We're going mid October witht primary interests in wine and scenic hikes. We're flying into Niagara Falls so one night there to check it out. Is there a "scenic drive" from there to Finger Lakes? Is that a long feeling drive (it looks to be 2.5 hours time)? Any great B & B suggestions for Finger Lakes area? where to stay iin Finger Lakes that is "central" or beautiful (even overlooking a lake)?? WINE WINE WINE is a big focus...

First, take 5 & 20 from Niagara Falls. It's scenic and goes through quaint towns and charming villages. Then, there are some fabulous B&Bs in Seneca Falls and Waterloo, and I recommend Barristers Bed & Breakfast (Seneca Falls). Seneca Falls is at the top of Cayuga Lake, the longest of the Finger Lakes. It is also convenient to 2 of the wine trails in the Finger Lakes: The Cayuga Lake Wine Trail and the Seneca Lake Wine Trail. For amazing lake views, check out Silver Strand B&B, or Driftwood Inn. Both have amazing lakefront views and are less than a mile from Sheldrake Point, one of the most award-winning wineries in the Finger Lakes. I will tell you that the B&Bs book FAST in the fall because the foliage is gorgeous and many of the wineries have fall harvest events. If you're coming later in October, you should check out the Finger Lakes Cork & Fork. It's a food, farm and wine showcase going on in Seneca Falls where there will be over about 25 of the best wineries sampling and selling in one spot (fingerlakescorkandfork.com). You'll get to try a lot of wines, and figure out which wineries you'd like to go visit! Have a great trip. (Check out fingerlakescentral.com for some ideas and info on B&Bs in the area.)

To get to Rt 20, take the I-190 south to Rt 5 at the Skyway in Buffalo... the highway runs along the Niagara River past Buffalo and along Lake Erie... When you get to Rt 20 follow that all the way across the North of the Finger Lakes...

And don't forget the Niagara Wine Region when you are in the Falls... there are over 100 wineries in amazing settings and world class wines and Icewines...

the cork and fork event is the w-end after I planned on going but we are flexible. I don't want to risk missing peak leaves for the cork & fork though-thoughts? Both of the B&B's you mentioned are cool but wish we could find something a bit less pricey-guess for pretty views we'll have to pay up huh? We go to Napa every year & got lucky enough to literally rent a room in someones private home (sort of casual B & B), private entrance etc. of course. In the 3/4 days we're there do you have any specific water falls/hikes or special winery place to recommend? THANKS for your other info. it REALLY Helps!

The two major attractions of nature's work are Letchworth State Park at the west of the Lakes and Watkins Glen State Park at the south east end of the lakes... both offer amazing trails and views... don't miss either hike...

Everything is harvesting about 2 weeks early this year. Not sure if that will translate to the foliage as well. Gary made some great recommends for trails, and don't forget the waterfalls at the south end of Cayuga Lake outside Ithaca. From a winery perspective, I love Cayuga Ridge Estates because it will be such a fantastic learning experience. Eleven Lakes (also on Cayuga Lake) is also great as they give you a history of the lakes as well with their tasting. On Seneca Lake, Kings Garden is such a cute, friendly winery with great views. And Three Brothers has three tasting rooms and a micro-brewery so it's really quite fun. Hope you have a blast!

hey Gary--now you have me thinking to spend 2 nights in Niagara & 2 in Finger Lakes--your comment about wine in Niagara area did it! I don't want to spend the trip in the car. That said, do you have suggestions for lodging/winery in Niagara (still fitting in the falls of course). We fly into Buffalo by noon & plan on going straight to Niagara area (1 or now perhaps 2 nights) and then to Finger Lakes for 2 nights--leaving out of Buffalo on the tail end...

Budget plays a part in choosing a hotel in Niagara... October is off season, so you could snag an amazing hotel, B&B, or small Inn at a great price... If I were planning your trip, I would put you for two nights in Niagara on the Lake. High end includes Prince of Wales, Harbour House, and Queens Landing... Small Inns include Charles Inn, Olde Angel Inn, the Riverbend Inn... There are also Cottages and B&B...

have a look at www.niagaraonthelake.com for prices and properties...

Niagara Falls itself is a beautiful 20 minute drive along the Niagara Gorge through an amazing scenic parkway... you can park and wander and see the Falls and then head back for amazing food and wine... you can also take a wine tour via bus, limo, van, or bike as well as in your own car using the easy to follow wine trails... many of the wineries surpass Napa/ sonoma properties in scale and beauty...

You could then head for the Finger Lakes along Rt 20, see Letchworth, and be near the wine region for the next day...

In all honesty, we have done both the Finger lakes and Niagara wine regions and prefer Niagara... Its not as spread out, and offers amazing wine, food, scenery and accomodations... good luck in your planning and feel free to ask for more specific info based on your budget and interests...

Gary-why is it planning my Italy trip last month (we went all over the country) seemed easier than this? I am checking out all you send and appreciate it. I can't find a consolidated winery map for Niagara but am now debating on staying at Niagara on the Lake 2 nights not one. Original plan was land in Buffalo/rent car/drive & stay at Sterling Inn (good reviews)to check out Falls for the day/leave & head to Finger Lakes. Budget is starting to play a much lesser part as I am not wanting to spend too much time planning! We like reds though i know that part of the world is more white oriented. Are some of the B & B you mentioned central to the wine for Niagara? Really we are wine people (and we can hike some in Finger Lakes). We can see the falls for about 30 minutes & probably be satisfied.

The full 2010 wine trail guide and map is available for download at www.winesofontario.com

Although Sterling is a nice property, it is steps away from the ticky tacky tourist area of the Falls... a much better choice would be any of the properties in Niagara on the Lake listed in www.ontariosfinest.ca or www.vintage-hotels.com

You would be minutes away from over 30 wineries and a short drive from over 70... although Niagara region is world famous for Icewines, there is a strong presence of classic reds and of course the white chardonays, reislings and gewurtz

We recently found a strong young red 2007 Laura Red at Creekside estates and a unique peppery red at Chateau de Charmes(forget the name, we drank it all) as well as award winning choices at several of the vineyards including Cabs, merlots, Shiraz, meritage, syrah and pinot noirs.

I think you would benefit by staying in Niagara on the Lake, and taking the 20 minute side trip to gawk at the Falls...

I will also predict that if you go out to the Finger lakes, you may wish you stayed in Niagara... the Lakes Area is pretty, however much more spread out, and the wines tend to be the much sweeter, less sophisticated varieties... good luck in your ongoing planning... I'll watch for your responses...

Correction... www.winesofontario.org under DOWNLOADS

Finger Lakes Girl-you mention the Driftwood Inn & it looks a bit "out of the way" from Seneca/Watkins Glenn(they do have availability though,something,I'm finding challenging in the best Seneca Lake spots)?
Gary-Looking into staying an extra day so we can do 2 nights in Niagara on The Lake and reading up on the wine (WAY more my style). THANKS for the tip about Sterling and ticky tacky area--NOT my style

Troll... have you looked at the Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel?... I haven't stayed there but its in a good location,,,