Finger Lakes Vacations, Attractions, Travel Guides & Hotels

Official Destination Contact Information

Finger Lakes Tourism Alliance

309 Lake Street
Penn Yan, New York 14527
(800) 548-4386
info@fingerlakes.org
www.fingerlakes.org

Finger Lakes Visitors Connection - Ontario County

25 Gorham Street
Canandaigua, New York 14424

(585) 394-3915
1-877-386-4669
info@visitfingerlakes.co
m
www.VisitFingerLakes.com

Title: Biking in the Finger Lakes
Posted by: Finger Lakes Visitors Connection

Introduction

With its 11 lakes, scenic wine trails and ski areas, rich history and thriving cities – the Finger Lakes Region of New York is one of the most exhilarating parts of America. The 9,000 square mile area spanning Lake Ontario to the north along with Rochester and Syracuse to the Pennsylvania border, features everything from the only Native American historic site in the state, Ganondagan in Victor, which was once a thriving center for the Seneca people. In the southern part of the Finger Lakes is Corning Museum of Glass, which showcases live glass blowing demonstrations and 3,500 years of glass-making history and Watkins Glen, home to one of NASCAR’s most famous races.

Halfway between New York City and Niagara Falls are areas that many people recognize – but find hard to pronounce. Canandaigua, Cayuga, Keuka, Seneca are at the center of the region. In Canandaigua are Sonnenberg Gardens and Mansion State Historic Park and Finger Lakes Community College’s C-MAC Performing Arts Center, hosting entertainers of all style in this wonderful outdoor venue! To accompany your music consider a bit of taste testing at the New York Wine and Culinary Center built as a testament to the New York State wine and food industries. The culinary center overlooks the lake and provides training and hands-on opportunities to learn more about New York’s agricultural and wine industries. Speaking of food, Dinosaur Barbecue in Syracuse is noted as one of the greatest barbecues in the nation. Eat in or take it out to one of the popular Syracuse University basketball or lacrosse games. Ithaca is home to Cornell University and some of the area’s greatest waterfalls. At the north end of Cayuga Lake is Auburn, known as “history’s hometown”, featuring the Seward House, a Tiffany Chapel and the Harriet Tubman home. Penn Yan is the center of the region – situated on the north end of Keuka Lake. Vineyards surround the lake and choosing which winery to stop at is always a challenge! The pace can be what you’d like in the Finger Lakes: fast at places like the Finger Lakes Gaming and Racetrack in Farmington or Tioga Downs Casino or leisurely as you drive along a wine trail and sip away. Seneca, Cayuga, Keuka, Canandaigua and Lake Ontario all have great wine trails – earning the moniker, Finger Lakes Wine Country. The area is also known for its seasonal changes – making fall foliage season a great time to come, or if you like skiing, consider Bristol Mountain ski resort, the highest vertical rise between the Rockies and the Adirondacks of New York State.

Kids can have fun too in the Finger Lakes, or even those who just want to be kids. The Strong National Museum of Play is located in Rochester – along with the George Eastman House – the home of the founder of Kodak film. It’s notable for its changing exhibits and wonderfully landscaped facilities. Rochester is a city full of other prizes and surprises – including its wonderful positioning on the Erie Canal, Seaway Trail, and Lake Ontario.

But what about that name, Finger Lakes? If one were to look down from above at the Finger Lakes, you’ll see those lakes look like a handprint. Legend has it that this is the hand of the Iroquois “Great Spirit” blessing this land and leaving a reminder to all with the imprints that have become the lakes.

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