We are considering a trip to the Finger Lakes. It appears this is more of a region in NY. My question is where is a good area to stay near a lot of activities. I am seeing a lot options in Syracuse and Ithaca.

Moved to US forum.

Seneca and Cayuga Lakes are the two larger of the fingers and there are many wineries located in between the 2 lakes. I'd start by looking in the towns at the southern end of those 2 lakes, Watkins Glen & Ithaca, respectively.

Syracuse is a city that is really outside the Finger Lakes. Look at Ithaca, Geneva, Penn Yan, Watkins Glen and Hammondsport. Cayuga, Seneca and Keuka Lakes are very friendly and convenient. Lots of wineries, museums, small towns. What are you interested in doing, what type of accommodations do you prefer, what time of year are you visiting? There are lots of options!

We have two teen girls so we want to do something they can do. So no wineries. Probably hiking, shopping, sight seeing.

Along the top or North side of the Finger Lakes is NY RT 20... this road strings several villages and towns like pearls for a great drive and several attractions. .. at the west is Letchworth State Park , a great natural wonder... there is Seneca Falls, Skaneateles, Geneva, along with antique shops and several water related activities.

at the south of the lakes are Corning, Ithaca, and Watkins Glen. .. all offering both charming and nature activities. .. my suggestion is to create a loop by researching the region and including your own favorites. .. have fun...

Thanks for all the info everyone. This sounds like a great area with a lot to do. Just need to find a place to stay. Looking at Labor Day weekend and VRBO and Air BnB looks pretty picked over.

FYI: It is US 20 that goes north of the Finger Lakes. US 20 goes all the way west to US 101 at Newport Oregon. One of my favorites in the FL region is Cananadaigua. In addition to the wineries, there are a couple of places to get great grape pies.
Please take the time to see the huge toy museum (Strong?) and the George Eastman museum in Rochester. Check for the schedule for the Glass Barge which is traveling on the NYS Barge Canal (former Erie canal)
At the end of the summer, the barge will be transported from Watkins Glenn to the Corning Museum of Glass.