We're considering a trip to the Finger Lakes/upstate NY in early October. We don't need to stay in cute B&B's -- Holiday Inns are just fine.

Can anyone tell us, is it crazy crowded this time of year -- traffic jams, can't get a table at a decent restaurant, can't even get a room at a Holiday Inn crowded? Or just busy?

Not crazy at all - it's a beautiful time to visit; and although it is a little crowded, it is not by any means "a zoo" (Adirondacks are busier). I would however, make your hotel reservations as soon as possible, and if you are planning to eat in any of the "better" restaurants" I would telephone them and see when they will start accepting reservations for the fall. Have a great time!

I would definitely call now for room reservations.

Hi Phil
We live in the Finger Lakes region and October---especially early in the month---is a beautiful time of year here. I don't believe that you'd have a difficult time with hotels then either. Let me know if you need a travel guide of the area and I'll ask our chamber (Chemung County) to send one out to you. We're close to wine country, Corning Museum of Glass, Museums including National Warplane, National Soaring, Art, Historical, etc. Just enough to do to keep you busy and entertained for a weekend (or longer) trip. Do let me know if I can help!

I'm from Upstate NY, and travel 8 hours every year to vacation there in October, it's so beautiful. Try a cabin in the Adirondacks or on one of the finger lakes if you can get one, your family will be comfortable, the mountain hikes are relatively easy, and you're in for some breathtaking foliage scenery.

The BEST time to be in NY State
We go every year, staying around Lake George.There are usually plenty of nice small motels on the lake open, a couple of years ago, we were the only people staying there, and we could see the Sagamore from the motel beach.

What's the sagamore?

I live in the adirondacks and can tell you that you should have no problem if you are in this part of upstate. Summers are busy because of boating/camping while winters fill up hotel rroms fast because of city snowmobilers. The fall is the best time and everyone is gone Come up and enjoy the beauty I am lucky enough to get all year.

http://www.thesagamore.com/html/index2.html

THIS IS THE SAGAMORE