Top Things to do in Finger Lakes Wine Country
Top Hotels in Finger Lakes Wine Country
- 1. Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel
- 2. The Statler Hotel at Cornell University
- 3. La Tourelle Hotel, Bistro, Spa
- 4. Hilton Garden Inn Corning Downtown
- 5. Best Western Plus The Hammondsport Hotel
- 6. Hilton Garden Inn Ithaca
- 7. Keuka Lakeside Inn
- 8. Hampton Inn Penn Yan
- 9. Best Western Plus Vineyard Inn & Suites
- 10. Hampton Inn Ithaca
What to do and see in Finger Lakes Wine Country, Finger Lakes: The Best Things to do
Discover the best top things to do in Finger Lakes Wine Country, United States including Watkins Glen State Park, Corning Museum of Glass, Skaneateles Lake, Cayuga Lake, Fox Run Vineyards, Keuka Lake Wine Trail, Robert Treman State Park, Buttermilk Falls State Park, Three Brothers Wineries and Estates, Seneca Lake State Park.
Restaurants in Finger Lakes Wine Country
1. 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.
2. Corning Museum of Glass
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 3,696 reviews
From children looking for an adventure to artists looking for inspiration, there is something for everyone at The Corning Museum of Glass. The world's largest glass museum offers the opportunity to browse 3500 years of glassmaking history in the collection galleries. See works ranging from a small Egyptian pharaoh head to enormous works by Tiffany and discover the wonder and artistry behind glassmaking. Explore the day-lit Contemporary Art + Design Galleries which house the best of the last 30 years in glass, and a 500-seat Amphitheater Hot Shop, a space dedicated to live glass demos and design sessions. See glass created before your eyes during a live, narrated Hot Glass Demo, and be inspired to experience glassmaking for yourself during a Make Your Own Glass experience, with projects for all ages for an additional fee (reservations available online). Best of all, kids and teens 17 and under are free! Advance tickets required. Tickets are valid for two consecutive days.
Reviewed By DEP3 - Binghamton, United States
If you love glass, this is the place for you.Beautifully laid out, with exquisite temporary and permanent exhibits. Lots of demonstrations of glassblowing, ability to make your own objet d’art, as well as a huge gift shop with Pyrex, Corelle, Steuben Glass, jewelry, trinkets,glass gift items, games, and more and more. A definite highlight of Corning, not to be missed.
3. Skaneateles Lake
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 554 reviews
This clean, serene lake is the easternmost of New York's Finger Lakes.
Reviewed By Besos43
We rented a house from Vrbo and were very happy with our experience. They had a dock and deck area for sitting and enjoying the beautiful lake. The water was very clear and clean. I was surprised that the temperature of water seemed warm for early July. We swam every day. Since travels were during Covid we did curbside takeout and were happy with food and service from Gilda's, Doug's Fish Fry, and The elephant and Dove.
4. Cayuga Lake
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 384 reviews
One of the largest of New York's Finger Lakes, this area is used for swimming, boating, fishing and other outdoor recreational activities.
Reviewed By L8945JQdavidd - Philadelphia, United States
Spend an afternoon at Sheldrake and Luca Vineyards on lake Cayuga. Beautiful drive and beautiful scenery
5. Fox Run Vineyards
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 375 reviews
Fox Run Vineyards strives to make wine approachable. We believe anyone should be able to enjoy a glass of wine regardless of where they are on the wine experience spectrum. We offer in-depth tours of our 50-acre vineyard and winemaking facility, a friendly and knowledgeable staff, and a Café featuring fresh ingredients from our garden and local farmers. Fox Run is family-owned and has been making estate wines since 1989. And we live by the motto: Drink wine, be happy.
Reviewed By jessicabK6453RE - New York, United States
Fox Run Vineyards is an absolute favorite of mine and I was so delighted to bring my husband here for the first time for a long weekend getaway. The team at Fox Run always hits a home run and this trip did not disappoint! We were blown away by how safe and clean everything was! I suffer from an autoimmune disease so going out in public at all during the pandemic is always scary. Fox Run went above and beyond to make sure social distance standards were enforced and that we felt super cared for the entire time. Courtney was our server and she was awesome! Her energy and clear enthusiasm for the customer was unparalleled. Plus her expertise about the vineyard and Fox Run’s wines was next level! We loved everything she recommended and can’t wait to return! Don’t miss this excellent space and super great wine selection. It’s a must in such a robust region of great options! - Jess and Nate Corrigan
6. Keuka Lake Wine Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 173 reviews
Covid-19 Update for Winery Tasting Rooms: https://www.keukawinetrail.com/reopening First in Wine, First in Beauty. We look forward to welcoming you to the jewel of the Finger Lakes! The Finger Lakes of New York is the largest and most celebrated wine producing region in the Eastern United States. At its heart lies Keuka Lake, whose spectacular beauty and glacially- deposited soils inspired early grape cultivation and the birth of America’s wine industry in 1860. Our wineries craft some of the world’s most beautifully balanced and vibrant wines, and we take equal pride in the warmth of our hospitality. Experience a truly memorable getaway. Visit us anytime – many wineries are open daily, year round – or join us for one of our signature events.
Reviewed By JWalker736 - Frederick, United States
So many wineries, so little time! Highly recommend a stay at the Park Inn, visit to Curtiss Museum, and the Point of the Bluff Winery. Be sure to catch a ride with Finger Lake Seaplanes!
7. Robert Treman State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,301 reviews
Reviewed By Passenger527561
This park was convenient to town and had great walking trails to the magnificent water falls.We spent a good part of our hiking to Lucifer Falls and encountered many families both coming and going along the trail.The Park is a true treasure for the area.
8. Buttermilk Falls State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 953 reviews
Reviewed By cshav10
Incredible natural beauty - breathtaking. If climbing stairs or a steep climb are an issue there is you can start up at the top and walk down. Not sure of the name of the road. We took the rim walk which was a stiff climb and came down that way.
9. Three Brothers Wineries and Estates
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 765 reviews
Looking for something different in your wine tasting experience? Join us at Three Brothers Wineries and Estates, where 35 acres of passion, pleasure, and adventure awaits you! Maximize your escape from the grind with one stop- three unique wineries and one fabulous brewery and tasting room on the property, all within walking distance of each other. From fine Estate Rieslings to our fun, blended sweet wines, you are sure to find something to please!
Reviewed By MackenzieK24
This place is like Disneyland for drinking alcohol. Three separate vineyards, each with a very unique vibe, and a brewery all tucked in together in one beautiful location overlooking Seneca Lake. From wine in test tubes to Candied Apple Slushies made from delicious hard cider, there's something for everyone right here on site. We had a fantastic time chatting with our beer expert at the bar, Matthew. He encouraged us to try a few extra samples of their cider. Try the Cherry Limeade! Unreal! A must visit if you're in the region.
10. Seneca Lake State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 145 reviews
Reviewed By KatieF69 - Indianapolis, United States
The $7/car entrance fee is totally worth it! This is a beautiful area to sit and watch the lake or take a walk or bike ride on their paved path. In addition, they have multiple playgrounds and a sprayground, plus beach access. There are restroom facilities and a concession stand. Plenty of picnic tables and benches around. The sprayground actually has a lifeguard so it will shut down periodically for their breaks (probably 15-20 minutes?). This is a great spot to pack a picnic and let the kids run around while enjoying the beautiful scenery.
