Yates, NY

Getaway to Yates

The Best Ways to Spend Spring in the Finger Lakes Countrysides

Who’s to say spring break is limited to a set week? Our long winter months tend to linger, so cure that cabin fever by planning an escape before the busy summer months hit and your schedule fills up. The spring season is an underrated time to visit the Finger Lakes in Upstate New York, and there’s many reasons why. Think fewer crowds, lower rates and the chance to see vineyards, farmlands and small towns come to life again.

Venture on a wine tour, fishing trip, or romantic getaway to reset your mind and discover new experiences you never knew you needed. In addition to spending quality time with who you’re with, here are some suggested activities for your spring stay in the Finger Lakes Countrysides that will encourage you to opt outside.

Plan a wine tour along a Wine Trail

Take a tour at Fox Run Vineyards in Penn Yan

There are two established wine trails that border Yates County, Keuka Lake Wine Trail and Seneca Lake Wine Trail. Be sure to plan ahead as certain guidelines are in place to keep wineries open safely. Some require reservations and visitors should keep their groups small. Taste world-class wines and take in the view of country roads and growing vines with a Riesling or Dry Rosé – perfect warm weather sippers you’ll want on hand.

Fishing for days

Whether you’re a beginner or a novice, you’ll enjoy your time and the stunning scenery that surrounds you. April and May offer ideal conditions to fish for species like Trout, Pike, Perch and Atlantic Salmon. Shore-fishing, boat rentals and guided fishing charters are all possibilities you can take advantage of.

Treat yourSweet Tooth

Treat your sweet tooth with homemade ice cream from Seneca Farms, but only after you indulge in their famous fried chicken. Choose to take a seat at their ample outdoor space or utilize the drivethru and enjoy the deliciousness where you’re staying. Locals love their seasonal sundaes and limited time flavor twists.

Shop ‘til you Drop

Take a walk along the sidewalks of downtown Penn Yan where you’ll discover plenty of small shops to browse and find unique items made by local artists and creatives. The first and friendliest farm and craft market in Upstate New York, The Windmill, is a must stop to easily dive into the local agriculture scene that opens for the year at the end of April.

Rent through Finger Lakes Premier Properties

Fresh Air

therapy by foot, bike or boat

There are plenty of ways to enjoy the great outdoors, some well-known and others are hidden gems! Outdoor enthusiasts love the Finger Lakes for its natural surroundings, pristine lakes, and rolling hills as far as the eye can see. Take a boat tour on Keuka Lake for one of the best points of view you’ll have on your trip.

Rent a bike, kayak or paddleboard from Shoreline Rentals in Penn Yan

Find an appreciation for Local Art

Visit art galleries, pottery studios and small shops that sell local handcrafted items you won’t find anywhere else. You’ll find that the Finger Lakes is not only known for local art, but also for its historic buildings and remarkable architecture. If you’re looking for inspiration, take a drive out to Garrett Memorial Chapel on Keuka Lake for stunning views and great photo opportunities.

There is a diverse selection of accommodations available from private rentals and cozy bed and breakfasts to camping and large chain hotels.

For travel planning and Covid-19 safety resources, visit www.fingerlakescountrysides.com

Catch You Next Time

Fishing in the Finger Lakes

It’s no shocker here that the Finger Lakes is a prime destination for planning your next fishing trip or spot to see your children cast for the first time. Fishing has always been a favorite past time and hobby for many, and in 2020 it became a popular activity perfect for peace, quiet and social distancing.

Where are the best spots?

The opportunities that the Finger Lakes region has to offer for aspiring or experienced anglers are endless. It may be the beautiful scenic waterway of the Keuka Outlet that runs between Keuka and Seneca Lakes, from Penn Yan to Dresden. This waterway offers a bounty of spring run trout from Seneca Lake in April and fall run trout usually starting in October. The outlet is also home of many stocked trout species, large and small mouth bass, and pan fish species.

If the open air and water are your pleasure, try casting a lure or live bait for the variety of trout the lakes have to offer. Pan fish, perch, crappie, bass, landlocked salmon and pike species are prevalent in the area, and can be caught year-round. Seneca Lake is known as the “Lake Trout Capital of the World” and Keuka Lake also has plenty of them.

When is the best time to fish?

What’s great about fishing is that you can do it year-round. Many find pure enjoyment during the warmer months setting out on a boat for the day, moving around the lakes at their leisure. During the colder months of the year, ice fishing may be another fishing opportunity for you. A bounty of pan fish, perch, pickerel, pike, crappie and bass are there for catching. Most of the lakes will freeze over near the shoreline in the winter, but Seneca Lake does not freeze due to its size and depth.

Be sure to plan ahead

Please visit the Department for Environmental Conservation for fishing regulations that may apply, license information and more in depth details on fishing in the Finger Lakes.