When thinking about summer in Finger Lakes Wine Country, there may be some things that immediately come to mind…the lakes and the wine, for example. But we wanted to share the many other ways to make the most of your visit to Wine Country beyond the top hits!
Don’t Just Visit a Winery, Immerse In It
While we encourage you to visit our many wineries and schedule a tasting to familiarize yourself with the variety of wines produced across the region by our talented winemakers, there are other ways to feel connected to the wineries and the land on which the grapes are grown. Each season, many of the wineries curate activities and events to help you do just that, and the best way to stay informed is to visit the wine trail websites, such as Seneca, Keuka, or Cayuga, or sign up for the newsletters sent out by your favorite wineries. At the time of writing this post, some of the activities offered at local wineries include horseback riding through the vineyards of Living Roots Wine, an activity facilitated by Mountain Rose Farm, a local outfitter located in Savona, NY. Of course, horseback riding through the beautiful natural landscapes is an activity we recommend year-round, not just during the summer months.
Other seasonal activities to look out for at the wineries include Wagner Vineyards Summer Live Music Series, Point of the Bluff’s Thursday Farmers Market, or Vineyasa in the Vineyard at Hosmer Winery.
Mingle with Locals at Small Town Events
While those of us who live here always find something to do all year round, we have to admit that our small towns come alive during the warmer months! Whether we’re celebrating with Pride and Mural Festivals or enjoying all that our farms and small businesses have to offer at local farmers’ markets, it’s a good time to glimpse the many ways locals also enjoy our small towns. To learn more about some of the towns and villages around the lakes, check out our Small Town Guides. When there, be sure to stop by the local Visitor’s Offices and tourism/chamber offices for more information and seasonal updates. And if you can’t find what you are looking for, connect with a local! We are always happy to share some of our favorite spots.
Visit a Farm for Unique Experiences
There are numerous ways to explore our local farms, whether you are partaking in the picking of local fruits, such as cherries in the summer and apples and grapes in the fall at Apple Barrell Orchards, or cuddling cows at Sunset View Creamery, or learning about Sustainable Regenerative Agriculture and meeting the rescues at the sanctuary Sweet Farm. There are numerous ways to connect with local farmers, learn about our farm-to-table culture, and explore other opportunities. Discover more about our local farms and events in Finger Lakes Farm Country.
Camp in New York State’s Only National Forest
The Finger Lakes National Forest comprises 16,032 acres, situated on a ridge between Seneca and Cayuga Lakes, and has over 25 miles of interconnecting trails, including the 12-mile Interloken National Recreation Trail and two miles of the Finger Lakes Trail. Hiking views include floral pastures, misty ravines, and diverse forest landscapes.
There are different ways camping lovers can experience the forest via its three campgrounds: Backbone Horse Camp, which is primarily for equestrians; Potomac Group Campground, which is designed for group camping (groups range from 10 to 40 campers, such as Boy Scout troops); and Blueberry Patch Campground, which features nine primitive campsites.
You Know Our Lakes, Get to Know Our Rivers
When people think about Finger Lakes Wine Country, the rivers are not something that comes to mind. And while we do have a few long, narrow, north-south glacial lakes, it is the Chemung River that offers the most scenic views and opportunities for enjoyment. As a tributary of the Susquehanna River, it spans approximately 46.6 miles, connecting to several other waterways across the region, from south-central New York to northern Pennsylvania. This map helps you locate various canoe and kayak launch points. The Chemung River Friends website is a valuable resource for information on river conditions, upcoming events, and local trails.
One visit to Finger Lakes Wine Country is never enough to experience all the region has to offer, but we hope that these tips help you see and experience the area in a new light, showcasing new ways to make the most of your time here.