9 Finger Lakes Towns With Unforgettable Main Streets
The Finger Lakes region is surrounded by natural beauty, and these nine towns match this beauty with stunning Main Streets. The heart of any small burg is its downtown, filled with community gossip, history, and charming diners. These districts, each with lovely amenities and modern venues that match their natural surroundings, underscore that point.
Each offers something different, but they all exude a friendliness and small-town atmosphere unbeatable for a relaxing getaway. Corning appeals to those seeking a rich manufacturing history and cultural flair. On the other hand, Watkins Glen is for the gearhead, especially on race day. Whether you desire a rustic retreat or want to get out of the big city, these Main Street areas are for you.
Watkins Glen
The scenic village of Watkins Glen is a paradise for automobile and racing enthusiasts, as it is home to the Watkins Glen International race track. It also has a quaint downtown area with shops and restaurants centering around Franklin Street. The de facto Main Street features classic brick architecture, unique finds, and cultural attractions, such as the World's Smallest Diner. The 32-square-foot diner is open on Fridays through Sundays and specializes in Coney Island-style hot dogs.
Consider stopping by Specc's for chocolate delights or the Colonial Inn and Creamery for dessert. Before you head out, visit the Watkins Glen International Store for gifts and memorabilia from the iconic track. The cozy district has many other places to visit, each filled with small-town charm and a strong sense of community.
Ithaca
The Commons is Ithaca's main drag, comprising four blocks of vibrancy and community spirit. It is also home to one of the nation's last pedestrian malls. Over 100 independently owned shops, such as Benjamin Peters and Petrune, are located there. Restaurant Row on Aurora Street features a diverse range of cuisines, from fine dining to casual.
Luna Inspired Street Food is an urban hangout, while those looking for a mixologist should not pass up dining at Simeons or Monks on the Commons. After dinner, walk a short distance to Ithaca's oldest retailer, Bool's Flower Shop, established in 1894, and an authentic slice of history. This is one of the best Main Street areas in the region where fun meets historic charm, and should top any traveler's destination list.
Seneca Falls
The tiny hamlet of Seneca Falls is famously the birthplace of the women's rights movement. It is also home to Fall Street, the central hub of commercial buildings and residences that give the town a community atmosphere. While perusing the area, the Downtown Deli is a must. A local favorite for years, the movie-themed deli offers "It's a Wonderful Life panini sandwiches" in honor of the famous movie that was filmed here.
Fall Street even houses the It's a Wonderful Life Museum, a landmark cultural attraction that should be seen by anyone who visits Seneca Falls. To add more downtown charm to your stay, book a room at the historic Gould Hotel. The 1920s hotel has been revamped into chic rooms featuring chandeliers over the beds and a dining room with an elevated menu.
Elmira
Elmira is known as the "Soaring Capital of America" and is home to the National Soaring Museum, which houses the most significant exhibits of classic and contemporary motorless airplanes. The main drag is North Main Street, the city's focal point for years. The best way to experience North Main is through the Art Walk. The year-round event showcases unique art installations by local artists, tying viewers to the fun and vibrant community.
Strolling through the classic brick buildings reminds visitors of a simpler time with church spires and the landmark Mark Twain Building. The iconic corner building was once an eight-story hotel and now houses luxury apartments. The downtown district borders Elmira College, which includes the Center for Mark Twain Studies and Exhibit, honoring the location where the famed novelist wrote some of his most famous works.
Geneva
The downtown shopping district in Geneva boasts cobblestone sidewalks and a diverse array of shops and unique finds, catering to visitors and locals alike. Favorites include Finger Lakes Goods, featuring all things Finger Lakes. Stomping Grounds is another unbeatable store for its unique gifts and prints of the Finger Lakes Region. Linden Street is one of the main roads and is closed to vehicle traffic on weekend nights, catering to the wine and chef-driven restaurant scene.
This culinary gem is home to the popular Microclimate Wine Bar, F.L.X. Table, and many other exquisite tasting rooms, pubs, and restaurants. Try to book a stay during the weekends when the roads are closed to vehicles, allowing you to walk through the city for a memorable night in downtown Geneva. This is one of the region's most vibrant Main Street districts, offering a blend of culture and elevated dining in a sophisticated, unbeatable atmosphere.
Corning
Corning is famously home to Corning Incorporated, and the downtown area boasts numerous museums, such as the Corning Museum of Glass, that reflect the town's rich manufacturing heritage. The Gaffer District, as the area is known, is well worth a visit for anyone near the Finger Lakes region. The breathtaking streetscapes lead to many cultural finds, trails, and tours.
The Buildings Alive Trail introduces guests to phenomenal buildings such as the iconic Rockwell Museum, a Smithsonian affiliate, and others along historic Market Street. The Chocolate Trail is especially fun and takes you to Dippity Do Dahs and Old World Cafe and Ice Cream, among many others. The Gaffer District has a storied history, and exploring the sites with one of the tours provides ample opportunity to take it all in.
Penn Yan
Historic Penn Yan's Main Street is home to bustling shops in traditional brick buildings. The pedestrian-friendly roads lead to quaint shops such as Staving Artist Woodwork, Plants on Main, and The Art Studio. Visiting the local merchants is an authentic way to discover the community and discover hidden gems along the way. There are also fantastic dining options at eateries like Dean Lane Dining in nearby Dundee for an afternoon break from shopping.
The Yates County History Center on Main Street interprets the region's history through its exhibits. It provides an excellent opportunity for visitors to understand why this area is so unique. The district is also lively at night, with places like The Tavern, a local Elm Street pub offering a neighborhood vibe. Whether it's fun shopping trips, nightlife, or galleries, Penn Yan has them all and is one of the best districts in this part of New York.
Hammondsport
Hammondsport's Village Square is the heart of this small community, boasting clean streetscapes and vibrant buildings. This is also the heart of the grape-growing region, and the small village offers many locations to taste local varietals. Wineries include Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery, Bully Hill Vineyards, and Weis Vineyards. The area is also part of the Seneca Wine Trail, which any novice or oenophile would love.
Next to the town square and historic buildings lies Depot Park, located at the southern tip of Keuka Lake. It is ideal for a picnic lunch purchased from a local deli, such as Portside Bistro and Street Food. The Glenn H. Curtiss Museum honors the gentleman who put Hammondsport on the map in the early 20th century. He was the "fastest man on earth" and later became the "father of naval aviation." Stop by to glimpse a unique part of the village's history.
Skaneateles
Skaneateles's Genesee Street is the place to be for charming retailers with a view of Skaneateles Lake. The shops are situated in restored brick buildings, some of which date back to 1796, including Nest 58 and First National Gifts. The friendly community adds to the pleasant atmosphere, especially when they come together for one of the many live events.
Live music events include CNY Jazz at the Sherwood Inn and the Longwood Jazz Project at Anyela's Vineyards. Fall Fest Weekend is held downtown and is a fantastic time to visit, as the community celebrates the leaves changing colors. It is one of the most popular times to discover this area. There are other events throughout the year, but no matter what season you visit, this is one of the best Main Street areas in the area.
The Finger Lakes region is full of beauty, charm, and history. The small villages that call their shores home feature vibrant Main Street areas that are just as worthy a destination as the lakes. From quaint points of interest, such as the world's smallest diner, to the home of the women's rights movement, it can all be found along the main community thoroughfares.
Another charming aspect of these districts is their proximity to the lakes. Visitors can pick up any needed gear just a short walk from the lakes. There are also charming inns and restaurants to complete the relaxing atmosphere. These eight towns stand out for their friendly communities and range of activities that promise to make any trip memorable.
