Help! Leaving Saturday for Finger Lakes State Parks. Should we visit towns such as Skaneateles, Hammondsport, Canandaigua, Seneca Falls, Geneva, Glenora? Not into wine or shopping. Just pretty sights. Should we make special trips to any of these towns, or stick to parks?
THANKS.
Linda

If you're 'just into pretty sights', that's all the more reason to see some of those towns. The views of the finger lakes from the shores of these towns is beautiful. [I'm picturing Skaneatales as I type away...]

You should add Watkins Glen (the gorge itself) and Ithaca to the list. Seneca Falls may have a bit less appeal unless you're interested in Women's History, in which case it is a must see due to the museum and its history as the hotbed of the suffrage movement. Ditto with Geneva and Canandaigua - the area s adjacent to the lake and the little neighborhood in Geneva near Hobart/WMS College is nice but the rest of the town(s), although pleasant, is not really a scenic destination.

Can't speak to Hammondsport or Glenora but they're smaller, more rural and likely to be more quaint. I can think of few things more enjoyable than just taking a random day trip around a couple of the lakes and stopping where I see sites of interest (by the way - I am not a shopper or a wine drinker).

Thanks,
Linda

Linda:
I am from the area and it si gorgeous up there at this time of year. Don't miss Seneca Falls and Hammondsport. You should also try to make a few side trips to Ithaca (great restuarants, shopping and gorges are beautiful) Watkins Glenn and of course my home town Corning. (take a tour of the glass works and factory, shop in the town and enjoy the local food)

Have a great time....

Thanks!
Linda

Driving alongside the lakes are pretty, being able to see all the small boats in the water, etc. Watkins Glen & Ithaca have nice parks at the south ends of the lake that are nice to stop and rest, take in a picnic. If you go to Watkins, get lunch a the Grapevine (along the main drag on your right on your way to the lake), and bring it down to the waterfront. There is a pier, and plenty of benches. Above all, I would suggest you visit Ithaca for its small town eclectic (sp?) atmosphere -- the commons are a must see, which is a long & wide Pedestrian walkway with lots of local shops, people watching, musicians, etc. This is also a great place to grab lunch/dinner. Let us know how your trip turns out!