Top Things to do in Finger Lakes
Top Hotels in Finger Lakes
- 1. Holiday Inn & Suites Syracuse Airport - Liverpool, an IHG Hotel
- 2. Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel
- 3. Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Rochester-Pittsford/Brighton, NY
- 4. Hampton Inn & Suites Syracuse North Airport Area
- 5. The Statler Hotel at Cornell University
- 6. La Tourelle Hotel, Bistro, Spa
- 7. Best Western Brockport Inn & Suites
- 8. Hampton Inn & Suites Syracuse Dewitt
- 9. The Craftsman Inn & Suites
- 10. Comfort Inn & Suites
Top 10 Hidden Gems Things to do in Finger Lakes, Finger Lakes
New York’s Finger Lakes region takes its name from 11 freshwater lakes placed like a handprint between Lake Ontario and the Pennsylvania border. Skiing, hiking and biking trails traverse the landscape; visitors can also indulge in various wine, cheese and beer trails. The area offers a culinary bounty, with an emphasis on farm-to-table cuisine. Rich history and culture are found throughout the region, with one attraction more inviting than the next.
Restaurants in Finger Lakes
1. Glenn H. Curtiss Museum
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 601 reviews
The Glenn H. Curtiss Museum, bearing the name of Hammondsport's favorite son, is located on Route 54, one half mile south of the village of Hammondsport, New York. Dedicated to the memory of pioneer aviator, Glenn Curtiss, the museum contains a priceless collection relating to early aviation and local history. The museum also features a 75-seat theater, large open area for special events and a gift shop. In addition to motorcycles and aircraft, visitors will also see antique tools, toys, boats, home-furnishings, fire equipment and much more. Visitors are also welcome to visit the Museum Restoration Shop, talk with volunteer craftsman and watch them work on historic aircraft.
Reviewed By KMJackson60
We popped over to this museum on a rainy day. I knew very little about Glenn Curtiss and early airplane history. We loved it! Glenn Curtiss was a very creative, very interesting person who did a lot of inventing. It was fun watching his life and inventions play out, and the early air pioneers start the industry.
2. Watkins Glen State Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 4,539 reviews
The cascades of 18 waterfalls are the calling card of this state park.
Reviewed By marvi62 - Lafayette Hill, United States
We went to Watkins Glen (4th visit) on Tuesday, arriving around 11 am. The NY state Covid regulations in effect right now clearly state that masks are required, even outdoors, when passing within 6' of another person. These rules are posted at the entrance of the park, as is the one way direction for walking the Gorge trail right now. However, I would estimate 60% or more of park attendees did not put on masks when passing- and the Gorge trail is 2' - 3' wide in many locations. A number of hikers also ignored the one-way rule, coming back on the narrow Gorge trail instead of taking the designated trail back. It took us about 2-1/2 hours to hike the mile up the Glen, since my husband took a lot of photographs. The hike back down only took about 20 minutes. Bring water and wear sturdy shoes or good sneakers (the soles of your shoes will get muddy, even on a sunny day). There are bathrooms by the entrance, but none on the trail. Admission to the park is $8, payable by cash or credit card in a self-ticketing machine in the two parking lots (main lot plus 2nd lot across the street). Watkins Glen is an absolutely stunning gorge. I just recommend going really early to minimize close encounters with other hikers. The only park ranger I saw in our entire visit was the man in the Information Center near the park entrance.
3. Seward House Museum
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 384 reviews
We invite you to visit the Seward House Museum, the historic home of William Henry Seward; New York State Senator, two time New York State Governor, US Senator, and Secretary of State during the Lincoln and Johnson administrations. Our knowledgeable staff is on-hand to provide guided tours, helping you navigate the many fascinating aspects of this beautifully preserved home. Enjoy masterpieces of American art and special exhibitions in both the historic house and the museum’s gardens.
Reviewed By Huckle54 - Chapel Hill, United States
The Seward House will satisfy both the history and non history fan in your group. The tour guides are extremely well versed and take you through the Seward family history in this 1 hour plus tour. The home is intact exactly as it was in when the Sewards lived there. I agree with other reviewers that multiple visits to this museum-home will always provide new and interesting insights into Seward and his relationship with Lincoln as well as other politicians of the time, his wife's efforts in the underground railroad and the family's relationship to Harriet Tubman. Highly recommend.
4. Safe Haven Museum
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 58 reviews
5. Wohlschlegel's Naples Maple Farm
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 51 reviews
Wohlschlegel's Naples Maple Farm & Store is nestled a-top the Naples hills in the heart of the Finger Lakes. Our working family run maple farm produces only the finest quality maple products for it's customers from our certified tree farm. Our glacial soils paired with our "state of the art" maple process provide a unique maple flavor. Tours are available year round by appointment. Please call for pricing and availability. Store Hours of Operation: Nov/Dec Sat:10am - 2PM, Sun:1pm - 4pm Please call for additional Store Hours of Operation and availability. We are available most weekday mornings most of the year. If you arrive on our doorstep by chance,we may be out in our sugarbush as we are a WORKING family farm. Ring the Store door bell and/or call us.
Reviewed By gmotola - New York City, United States
Visited on a random Monday - Gary took us around and was very informative on the syrup production process. He also allowed us to try a bunch of samples. I wound up buying several of his maple products (syrup, bbq sauce, and mustard) because they were so delicious. Also is a COVID-safe activity (tour is outdoors).
6. The Wadsworth Homestead
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 79 reviews
Two brothers moved to the frontier in 1790 to risk their inheritance on land, This elegant manor house was built by James Wadsworth in 1804, and remains in Wadsworth hands to this day. Original furnishings and ephemera are part of the unique appeal of this venue, listed on the National Registry of Historic Places in 1972, that is open to the public for scheduled tours.
Reviewed By 269sheria
Thank you to Will and Piper Wadsworth for being fantastic hosts for our 25th Wedding Anniversary celebration! As the very first "safecation" guests, my husband and I enjoyed the gardens and estate to ourselves! Our hosts were gracious, picked up the dinner we ordered at a local restaurant and also made us breakfast, all while maintaining a safe distance and respectfully wearing masks. (We also chose to mask when in the same room with them). My husband also orchestrated a surprise "drive by" champagne toast, where our friends and family could "swing by" for quick toast and well wishes. The rooms are gorgeous and historic, and we enjoyed a long and quiet morning coffee on the porch overlooking the valley. A delightful place to stay in the best of times - a much needed getaway in the midst of shelter-in-place!
7. Kemmeter Wines
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 30 reviews
Reviewed By majiksea - Fairfax, United States
These are the best wines and the best wine tasting experience in FLX. wonderful wines are made by passionate winemakers, and none in FLX are more passionate about their craft than Johannes. and now his wife is making dumplings and it just might be the best lunch in FLX!
8. Tree Creations in Geneseo
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 81 reviews
By Appointment Only! Tree Creations is a growing tree house village (at a private residence), consisting of themed tree houses connected with rope bridges for all to enjoy! (by appointment)
9. Farm Sanctuary
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 147 reviews
This farm offers sanctuary and a home for abused farm animals, and helps to educate Americans about treating animals with respect and compassion.
Reviewed By ddallas1969 - Linthicum Heights, United States
Our guide was a guy that had only been there a few months he said, but he was awesome. We loved meeting all the animals and hearing of their journeys. I am hoping this trip may be the push my boyfriend needed to become vegan. So peaceful and such a happy place.....truly happy animals here! I only wish they had a small vegan cafe to show people how tasty vegan food can be.
10. Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 672 reviews
Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery is one of the most prestigious and beloved wineries in the Finger Lakes. The winery's founder, Dr. Konstantin Frank introduced vinifera (classic European grape varieties) to the Eastern United States which ignited a winemaking renaissance in the region. Without the contributions of Dr. Frank, the Finger Lakes wine region would not be where it is today. The winery was established in 1962 and is now in its fourth generation of Frank family ownership. The winery's tasting room overlooks beautiful Keuka Lake and some of the oldest vinifera vineyards in America.
Reviewed By ekwestrein - Troy, United States
Summary: Best wines, breathtaking view, and the best history of any winery we visited. Can’t miss this one if you are taking a tour of this area! Wine: Absolutely fantastic wines! A bunch of cool varietals you don’t usually see from this area, plus some amazing blends (but with so many different kinds of fruit to work with, there’s really no surprise there!). Sweet, dry, whites, reds, roses, sparkling, and everything in between; really something for everyone. Ambiance/View: BEAUTIFUL lake views and a very nice tasting room. We were lucky that there weren’t many people visiting when we went, but it seemed like it’d have enough room to still get good service if it got busy. Another really nice thing about this place is that we were greeted by Steven as soon as we walked up! It was so nice to have someone to get direction from right off the bat. Plus he was so nice and welcoming! A definite plus. Education: The tasting room staff (our bartender Vinnie, and the other bartender Paul) were very friendly and knowledgeable about the wines and the history of the vineyards - and what a history it is! It was so cool to learn about Dr. Frank and his contributions; plus we heard his name pop up so many more times from other wineries in the area recognizing his contributions. We didn’t do a tour, but next time we come back, we will definitely try to get in on the tours - they seemed amazing and included food for the price.
