• Question: What makes the Finger Lakes in Upstate New York a popular destination?
  • Answer: The amazing wineries, pristine lakes, and great places to stay attract countless people to the Finger Lakes in Upstate New York every year.
  • Question: What outdoor activities can visitors enjoy in the Finger Lakes?
  • Answer: Visitors can hike among gorgeous waterfalls and gorges, sail across lakes, fish, and swim at several state parks, such as Watkins Glen, Green Lakes, and Taughannock Falls.
  • Question: What cultural attractions are found in the Finger Lakes?
  • Answer: From Rochester to Seneca Falls, the Finger Lakes are home to many unique museums highlighting a wide range of topics from play to jazz to women’s rights.
  • Question: What other attractions can visitors find in the Finger Lakes region?
  • Answer: The quaint and charming towns and villages throughout the picturesque region also offer great opportunities for shopping and dining.

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1. Seneca Lake Wine Trail

Seneca Lake Wine Trail

© Seneca Lake Wine Trail

The Seneca Lake Wine Trail is located right in the heart of New York’s Finger Lakes Wine Country and is one of the region’s most popular wine trails. This scenic trail consists of over thirty wineries, breweries, and cideries situated along the seventy-five mile long shoreline of Seneca Lake, making it an easy task to stop by several wineries within a day. While the Finger Lakes region is particularly well known for its quality Riesling, other varietals in this particular wine region also include Gewurztraminer, Cabernet Franc, Pinot Noir, and Chardonnay. Appointing a designated driver or hiring a driver is recommended.

2. Silver Springs Winery L.L.C.

Silver Springs Winery L.L.C.

© Silver Springs Winery L.L.C.

The Silver Springs Winery L.L.C. in the town of Burdett, New York is a small Finger Lakes winery that boasts a rich family history. The Zuccarino family comes from the northeastern Italy community of Udine near Venice and rose to the nobility ranks in 1320. The family has had a long-time passion for vineyards and fine wines that has passed from one generation to the next. This tradition continues today more than 700 years later on the shores of Seneca Lake, which has a similar climate to vineyards in Italy. The Silver Springs Winery also features an art gallery showcasing several local artists.

4408 State Route 414, Burdett, NY 14818, Phone: 607-351-8019

3. Watkins Glen State Park

Watkins Glen State Park

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Watkins Glen State Park can be found at the Finger Lakes village of Watkins Glen. The lower part of this scenic park is near the quaint village, but the upper section is pure open woodland. Watkins Glen contains opportunities for hunting and fishing, as well as three hiking trails that are open to visitors from the middle of May through early November, offering guests a chance to descend or climb the gorge. There are also comfortable areas within the state park, consisting of pavilions, picnic tables, trailer and tent sites, showers, dump stations, a pool, a gift shop, and a playground.

1009 N Franklin St, Watkins Glen, NY 14891, Phone: 607-535-4511

4. The Strong National Museum of Play

The Strong National Museum of Play

© The Strong National Museum of Play

The Strong - National Museum of Play is a one-of-a-kind museum in Rochester, New York that’s dedicated to play, offering something for children of all ages.From the more recent electronic games to books and dolls to board ganesm the Strong National Museum of Play features the most comprehensive toy collection in the world. Open seven days a week, It is also home to numerous interactive exhibits for kids, such as a vehicle history area including boats, planes, trains, and trucks, as well as a Wegmans grocery store replica in which children can pretend to shop for groceries and more.

One Manhattan Square Dr, Rochester, NY 14607, Phone: 585-263-2700

5. Smith Family Farm

Smith Family Farm

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The Smith Family Farm is a historic farm in the town of Palmyra in upstate New York’s picturesque Finger Lakes region. The farm once served as the childhood home of the Latter Day Saint movement’s founder, Joseph Smith. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints took over ownership of the Smith Family Farm back in the year 1915 and restored the historic frame home in the 1990’s, as well as constructed a welcome center and rebuilt the log home. The farm is now open to the public and free tours are led by missionaries of the Church.

843 Stafford Rd, Palmyra, NY 14522, Phone: 315-597-4383

6. Book of Mormon Publication Site

Book of Mormon Publication Site

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The Book of Mormon Publication Site in Palmyra, New York township is a historical site that consists of the E. B. Grandin Building, as well as some adjacent structures. The E. B. Grandin Building is where the first copies of the Book of Mormon were printed and sold by Egbert B. Grandin. The building was acquired by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 1978 due to its historical significance to the Mormonism religion. During the 1990’s, the Church restored the building and now offers free tours to visitors, providing a glimpse into the printing process used in the 1820’s.

217 E Main St, Palmyra, NY 14522, Phone: 315-597-5982

7. Glenn H. Curtiss Museum

Glenn H. Curtiss Museum

© Glenn H. Curtiss Museum

The Glenn H. Curtiss Museum in Hammondsport, New York is named after the village’s favorite son and pioneer aviator. Dedicated to the memory of Glenn Curtiss, the museum is home to an excellent collection related to the region’s history and early aviation. The museum features many exhibits and displays, including a full-scale replica of the first naval aircraft, in addition to a 1927 “Robin,” a 1919 “Seagull” flying boat, a 1917 “Jenny,” a 1912 “Model E” flying boat, and a 1912 “Pusher.” There is also a museum store, fire equipment, boats, tools, a 75-seat theater, and a restoration shop.

8419 NY-54, Hammondsport, NY 14840, Phone: 607-569-2160

8. Skaneateles Lake

Skaneateles Lake

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Skaneateles Lake is a little more than twenty miles from Syracuse, New York and is the sixth largest lake in the Finger Lakes region. Meaning “long lake,” Skaneateles truly lives up to its name at sixteen miles in length, stretching across the three counties of Cortland, Cayuga, and Onondaga. The clear, picturesque lake is a popular spot in the region for fishing and boating, and several local boat tours can be found in the area. Dating back to the American Revolution, the historic and charming village of Skaneateles along the lake is great to stroll through, featuring restaurants and local shops.

9. Seward House Museum

Seward House Museum

© Seward House Museum

The Seward House Museum was the residence of William Henry Seward, one of the country’s foremost 19th-century politicians, for more than fifty years. Seward served as a State Senator of New York, a United States Senator, the Governor of New York, and the Secretary of State under both President Lincoln and President Johnson. Today, the Seward House Museum is open to visitors for guided tours.

33 South St, Auburn, NY 13021, Phone: 315-252-1283

10. Robert Treman State Park

Robert Treman State Park

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The Robert Treman State Park near the city of Ithaca in Upstate New York is a destination known quite well for the Enfield Glen, its stony and rugged gorge, and Lucifer Falls, a 115-foot waterfall. Actually, Lucifer Falls is only one of a dozen waterfalls found throughout the boundaries of the park, reached by the approximately nine miles of meandering hiking trails. Robert Treman State Park also consists of RV sites, cabins, campsites, and a swimming area located beneath one of the waterfalls. Another great thing about the park is that it’s pet-friendly, with dogs allowed at campsites and hiking trails.

105 Enfield Falls Rd, Ithaca, NY 14850, Phone: 607-273-3440

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