Finger Lakes Advice Needed
 

Hi-
We are going to visit 5 State Parks in the Finger Lakes area. (Watkins Glen, Taughannock, Treman, Letchworth, Buttermilk Falls, possibly Stony Brook). We have a week. Should we also hit some of the "cute" towns? (Hammondsport, Penn Yan, Canandaigua, Seneca Falls, and Skaneateles?) (I got the names from reading posts on Fodors.) Not into wineries, but want to see "pretty".
Like pretty scenery, water, mountains, pretty architecture, etc. Suggestions?
Thanks!
Linda

Go vist Cornell University in Ithaca ;-)

The "pretty" is best seen at the wineries, but the towns and lake fronts are nice as well. The wineries are our favorite part of the lakes.

So, what towns are a "must see", even if we don't do wineries?
Thanks,
Linda

I have a summer cottage on Lake Cayuga and think the towns surrounding the Finger Lakes are ok - the scenery is fantastic from the parks which you plan on visiting. The most fun for me, outside of scenery, is the farmer's market in Ithaca every Sat. It's a throwback to the 60's - beautiful produce,organic and vegetarian food to eat, singing, and a lovely spot on the lake. Plan to go there when you're at Taughanack -Sat. mornings 9-2. The gorges running through Cornell U are spectacular too....but the town is crummy!

So, do I concentrate on parks, and not make any special trips to see towns?
Okay, I'll ask a silly question. If I'm not really interested in wine, should I visit a winery?

We will go see Cornell. I've read it has gorges & waterfalls, & pretty architecture.

Corning and the Glass museum. Worth a major detour.