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Weekend in finger lakes

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Old Oct 7th, 2014 | 02:14 PM
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Weekend in finger lakes

We are planning a two night weekend in the finger lakes in November coming from Toronto. First night has been booked in Ithaca. Considering second night in either Seneca falls , Geneva or canandaigua. Any suggestions? We like scenery, parks and wineries.
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Old Oct 7th, 2014 | 02:28 PM
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In November I'm not sure what kind of scenery you'll see. The fall leaves will be long gone and the weather could be bad. Seneca Lake has some nice wineries and Geneva is a nice little town so I would pick there out of your three choices.
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Old Oct 7th, 2014 | 02:46 PM
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By scenery we will explore falls and state parks - don't need fall colours. Thanks
Any suggested hotels or restaurants?
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Old Oct 7th, 2014 | 03:06 PM
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If I recall correctly, the finger lakes have a more temperate climate than the surrounding areas due to the slope of the hillsides, so the temperature is warmer than what you might expect.
Several years ago we stayed at the Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel, right at the southern tip of Seneca Lake. It's a modern large hotel, if that is what you are looking for. There are a number of B&Bs that looked interesting at the time. We hiked up Watkins Glen falls which was beautiful.
Also visited the Farm Animal Sanctuary nearby (if that's of interest).

Unfortunately,don't recall any of the restaurants we ate at.
Beautiful area...enjoy.
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Old Oct 7th, 2014 | 04:42 PM
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I would leave Ithaca and drive over to Watkins Glen State Park for an amazing hike along the water trail...followed by lunch...

Then drive north along rt 14 on the west side of the lake towards Geneva.... There are at least a dozen wineries of note off 14...

Geneva offers a wide range of accomodations from royal castle to chain motel... But you will do well on rates unless it's thanksgiving weekend... Start by checking the Finger Lakes website and you can narrow it down... Geneva hotels play on the romance so it's a bit nicer off season

Canandaigua and Seneca Falls play more to the Summer crowd and will be much quieter, maybe too quiet...

One thing I always recommend is driving back on Rt 20... Lots of villages, diners, antiques and farms... You can drive it all the way back towards Buffalo....

Hope this helps... Have fun
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Old Oct 8th, 2014 | 09:19 AM
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Taughannouck Falls State Park in Trumansburg near Ithaca will give you a hike and a water falls. We had a great lunch at Red Newt in Hector which is a winery/restaurant on Seneca Lake. This was about 2 years ago and I see that recent reviews are mixed but we had a wonderful experience there. I'm not sure of your budget but check out Belhurst Castle in Geneva for lodging.
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Old Oct 8th, 2014 | 11:25 AM
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cd
 
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For a lovely view choose: http://www.belhurst.com/accommodations/vinifera-inn
The Vinifera Inn is the new part of Belhurst Castle. We loved it! Be sure to ask for a lake view. Your room will be large with a gas fireplace, Jacuzzi, and large bathroom.
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