The Finger Lakes region of New York State is located in the beautiful and scenic central part of the state, north and west of New York City. Stunning aerial views show the Lakes face north to south and are long and slender like fingers, hence the name Finger Lakes. This upstate New York region was originally home to the powerful Iroquois Indian nation that was able to maintain their freedom from European colonization until after the Revolutionary War when they were sent to reservations and the land was sold and settled. Their mark remains today in the numerous names of the town, lakes and rivers.
This delightful area of the country is a fabulous place to visit any time of year. You will find ski slopes in the winter, colorful fall leaves dancing in the wind, flowers in bloom in the spring and summer adventures when the sun turns warm. The Finger Lakes offer visitors a number of annual festivals to enjoy, from art to wine, antiques and Christmas markets, there is a festival to peak everyone’s interest.
The Finger Lakes region is the largest wine producing region in New York State. You will find acres upon acres with more than 100 wineries to pick from. The wine trails will take you on a journey through the perfect mix of wine producing climate and friendly knowledgeable winemakers. Spend your days sipping everything from Pinot Noir to Ice Wine, and when you get tired of drinking, step into the quaint and unique gift shops located in many of the wineries.
If wine is not your thing there is still plenty to keep you busy in the Finger Lakes. World class restaurants with fresh ingredients straight from the farm, farmers markets, shopping, historic home and garden tours, hiking, trail walking, bird watching, cooking classes at the New York Culinary Center and relaxing on the water. With more than 11 lakes and numerous rivers you can find anything from a speedboat to a kayak and let the water take your cares away. If you are an adventure seeker, you can even keep your eye out for the mythical creature that calls the deep waters that flow below sea level in two of the largest lakes home.
Where to stay:
Inn on the Main (located in Canandaigua)
This beautiful Victorian home was built in 1840 and has a fabulous location in the historic district of Canandaigua. It is close to shops, dining, sites and Canandaigua Lake. The inn serves a delicious full breakfast every morning in their period furnished home.
176 N. Main Street, Canandaigua NY
1-877-659-1643
Where to eat:
Rheinblick German Restaurant
Serving traditional German fare, you wonapostrophet go home hungry after dining at this local favorite. Start your meal with the homemade Gulasch soup or the creamy onion soup baked with Emmentaler cheese. For your entree... Schnitzel of course! Make sure and save room for one of their delicious desserts!
224 S. Main Street, Canandaigua NY
1-585-905-0950
Rosalieapostrophes Cucina
Italian cuisine in the heart of the finger lakes. Again... you will not go home hungry! This large and lively restaurant with its strolling musicians and vibrant feel is NOT the place for a quiet meal. Make sure you ask to be seated downstairs so you can join in all the loud crazy fun.
841 West Genesee Street, Skaneateles NY
Stonecat Cafe
This organic restaurant serves up local fresh ingredients in the heart of New York wine country. With a fabulous view overlooking Seneca Lake it is a great place to unwind after a long day. They also have a jazz brunch on Sundays and live music Saturday nights. They are closed during the winter months so check their website to make sure they are open when you visit.
5315 Rt. 414, Hector NY
1-607-546-5000
What to do:
Tour the wineries
With over 100 wineries you will have plenty of options. There are 3 main wine trails. The Seneca Trail which is the most crowded, Cayuga trail is the oldest wine trail in American and the Keuka trail is the most scenic.
New York Wine & Culinary Center
Want to go home with some new cooking knowledge? The New York Wine & Culinary Center offers hands on training for novices and skilled alike. Take a class, grab some food and enjoy a glass of wine. It is all here in the heart of the finger lakes.
800 South Main Street, Canandaigua NY
1-585-394-7070
Mirbeau Spa
Relax and unwind in this 14,000 square foot luxury spa. Enjoy one of the many body and facial treatments or soak your feet in the heated foot bath in the resting area. When you are finished stroll through the beautiful monet style gardens at the inn or grab a quick bite at their delicious restaurant.
851 West Genesee Street, Skaneateles NY
1-315-685-1927
Sonnenberg Gardens & Mansion State Historic Park
Spend the day relaxing in the tranquil and beautiful Sonnenberg Gardens. This 52 acre estate features an 1887 Queen Anne style mansion as well as a greenhouse complex, Japanese gardens, sub-rosa garden, rose garden, Italian garden, blue and white garden, pansy garden, the moonlight garden, the old fashioned garden, the peacock house, and the rock garden.
151 Charlotte Street, Canandaigua NY
About the Authors:
GreatGirlTrips.com is a website created by mother/daughter team Darcie and Natalie to promote and encourage women’s travel. We believe that women of all ages, races, backgrounds, religions and upbringings can come together and offer each other support and benefit from traveling together. We believe that these small trips and time “awayapostrophe make us better wives, mothers, friends and daughters. Our goal is to help give women the destination ideas they need and to help them plan the perfect Great Girl Trip. For more information visit http://www.greatgirltrips.com/.