The Finger Lakes region of upstate New York is one of America's most underrated travel destinations. Eleven long, narrow glacially carved lakes stretch across central New York, surrounded by rolling hills, state parks with dramatic gorges and waterfalls, award-winning wineries and breweries, and some of the most beautiful countryside in the Northeast. If you love wine, nature, and small-town charm, the Finger Lakes belongs on your travel list.
Top Things to Do in the Finger Lakes
The Finger Lakes Wine Trail is one of the largest wine trails in the country, with over 100 wineries within a short drive. The region is particularly renowned for dry and off-dry Rieslings that compete with the finest German and Alsatian versions. Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery on Keuka Lake and Ravines Wine Cellars on Seneca Lake are among the most celebrated producers.
For natural beauty, the state parks surrounding the lakes are spectacular. Watkins Glen State Park on the southern end of Seneca Lake features a dramatic two-mile gorge with 19 waterfalls — the main gorge trail is one of the most stunning short hikes in the eastern US. Taughannock Falls State Park near Ithaca has a single plunge waterfall taller than Niagara Falls.
Ithaca, home to Cornell University and Ithaca College, is the most vibrant town in the region — with a fantastic farmers market, excellent restaurants, and easy access to the gorges of Cascadilla and Six Mile Creek running right through campus.
What to Pack for the Finger Lakes
The Finger Lakes calls for comfortable outdoor layers, good walking shoes for gorge trails, and something smart enough for winery visits. The VacationGrabs Vintage Leather Backpack works perfectly for hiking to waterfalls in the morning and wine tasting in the afternoon. For the road trip up from NYC, the VacationGrabs Leather Overnight Duffel handles a long weekend with ease.
Book Finger Lakes Tours and Experiences
Wine trail tours, gorge hiking excursions, and kayaking on the lakes are among the region's best experiences. Browse Finger Lakes tours on Viator to plan your upstate New York escape.
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