Fall in the Finger Lakes

DISCOVER THE ENCHANTING WONDERS OF SENECA AND CAYUGA LAKES

As autumn winds blow and foliage changes colors, head to the heart of the Finger Lakes region to Seneca and Cayuga Lakes for the perfect oasis. Delve into women’s rights history, savor Finger Lakes wines, and explore lakeside beauty. Experience outdoor adventures, from boating to fishing. Choose from charming rentals, cozy B&Bs, or resorts for a perfect stay. With Cayuga and Seneca Lakes as your playground, embrace recreational opportunities and gorgeous vistas especially in the fall. Home to abundant wineries, Seneca County crowns the Finger Lakes as New York’s premier wine region.

Cayuga Lake

Welcome to Cayuga Lake, the heart of the picturesque Finger Lakes region! If you’re seeking an unforgettable escape into nature’s embrace, look no further. Nestled amidst rolling hills, vineyards, and charming towns, Cayuga Lake offers a cornucopia of delights for all types of travelers. Whether you’re a nature lover, a wine connoisseur, an adventure seeker, or someone who simply craves relaxation, Cayuga Lake has something special for you.

THINGS TO DO AROUND CAYUGA LAKE

The excitement around Cayuga Lake doesn’t stop at its shores. The area offers a vibrant array of activities to complement your lakeside retreat. Summer concerts, Thirsty Thursdays, and happy hours provide opportunities to enjoy music and local beverages. Car shows, farmers markets, and the annual Wheat Harvest Festival provide a little bit of everything for residents and visitors of all ages. Special events at the wineries and breweries around town offer a taste of the region’s rich culture and flavors. Live music resonates throughout the week and year, infusing the atmosphere with melodies that lift the spirit.

EMBARK ON OUTDOOR ADVENTURES

Adventure seekers will find ample opportunities to get their adrenaline pumping in the Finger Lakes region. Hiking enthusiasts can explore a variety of scenic trails, offering stunning vistas of waterfalls, gorges, and panoramic lake views. The region’s state parks and nature reserves provide a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, where you can partake in activities like biking, fishing, birdwatching, and more.

UNWIND IN CHARMING TOWNS

Escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life by venturing into the charming towns that dot the shoreline of Cayuga Lake. Each town has its unique character, offering a delightful array of local shops, art studios, and farm-to-table dining experiences. Embrace the warmth and hospitality of the locals as you stroll through the streets, creating cherished memories along the way.

WHERE TO STAY

There’s a wide variety of choices of accommodations around Cayuga Lake, from full-service hotels, luxurious, quaint B&Bs, historic inns, or campgrounds, Cayuga County’s central location makes it an ideal hub for meetings and events.

Or combine all the above at Interlaken’s Good Life Farm, home of Finger Lakes Cider House. Sample delicious ciders and farm-totable food, relax and unwind with friends and family surrounded by the beautiful orchard/farm and Cayuga Lake, and then stay in The Yurt, a studio style Creekside “hobbit hole” or the private three bedroom loft above the Cider House tasting room.

DISCOVER FINGER LAKES WINE COUNTRY

Cayuga Lake is surrounded by a flourishing wine region, boasting a plethora of vineyards and wineries. As one of the largest Finger Lakes, it offers prime conditions for grape cultivation, resulting in exceptional wines. Wine enthusiasts can embark on a delightful tasting journey, savoring exquisite wines and meeting passionate vintners who are eager to share their stories and expertise. Sip and savor the flavors of the Finger Lakes, and you’ll gain a deeper appreciation for the art of winemaking.

Cayuga Lake Wine Trail was America’s first wine trail and they tout “from the first sip to your last look at the lake, the [trail] will impress and inspire you.” Visit cayugawinetrail.com for the complete list and more information on these incredible wineries.

COME EXPERIENCE CAYUGA LAKE

Create unforgettable moments and let Cayuga Lake become your cherished escape from the everyday hustle. Plan your trip today, and let your heart be drawn to the captivating charm of this enchanting destination. Check out tourcayuga.com for travel / tourism information.

Seneca Lake

Nestled among the captivating Finger Lakes, Seneca Lake stands as a testament to time’s embrace, cradling secrets and stories that span centuries. Just as steamboats and barges once gracefully sailed its waters in the 1800s, relics of that era now rest at its southern depths, preserved for modern adventurers to explore through scuba diving.

Seneca Lake’s rich history doesn’t stop there. During WWII, it played a vital role as a training ground for Navy and Air Force soldiers at the Sampson Training Station, now reborn as the picturesque Sampson State Park. The lake has also served as a testing site for submarines, bearing witness to silent tales of naval exploration beneath its shimmering surface.

Legends dance around Seneca Lake like ripples on its surface. Whispers of hidden passages linking lakes, tales of sea serpents, and the enigmatic “Lake Drums” that resonate across its expanse, echo the mysteries of centuries gone by.

The lake’s generous size, embracing vines in a gentle climate, has nurtured 40 wineries and vineyards, inviting over 600,000 visitors annually to savor their fruits. Seneca Lake, crowned the lake trout capital of the world, hosts the renowned National Lake Trout Derby, while its mysterious depths extend 200 feet below sea level, an uncharted realm beneath its serene facade. Unlock the door to Seneca Lake’s treasures - a haven where history, legend, and natural marvels unite in a symphony of wonder.

SCENIC VISTAS

According to VisitFingerLakes.com, “Route 14 runs the entire length of Seneca Lake, connecting Geneva and Watkins Glen. In between these two communities is more than 30 miles of colorful fall landscapes and scenic views. Route 14 is also a great way to experience Finger Lakes wines, as much of the Seneca Lake Wine Trail traverses this road.” Christine and Joel (of WildPreciousNow) highly recommend checking out Hector Falls on Rte 14, with its “expanse of water tumbling and dancing over limestone and shale cliffs and into Seneca Lake.”

SHOP & EAT LOCAL

Located in the “heart of it all” and situated on 44 tree lined acres for over 35 years, The Windmill Farm & Craft Market is nestled in the rolling hills of Upstate New York. Just south of Penn Yan on State Route 14A and bordered by Keuka and Seneca Lakes, the scenic surroundings are almost unimaginable.

The Windmill is host to over 175 indoor and outdoor shops filled with handcrafted items too numerous to count. You will discover great food, fresh produce, flowers, custom cabinetry, furniture, fashion, local wineries, artistry, gifts, micro brews, entertainment, and so much more.

SENECA LAKE WINERIES

Considered a cool climate region, the Finger Lakes region is a popular grape-growing, wine-making area, specializing in sparking wines, Rieslings, Pinot Noirs, and Ice Wines, but also known for its Chardonnays, Cabernet Francs, and several French-American and Native American varieties. Check out the dozens of world-renowned Seneca Lake Wineries to sample the wide varieties of wine highlighting the grown here, made here mantra. Visit senecalakewine.com for more information about the wineries around this lake.

2023 marks the 30th Anniversary of Deck the Halls! During this event, you’ll enjoy a self-guided tour of participating Seneca Lake Wine Trail wineries decked out for the holiday season, sampling delicious wine and food pairings and collecting ornaments at each stop from Nov. 17-19, Dec 1-3, 2023. For more information, check out senecalakewine.com/event/november-deck-the-halls/

DISCOVER SENECA COUNTY’S BED & BREAKFASTS

One of the most popular accommodations in the region are Bed & Breakfasts. In fact, Seneca County also offers a Bed & Brunch if you prefer a more relaxed morning. These impressive and historic houses not only afford the comforts of home, but their innkeepers will astound you with their culinary creations and hospitable service. If you’re not familiar with local cuisine or attractions, just ask your B&B manager; chances are you’ll get insider suggestions unavailable in travel guides.

Seneca Lake Resorts offer a unique lakeside tourist destination located just 15-minutes south of Geneva, NY on the eastern shore of Seneca Lake. Day trip throughout the Finger Lakes region on wine, cheese, and craft beverage trails, and dine at eclectic local restaurants from Geneva to Watkins Glen. Enjoy on-site biking, fishing, playgrounds, playing fields, a beach, a visitor’s center, and 10 miles of hiking trails, plus all that the Finger Lakes region has to offer.

Christine Halliday of WildPreciousNow says, “After spending a day exploring Seneca Lake and its many wineries, cap off your trip with dinner at one of the area’s fine restaurants before turning in for the night at one of its cozy bed & breakfasts or boutique hotels. There’s nothing quite like waking up in idyllic upstate New York surrounded by nature.”

Rebecca Bardwell

@MYGIRLISHWHIMS

The Finger Lakes is one of my favorite places in the US, so even with twin toddlers we were so excited to take the boys up for their second trip last month! I’ve been to the Finger Lakes almost a dozen times now, but going with mobile toddlers sure is a different experience.

HERE IS WAS WHAT WE ENJOYED ON OUR TRIP:

Visiting wineries with large outdoor areas for the kids to roam! We lucked out and had BEAUTIFUL weather on our trip so pretty much only visited wineries that had open outdoor space we could let the kiddos roam around at including @standingstoneny, @anthonyroadwine, @j.r.dill, @kuekaspringsvineyard, @lucasvineyards, @boundarybreaks (super dog friendly too!) & @weisvines!

We stayed in Watkins Glen right on the lake in a VRBO walkable to downtown which was perfect for kiddos who get up extremely early. Every morning we would get out and walk around town after breakfast and grab coffee in town. There is a playground right on the lake at Clute Park but our FAVORITE spot to visit is at the top of the lake at the @fingerlakeswelcomecenter in

Geneva. We love the welcome center because they serve food, coffee, local wine & beer, and have seating right on the lake with an amazing playground! There are great walking paths there as well: Go left from the center for a long path that leads to a state park or go right past the hotels for a second playground!

Our favorite “hike” we did on this trip was to Taughnnock Falls on Cayuga Lake! This is a great one mile out, one mile back trek that ends in an INSANE waterfall. The trail is actually FLAT, so if you want to bring a stroller to keep the kids contained you can!

Best tips for traveling to wine country with toddlers: Bring help. (Just kidding...somewhat.) It was nice to have extra sets of hands with my parents on this trip, but even on outings without them we planned our trip off season, and fed the boys lunch/snacks if we did an actual wine tasting to keep them entertained during that. I actually had a lot of anxiety about bringing our kids on this trip which really wasn’t needed. I think any toddler mom worries about bringing their kids anywhere public, but we really had the best time. The Finger Lakes is predominately frequented by couples so I was anxious about my kids interrupting other people’s relaxation. I think we need to be cognizant of respecting other’s time and atmosphere, but literally every person we met on this trip with our kids was so kind, engaging, and insanely friendly, which is exactly why this area holds a special place in my heart. Life is so different with twin toddlers these days, but I’m still so glad we can continue traveling back to one of our favorite places with them.

Katherine Chase

CAYUGA LAKE WINE TRAIL, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

WHAT TIPS/SUGGESTIONS DO YOU HAVE FOR VISITORS OF THE TRAIL AROUND CAYUGA?

Come prepared to fall in love! Our wineries are owned by families who have been growing grapes for generations or who have just started and plan to be growing grapes for generations to come. The passion that was passed down to them can be seen and tasted in every aspect of their business, from their tasting rooms to their staff, their labels, and the thought that goes into how they present and serve their wines.

Come prepared to fall in love! Our wineries are owned by families who have been growing grapes for generations or who have just started and plan to be growing grapes for generations to come. The passion that was passed down to them can be seen and tasted in every aspect of their business, from their tasting rooms to their staff, their labels, and the thought that goes into how they present and serve their wines.

WHAT DO PEOPLE NEED TO KNOW IF COMING TO VISIT?

Our wine trail has 12 member wineries and amongst those wineries you’ll be offered a very diverse experience. Some cater to the original tasting room experience where you stand at the bar and taste one wine at a time in front of a server, others offer an independent flight and let you taste at your leisure, and some offer a more personalized sit-down experience. If every winery offered the same thing, you’d forget who you visited, so in this case, diversity is a good thing!

WHAT’S THE BEST TIME TO VISIT?

The area is the busiest in the summer, but wineries and accommodations are both open year-round. Less demand in the cooler months might bring a lower lodging rate and a more intimate winery experience which elevates your overall visit. Oftentimes, if you visit in those cooler months, you might be served from a winemaker or owner directly.

DO THE WINERIES AROUND THE LAKE HAVE PARTICULAR SPECIALTIES?

Each winery is unique and has their own flare. I definitely suggest going and seeing (or tasting) for yourself to see what they each specialize. Regionally, we’re known for our Rieslings – you won’t find a bad one anywhere! That being said, since everyone carries one or more Rieslings, many of the wineries are starting to get creative with how they make theirs to add their own twist to make them stand out from the bunch more.

Best friends and travel partners, Christine and Joel of WildPreciousNow, celebrate “making the most of your one wild and precious life.” They share their favorites from the Seneca Lake area.

“The Finger Lakes region is renowned for its natural beauty. With lush rolling hills, sparkling lakes, and charming villages, it’s no wonder that this area has become such a popular destination for couples who want to escape from their everyday lives. With more than 1000 waterfalls and gorges in the Finger Lakes region, the area is a treasure trove of beautiful views, trails and scenic walks, drives, and overlooks.”

Christine and Joel

@WILDPRECIOUSNOW

FAVORITE WINERIES ALONG THE SENECA LAKE WINE TRAIL:

WAGNER VINEYARDS ESTATE

WINERY: One of the oldest and most recognized wineries in the Finger Lakes, it also boasts an exceptional brewery with a dozen tap lines and a selection of rotating beers.

JR DILL WINERY: Where the philosophy to let the grapes be what they want to be and show up in their full flavor with as little tampering as possible results in award-winning wines that can be sipped and savored with a bird’s eye view of Seneca Lake.

LAKEWOOD VINEYARD: Tradition and technology come together to produce fruitful vineyards and delicious wines.

THREE BROTHERS WINERY AND ESTATES: A destination in and of itself, with three completely different wineries, a microbrewery, vineyard, and café all on one exquisite estate. Bonus at Three Brothers is the cottage for rent on the estate, “making vineyard destination dreams come true with sprawling views of the vineyards and the lake, stunning sunsets and sunrises. You’ll feel like you’re worlds away but still be just steps from all the action.”

“The Finger Lakes region is home to some amazing restaurants that are sure to please all kinds of diners. Whether you’re looking for fresh seafood or classic pub grub with a twist, there is something here for everyone!”

FAVORITE RESTAURANTS:

ELF IN THE OAK: We love the beautiful views and the selection of teas and coffee, but what really blew us away was the food. The menu changes, but if you get the chance, don’t miss the homemade pastrami biscuit and perfectly flaky cinnamon roll... There are no words, only swoons.

3812 BISTRO : A pup-friendly, farm-to-table eatery located at the beautiful and scenic Lakeside Resort. It’s another fantastic place to enjoy coffee and a meal while gazing out at the majesty of Seneca Lake.

THAI ELEPHANTS: Modern takes on classic Thai dishes and incredible, friendly service. We especially loved the jasmine tea, the fresh summer roll with its sweet and salty crunch, and the Pad Thai was fork-twirling perfection! For a little show at the end of dinner, go for the fried ice cream!

THE RUSTY PIG: We loved their extensive craft beer selection and slow smoked hickory and applewood meats. The Fun Guys and brisket appetizer is sweet and smoky perfection, with tangy Boursin on a meaty mushroom cap. The brisket and sides were delicious and perfectly flavored, so we decided to take home some Rusty Pig barbecue sauce to savor the deliciousness a little bit longer.