Exploring the Finger Lakes

A few months ago, my family and I were looking for a long weekend getaway. Our requirements were: it could be no more than a five-hours’ drive from our home; it had to be a place that we had never been before; it had to be near water. We settled on the Finger Lakes in upstate New York. For those of you who are not familiar with the Finger Lakes, it consists of eleven long, narrow lakes (of various sizes) that resemble human fingers (hence its name). Based on the books I had read, I knew that this scenic destination catered to outdoor enthusiasts, wine lovers, and history buffs alike. It seemed right up our alley! So, on a Friday morning this past July, we headed out for a 4.5-hour car ride to our base of operations (an Airbnb) in Lansing, New York.

Nature takes center stage in the Finger Lakes with dramatic geological formations, and we spent most of our time exploring the state parks near Seneca and Cayuga Lakes. Watkins Glen State Park was our first hiking destination in the Seneca Lake region. The park has many small trails for hiking as well as a multi-tiered gorge path where hikers can walk behind roaring waterfalls and admire towering shale cliffs. For panoramic views, Taughannock Falls State Park boasts a plunge waterfall that drops higher than Niagara Falls.

Once we tired from all the hiking paths and deep gorges, it was time for a glass of wine. The Finger Lakes Wine Country is the premier wine-producing region in the eastern United States. There are wine tours where you can experience many different grape varieties, particularly Rieslings, Gewürztraminers, and Cabernet Francs. The area has hundreds of vineyards which are connected by scenic wine trails that offer tastings paired with waterfront views. If wine is not your thing, there is a booming craft beverage scene, with hard cideries, breweries, and farm-to-table distilleries that celebrate local agricultural roots.

Complementing the natural beauty of the lakes is their place in American history. The historic town of Seneca Falls is notable as the birthplace of the women’s rights movement, while nearby Auburn honors the legacy of freedom fighter Harriet Tubman. The region's towns, such as charming Skaneateles and culturally rich Ithaca, feature historic architecture, shopping, and vibrant arts scenes. There are many farm-to-table restaurants where tourists can sample the local produce.

Ultimately, the Finger Lakes region offers a harmonious blend of relaxation, adventure, and enrichment. It is a place where you can spend your morning hiking a rugged gorge, your afternoon tasting award-winning wines, and your evening watching the sunset. Whether seeking a romantic weekend escape, a family vacation filled with lake activities, or a solo retreat into nature, this upstate New York treasure provides a rejuvenating experience that has stayed with me.