New York is home to 11 slender, long lakes, going from south to north and looking like outstretched fingers watching them on a map. Those are known as the city's Finger Lakes, which geologists believe were formed by melting and moving glaciers two million years ago. Apart from science, the region is known for its rich American historical heritage since several heroes and luminaries, including Harriet Tubman, Mark Twain, Frederick Douglass, Joseph Smith, and Clara Barton, dwelled in the Finger Lakes region.
They left their deep imprints on US culture. The Finger Lakes' expansive area comprises 14 counties spread over more than 9,000 square miles. Because of that, the region is almost as large as Massachusetts. And there are many things to explore in this unique area of New York.
This Town Is A Must-Visit In The Finger Lakes Region
In the northeastern side of the Finger Lakes region lies the beautiful town of Seneca Falls, home to the National Women's Hall of Fame, Women's Rights National Historical Park, and Stanton's national-landmark home. Those are all essential stops for Finger Lakes visitors. Seneca Falls is best to visit during the holidays. The town is believed to be the inspiration for the setting of the classic Christmas film, It's a Wonderful Life, the Bedford Falls.
- Recommended: When visiting Seneca Falls, people enjoy witnessing the George Bailey's Bridge or Seneca Falls Bridge, the Wonderful Life Museum, and other attractions depicted in the film, It's a Wonderful Life.
That Harriet Tubman Home and National Historical Park are located at a 30 minutes drive to the east of Auburn. This year, special programming will mark the bicentennial of Tubman's birth, where people will enjoy summer exhibitions, special tours, and memorials.
- Where to stay: When staying at the Seneca Falls, people are recommended to check the renovated 1919 Gould Hotel Seneca Falls. The latter is located on Main Street and is a modern boutique hotel. Another place to stay in is the circa-1855 Laura Hubbell House Bed & Breakfast. Here, people can enjoy a yummy homemade breakfast, a fireplace, and a garden.
Those Marvelous Towns Are Located In The Northwestern Side Of The Finger Lakes Region
Several spots showcase the uniqueness of the Finger Lakes in the scenic waterfront town of Canandaigua. Instagrammers love taking pictures of the historic City Pier. Moreover, visitors enjoy checking the not-for-profit New York Kitchen, which uses only New York ingredients and products, and encompasses a cooking school, a restaurant, and a tasting room. Moreover, the Lake House in Canandaigua is located just around the corner. This is a chic hotel, restaurant, and full-service spa, where people can partake in various outdoor activities and amenities, such as the lakefront pool and bike rentals.
- Recommended: When visiting Canandaigua, people are advised to check the 1887 Sonnenberg Gardens and Mansion State Historic Park. This is a 50-acre estate with public gardens. Moreover, it is one of the US's best-preserved Victorian-era homes.
At the top of Seneca Lake, Geneva is a historical town located a short drive east of Canandaigua. Geneva is home to the waterfront Finger Lakes Welcome Center. This is where visitors can get all the maps and intel they need. Moreover, they can buy local souvenirs, sit on the outdoor terrace for lunch, beer, local wine, or cider, and peruse historical artifacts.
- Where to eat: In Geneva, people are advised to try FLX Table, known for its single-table, dinner-party style four-course menu. The latter is prepaid with the reservation. Another place to eat in Geneva is Port's Café. The latter offers a dining experience centered on seasonal, local dishes. Moreover, the unique place overlooks Seneca Lake.
This Eastern Village Is Worth Visiting In The Finger Lakes Region
Aurora is a historic village located on the eastern shore of Cayuga Lake. The latter boasts unique wineries which can be visited on the Water to Wine Tours via small-group boats leaving from Long Point State Park dock, close to Aurora, or on the western shore in the town of Ovid. Ithaca is located on the southern end of Cayuga Lake. This busy college town serves as a portal to the great trails, waterfalls, and gorges at Robert Treman State Park, Buttermills Falls State Park, and Taughannock Falls State Park.
- Where to stay: People visiting Aurora are recommended to stay at Inns of Aurora, a boutique known for its unique beauty among the hotels at Finger Lakes. Inns of Aurora consists of a collection of renovated historic buildings, with various rooms transformed from academic chambers into charming guest rooms filled with splendid Mackenzie-Childs ceramics and refined decor.
Another unique town to visit in the Finger Lakes region is Watkins Glen, located on the southern side. Here, people witness the crystal-clear water of Seneca Lake and enjoy seeing the Watkins Glen State Park, among other attractions.