The Finger Lakes region of western New York is a hidden gem, often overshadowed by its famous neighbor to the south. But this picturesque area offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, outdoor adventure, and world-class wine that makes it an ideal destination for a long weekend getaway.
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Natural Wonders Abound
The crown jewel of the region is undoubtedly Watkins Glen State Park. The park’s Gorge Trail (left) is a breathtaking 2-mile hike featuring 19 waterfalls cascading through a narrow gorge. Around every turn is another stunning vista that will leave you in awe of nature’s power and beauty.
Pro tip: Start your hike early in the morning to beat the crowds and have the trail mostly to yourself. The campground at Watkins Glen State Park offers easy access to the Gorge Trail and makes a great home base for exploring the area.
Beyond Watkins Glen, the entire region is dotted with waterfalls and scenic vistas. We stumbled upon the charming town of Montour Falls, where Main Street quite literally ends at a massive waterfall. Imagine having that view from your backyard!
World-Class Wine Country
The Finger Lakes has emerged as one of the premier wine regions in the United States, particularly known for cool-climate varietals like Riesling. We visited several standout wineries on this trip:
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Atwater Vineyards: Don’t miss their unique sparkling wines, including an intriguing Pétillant Naturel (Pét-Nat) with strong grapefruit notes.
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Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery: A pioneer of vinifera grape growing in the region, their old vine Pinot Noir is not to be missed.
- H. J. Weimer: Another historic wine producer in the region known for Rieslings.
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Red Tail Ridge: For innovative winemaking techniques and exciting new grape varieties.
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Billsboro Winery: Book their winemaker tasting experience (above) for an intimate look at the winemaking process.
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Six Eighty Cellars: Pushing boundaries with terracotta aging vessels and unique winemaking processes.
The winemaking scene here is dynamic and exciting, rivaling more famous regions while maintaining a welcoming, unpretentious atmosphere.
Hidden Gem Eateries
While we did a fair bit of camp cooking on this trip, we discovered some fantastic local eateries:
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Althea’s Finger Lakes Tavern in Montour Falls: A true local hangout with creative burgers (like one topped with fried mozzarella sticks and spicy grape jelly!)
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Holy Cow Deli in Watkins Glen: Mouthwatering sandwiches and an impressive meat counter for your campsite grilling needs.
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Scuteri’s Cannoli Connection in Watkins Glen: Quite possibly the best cannoli outside of Sicily, with chocolate-dipped shells filled to order (right).
Beyond Wine and Waterfalls
The Corning Museum of Glass is a must-visit attraction, blending art, science, and history through the lens of glassmaking. With live demonstrations and hands-on experiences, it’s a fascinating stop even for those who don’t consider themselves “museum people.”
The Finger Lakes region offers a perfect mix of outdoor adventure, culinary delights, and cultural experiences. Whether you’re hiking to waterfalls, sipping world-class wines, or discovering charming small towns, this often-overlooked corner of New York State is sure to capture your heart and leave you planning your next visit before you’ve even left.
Thanks for stopping by! Check out our Go See Do Explore Podcast, available wherever you listen to podcasts. To read about some of our previous trips, visit my Trips Page. If you like my photos be sure to “like” my Facebook Page and follow me on Instagram! For my list of gadgets to make your travels easier, click here.