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Named for its collection of eleven finger-shaped lakes, this region is known throughout the country for its wine-making scene. The tall banks along the lakes recreate conditions from the wine regions of France and Germany, allowing these grapes to thrive. Besides viticulture, the Finger Lakes hosts a balance of fascinating towns and beautiful landscapes, with rock formations that lead to stunning gorges and waterfalls. Much of the region’s tourism centers around three lakes—Keuka, Seneca, and Cayuga—each offering its own character and charm. Together, they capture the full Finger Lakes experience: exceptional wine, delicious food, and breathtaking scenery.

Keuka Lake

Keuka Lake is one of the closest to Rochester, about an hour drive from the University. With it’s unique Y-shape and upscale wineries, this is often thought as the most distinctive of the lakes. Here was where wine was first brought to Upstate New York, when Konstantine Frank showed that certain grapes could thrive in this cold climate. This revolutionized the agriculture of the region and started a tradition of winemaking that is alive and well today.

Compared to the other lakes, Keuka provides a more intimate feel. Penn Yann, at the top of the lake, is a bustling small town complete with shops and cozy coffee shops, as well as a griddle used to cook the world’s largest buckwheat pancake! Along the lake, you can find a collection of smaller vineyards such as Dr. Konstantine Frank winery and Heron Hill, where you’ll sip elegant wines against the backdrop of the crystal blue lake.

For those interested in enjoying the outdoors, Keuka Lake State Park has an amazing balance of water and forest. You can rent a campsite on their website for around $24 (for NY residents) and spend the day enjoying the calm waters of the lake or one of many hiking trails.

Seneca Lake

Seneca Lake is the biggest of the finger lakes, with a length of 36 miles and a staggering depth of 618 feet. The deep water buffers the temperature of around the lake, creating a microclimate that’s perfect for growing wine and fresh food.

As a larger lake, Seneca has a more developed feel, with more than 30 active wineries ranging from family run businesses to industrial companies. You can still find cozy vineyards with intimate tasting experiences at places like Boundary Breaks or Tabora Winery. If you’re looking for a more energetic atmosphere, you can try Hazlitt Vineyards, or Three Brothers Wineries and Estates. To mix it up, you can also take a quick excursion to Muranda cheese company to the northwest to try a cheese tasting!

To the very south of the lake lies Watkins Glen state park, known for the titular gorge lined with shale walls carved by erosion. This is a great place to visit in all seasons, but it’s especially beautiful in the fall when the yellow leaves frame the dark black shale. You can spend the day here, hiking through the gorge and admiring its many waterfalls, or turn it into an overnight trip by staying at the nearby campground.

Cayuga Lake

Cayuga lends a balance of the previous two, with a touch of its own flavor. Smaller than Seneca, it has more of the small-lake feel of Keuka with the diversity of Seneca. Like the other lakes it hosts a variety of wineries, boasting the nation’s first organized wine trail. You can also find a range of small breweries and distilleries, with locally made beer and spirits along with fresh food.

Cayuga is bookended by Seneca Falls to the north and Ithaca to the south. Seneca falls boasts two claims to fame- in the 1840s it was home to the first women’s rights convention, which kickstarted women’s suffrage in the US. Movie buffs will also recognize it as the backdrop to the classic Christmas movie “It’s a Wonderful Life”. Ithaca is home to Ithaca College and Cornell University- the two bring students from all over the world and give the town a ‘college town’ feeling. Brunch-friendly diners and home breweries lie within walking distance to stunning gorges, and every weekend the Ithaca Farmer’s Market gathers a crowd along the waterfront for fresh produce and live music.

Not far from Ithaca is a collection of breathtaking waterfalls. Buttermilk Falls State Park and Robert H. Treman State Park, both to the southwest, host natural swimming pools that provide the chance to swim underneath the falling water. Further to the north, Taughannock Falls boasts a picturesque cascade 215 feet high. All the state parks allow camping, allowing you to extend your trip overnight.