The Finger Lakes region of upstate New York is named for the eleven long, narrow lakes that glaciers carved into the landscape thousands of years ago. Stretched out across rolling hills south of Syracuse and Rochester, the lakes create a patchwork of vineyards, gorges, and small towns that feels a world apart from New York City.
Wine is the main draw. The region has over a hundred wineries, most clustered around Seneca, Cayuga, and Keuka lakes, with Riesling as the standout variety. But the Finger Lakes are more than wine country. Watkins Glen State Park has a two-mile gorge trail that passes nineteen waterfalls. Ithaca, at the southern tip of Cayuga Lake, is a lively college town with its own waterfall walks and a strong food scene. Corning, to the south, is home to the world-class Corning Museum of Glass.
The region also carries a rich history. Seneca Falls was the birthplace of the American women's rights movement, and Mark Twain spent his most productive summers writing in Elmira. The Finger Lakes were part of the Underground Railroad, and the Harriet Tubman Home in Auburn is open to visitors.
Summer and early fall are the best times to visit, when the vineyards are green and the lake towns come alive with festivals and farmers' markets. Autumn brings spectacular foliage and the grape harvest.
