The Best 7-Day Finger Lakes Road Trip Itinerary (with map)

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I’ve visited New York state more times than I can count (and even lived in Manhattan for a year) and never knew an area known for world-renown wineries, glacier-made lakes, quaint towns, and heaps of natural splendor was just a few hours north of where I once called home.  

Rich with Native American origins, The Finger Lakes region includes 9,000 square miles of pristine lake views, rolling farmlands, gorges and waterfalls, world-class vineyards, flower fields, craft breweries, and historical museums, ancient landmarks, and even boasts an award-winning farm-to-table food scene. 

The Finger Lakes region makes traveling easy with accommodations from 5-star resort spas to charming B&B’s and spacious campsites suitable for all budgets.

A plethora of farmer’s markets, local produce stands, quirky bistros, and locally owned businesses are conveniently sprinkled throughout the region, along with over 200 wineries, 74 breweries, 400 historic sites, 24 state parks, and over 900 miles of hiking trails giving life to the term “something for everyone”!

Know Before You Go

I embark on my Finger Lakes road trips from the small town of Redwood, New York and have visited in summer and fall. The region is easily reached (a 2-hour drive or less) from Buffalo, Rochester, Albany, or Syracuse and is only a 5-hour drive north of New York City, all of which host their own international airports and rental car centers. Regional airports include Elmira/Corning and Ithaca Tompkins.

The area has a 4-season climate that is enjoyed year-round with accompanying activities. May-September has the best weather for enjoying all the region offers since days are warmer, and rain is minimal. This itinerary is best for spring and summer. If you are thinking of visiting in Fall make sure to read my Fall Finger Lakes Road Trip Itinerary that gives more specifics on where and how to find the best fall foliage, fun festivals and charming fall towns throughout the region.

Most wineries and specialty restaurants are only open Thursday-Sunday. Unfortunately, I didn’t know this during my first visit and missed out on a few recommended kitchens: Ryan William Vineyards (closed Tuesday & Wednesday), Rio Tomatlan (closed Monday), and Thirsty Owl Bistro (closed Mon-Thursday).

I like to be flexible during road trips and almost always plan nightly stays the day of, but I am willing to stay on the outskirts of town, camp, and even sleep in my car. It is a good idea to check to see if any big festivals or events like NASCAR are going on when you are visiting the Finger Lakes Region. If so, you may not get your first accommodation choice if you do not book ahead. Otherwise, there are plenty of lodging options available even during the high season, June-August if you are ok with staying outside of town.

If you are short on time, cut this 7-night itinerary down into 5 nights or even 3. If a few highlights or a specific area is all you are after, one night is enough. On the other hand, if you have more time, there is enough to see and do around the Finger Lakes to keep you busy for weeks on end!

This 300-mile, 7-day driving itinerary will take you through the major five (and most scenic) Canandaigua, Kekua, Seneca, Cayuga, and Skaneateles Lakes while showcasing an impressive array of exciting adventures along the way.

Road Trip Itinerary (7 days, 6 nights)

At the end of this 7-day Finger Lakes road trip itinerary, I listed optional routes for shorter stays that include some of my favorite landmarks, sights, and towns. I pack a lot into my trips but keep in mind all of these itineraries are easily altered to accommodate different interests and styles of travel.

Day 1: Canandaigua to Hammondsport

Start your road trip from the town of Canandaigua, at the north end of Lake Canandaigua. Stay the night in Hammondsport at the south end of Keuka Lake.

Best things to do around Canandaigua

• Sonnenberg Gardens & Mansion (north end) -restored 1800s mansion with gardens, waterfalls, and greenhouses
• Boathouses at City Pier (north end) – colorful and cute!
• Canandaigua Sailboard (north end)- for water sport rentals
• Canandaigua Lady Boat Tour (north end)- Dinner, Lunch and narrated excursion tours
• Craft Breweries
  • Brew & Brats
  • Three Huskies
  • Young Lion
  • Twisted Rail
• Scenic Drive down W Lake Rd./Road 16 (west side)
• Grimes Glen (south end; closed on Sundays)- waterfall hiking
• Town of Naples (south end)- historic old town, cafes, wineries, and the BEST grape Pies in the world!
• Joseph’s Wayside Market-Large market with fresh baked goods, seasonal decor, garden fruits and vegetables
• Town of South Bristol Scenic Overlook– Picnic space with incredible views of the Lake

It is easy to spend ½ a day exploring the north end of Canandaigua lake. I loved strolling down the pier and snapping photos in front of the colorful boathouses.

Grab a tasty cocktail at the Sandbar Cafe on their outdoor patio (call ahead to ensure availability due to new COVID regulations) or get 5-star service at the famous NY Kitchen. They are known for their interactive and educational cooking classes and second-floor restaurant, where ingredients are seasonally fresh and locally sourced.

If you get an early start and the sound of flowering gardens and beautifully restored historical mansions brighten your day, you may want to explore Sonnenberg Gardens & Mansion before heading south. Plan about three hours to explore the 50-acre estate complete with a cafe, gift shop, and 10+ unique gardens and greenhouses.

Once you’ve got your fill of North Canandaigua Lake, head to the south end via State Route 21 along the west side of the lake to the village of Naples.

Have a meal at the Roots Cafe for the “freshest, most beautiful food in the area” (they are not kidding- I can vouch from experience) or relax with a wine tasting overlooking manicured vineyards at Inspire Moore Winery, next door to Roots Cafe. 

Stop for a world-famous grape pie (and other delicious baked goods) at Monica’s Pies– you haven’t lived until you tried their Key Lime. Then, enjoy your goodies at the Scenic Overlook (located at 7083 Co Rd 12), only a 3 min drive away with breathtaking views of the lake. Google Maps has it as “Lake View Point Scenic Overlook“

To get to The Scenic Overlook from Monica’s Pies, go north on Route 21 and quickly bear left (.2 miles) onto Griesa Hill Rd. Turn Right on to Route 12. It’s about ½ a mile up the road on the right from Griessa Hill Rd, you can’t miss it!

Around the same area is Grimes Glen Park. It is a fun pit stop for an upstream waterfall walk (closed on Sundays). It’s an easy 1-mile out and back trail through Grimes Creek (2 miles total). You will have to walk in ankle-deep water to make it to the last waterfall and swimming hole, but don’t let that stop you; it’s worth the effort! 

Joseph’s Wayside Market is another great stop in Naples for fresh produce, baked goods, flowers, wine, gifts, and more. Check their website for operating hours. They are typically open weekly from 8 am-6 pm during spring, summer, and fall.

Continue south (about 36 min, 25 mi) from Grimes Glen to Hammondsport (south Cayuga Lake) for the night. 

Where to stay in Hammondsport

• Historic Champlin House B&B $$$
• Keuka Lakeside Inn $$
• Camp Elmbois Campground $

Day 2: Keuka Lake to Corning

Drive around Keuka lake, stopping along the way before heading to Corning for the night.

Best things to see and do around Keuka Lake

• Keuka Lake State Park (northeast branch) -waterfront park for picnics & water sport rentals
• Keuka Outlet Trail (North end)- easy and scenic 13.3 miles out and back trail between Keuka and Seneca Lakes.
• Windmill Farm and Craft Market– South of Penn Yan on State Route 14A. “Friendly leashed dogs” welcomed.
• Sweet Melissa Charters– 1/2 day and full day fishing charters
• Finger Lakes Boating Museum (south end)- open daily, great for kids
• Glenn H. Curtiss Museum (south end)-antique aircraft, automobiles, motorcycles, and more near Hammondsport
• Keuka Lake Wine Trail-over 20 wineries

Some of my favorite wineries are around Keuka Lake (highlighted below), and Keuka had some of the best views! The scenic route is about 90 mins nonstop via Route 54/54A. We might have gone fishing for trout, largemouth bass, or landlocked salmon if we had more time. Keuka Lake has the healthiest population of native fish of all the Finger Lakes. 

My favorite Keuka Lake Wineries

• Bully Hill Vineyards– Wine tastings, open-air restaurant (closed Tuesdays), wine Museum and gift shop atop a hill overlooking Keuka Lake and vineyards
• Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery– one of the oldest wineries in the region, credited with launching the NY Wine Region into international statue in the 1960s with their award-winning Rieslings
• Keuka Spring Vineyards– awarded numerous “Best of” awards over the years and hosts tastings on their open-air patio overlooking gorgeous Keuka Lake.

We LOVED our lunch at Bully Hill Vineyards. The sprawling vineyard views were amazing, and they have the most delicious homemade pineapple wine slushies I’ve ever tasted (and I’ve tasted a lot).

We also did a four-station wine tasting at Dr. Konstantin Frank’s winery. Although none of the wines were to my liking (sweeter whites), the educational stations, views of Kekua lake, and salmon sculpture in the vineyard made it a great tasting experience.

Most wineries are open from 10 am-5 pm and take their last tastings an hour before closing. However, some wineries are reservations only, so make sure to call ahead and plan your wine stops accordingly.

After some fun around Keuka Lake, head south to the town of Corning for your second night (about 35 mins, 29mi from Hammondsport).

We planned a night in Corning specifically to see the Corning Museum of Glass (I’m so glad we did), but if you have limited time or are not interested in the Corning Museum of Glass, cut out Corning and head straight to Watkins Glen (south Seneca Lake) for the 2nd night.

Where to stay around Corning

• Hilton Garden Inn (walking distance to the Museum of Glass) $$$
• Rosewood Inn Bed & Breakfast $$
• Ferenbaugh Campsite $

Day 3: Corning to Watkins Glen

Explore the town of Corning before driving through Montour Falls and then to Watkins Glen (south Seneca Lake) for the night.

Best things to see and do in Corning

• Corning Museum of Glass-modern wing recently added
• Gaffer District- historic downtown full of art galleries, locally-owned boutiques, and restaurants
• Rockwell Museum– Western Art Museum
• Heritage Village of the Southern Finger Lakes-history buffs will love
• National Soaring Museum– 20 mins from Corning in the town of Elmira

Start your morning at the Corning Museum of Glass. Arrive when they open to avoid crowds. We stayed at the Hilton Garden Inn and walked over in under 10 mins. We spent almost 4 hours exploring the museum and had a snack at their cafe. 

On our way out of town, we stopped in the Gaffer District, a trendy area with lots of dining and locally owned boutiques. We devoured fresh-baked cupcakes from Poppleton Bakery and a piping hot pizza from Aniello’s Pizza that did not disappoint.

After you had your fill of Corning, head to Watkins Glen. If you are in the mood for some waterfall chasing and lite hiking, stop at the village of Montour Falls.

Montour Falls showcases four waterfall sites, all within a 5 min drive of each other.

• Shequaga Falls -scenic overlook
• Eagle’s Cliff Falls in Havana Glen Park- short hike with stairs to a swimming hole
• Deckertown Falls – short easy (muddy after rain) hike to cascading falls and swimming hole
• Aunt Sarah’s Falls– scenic overlook

The falls were not at their peak in early August, but the hike to Eagle Cliff Falls was lovely- be prepared to climb some steep stairs. If you make it to the falls, look for the carved-out eagle in the rock wall. Can you see it in the photo above?

My favorite stop in Montour Falls is Deckertown Falls. It is a short hike with an incline and only enough parking for 3 cars on a dead-end residential street. There are a few swimming holes and multiple falls. The upper falls require a short swim to a slippery climb up the lower falls, but it is worth the effort if you have a swimsuit.

We made it to Watkins Glen around dinner time. We filled up on tasty seafood at Seneca Harbor Station Restaurant overlooking the Seneca Town Pier and got treated to a spectacular sunset (see photo below).

Best things to see and do in Watkins Glen

• Watkins Glen State Park -hiking the gorge trail is a must!
• Watkins Glen International -“The Glen”- Automobile racetrack
• Captain Bill’s Seneca Lake Boat Tours -guided lake tours
• Horseback Riding -north of Watkins Glen on the east side of Seneca Lake
• Ben & Jerry’s
• Glen Mountain Bakery & Deli- Counter-serve offering pastries, coffee & NY-style sandwiches on homemade bread (closed Tuesday)
• The village of Montour Falls– waterfall chasing
• Elmira– “The Queen City” 30 mins south of Watkins Glen. Location of Mark Twain’s summer home and final resting place.

If you don’t do anything else in Watkins Glen, hike the Gorge Trail in Watkins Glen State Park. Plan two hours to complete the route, expect to get wet, and bring your camera! This park was voted NY’s #1 state park by USA Today for a good reason.

There are over 800 stone stairs along the way, 19 waterfalls, caves, stone bridges, and tunnels chiseled through the massive rock formations.

The trail is only 1.5 miles one way. Most people take the Indian trail or Rim Trail back to the entrance. Both are fun, scenic treks along the gorge’s edge. There is also a $5 bus to and from the main parking lots if you want to skip the round-trip hike.

Where to stay around Watkins Glen

• Harbor Hotel $$$$
• Idlwilde Inn $$$
• The Blackberry Inn B&B $$
• The Local Hostel $

Day 4: Watkins Glen/Seneca Lake to Geneva

Exploring the east side of Seneca Lake and heading to the town of Geneva (northwest side Seneca lake) for the night

Best things to see and do around Seneca Lake

• Finger Lakes Welcome Center (Geneva)
  • Photo op: I LOVE NY sign @ the Welcome Center
  • Sidewalk stroll along the waterfront
• Smith Opera House – Historic Theater Venue with live performances
• Rose Hill Mansion– Tours of a 19th-century estate
• Hector Falls– Scenic view along Route 414 (no pull-off)
• Seneca Lake State Park – North end, something for everyone
• Sampson State Park – East shore, great for camping and boating
• Watkins Glen State Park– The most famous State Park in the Finger Lakes
• Keuka Lake Outlet Trail (west side of the lake)- an easy 13.3 miles out and back trail between Keuka and Seneca Lakes.
• Starkey’s Lookout- Dundee, NY, beer and wine tastings overlooking Seneca Lake
• Craft Breweries
  • Grist Iron Brewing Company- Microbrewery with comfort food and live music events
  • Climbing Bines Hop Farm and Craft Ale Company- Fresh off-the-farm brews created with sustainable agriculture in mind
  • Wagner Valley Brewing Co- “Only the finest Malt, Hops, Yeast, and Water can be used in the production of beer”. 
  • War Horse Brewing Co.- handcrafted microbrews, hard ciders, and sodas.
• Seneca Lake Wine Trail – Largest wine trail in New York
• Scenic driving routes- Route 414 & Route 14S
• National Memorial Day Museum (Waterloo, NY)- Learn about the history and origins of the Memorial Day holiday while paying respects to America’s veterans (thanks for the suggestion WJ)

Seneca is one of my favorite lakes to explore, not just because there is a Ben & Jerry’s Ice cream shop in town but because of the variety of activities you can do around the lake such as boat tours, horseback riding, fishing, hiking, and so much more!

Have breakfast at Glen Mountain Bakery, and then from Watkins Glen, head North on 414 to explore the east side of Scena Lake. Make sure to stop along New York’s longest wine trail. If not for the wine, delicious food, lush green vineyards, and beautiful lake views.

Some of my favorite wineries on Seneca Lake are:

• Ryan William– delicious red wine and the best tapas- spinach artichoke dip is a must-try!
• Fox Run Vineyards– Enjoy a wine tasting, vineyard tour, or lunch in their café. 
• Leidenfrost Vineyards– the host was amazing and so was the sparkling pink!
• Hazlitt 1852 Vineyards– for the oasis, wine slushies, and outdoor vibes
• Idol Ridge-homemade fudge and a relaxing porch
• Three Brothers Wineries and Estates – Three tasting rooms, one brewery, sparkling vineyard views, and a delicious food menu
• Ventosa Vineyards-Cafe with striking vineyard and lake views off the patio.
• Tabora Farm and Winery (Organic Bakery & Deli)- I still haven’t tasted their wine but I always stop for a sandwich, quiche, and baked goods.

Make some time for a pit stop at the Finger Lakes Welcome Center in Geneva (north end). It is a great spot to enjoy a multipurpose space with a coffee bar, snack cafe, and outdoor patio. Take photos with the iconic I LOVE NY sign and walk along the paved trail for sprawling lake views, the fishing pier, lakefront park, and an ice cream hut.

If you are looking for a gastronomical experience, try F.L.X Table (seats only 12, so reservations are required) or Kindred Fare, both inspired by farmhouse cooking and spirited gatherings in downtown Geneva.

Geneva is also home to Belhurst Castle and Winery (10 mins south of the Welcome Center). Entranced by the word “castle,” I stayed here for a night and was pretty underwhelmed with my experience.

The property is well manicured, has two restaurants, a tasting room, and beautiful views of Seneca Lake, but I’d skip staying here for the night. But, of course, you could always go for a wine tasting and look around the property if you are as curious as me.

I stayed in the “modern” wing (all that was available) at Belhurst, and it’s not worth the high season price tag. The room was outdated and lacked the unique character I thought we’d get when staying in a “castle.”

Where to stay around Geneva

• Geneva on the Lake $$$$
• Hampton Inn Geneva $$$
• Holiday Inn Express $$

Day 5: Geneva/ Cayuga Lake to Ithaca

Get up early to make the most of your day exploring the west side of Cayuga lake and settling into Ithica for the night (south end of Cayuga lake)

Best things to see and do around Cayuga Lake

• Town of Seneca Falls– Historic Gateway to the Finger Lakes
  • The Women’s Rights National Historical Park
  • The National Women’s Hall of Fame
  • the Seneca Museum of Waterways and Industry 
  • The Seneca Falls Heritage Area Visitors Center
  • “It’s a Wonderful Life” Bridge and Museum
• Cayuga Lake State Park – great for fishing and camping
• Great Gully– swimming hole and waterfall walk
• Taughannock Falls State Park-the tallest free-falling waterfall east of the Mississippi. 
• Ithaca– Home of Cornell University and over 100 waterfalls
• Boat Tours- Discover Cayuga Lake (Ithaca), Bianconi Tours (Aurora), Ithaca Boat Tours (Ithaca)
• Town of Aurora-Charming town reinvigorated by American Girl Founder, Pleasant Rowland
• Aurora Farmers Market– Saturdays only
• Kings Ferry– town with sunflower fields, popular King’s Ferry corner store, Bright Leaf Vineyard and Trelevan Wines
• MacKenzie-Childs– home design center
• Cayuga Lake Wine Trail-16 wineries
• Cayuga Lake Beer Trail– 100+ breweries
• Cayuga Lake Scenic Byway– Routes 89 (west), 90 & 34 (east)

Start the day by filling up on car riding snacks at Saunders Market in Seneca Falls before continuing through town.

Stretch your legs on the short Ludovico Sculpture Walk along the Seneca-Cayuga canal (trailhead is at the intersection for Canal St. and Bridge St.) or enjoy a historic downtown museum such as the National Woman’s Hall of Fame before continuing south down Route 89 on Cayuga’s west bank.

Although never proven, Seneca Falls is famed for being the inspiration for the fictional town of Bedford in the popular 1940s movie “It’s a Wonderful Life.” It has a free museum full of memorabilia from the set.

There are plenty of brewers and wineries along the way. Unfortunately, we didn’t make it to any breweries, but these are my favorite Cayuga Lake wineries.

• Swedish Hill Vineyards– For the white flight and Donkey mascot Doobie and miniature horse Sven live on the property
• Buttonwood Grove Winery– relaxing atmosphere, open-air deck overlooking the lake and acres of vineyards. Also the home of Merlot, the vineyard kitty
• Thirsty Owl-Onsite Bistro (closed Tues & Wed) and large tasting room with serene waterfront views

Further south (about 32 miles south of Seneca Falls) is Taughannock Falls, State Park. It is worth a stop, even if it’s only for the scenic waterfall overlook. There are hiking trails and few different viewpoints of the tallest waterfall east of the Mississippi.

Drive another 10 miles south and stop in Ithaca for the night. The beautiful Cascadilla Gorge Trail is located in downtown Ithaca, and there are plenty of outdoor dining options to end the day.

If you are short on time, skip staying the night in Ithaca and continue to Skaneateles for the night.

Where to stay near Ithaca

• Argos Inn Historical Boutique Hotel $$$$
• Canopy by Hilton $$$
• Camping in Robert H. Treman State Park $$

Day 6: Ithaca to Skaneateles

Drive northeast up Cayuga lake on Route 34/90 through King Ferry and Aurora. Stay the night in Skaneateles.

Best things to see and do around Ithaca

• Hiking& Camping
  • Cascadilla Gorge Trail
  • Robert H Treman State Park
  • Buttermilk Falls State Park
• Breweries
  • Liquid State Brewing Company
  • Lucky Hare Brewing
  • Ithica Beer Co.
• Ithaca’s Farmers Market – open Saturday & Sunday
• Cornell Botanic Gardens– consists of 25 acres of botanical gardens and 150 acres of the F.R. Newman Arboretum
• De Witt Park-Historic district with 45 buildings, one site, and three historic objects

If you didn’t get a chance to stroll down Cascadilla Gorge, make time to do that before you leave. It’s an easy 1 mile out and back trail (with a few stairs) overlooking a beautiful gorge with bridges and multiple flowing waterfalls. It’s really a beautiful scene and a part of Cornell University’s Botanical Gardens.

There are several other waterfall hikes and trails in Ithaca. We went for a 5-mile hike in Robert H. Treman State Park (gorge + outer rim) and had plans to visit Buttermilk Falls. Unfortunately, the parking lot was full when we arrived at 12 pm, so make sure to get an early start if visiting multiple state parks.

Continue your day by heading north on the east side of Lake Cayuga along route 34 to 34B.

Drive through Kings Ferry if your trip is in early to mid-August for the Sunflower fields. Look for sunflowers off of NY 90 near Turek Farms or across the street from Treleaven Winery. You can call or email Turek Farms to ask about the sunflowers to ensure they are blooming and where they are planted (the field location changes year to year). These flowers are plowed and turned into birdseed, usually at the end of August, so you have to time it right. When visiting, please be respectful (no picking or crushing them).

Turek Farms is located on the left, less than a mile west of the intersection 90 & 34B – If they are in bloom, you can’t miss them!

Stop at the MacKenzie-Childs Design Center in Aurora if you like handcrafted pottery in vibrant, quirky designs. Unfortunately, their free property tours were shut down when we visited (COVID-related), but their retail shop, farmhouse, gardens, and goose house can all be explored on foot. New for 2021, you can self-tour the inside of the farmhouse by making an online reservation 24 hours in advance.

From Aurora, Head north on 90 and take a right on 326, going through the town of Auburn onto Route 20 toward Skaneateles.

Auburn is home to a few historic sites and art museums, such as the Schweinfurth Art Center. It is a great pit stop on the way to Skaneateles. If you like sweets, stop at Camerons Bakery off of Grant Ave (state road 6). Just before Skaneateles off of HWY 20 is Strawberry Fields Hydroponic Farm and Floral Boutique. You can handpick strawberries (standing up), shop in their farm boutique, and enjoy a sunflower maze in early August or a corn maze in fall.

Best things to see and do in Auburn

• Strawberry Fields Hydroponic Farm– You pick strawberries (July-October), Gift shop, guided tours, and a sunflower field (blooming early- mid-August)
• Schweinfurth Art Center– offering more than a dozen contemporary art exhibitions each year, plus classes and workshops for children and adults
• Cayuga Museum of History and Art – Historical mansion educating individuals about local art and history and the invention of sound on film
• Harriet Tubman House- Visit the 19th-century residence of the namesake abolitionist who rescued slaves via the Underground Railroad
• Emerson Park-135-acre waterfront park featuring a historic pavilion, playground, boat launches & picnic shelters
• Auburn-Fleming Trail– Short and flat 1.5-mile hike
• Cameron’s Bakery– Handmade baked goods, cookies, doughnuts, pastries, pies, bread, and more!

Where to stay near Skaneateles

• Sherwood Inn $$$
• Mirbeau Inn & Spa $$$$
• Finger Lakes Lodging $$

Day 7: Skaneateles to home

Enjoy your last day in the Finger lakes before making your way home. The closest airport is Syracuse Hancock International (SYR) Airport, only 29 miles, 40 mins away.

Best things to see and do around Skaneateles

• Skaneateles Village-main drag for entertainment, shops & restaurants
• Mid-Lakes Navigation– Sightseeing and guided lake boat tours
• Skaneateles Marina-Water sport and Pontoon boat rentals
• Anyela’s Vineyards– Daily tastings of world-class wines
• Lockwood Lavender farm– 120-acre flower and fiber farm with you pick bouquets (June & July)
• Scenic Route – Drive north on East Lake Road (east side of the lake) for picturesque rolling hills and pristine lake views.
• Strawberry Fields Hydroponic Farm– You pick strawberries (July-October), Gift shop, guided tours, and a sunflower field (blooming early- mid-August)

Skaneateles Village borders the waterfront and is crawling with boutiques, specialty shops, locally owned businesses, outdoor dining, and my favorite local bakery, The Skaneateles Bakery. They serve breakfast and lunch and sweet treats until 4 pm daily (Sunday until 2 pm). Their toasted Gruyere Cheese Sandwich is so rewarding after a long week of traveling (and so are their baked goods).

We enjoyed a guided sightseeing tour of the crystal clear lake with Mid-Lakes Navigation. The Caption was very entertaining while sharing the history of the lake and even revealed some lake resident secretes.

Mailboat cruises are also available. One of the only operating US Mail boats hand-delivers mail to residents of the million-dollar mansions surrounding the lake beginning July 1st through the Tuesday after Labor Day each year.

Anyela’s Vineyards is a great place to relax and unwind. Tastings at $20 each are a bit pricy compared to other Finger Lake wineries, but I took the plunge and blissfully enjoyed the atmosphere and scenery with no buyer’s remorse.

Before you leave, Skaneateles, make sure to enjoy the lakefront, even if that means people-watching from one of two picturesque parks, Clift or Thayer Park. Grabbing a bite from Skaneatleas Bakery and enjoying a picnic on the lakefront is one of my favorite ways to enjoy a beautiful day.

If you have a long car ride ahead, a stop at Navarino Orchards off of Route 20 (just outside of Skaneateles) is perfect for car riding snacks, and you pick orchards (June-October).

***

As you can tell, there are so many fun areas to explore around the Finger Lakes. Whether you are a hiker or fisherman or prefer to catch a buzz at endless wine tastings, I’m sure you will love adventuring around the Finger Lakes region as much as I did!

One last tip, don’t try to pack too many activities into one day. Instead, make sure to enjoy the atmosphere and scenic views along the way. There is so much to see and do; one trip is never enough.

Alternate Finger Lakes Road Trip Itineraries:

There are endless options for road trip itineraries around the Finger Lakes that are easily tailored to your specific interests, available time, and travel direction. I always notice something new popping up around the lakes on every trip and never hesitate to stop. Here are a few of my favorite routes and sights to see along the way.

2 days/1 night

• Pick one lake to enjoy. My three favorites are Scenca, Cayuga, and Skaneateles.

3 days/2 nights

• Hiking & Water Fall Focused
  • Day 1: Hike Great Gully, Aurora (Mackenzie Childs, Aurora Village Market for baked goods and Aurora Village Park), Kings Ferry (if it is August for sunflower fields), Ithaca (Ithaca Falls, Cascadilla Gorge Hike, Alley Cat Cafe)
  • Night 1: Ithaca
  • Day 2: Taughannock Falls State Park, Montour Falls (Deckertown Falls, Eagle Cliff Falls, Aunt Sarah’s Falls, Shequaga Falls), Watkins Glen (Gorge Trail, Raceway, Seneca Lake pier, Ben & Jerry’s, Glen Mountain Bakery)
  • Night 2: Watkins Glen (or Elmira if Watkins Glen is booked)
  • Day 3: Explore the west side of Seneca Lake (Fox Hill wineries, U-pick Blueberries, Ports Cafe, Geneva)

• Hiking & Waterfall Focused:
  • Day1: Filmore Glen State Park, Buttermilk Falls, and or Robert H. Treman State Park
  • Night 1: Ithica
  • Day 2: Ithica: Ithica Falls, Cascadilla Gorge Trail, Traugnock Falls
  • Night 2: Watkins Glen (gorge trail, main street, South Seneca Marina)
  • Day 3: Montour Falls

• Wine & Relaxing Focused
  • Day 1: Canandaigua Lake, Naples (roots cafe, Monica’s Pies, scenic overlook), Kekua Lake (Hammond sport, Bully Hill, Dr. Frank, Kekua Springs)
  • Night 1: Penn Yan
  • Day 2: Penn Yan, Seneca Lake (Geneva, Belhurst Castle, Muranda Cheese Company, Seneca Falls)
  • Night 2: Scenca Falls or Auburn
  • Day 3: Skaneateles (main street, pier, lake boat tour, Skaneateles Bakery, Strawberry Fields Hydroponic Farm, Navarino Orchards)

• Wine & Relaxing Focused
  • Day 1: Skaneateles (lake boat tour, picnic in the park, main street, Anyela’s Vineyards, Lockwood Lavander Farm)
  • Night 1: Skaneateles
  • Day 2: Aurora, (Village market, Fargo Bar & Grill, boat tour, Mckenzie-Childs, Turek Farm Sunflowers, Trevelean Winery)
  • Night 2: Aurora (Inns of Aurora if its in the budget) or Ithaca
  • Day 3: Seneca Lake wineries (east side Ryan William Vineyard, Lamoreaux Landing Wine Cellars, Three Brothers, Hazlitt 1852)
  • Night 3: Geneva

5 days/4 nights

• General Idea:
  • Day 1: Canandaigua Lake (north to south)
  • Night 1: Hammondsport
  • Day 2: Kekua Lake 
  • Night 2: Watkins Glen (south Seneca Lake)
  • Day 3: Watkins Glen/Seneca Lake
  • Night 3: Geneva (N Seneca Lake)
  • Day 4: Geneva/Auburn 
  • Night 4:  Skaneateles
  • Day 5: Skaneateles

More than 7 days

• General Idea:
  • Spend more time in each location above
  • Add in Letchworth State Park (further west)
  • Add in another lake
  • Spend time exploring Syracuse

More Posts about Upstate New York:

• 10 AWESOME reasons to visit the Adirondacks in the fall
• The Best Scenic 5-day Adirondack Fall Foliage Road Trip Itinerary
• Where to find the best sunflower fields in New York
• The Ultimate Guide to the Best Waterfalls in the Finger Lakes
• How to hike the Stunning Watkins Glen Gorge Trail