For summertime scenery, historical events and fun attractions - the Finger Lakes is spectacular!
Named for eleven pristine lakes that spread like fingers across the fertile land, this region dazzles with natural beauty, captivating attractions, and fun festivals all summer long.
Sparkling rivers and streams connect each Finger Lake to Great Lake Ontario, making the region a summer haven for swimming, fishing and boating. State parks—ideal for hiking, biking and camping—include Letchworth, known as the Grand Canyon of the East; Watkins Glen, with its deep gorges and 19 waterfalls; Taughannock, where the waters drop 400 feet; and Chimney Bluffs, towering above Lake Ontario.
Complementing all this natural beauty are charming towns and vibrant cities. You can watch hot glassblowing shows and explore 3,500 years of glass art at the Corning Museum of Glass. Famous for hometown hospitality, Owego was voted "Coolest Small Town in America" by Budget Travel readers. Walk along tree-shaded streets to Historic Owego Marketplace’s antique shops and artisan studios. Just outside Rochester, step into the 1800s at Genesee Country Village.
Treat your tastebuds to summer extravaganzas like the Owego Strawberry Festival, June 15 to 16, and the Finger Lakes Wine Festival on July 13 to 15 at Watkins Glen. From August 23 to September 3, the Great New York State Fair in Syracuse showcases the best of New York’s agriculture—along with great entertainment, science and technology exhibits, and midway rides.
Savor summer’s bounty at restaurants serving fresh local produce and at the
New York Wine & Culinary Center in Canandaigua, where chefs’ specialties feature farm-fresh produce, artisan cheeses, wines and beers—all from New York State. Scenic wine trails around Canandaigua, Keuka, Seneca and Cayuga lakes showcase some of the nation's premier vineyards.
Other summer events include the annual Fairport Canal Days, June 1 to 3, beside the historic Erie Canal. The 75th spectacular Hill Cumorah Pageant, in Palmyra on July 13 to 14 and 17 to 21, will astound audiences with state-of-the-art special effects and a cast of over 650 performing on a 10-level outdoor stage.
Racing fans come from far and wide to watch NASCAR’s biggest names at Watkins Glen International Raceway. For a slower pace, follow the picturesque Cayuga Lake Scenic Byway from Ithaca to the Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge.
View: Finger Lakes Regional Video
For more information, visit: Finger Lakes region and Finger Lakes alliance