The Finger Lakes Region, NY: Wineries, Attractions & Local Eats

Cornell University is based in Ithaca, south of Cayuga Lake. The Cornell Botanic Gardens comprise a third of the university campus and natural areas off campus, totaling 3600 acres. The gardens on campus are cultivated and received recognition for the best college-run arboretum.

Twenty diverse habitats make up the natural areas in the Gardens' portfolio, including woodlands, wetlands, wildflower preserves and lake shores. The Gardens are fertile grounds for teaching and research. Outreach programs include plant sales, guided hikes, craft workshops and exhibitions. There is something to observe each season and story-telling tours are held during the summer solstice.

124 Comstock Knoll Drive, Ithaca, New York, 14850, Phone: 607-255-2400

“Grown Here. Made Here.” is the slogan of the winelands. Wine has been made in the hills around the lake for more than a century. Thirty wineries participate in the Seneca Lake Wine Trail, offering hundreds of diverse wines. These are made from classic European cultivars and local varieties. The highlight of the year is the harvest season, when the vineyards become a patchwork of autumn foliage and the celebrations begin in earnest. Activities include the annual pig roast, 'Bite and Flight' food and wine tastings, photography classes and a packed schedule of live music events.

2 N. Franklin St., Suite 320 • Watkins Glen, NY 14891, Phone: 877-536-2717

Kite and String Cider is the brand produced at the Finger Lakes Cider House. The kite symbolizes the lightness of the cider and the string its earthy connection. The award-winning ciders are aged for 6 to 12 months. The fruit is grown on the eastern slopes of the farm, overlooking Cayuga Lake. The fertile glacial soil, rich bedrock and seasonal variances in climate make the farm ideal for growing apples and peaches. Excess fruit is sold at the farm. Visitors can choose to pick their own or to buy it from the store. Lunch and small plates of eats are sold on the premises. Flights of 10-15 ciders accompany the tasting menu.

4017 Hickok Rd, Interlaken, NY 14847, Phone: 607-351-3313

Known as America's first wine trail, this tourism destination offers much in the way of wining and dining. The 14 wineries have received national and international recognition for their produce, which includes cider, port, sherry and ice wines. Some wineries have experimented with making vodka, gin and other spirits. Several lakefront restaurants are dotted along the scenic drives and a limousine is on hand to transport those who wish to imbibe. Concert series, live music performances and weddings are regular events taking place on the trail. Shops, bakeries and bed and breakfast establishments make visitors want to linger.

Cayuga Wine Trail, Phone: 800-684-5217

What to do if you are traveling with kids:

The glacial activity that created the Finger Lakes left extensive marshy deposits at the northern and southern ends of the system. This was an extremely important stopover point for migrating birds. Over time, the land was reclaimed by creating canals and straightening rivers. The Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge seeks to redress the situation by rehabilitating the wetlands so they can serve their original purpose. Ten thousand acres was set aside between Rochester and Syracuse, north of Lake Cayuga. A wildlife drive traverses 1600 acres of wetland affording visitors opportunities to observe and photograph the birds and other wildlife.

3395 US Route 20, Seneca Falls, New York 13148, Phone: 315-568-5987

Activities and Attractions for Couples and Singles:

There are three wineries, a micro brewery, four tasting rooms and a café in the Three Brothers Wineries complex. A tasting passport allows access to all the tasting rooms. Beverages include hand-crafted beers and wines, ciders, seltzers and sodas. Wine-slushies are also available. Each winery has a distinct character and product range. Passion Feet Wine Barn produces semi-dry to sweet wines. Bagg Dare Wine Company is the most photographed and produces sweet wine. The War Horse Brewing Company makes ales, lagers and seasonal brews They honor warriors and display photos and other memorabilia of family and friends who have served in the forces.

623 Lerch Rd, 14456 Geneva, New York, Phone 315-585-4432

There are 138 acres of skiable terrain in this premier ski resort. The 38 slopes offer a variety of inclines for beginners to experts. The snow making machines ensure that skiing conditions are suitable from late November to early April. The resort offers lessons, adventure camps and 'stay and ski' packages. They operate a snow sports club as well as a race club and league. For dining, there are two base lodges, a mid-mountain waffle house and the Summit Grille which offers a bite to eat between ski runs. The event center at the base is used for race events. It is available for weddings and other functions.

Bristol Mountain Ski Resort, 5662 Route 64 Canandaigua, NY 14424, Phone: 585-374-6000

This family-run winery, overlooking Seneca Lake, has been producing estate wines since 1989. Every hour during opening time, 7 days a week, all year round, they conduct walking tours around the vineyards and winery. From April to December, the café is open, offering home-cooked meals with ingredients grown in the vegetable garden or sourced from local suppliers. In the barrel room, which was formerly a dairy barn, weekly guided dinners of food and wine pairing are held. Diners meet the chefs and wine-makers who collaborate to bring out the best of both wining and dining.

Fox Run Vineyards, 670 State Rt. 14, Penn Yan, NY 14527, Phone: 315-536-4616

The Glenn H Curtiss Museum at the southern end of Kueka Lake celebrates the achievements of Glenn Curtis, who was primarily an aviation pioneer and a motorcycle manufacturer. He was declared the fastest man on earth in 1907. The 8 cylinder motorcycle that he used to clock 136.4 mph is one of the exhibits in the museum. There are a total of 22 original, restored and reproduction aircraft on display and 16 automobiles that were manufactured between 1900 and 1942. The first aircraft to fly in Canada and the navy's first seaplane are among the aircraft exhibited. There are also boats and bicycles at the museum, including the velocipede or boneshaker.

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

Harriet Tubman lived from 1822 to 1913. She was born into slavery but escaped and returned to help rescue family members and friends. She ultimately ran 13 missions, freeing 70 enslaved people. She later became an abolitionist and political activist. During the American Civil War she fought on the side of the Union as a scout and spy. In part, due to her efforts, a further 700 slaves were freed. In 1859 she purchased her home in Auburn, New York. She assisted the suffragette movement and saw out her life in a home for the elderly that she had help establish.

Harriet Tubman Home, 180 South St, Auburn, NY 13021, Phone: 315-252-2081