Eastern Finger Lakes Travel Guide

Explore the beauty of Eastern Finger Lakes with our detailed travel guide. From culturally important attractions, outdoor adventures, hiking and biking routes, to where to stay and what to eat - we cover it all.


Introduction to Eastern Finger Lakes

The Eastern Finger Lakes region in New York is a hidden gem that offers plenty of opportunities for exploration. This charming region covers some of the Finger Lakes, including Cayuga and Seneca Lakes, and is known for its natural beauty, rich history, and cultural attractions. In this comprehensive travel guide, we will take you through everything you need to know to plan your trip to Eastern Finger Lakes from where to stay, what to eat, and what to see.

List of Places to Visit in Eastern Finger Lakes

Eastern Finger Lakes is home to numerous places that are worth including in your itinerary. Here are some of the top attractions in the region:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Museum of the Earth: With exhibits on everything from fossils and minerals to meteorites and megafauna, this museum is a must-visit for anyone interested in earth sciences.
  • Cornell Plantations: This botanical garden features over 4,000 species of plants, including a collection of herbs, flowers, and trees. It’s an excellent place for a peaceful stroll and a respite from the city.
  • Harriet Tubman National Historic Park: The park honors the legendary abolitionist and features an interpretive center, where you can learn about Tubman’s life and legacy.

Natural Attractions of Eastern Finger Lakes: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Taughannock Falls State Park: This park offers stunning views of the 215-foot tall waterfalls and plenty of trails for hiking, biking, and cross-country skiing.
  • Buttermilk Falls State Park: With a series of waterfalls, hiking trails, and swimming spots, this park is a popular spot for outdoor enthusiasts.
  • Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge: One of the largest contiguous freshwater wetlands is home to over 300 species of birds and other wildlife. Visitors can hike, bike, or drive through the refuge for an unforgettable wildlife experience.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Eastern Finger Lakes

Eastern Finger Lakes offers some of the most beautiful hiking and biking trails in New York. Here are some of the best routes to explore:

  • Seneca Lake Wine Trail: The trail is bicycle-friendly, making it a great way to experience the region’s wineries while enjoying the scenery.
  • Cayuga Lake Scenic Byway: This 87-mile route offers stunning views of Cayuga Lake and passes through charming towns, vineyards, and state parks. The route is a popular spot for cycling and driving.
  • Finger Lakes Trail: The trail spans 566 miles, passing through New York’s most beautiful natural areas, including the state parks, forests, and wetlands.

Best Things to Do in Eastern Finger Lakes: Activities and Tours

Apart from hiking, biking, and soaking up nature, Eastern Finger Lakes offers plenty of other things to do, such as:

  • Finger Lakes Boating Museum: This museum is home to numerous collections of boats, engines, and other related artifacts. Visitors can take a boat ride on the lake or participate in a hands-on workshop.
  • Ithaca Farmers Market: This farmers market features over a hundred vendors selling fresh produce, handmade crafts, and local food. It’s a great way to taste the local cuisine and support small businesses.
  • Wine Tours: With over 100 wineries in the region, going on a wine tour is a must-do activity in Eastern Finger Lakes.

Week-Long Itinerary for Eastern Finger Lakes

For visitors planning to stay for a week in Eastern Finger Lakes, here’s a suggested itinerary:

Day 1: Arrive and check-in at your hotel. Spend the day exploring downtown Ithaca and visiting the museums and art galleries.

Day 2: Go on a tour of the vineyards and wineries around Seneca Lake.

Day 3: Spend the day hiking in one of the state parks, such as Buttermilk Falls, Cameron Park, or Watkins Glen.

Day 4: Take a day trip to Corning to visit the world-renowned Corning Glass Museum and the Rockwell Museum of Western Art.

Day 5: Go on a bird-watching excursion to the Montezuma National Wildlife Reserve.

Day 6: Visit the home of Harriet Tubman and explore the town of Auburn.

Day 7: Spend the last day exploring the small towns around the Finger Lakes and enjoying the local cuisine.

Food and Drink Scene of Eastern Finger Lakes

Eastern Finger Lakes is one of the top regions in New York for foodies, with a range of culinary experiences to explore. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Spiedies: Bite-sized meat cubes marinated in lemon juice, olive oil, and spices, and grilled to perfection.
  • Grape pie: A unique dessert made from locally grown Concord grapes and cane sugar.
  • Apple cider donuts: These fresh-baked donuts are made with freshly pressed apple cider and rolled in cinnamon and sugar.

Local Beverages

  • Finger Lakes Wine: The region is well-known for its wine production, with over 100 wineries in the area. Riesling, Chardonnay, and Cabernet are some of the popular grape varieties grown in the region.
  • Craft beer: The region has a thriving craft beer scene, with numerous breweries and taprooms offering a range of unique and innovative flavors.

Where to Stay in Eastern Finger Lakes: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Eastern Finger Lakes offers plenty of accommodation options for visitors of all budgets. Here are some of the best places to stay:

  • La Tourelle Resort and Spa: A luxurious resort featuring spacious rooms, a full-service spa, and picturesque views of Cayuga Lake.
  • Firelight Camps: These luxury tents offer a unique glamping experience with hardwood floors, king-sized beds, private porches, and fire pits.
  • Ithaca Hostel: A budget-friendly option for travelers exploring the region on a budget.

What to Buy in Eastern Finger Lakes: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

If you’re looking for unique souvenirs and local products to take home, Eastern Finger Lakes has plenty to offer. Here are some recommendations:

  • Pottery and ceramics: Local artists create handmade ceramic pieces inspired by the natural beauty of the region.
  • Finger Lakes wine: Bring home a bottle of your favorite Finger Lakes wine to share with friends and family.
  • Maple syrup: The region is known for its production of high-quality maple syrup.

Local Culture and Customs of Eastern Finger Lakes

Eastern Finger Lakes has a rich history and culture that is worth exploring. One of the notable customs is attending a wine tasting event at one of the numerous vineyards. Locals are also very friendly and welcoming to visitors, making it easy to immerse yourself in the local culture.

Best Time to Visit Eastern Finger Lakes

The best time to visit Eastern Finger Lakes is from May to October when the climate is mild, and outdoor activities are in full swing. September and October are also great months to visit if you want to see the fall foliage in full bloom.

Do’s and Don’ts of Eastern Finger Lakes

Do:

  • Try the local cuisine and beverages, including the wine and craft beer.
  • Visit the state parks and enjoy the hiking trails, waterfalls, and scenic views.
  • Attend a wine tasting event at one of the vineyards and learn about the wine-making process.

Don’t:

  • Don’t litter or leave trash in the state parks or outdoor areas.
  • Don’t smoke in public places.
  • Don’t forget to dress appropriately for the season and bring comfortable shoes for hiking.

Safety and Health

Safety in Eastern Finger Lakes

Eastern Finger Lakes is a safe region to travel to. However, like any other tourist destination, visitors are advised to be vigilant and aware of their surroundings.

Health in Eastern Finger Lakes

The region has some of the best hospitals and medical facilities in the state. Visitors are advised to have medical and travel insurance, especially if planning to participate in outdoor activities, such as hiking and biking.

Getting to Eastern Finger Lakes: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Eastern Finger Lakes

The closest airports to Eastern Finger Lakes are:

  • Ithaca Tompkins Regional Airport
  • Elmira/Corning Regional Airport
  • Syracuse Hancock International Airport

Bus Stations Near Eastern Finger Lakes

Greyhound operates bus services to Ithaca, and there are also other local bus and shuttle services available.

Other Options

The region is easily accessible by car, with several major highways passing through the area, such as New York State Route 17, I-81, and I-86.

How to Get Around in Eastern Finger Lakes

There are several ways to get around Eastern Finger Lakes, including:

  • Car rental
  • Local bus services
  • Taxis and ride-sharing services

Where to Go Next from Eastern Finger Lakes: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

If you have more time to explore, here are some nearby destinations and excursions to consider:

  • Adirondack Mountains: A scenic mountain range located a few hours’ drive north of Eastern Finger Lakes.
  • Niagara Falls: The iconic falls are located a few hours’ drive northwest of the region.
  • Catskill Mountains: A stunning mountain range located a few hours’ drive south of Eastern Finger Lakes.

Conclusion

Eastern Finger Lakes is a hidden gem that has something for everyone. Whether you’re an avid hiker, a wine lover, or a history buff, the region offers plenty of opportunities for exploration and adventure. We hope this comprehensive travel guide has given you all the information you need to plan your trip to Eastern Finger Lakes. Happy travels!



    Auburn (New York)
    Geneva (New York)
    Ithaca (New York)
    Seneca Falls
    Weedsport