around the lake, and self-pampering at Mirbeau Inn and Spa. The inn offers 34 luxurious rooms, a 14,000-square-foot spa, and cozy fireplaces, all perfect amenities for a serene weekend.
The tiny village also features several sophisticated restaurants like the lakeside Bluewater Grill or Doug's Fish Fry. The grill offers poke bowls and a smoked turkey baguette sandwich, while Doug's is known for serving quality seafood since 1982. Skaneateles is a lovely town filled with charming amenities, outdoor activities, and fantastic restaurants, an ideal destination for a tranquil getaway.
Ithaca
Ithaca is filled with fun attractions that include the state's best waterfalls, including Ithaca Falls. Another outdoor landmark is Taughannock Falls State Park. Its falls carve a 400-foot gorge through sandstone layers and is three times taller than Niagara Falls.
No trip to Ithaca is complete without visiting Ithaca Commons, a pedestrian-only area featuring unique shops and restaurants, located near Cornell University and other colleges. Restaurant Row is popular for those looking for modern hangouts like Luna Inspired Street Foods or fine dining. The downtown area has a sophisticated yet casual air and is one of the best places to explore in the region.
Seneca Falls
Historic Seneca Falls is known for its heritage sites, natural scenery, and pleasant downtown district with numerous shopping and dining options. The village is famous for being the site of the first women's rights convention in the United States, the Seneca Falls Convention, and numerous memorials and sites honor this monumental event. The Women's National Hall of Fame is a must for every visitor, celebrating the lives of women who have changed the world through exhibits and tours.
Another iconic museum is the Seneca Falls Historical Society, housed in the vintage Becker Mansion. The society was formed in 1896 by local historians who collected artifacts until finding this permanent home where they could be stored. Seneca Falls is one of the most charming villages in the region, and the historical preservation is nothing short of extraordinary, making it a must-visit destination while in the area.
Corning
Corning is a fun city to visit, full of manufacturing pride and engineering innovation. The main attraction is the Corning Museum of Glass, with exhibits honoring the manufacturer in the downtown area that led to the town's nickname "America's Crystal City." It is near the popular Gaffer District, filled with charming red-brick commercial structures, retailers, and museums.
You will know you are in the district once you see the iconic Centerway Clock Tower housed in a brick structure, adding even more charm to the area. Another historic landmark is the Centerway Walking Bridge. Constructed in 1921, the 40-foot-wide and 710-foot-long pedestrian and vehicle bridge now serves as a walking park for residents and visitors, and provides ample photo opportunities.
Geneva
Picturesque Geneva is known for many things, including its scenic downtown with colorful row houses resembling those in Boston and Georgetown, as well as brick commercial buildings. Linden Street, the main thoroughfare, is closed to vehicles on weekend nights so pedestrians can discover all of the district's charms. Landmark attractions to explore include Belhurst Castle on Seneca Lake, which features a wine tasting room and a spa for a pampering day in the elegant lakeside village.
Another opulent stay is the 1914 Geneva on the Lake. The resort was designed to resemble an Italian villa and includes boat access, gourmet dining, and manicured gardens. Although there is no bad time to visit, Memorial Day is popular when the annual National Lake Trout Derby on Seneca Lake gets underway. The event celebrates Geneva's role as the "Lake Trout Capital of the World" and is an excellent way to kick off the summer season.
Auburn
Auburn is a classic town in the Finger Lakes region, known for the Harriet Tubman Home and the Seward House Museum. The museum is a former mansion honoring the Seward family, who bequeathed the home to the Fred L. Emerson Foundation in 1951. The classic downtown district is filled with restaurants like Moondog's Lounge, a casual eatery featuring pizza and entertainment in an artful setting, which reflects the quiet sophistication of the region.
The Harriet Tubman Home and barn are available to the public and demonstrate the lifestyle of this indomitable spirit. Tubman lived here from 1859 until her passing in 1913, when she added different buildings for several family members. History and a vibrant downtown district make Auburn distinctive and ideal for a weekend of scholastic exploration and relaxation.
Why These Finger Lakes Towns Stand Out
From wineries and charming restaurants to historical sites, these eight captivating towns are among the most memorable in New York. Each one is framed by stunning natural scenery, and the downtown areas are filled with things to do and see. Corning features a variety of galleries and museums, while Watkins Glen is renowned for its iconic race track and outdoor fun.
What makes these lakeside villages so memorable is their combination of clean streetscapes, cultural attractions, and a beautiful aesthetic. One can spend a day or a week in this region and not run out of things to do. Whether you are looking for retail therapy or an enjoyable glass of wine, these are the most captivating towns in the Finger Lakes region.
