9 Small Towns in The Finger Lakes with the Best Downtowns
New York's Finger Lakes region has as much to offer in its small-town main streets as it does on the water. In Seneca Falls, a single downtown stroll takes you past Women's Rights National Historical Park and the It's a Wonderful Life Museum, which celebrates the film the town is said to have inspired. Hammondsport's boutiques circle Pulteney Square, just a few minutes from Depot Park, where boaters can dock for free and stroll into town for a meal or some shopping. The Ithaca Commons is a pedestrian mall closed to vehicle traffic and filled with art galleries, shops, and places to eat, in a college town decorated with more than 400 murals. These 9 small towns have the best downtowns in the Finger Lakes, pairing 19th-century architecture with local food, wine, and events that showcase the region at its best.
Seneca Falls
The hamlet of Seneca Falls is at Cayuga Lake's northern tip and includes a 362-acre historic district, filled with 19th-century architecture. Often referred to as the "Birthplace of Women's Rights," Seneca Falls' downtown is home to Women's Rights National Historical Park, commemorating the first Women's Rights Convention which was held in the town in 1848.
It's a Wonderful Life Museum is also in Seneca Falls' downtown area, celebrating the film, which is said to have been inspired by the town. Visit the town in December and you can witness the "It's a Wonderful Life" Festival, which, in 2026, is slated to feature original cast members and a special concert with the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra. Those who appreciate a good beer might want to stop by Fall Street Brewing on the main downtown drag, where you can also grab a wood-fired pizza.
Watkins Glen
Sitting at the southern tip of Seneca Lake, the historic town of Watkins Glen is pedestrian-friendly. Its main road, Franklin Street, is filled with 19th-century architecture and plenty of local retailers within walking distance, like Lucky U Women's Clothing Outlet, plus cozy cafes such as Babes & Buds Coffee Lounge and Boutique. The Watkins Glen Downtown Visitor Center is a great place to stop when you first arrive in town, as they can help you to plan everything you want to see.
Also in the downtown area is Lafayette Park & Bandstand, which hosts free concerts in the park during the summer months. A farmers market is also held there every Tuesday evening in the summertime. Check out J.R. Dill Wine Bar in town when you want to relax with a glass of wine or a craft cocktail at the end of the day.
Hammondsport
At the southern tip of Keuka Lake, you'll find the tiny town of Hammondsport. It is known as the original home of the now-defunct Taylor Wine Company, and still hosts many wineries, such as Bully Hill Vineyards, today. More than 40 wines can be tasted at their bar, and you can lunch there as well.
Downtown Hammondsport is centered around Pulteney Square, and contains many cute little boutiques such as The Cinnamon Stick gift shop. Just a few minutes from Pulteney Square, you'll find Depot Park, popular with those who want to "dock and dine": dock your boat for free, and walk into town to eat or shop. Plan your visit to Hammondsport for February and you can participate in Hammondsport Winter Stroll, bringing a bit of warmth to town with locally crafted brews and wines on the menu.
Geneva
The town of Geneva sits on Seneca Lake's northern rim and, despite its small size, has a bustling downtown filled with farm-to-table restaurants, breweries, wineries, and the Geneva Farmers Market, held Saturdays from May through October. The first Friday night of each month in Geneva is occupied by Geneva Night Out, a free arts and culture event that spotlights area restaurants, shops, and businesses in the walkable downtown area.
Over 12 public parks exist in Geneva, including Lakefront Park, with a playground and trails. The Finger Lakes Welcome Center is just east of the park, and features resources for travel planning, an outdoor gazebo, restaurants, and walking trails along the lake. More than 30 restaurants exist in Geneva's downtown area, including Kindred Fare, which also offers outdoor seating and cocktails.
Ithaca
Downtown Ithaca, at the southern end of Cayuga Lake, is lively, no doubt in part because of the presence of both Cornell University and Ithaca College in town. Don't miss the beautiful Cornell Botanic Gardens beside the university's campus. Ithaca Commons is a pedestrian mall closed to vehicle traffic, with art galleries, shopping, and food aplenty.
Check out Ithaca Murals, a network of street art found throughout Ithaca, with more than 400 murals in the town. If live theater is your passion, Ithaca does not disappoint. State Theatre of Ithaca hosts diverse artists and live performance by artists including Ira Glass and Judy Collins. Kitchen Theatre Company showcases both new and familiar plays, like "Milkweed" and "Feast."
Canandaigua
Ontario County's county seat, Canandaigua's name is Native American, meaning "the chosen spot." It sits at Canandaigua Lake's northwest end, and has a downtown area filled with buildings from the 1800s and 1900s. Sonnenberg Gardens and Mansion State Historic Park occupies 50 acres in town and includes one of just two public gardens in New York State Parks System.
Main Street in Canandaigua is filled with independently-owned stores like Kiko's Den and art galleries such as ArtSpace 36. Hungry visitors enjoy the New York Kitchen farm-to-table style restaurant that features a hands-on kitchen with cooking classes and wine tasting rooms. Educational information on wines for food is also provided here.
Trumansburg
Trumansburg, named for founder Abner Truman, is two miles west of Cayuga Lake. Sitting on a hillside above the water, Trumansburg has a busy Main Street containing artisan shops and cafes like Trumansburg Main Street Market and Creekside Cafe. Trumansburg Farmers Market is held Wednesdays from May through October at Trumansburg Village Park, featuring local vendors of produce, baked goods, and more.
For a truly unique experience, check out Trumansburg's Atlas Bowl. This combination restaurant, bar, event space, and bowling alley has something for everyone. Quizbowl Trivia Nights and Vinyl Nights are also included in the many events held at Atlas Bowl.
Aurora
Sitting on Cayuga Lake's eastern shore, the small community of Aurora was first known as Scipio, then renamed Aurora in 1795 as a way to celebrate the post-Revolutionary War era. The founder of American Girl, Pleasant Rowland, revitalized Aurora's historic architecture and created the Inns of Aurora, a luxury resort of seven houses right on Main Street.
The 1833 Kitchen and Bar is a popular downtown spot for those who enjoy farm-to-table dining. Main Street, also known as Route 90, is home to Village Market, a specialty coffee shop and deli. Located right behind the post office on the water, Aurora Village Park was created to protect the habitat of local wildlife and offer a safe, beautiful place for families and visitors to gather.
Waterloo
Waterloo sits between the northern tips of Cayuga and Seneca Lakes, is the county seat of Seneca County, and is well-known as the "birthplace of Memorial Day." The first community-wide observance of Memorial Day was here in 1866, and the town still has a huge Memorial Day celebration each year with parades, festivals, and car shows.
Main Street in downtown Waterloo, recently renovated to make it more pedestrian-friendly, is home to shops like Hidden Treasures and eateries such as The Green Apple. Many hiking and biking trails can be found downtown. The Cayuga-Seneca Canal Trail, a popular trail more than five miles long, connects the village of Waterloo with Seneca Lake State Park in Geneva.
Downtown Dreams In The Finger Lakes
These nine Finger Lakes towns each offer visitors and locals plenty of opportunities to experience arts, culture, unique retail shops, good food, and, of course, wine and beer from across the region. These downtown areas host events, like the Trumansburg Farmers Market and Geneva Night Out, that bring people from all walks of life together. That's the best part about these Finger Lakes downtowns: that they provide something for everyone, enticing people to gather and experience their beauty collectively.
