Finger Lakes Blog

There are so many reasons why we love Finger Lakes Wine Country and even more reasons to visit. Here are 20 reasons you should put this perfect road trip destination at the top of your travel list this year.

1. Finger Lakes Wine Country isn’t just an “upstate” destination. It is a state of mind. This is where you come to immerse yourself in nature, meet friendly and welcoming locals, relax, breathe, raise a glass, and repeat. Slow your pace and enjoy.

2. It's the perfect road trip destination.

Grown Here, Made Here

The Seneca Lake Wine Trail consists of 30 member wineries producing award-winning wines made entirely from grapes grown in the Seneca Lake AVA (American Viticultural Area). From grape-growing to production, the Seneca Lake Wine Trail is one of the largest cohesive wine trails in North America where you're guaranteed to be sipping wine from the Seneca Lake terroir, or the natural environment from which a wine is produced, involving factors such as the soil, topography, and

Wine Tasting

The Keuka Lake Wine Trail highlights six family-owned and operated wineries that have been a part of the Finger Lakes Wine Country community for generations. Its location, weather patterns, and glacially-deposited soils make Keuka Lake an ideal climate and place for grape cultivation and award-winning wine making.

Driving around Keuka Lake takes about an hour, not including stops, making it easy to plan a perfect day of exploring the breathtaking views along the way.

The Keuka

America’s First Wine Trail

The Cayuga Lake Wine Trail was the first to organize and is the longest-running wine trail in the country, dating back to 1983, making it America’s First Wine Trail. A weekend is well spent when you visit the 14 wineries along the beautiful Cayuga Lake Wine Trail.

The member wineries of the Cayuga Lake Wine Trail have earned more than 6,000 national and international awards and medals, making Cayuga Lake one of the premier wine tasting destinations in the country.

Market Street

Shop, eat, and drink along Market Street in the heart of Corning’s Gaffer District where you’ll find independently owned local shops, cafés, restaurants, and places to grab your favorite local beverage along this quaint, tree-lined street. Learn more about the Gaffer District’s gorgeous 19th century buildings through their Buildings Alive self-guided historic architecture tour. For your home away from home, check out the Radisson Hotel Corning, conveniently located at the east end

Mark Twain Country

One of the most famous figures in American literature, Samuel Clemens, better known by his pen name Mark Twain, spent his summers in Elmira for more than 20 years. You can learn more and trace his footsteps on the Mark Twain Trolley departing the Chemung Valley History Museum, stopping at his Octagonal Study relocated to the beautiful campus of Elmira College, as well as a visit to Twain’s burial spot here in Woodlawn Cemetery.

Mark Twain Study

Visit the octagonal shaped

The Village

The Village of Hammondsport’s charming downtown offers independently- and locally- owned shops and restaurants surrounding the picturesque Pulteney Square and gazebo. Just a few steps away are the shores of Keuka Lake at Depot Park.

Glenn H. Curtiss Museum

Learn the history of the pioneer aviator, “Father of Naval Aviation,” and the “Fastest Man on Earth,” while exploring the priceless collection of artifacts at the Glenn H. Curtiss Museum. The museum covers early aviation as well

Downtown

The beautiful downtown of Owego features great independently- and locally-owned shops, restaurants, and cafés, as well as some of the best antique shops and impressive bookstores in the region, surrounded by stately Victorian homes and 19th century architecture. Curiosity seekers can’t miss the Early Owego Antique Center, and for a great place to grab a bite to eat, try The Owego Kitchen.

Riverwalk Park

This scenic walk along the shores of the Susquehanna River, just below the shops

Keuka Lake Wine Trail

Penn Yan is located on the north end of the east branch of Y-shaped Keuka Lake, one of the premier locations for exploring the best wine of the region along the Keuka Lake Wine Trail. The six family-owned wineries of the Keuka Lake Wine Trail are dedicated to producing wines of the highest quality and to making your visit to our area truly enjoyable and memorable.

Keuka Outlet Trail

Hike, bike, or run the Keuka Outlet Trail, a 6.8-mile route running along a portion of the

Watkins Glen State Park

One of the most enchanting places for a leisurely hike in New York State is Watkins Glen State Park. Located steps from Watkins Glen’s main street, the two-mile Gorge Trail boasts 19 cascading waterfalls. Visitors can also hike the rim trails overlooking the 200-ft cliffs from above.

Watkins Glen International & Auto Racing History

Also known as “The Glen,” this road course racetrack hosts NASCAR and IMSA, among other auto racing events throughout the year. Watkins Glen