Avery

We were looking for a get away within driving distance from the City & since we like touring vineyards, we thought the Finger Lakes region would be a nice trip. We were thinking about spending 3 nights in a higher-end B&B on Lake Canandaigua, then spending 2 nights near Niagara Falls, then spending another 2 nights back in the Finger Lakes area at a different place--maybe near Ithaca or Skaneateles. Is there enough to see and do in this region to warrant this amount of time? We would like to relax. Can anyone provide info on driving distances? How are the Lakes' beaches & swimming? Any general info is helpful. I've checked Fingerlakes.org & other websites, but I'd like more hands-on info. Thanks!

Jibboo

Well depending on when you where planning on going you should try for the Finger Lakes Wine Fest, it starts July 18 and runs 3 days I believe, plus it tons of fun, here is the link: http://www.flwinefest.com/special.html

Other than that Canandaigua is beautiful you could easily spend one day walking around town, another on the water and then make sure to get to Sonnenberg gardens.
As for the second leg of the finger lakes I'd go with Ithaca, I'm a big fan. I'm a big fan. It's a little city with a lot to see and the gorges will speak for themselves. If your the outdoors types check out the NY state national parks website there's some good info on parks that you will be real close to. Probrobly a 2 2 1/2 hour drive from the lakes to Niagara. enjoy

Brooklyn_Bomber

Avery, you should go around harvest time when the wineries need every able bodied person to remove their shoes and crush the Niagara grapes underfoot, creating the sweet nectar that becomes wine. Late in the evening, snip a ripening bunch off the vine and gently squeeze the juices over the heavily swaying bosom of your lover as you rollick in the lakeside B&B just outside of Skaneateles.

The next day, should you be run down by a Trailways bus, your last thought on earth could be a rich source of comfort, as you consider, "Well, at least I got to... ."

Or, you can stop in at the gift shop and pick up a bottle with decorative felt holder.

Avery

Jibboo: Thanks for the info--this helped me confirm Lake Canandaigua.

Brooklyn Bomber: Too bad we're traveling in the summer--I always wanted to recreate the I Love Lucy scene & stomp grapes with my lover!

mattydale

I would definitely stop by Ithaca if you can. The city itself has some interesting features, not least of which is the proximity to Lake Cayuga and a bunch of wineries. The restaurant and cultural scene in Ithaca is excellent as well. But beyond that, the Cornell campus is well worth a trip. It is perhaps the most beautiful campus in North America (and yes, I am biased because I went there, but I've also visited a lot of college campuses!). The architecture is stunning, the landscaping is beautiful, and there are gorges and waterfalls that cut right through campus. You can even decend into one of the gorges and swim in the waterfall. You can also do this in nearby Buttermilk Falls State Park. I can't speak highly enough!

dpcta

I've stayed at a few very nice places in the Finger Lakes. I suggest the Morgan Samuel House in Canandaigua, the Rose Inn near Ithaca, and my all time favorite, Mirbeau Inn and Spa in Skaneateles.

Kim108

The Finger Lakes are great. I strongly suggest Keuka Lake. Canandaigua does not have any wineries. I go every year and Keuka is the Best. You can email [email protected] and I can give you information on house rentals on all the lakes and I also suggest a car service to take you to the wineries for a day. The wineries are amazing and there are so many. On Keuka lake they have a little town at one end called hammondsport which is so nice. The lake is great and you can swim. Some of the house rentals have small john boeats but I have rented a boat for a day and its just wonderful. I would say for Niagra a day at the most. Its very nice but very very cheezy as far as the night life. I would say spend you time on the lake and take a day and drive to niagra.

KathyK

If you're going to Niagara Falls, I would suggest staying on the Canadian side at Niagara on the Lake, which is a quaint town, full of shops and restaurants as well as wineries. You are a short drive to the Falls, which you won't want to miss, but probably don't want to stay there. 2 days sounds like an appropriate amount of time to see the Falls and associated activities, plus the Niagara on the Lake region.

Cher

There will be plenty to do in the time you are planning.

In the Finger Lakes area, I would highly recommend staying in Skaneateles. Hammondsport is also nice. I like the wineries on both Keuka and Seneca Lakes.

For seeing Niagara Falls, I would definitely recommend staying in Niagara-on-the-Lake (NOTL) which is only a 20-minute ride on a nice scenic road along the river gorge to Niagara Falls. There are also vineyards around NOLT that are open for touring. NOTL is a quaint town right where the Niagara River meets Lake Ontario, and is full of quaint inns, B&B's, restaurants and shops. It is also known for holding the Shaw Festival every year ... three playhouses feature daily plays by George Bernard Shaw and other playwrights of that time period. It is a VERY popular destination and if you are going on a weekend, you may even have a tough time getting reservations at this point at some of the more popular inns. I would recommend Pillar&Post or Queen's Landing at the high end ... these are more full service inns rather than true B&B's. (P&P is the only accomodation with a pool ... both outdoor and indoor; they also have a great spa.) For more moderate accomodations, I would recommend The Oban Inn or The Cranberry House (a B&B). There is lots of information about NOTL on the Canadian site. There are plenty more options both of moderate and lower prices. (Keep in mind that prices given are Canadian and $1.00 Cdn = about $1.55 US)

Owen_ONeill

Skaneatles is very nice and there's a public beach in the village. I'm less familiar with the Seneca and Keuka lake areas but more so with Canandaigua Lake. A visit to Ithaca is a must - perhaps even a couple days there. Buttermilk falls B&B is a good choice - you could also check out the Rose Inn among others. Cornell Camous, Shakespeare gardens, a walk up through Cascadilla Gorge, easy hike into the bottom of Taughannock Falls, the Saturday Ithaca Farmer's market, sticky buns for breakfast at Home Dairy on the Commons.... lots to do. One of thje nicest natural swimming holes I've ever been to is in lower Tremain Park off Rte 13 just south of Ithaca. the park also has a lovely gorge trail. The gorges in Ithaca are great but none match up to Watkins Glen - it's worth the 45 minute drive over from Ithaca.

Avery

Thank you all for your replies! We decided to book 3 nights on Lake Canandaigua at Morgan Samuel House, 1 night at Queen's Landing, Niagara on the Lake, and 2 nights at Mirbeau on Lake Skaneateles. We will also definitely drive to Ithaca for the day & there are a few vineyards on Lake Keuka & Seneca that we will visit. I guess we'll be busier than I thought!

Owen_ONeill

Are you aware that Niagra-on-the-Lake is on the canadian side of Lake Ontario in the province of Ontario? Unless there's another twon by that name that I'm unaware of, it's a bit of a trip from the Finger Lakes area - probably three hours each way.

In Skaneatles be sure to try Doug's Fish Fry for a casual and moderately priced lunch or dinner. I'm told that Framboise, a small cafe, has some excellent pastries and good light lunches. Rosalies's Cucina comes highly recommended for dinner. I'm told that Blue Water Grill is usually good. The Sherwood Inn (across from the beach in the village) is hit or miss - sometimes very good and sometimes just fair for the money.

Avery

Hi Owen: We checked into distances to NOTL (we knew it was on the Canadian side). Lake Canandaigua is a bit closer & will be about 2-2:15 hrs. The return trip to Lake Skaneateles will be about 3 hrs. We're hoping to get there early day 1, see the sights, and leave early the next morning. Thank you for the restaurant suggestions!

Jibboo

All this finger lakes talk and guess what it made me decide to do... Go to the finger lakes. Yep haven't been there in a few years,my birthday is next week and Iv'e been having the worst time deciding what I want to do. Thanks!!!

ethaete

WOW -- I thought I was the only one on this site that knew anything about the Finger Lakes --- I'm so excited to see this posting. I think that if people go to FL -- they will have an AWESOME time (yes, I'm originally from BinghamPton/Ithaca). My husband & I are planning on moving to the FL region soon since we visit it so much -- we love it!! The wineries, state parks, festivals, small yet big town atmosphere (Ithaca) just keep us coming for more.


To Avery: check out this web-site: www.visititchaca.com -- It has all the info on what to do when you're there, and info on all the festivals going on.

Good luck!!!!!

Margie

Hi Avery, sounds like you have a nice trip planned! Owen has given you some excellent restaurant suggestions for Skaneateles and I just like to add a few ideas. There is a new place that just opened this month called "Joe's Pasta Garage" it's right in the Village on one of the side streets (I can't remember extacly what street it is one, but if you don't spot it while walking around, just ask someone where it is). Lots of charm as it is in a converted stone garage! Unfortunately Framboise has closed which is a shame, it was wonderful. As Owen pointed out, dining at the Sherwood is "hit or miss" - I would stick with his other suggestions and recommend that if you see a place you would like to eat at during the day, pop in a make a reservation for that evening; the village is very busy at this time of year, even during the week. Also if you drive into the village, there is a free public parking lot behind Doug's fish fry - otherwise there is metered parking on the main street. Have a wonderful time