9 Best Downtowns In The Finger Lakes
The Finger Lakes are a scenic and vibrant region in New York. The area is defined by the 11 thin lakes, vineyards, and four-season outdoor activities. However, don't sleep on the small lakeside villages and hamlets along the shores. These nine villages feature the best downtowns in the area, for numerous reasons, and all are worth visiting at least once.
Each downtown district is distinctive, while all reflect the region better than most. The compact and pedestrian-friendly streets are fun to explore, and one does not have to walk far to find a quaint coffee shop or museum. Between stunning historic sites, friendly communities, and eclectic wine tasting rooms and restaurants, these nine quintessential hamlets echo the best elements of the Finger Lakes region.
Ithaca
Ithaca's downtown area centers around the four-block Ithaca Commons, or just the Commons in local parlance. The pedestrian-only, vibrant district is close to Cornell University and Ithaca College, two prestigious schools that lend a unique atmosphere. Several annual festivals really make the area come alive, such as the Downtown Ithaca Apple Harvest Festival, which also provides a fun time to mingle with the community.
Dining out is a favorite pastime in downtown Ithaca, and foodies will find vegan, Asian, and casual options throughout the district. Cafe Dewitt, located in the landmark Ithaca Mall, is a casual option that hits the spot during a daily shopping excursion. There is much more to do in this pleasant town, making it among the best downtown destinations in the Finger Lakes region.
Geneva
Picturesque Geneva's downtown is a vibrant shopping district with a healthy dose of cultural and heritage sites that make for an interesting visit. A landmark town and a must-stop location is Stomping Grounds, a fun hodgepodge of new and vintage books, prints, and other unique finds. Finger Lakes Goods is another treasure that every newcomer should visit. It is considered the "General Store of the Finger Lakes" and has a variety of local products that are great souvenirs.
Culturally, the Smith Center for the Arts is an essential destination, and has been for over 125 years. Located in the magnificent Smith Opera House, this is the spot to go for live performances and educational theater in the heart of downtown.
Watkins Glen
Historic Watkins Glen is famous for its natural beauty and for its auto history, especially at Watkins Glen International. The track has drawn worldwide auto sports fans since 1948, and is a milestone stop for many who visit. However, its downtown district, centered around Franklin Street, is also a meaningful draw, filled with local shops, a charming energy, and many venues worth exploring.
Downtown has a spectacular view of Seneca Lake, which is best viewed at the Seneca Lake Pier, which is home to many for-hire guides for a sunset cruise or two. If this tranquil view is in the cards for your stay, book a room at the Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel, where you can wake up to this scenic view every morning.
Penn Yan
Penn Yan has a distinctive name and a unique downtown area bustling with boutiques, venues, and a vibrant atmosphere. It is a popular stop for shoppers, with local retailers like Tops Friendly Markets and Staving Artist Woodwork. The shops reflect the local culture, which mirrors the surrounding natural beauty, making this one of the best window-shopping districts in the Finger Lakes.
While walking around the quaint district with classic brick commercial structures, there is a healthy mix of arts and entertainment venues to break up the day. The Art Studio 126 Main is a prime hub for artisans featuring mosaics and clay sculptures, a perfect spot for grabbing a souvenir. One of the many landmark locations that should not be missed is the YCHC Underwood Museum, a history center spanning over 160 years and comprising artifacts from three museums.
Skaneateles
Downtown Skaneateles is a vibrant, walkable district featuring modern retailers in buildings dating back to 1796. Many come to town for the lake of the same name as the town, others for the shopping, and others for the unique blend of nature and venues. The Barrow Gallery and Imagine are two quintessential art hubs that define the refinement of this lakeside town, making it one of the most charming town squares in the region. This eclectic combination of fine art is analogous to the area's diversity, including modern hotels and historic bed and breakfast inns. The three-star Skaneateles Boutique Hotel is an optimum choice, featuring history and modern comforts, minutes from the lake and other main attractions that will keep you in the heart of town for your stay.
Seneca Falls
Historic Seneca Falls is renowned for being the home of the women's rights movement, and its downtown is filled with references to this seminal societal shift. The district centers around Fall Street, which is where you will find the landmark Women's Rights National Historical Park. The park provides a pleasant respite during the day and features several monuments describing the civil rights movement of 1848.
After working up an appetite walking around the de facto town square, stop at the legendary Downtown Deli for an epic sandwich. The local favorite features several Hollywood-inspired sandwiches with catchy names like the "It's a Wonderful Panini Sandwiches," a nod to the town's inspiration for the film's setting. To complete the Seneca Falls experience, book a room at the 1920 Gould Hotel for chic floor plans in the middle of downtown.
Corning
Corning is best known as the home of Corning Glass Works, and there are several sites where you can discover this history and more in the Gaffer District. The area is the downtown hub of the community with many cultural attractions, shopping opportunities, and eclectic dining. The Corning Museum of Glass is a family-friendly attraction featuring over 50,000 objects to explore, representing over 3,500 years of glassmaking, and is considered a landmark venue by many.
A "sweet" way to discover the heart of the Gaffer District is by signing up for the Chocolate Trail. The trail winds through several prominent chocolatiers, including Dippity Do Dahs and Old World Cafe & Ice Cream. This is a fun excursion for all ages, mirroring the fun side of the family-friendly community.
Hammondsport
Downtown Hammondsport is an alluring locale for any oenophile, set in the heart of New York's wine country. The village, comprised mainly of quaint lake houses, sets the scene for a relaxing weekend tasting some of the region's best varietals. Ravines Wine Cellars and Weis Vineyard are just two of the wineries that call Hammondsport home, and you can try a variety of wines in the downtown section of the village.
Antiquing is also popular in galleries like Opera House Antiques and other places. The wineries and antique shops add refinement to the pleasant town, where pedestrian traffic is encouraged to soak in the atmosphere. To round out your stay, do not miss the Glenn H. Curtiss Museum, featuring all things aviation and priceless artifacts.
Elmira
Elmira's downtown district borders Elmira College, and each has stunning views of the Chemung River and surrounding forested banks. The natural views blend seamlessly with the district's aesthetic, making a relaxing stroll through downtown an absolute pleasure. If you visit the campus, make sure to visit the iconic Mark Twain’s Study and the Mark Twain Exhibit, which features artifacts of the famed novelist.
Afterward, visit the Chemung Valley History Museum to learn more about Twain's history in this small village in the heart of New York's wine country. If delicate wines and historical venues brought you to this charming village, book a table at the historic Hill Top Inn. Opened in 1933, the inn sits on top of a knoll where Samuel Clemens, a.k.a. Mark Twain, would visit for inspiration for much of his famous works.
Finishing Thoughts
Between the automotive history in Watkins Glen and the history of Seneca Falls, these are the best nine downtowns in the Finger Lakes region. While each one stands alone, they all reflect the area's best features, including historical and modern attractions. The walkable districts are a popular draw for their dining and wine scene, adding another layer of sophistication to the scenery.
Corning features an excellent walking district, where people of all ages will be in awe at its beauty and manufacturing prowess. Shoppers and museum enthusiasts will all fall in love with this area, and these small hamlets offer the most diverse collection of things to do and see. If culture, refined dining, and history are what you are looking for in your next destination, the Finger Lakes are hard to beat.
