8 Perfect Destinations for a Long Weekend in The Finger Lakes
The Finger Lakes in New York have many lesser-known towns and retreats for travellers seeking a relaxing vacation. For example, those interested in the history of women's rights can explore the grounds of a historic women's college in Aurora or visit the site where the movement began in Seneca Falls. The Corning Museum of Glass showcases the origins of glassmaking to the modern era. And as for the great outdoors, the Finger Lakes offer gorge trails, waterfalls, and historic botanical gardens. Learn more about what you'll discover in these 8 destinations in the Finger Lakes for a long and memorable weekend.
Aurora
Aurora sits on the eastern shores of Cayuga Lake. It holds a special place in women's history, with Wells College founded there in 1868. Much of the town was renovated by Pleasant Rowland, the founder of the American Girl doll brand, who sought to preserve Aurora's village atmosphere. You'll have a hard time picking which B&B to stay at, as the town is full of them, many of which are historic houses on the lake, such as the Rowland House and E.B. Morgan House. There are also plenty of things to do in the town, from visiting the grounds of the college to Lake Beach Glass on the shores of Cayuga Lake. Aurora also hosts the Morgan Opera House, a Victorian-era stage that slopes upward and features leaded-glass windows, giving it a unique vibe not found in other opera houses.
Hammondsport
Hammondsport sits right on the shores of Keuka Lake, which has drawn in visitors since the 1800s. This is in part due to the unique Y-shape of Keuka Lake, which inspires the names of several local businesses, such as the Crooked Lake Ice Cream Co., which operates out of a 50s-style diner. From Hammondsport, the closest beach is Champlin Beach, or you can see how these waters are used at beautiful orchards nearby, like the Crooked Line Farm & Orchard. This orchard is filled with dwarf trees, making it easy to pick apples right off the branches. For history buffs, Hammondsport is close to the Bath National Cemetery. Here, there are graves of Civil War and later veterans. You can stay close to the town's vineyards at the Black Sheep Inn.
Geneva
Geneva has won multiple accolades for its small-town charm and attractions on the northern shores of Seneca Lake. Within the town, you can find castle vineyards, mansions, and a picturesque state park. The Bellhurst Castle and Wine Resort is one of the best wine destinations and hotels in the United States, featuring a winery, spa, and rooms in a romantic setting with castle-like elements, including a turret tower. If you visit from spring to early fall, you can tour the grounds of Rose Hill Mansion. Built in 1839 in the Greek Revival style, it features white walls and 21 furnished rooms that closely resemble a Greek temple. The mansion also displays a 1916 Model T car. To get out into nature, there's Seneca Lake State Park, which has a swimming beach, playground, and marina.
Watkins Glen
Watkins Glen is located at the southern end of Seneca Lake and is one of the most visited communities in the Finger Lakes. Most people come here to visit Watkins Glen State Park, which comes alive in spring and fall with beautiful views of Rainbow Falls on the Gorge Trail. This trail is open from late May to October, but other trails along the canyon rims are open year-round. The town itself has a shoreline with Seneca Lake at the Clute Memorial Park. Close to this park is Seneca Lake Kayak, which offers kayak rentals to get right out onto the water. Another way to experience the Finger Lakes is by visiting the wineries via the Seneca Lake Wine Trail, as this lake hosts more wineries nearby than any other spot in New York. Lakewood Vineyards is located within Watkins Glen. The highest-rated hotel in Watkins Glen is the Idlwilde Inn, housed within a 1892 mansion on a hill overlooking Seneca Lake.
Seneca Falls
Seneca Falls has been called the Birthplace of Women's Rights, as the first Women's Rights Convention was held here in 1848. Today, the Wesleyan Chapel, where the convention was held, and early suffragette Elizabeth Cady Stanton's House are a part of the Women's Rights National Historical Park. The town also honors historic and modern-day women of note at the National Women's Hall of Fame. Some of its inductees include First Ladies like Abigail Adams and the first female Secretary of State Madeleine Albright. In addition to women, Seneca Falls served as the inspiration for the town in the Christmas movie It's a Wonderful Life. The It's a Wonderful Life Museum contains artifacts and memorabilia from this classic film. To the east of Seneca Falls is Cayuga Lake State Park with boat launches and an accessible swimming beach.
Naples
Named after the city in southern Italy, Naples is just south of Canandaigua Lake. It lives up to its Italian name with its rich grape and wine culture. Its first wine cellar, Widmer Wine Cellars, was established in the 1880s, and since then the town has had a deep connection to grapes—even their fire hydrants are painted purple. If you visit the Naples Grape Festival in September, you can experience all of the town's best grape recipes, gifts, and fun activities. Other than wine, Naples features majestic waterfalls and the oldest fossilized tree in the state of New York, the Naples Devonian Tree, discovered in 1882 and named for Grimes Glen Park. Visitors can stay in downtown Naples at The Maxfield Inn, a restored 1841 home with a 1,800-bottle wine cellar.
Ithaca
The Finger Lakes have long been an important site for higher education, and that certainly applies in the small town of Ithaca, home to Cornell University. Sitting on the southern end of Cayuga Lake, this college town maintains its natural beauty through the massive Cornell Botanical Garden. Founded in 1875, it has more than 10,000 plants and 31 miles of trails, including 15 waterfalls. Not far from the university is the Cascadilla Gorge Trail, which descends into a creek with drops of 400 feet from the campus to downtown Ithaca. Other spots of interest in Ithaca include the Herbert F. Johnson Museum of Art and the Allan H. Treman State Marine Park on the shores of Cayuga Lake. There are several hotels downtown, including The Hotel Ithaca.
Corning
Corning's claim to fame is fine glass craftsmanship. The town's most visited attraction is the Corning Museum of Glass, which celebrates not just modern glass but also ancient glass-making techniques going back 3,500 years. There's a remarkable tower sculpture made of 600 glass bowls and a glass portrait of Egyptian Pharaoh Akhenaten. A few blocks away is The Rockwell Museum, which displays modern and indigenous art, among other works. The Gaffer's District is known not just for glass but for its many chocolate shops, well worth sampling, on the Chocolate Trail Tour. You can stay close to the Gaffer District at the Gaffer Inn.
The Lakes Are Just the Beginning
The Finger Lakes themselves are certainly worth checking out, but the culture, art, and history in these towns shouldn't be missed. You can take deep dives into the history of women's struggle for the vote and equal rights in Seneca Falls or celebrate Naples' grape culture during its Grape Festival. All of these towns have grand accommodations as well, from a vineyard castle to a B&B overlooking Seneca Lake. These destinations are sure to enchant you and anyone travelling with you for a long weekend getaway.
