The Finger Lakes: Where Wine and Water Meet
by Teresa Farrell
An ancient myth says that the Finger Lakes were created when the hand of the Great Spirit touched the region in an effort to send a piece of Paradise onto earth. When you visit this area, the legend seems to make sense. Scenic beauty is one of the biggest reasons people come to the Finger Lakes, and who can blame them? The combination of luscious vineyards, steep gorges and sparkling lakes makes for breathtaking beauty around every bend in the country road and affords possibilities that other places just can’t offer. With over 9,000 square miles of lakes, land and natural wonders, plus museums, historic sites, and great shopping, dining and entertainment spots, the Finger Lakes region has something for everyone. It’s possible to spend a week or more here and do something different every day. It’s rare to find gorges, lakes and vineyards in the same location, but the climate and geography of the Finger Lakes that support the diverse landscape also provide the perfect conditions for grape-growing. With over 100 vineyards and wineries in the area, it’s easy to see why this region produces award-winning wines. The unique climate also means that summer fun is a breeze in the Finger Lakes. It’s not uncommon to find caverns and gorges in the Western half of the country. Well, it’s also not uncommon to find them here, in Western New York State. Most people have heard of Watkins Glen, but may not realize that there are quite a few similar gorges in the region, most of which afford gorgeous and memorable hiking opportunities. Three of the best are in the Ithaca area: Taughannock Falls, Robert Treman, and Buttermilk Falls State Parks. All three offer gorge trails, picnic grounds and camp sites for an unforgettable summer experience. When it’s time to cool off, take to the lake: there are 12 here to choose from. The unique features of each lake mean that visitors can enjoy virtually any on-water experience. Fish, swim, canoe, wind surf, snorkel, water ski, sail, kayak, rent a boat or go white-water rafting—there are opportunities for all of it here. Prefer dry land? You have options, from hiking, biking, or golfing to rock climbing, to bird watching. If you’re feeling bold, take to the skies in a hang glider or hot air balloon, or satisfy your inner thrill seeker with the ultimate stunt: a skydive. Having trouble deciding what to do first? Each county in the Finger Lakes has developed touring packages and suggested itineraries for visitors. Of course, nature isn’t the only attraction here. There are plenty of shopping opportunities, from specialty boutiques and wine gift shops to malls and outlets. The Finger Lakes is home to an abundance of farm and open-air markets, giving it a homey, country feel. Shop for fresh foods like baguettes, cheeses and fruits, then pick up a bottle of authentic Finger Lakes wine and head to one of the regions many lakesides or overlooks for the perfect picnic. Craft fairs frequent the region, so enthusiasts of homemade gifts and antiques will be happy to find the shopping opportunities are endless. Shopping districts are unique and fun. The Gaffer District in Corning is no exception. Check out specialty shops for eclectic items you might not find elsewhere, and enjoy the cool, laid-back vibe as you explore this great location. The Gaffer District is where you'll find The Corning Museum of Glass, a unique place, where visitors can explore the cavernous museum of blown glass and even try their hand at glass blowing during one of the live demonstrations. This delicate art is fascinating to watch, and the end products are stunning. In fact, American Style magazine calls Corning “one of the top small town city art destinations in the U.S.” As the day winds down relax over dinner at one of the region’s fine restaurants. Take your pick from a variety that includes gourmet restaurants, family diners, dinner cruises, casual fare, fast foods, and gourmet bistros. To make it extra special, snag a table with a view—of either the lake or the land. And when you’re ready to turn in, you’ll find that the lodging opportunities here are as diverse as everything else the area has to offer. Motels, hotels, bed and breakfasts, country inns, resorts and campsites offer budget friendly options whether you prefer fluffy robes or sleeping bags. Before you visit, check out the summer special events schedule at www.fingerlakes.org. From county fairs to laser light shows, you’re bound to find an event you like. Whatever you choose, one thing’s for sure: everyone in the family will enjoy a trip to the Finger Lakes. | Map: Watkins Glen, NY
Follow the Trails to Wine, Chocolate and More
Finger Lakes Wine Trails
You’ve probably heard that the Finger Lakes is one of the best wine regions in the nation. The area’s central location between the lakes and the mountains makes it perfect for grape-growing. Vineyards, wine shops dot the region and are connected by wine trails. There are five major Wine Trails and Paths, each with attractions, restaurants, shops and accommodations along the way. The Cayuga Wine Trail includes sixteen wineries and vineyards, some of which feature their own restaurants. The Trail wraps around Cayuga Lake. Visitors may purchase a Vino Visa Coupon Book on the official website: www.cayugawinetrail.com The Keuka Lake Wine Trail is the home of the first bonded winery, established in 1860. The Trail includes 9 wineries split between either shore of the lake and boasts the most diverse mix of wineries of all the Finger Lakes Wine Trail. www.keukawinetrail.com. The Seneca Lake Wine Trail wraps around Seneca Lake and features 30 wineries and vineyards to enjoy. The area also includes three breweries, and at one facility visitors may even sample mead. www.senecalakewine.com. Finally, the Little Finger Lakes Wine Path is smaller than a Wine Trail, with two wineries located on Conesus and Hemlock Lakes in Livingston County. www.fingerlakeswest.com/wineries.html. Chocolate Trail The lush farmland and temperate conditions of the Finger Lakes are good for more than just grape growing. Dairy farms abound here, which means chocolate is a commodity in this region. Take the kids on a trip they’ll never forget—the Chocolate Trail. Taste your way through different varieties of homemade chocolate for one of the most delicious afternoons you’ve ever had. Sojourn Geocache Trail Travel by canoe or kayak to explore the natural wonders of the Sojourn Geocache Trail. Geocaching is a process involving GPS location of “caches”, or small waterproof containers with logbooks inside. The Sojourn Geocache trail is open rain or shine. A fun new alternative to traditional vacation activities, this trail puts a twist on hiking and adds the excitement of a scavenger hunt, making it a great activity for kids. Just get a Sojourn passport and as you find the caches, add the rubber stamp from each one to the booklet. If you acquire 12 stamps you can mail in your booklet and receive a commemorative coin. There’s also a chance that you’ll discover the “New York State Travel Bug”, a geocache on its way around the state. Take it home with you and keep up its journey! The Finger Lakes Trail The Finger Lakes Trail is New York’s longest footpath, running from Allegany State Park to the Catskills with north and south branch trails. It connects to Canada’s Bruce Trail in the West and to the Appalachian Trail in the East via the Long Path. It is part of the route of the 7-state North Country National Scenic Trail. This trail system features over 880 miles of hiking in the spectacular landscape of rural New York State. The 562 mile main trail runs from the New York-Pennsylvania border in Allegany State Park to the Long Path in the Catskills. Five branch trails, fifteen loop trails, and several short spurts extend from the main trail, adding over 300 miles of trail to it. This summer, join the growing list of hikers who have hiked the main trail from end to end! |