The Finger Lakes region of New York is a really special, beautiful part of the state. Made up of eleven long, narrow lakes (slightly resembling fingers) the Finger Lakes has so much to offer. From beautiful hiking trails to incredible waterfall chasing, to wonderful wine tasting, to just being right on the water, the Finger Lakes has a little something for everyone.
It’s also a destination perfect for any season. Spring, summer, and fall are more obvious seasons to visit as the weather is guaranteed to be a bit nicer. However, this area holds so much beauty during the winter as well.
I turned 30 years old last March and while we were still in the midst of the pandemic, I decided to celebrate my birthday in my own state, instead of traveling somewhere else as I’ve done in past years. Thankfully, New York State is so beautiful and diverse, that I didn’t mind at all exploring somewhere new in my own backyard. We decided on the Finger Lakes and had a perfect weekend eating delicious food, going on beautiful hikes, and wine tasting along the lakes.
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This trip took place right at the end of the winter season. We had to bundle up most days and be careful on the trails as some of them were a bit icy. But the major plus side of visiting during this time of the year was being able to avoid the crowds and really get to experience the natural beauty of this place without a million other people.
If you’re planning a fun weekend getaway for this winter in New York State, the Finger Lakes is an amazing area to consider. There’s tons of fun to be had, great wine to drink, and an incredible mix of charm and nature to experience. Keep on reading for the perfect winter weekend itinerary and let me convince you even further to put the Finger Lakes on your list.
Friday in The Finger Lakes
It obviously depends on where you’re coming from, but if you’re going to have a bit of a drive, I’d plan to reach Seneca Lake around 1 pm. Seneca Lake is a glacial lake that sits right in the center of the Finger Lakes. At the most southern point of the lake, you’ll find the village of Watkins Glen and Watkins Glen State Park. This is going to be where your weekend begins!
Stop #1: Blue Point Grill at Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel
After driving all morning, the first thing you’ll want to do is grab lunch. Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel is a beautiful accommodation that sits right on Seneca Lake. It’s also home to Blue Point Grille, a fantastic restaurant with a view of the water. Their menu focuses on fresh, local flavors and the atmosphere is vibrant and welcoming. I had their Maine lobster rolls, served traditionally on two authentic New England style buns with a side of chips. Along with a glass of wine, this was such an excellent meal.
Stop #2: Seneca Lake Pier
After lunch, we decided to explore the property a bit. Located towards the back of the hotel you’ll find the Seneca Lake Pier. This pier was built in 1983 and offers a very picturesque view of the lake. It’s absolutely worth going for a walk down the pier and taking in the beautiful scenery.
Stop #3: Watkins Glen State Park
Watkins Glen State Park is the most famous of the Finger Lakes State Parks. With 19 waterfalls, 200 ft cliffs, and stunning walking trails, its easy to see why. Unfortunately, the weather wasn’t great for us and we opted out of going. However, I’m sure it’s absolutely stunning during winter time and definitely worth the visit if the weather is permitting.
Stop #4: Inn at Taugannock Falls
On this trip we choose to stay at the Inn at Taugannock Falls and I could not recommend it more! It’s very quaint with beautiful rooms, a perfect location, and incredibly accommodating staff members. It’s also America’s only lake view inn just steps from a natural waterfall wonder!
The inn at Taugannock Falls is located on Cayuga Lake, just about half an hour away from Seneca Lake and Watkins Glen. The drive is very pretty and upon arriving, there’s a very easy check-in process.
The property was originally purchased in 1873 by a wealthy couple from Philadelphia. They bought the property as a private home for enjoying summers on Cayuga Lake. Many of the original furnishings were imported from England and Italy and remain in the Inn today. The Victorian aesthetic is so charming and inviting.
After getting settled in, we took the Inn’s receptionist’s suggestion and ordered take-out from a local pizza place, put on a movie, and enjoyed a nice cozy evening in.
Saturday in The Finger Lakes
Saturdays are for adventures, good food, and relaxation. And that’s exactly how we planned our Saturday in the Finger Lakes. After getting up at leisure and getting ready, we headed to the main inn for a breakfast and then got our day started.
Stop #1: Taughannock Falls State Park
One of the best parts about staying at the Inn on Taughannock Falls was being steps away from this incredible state park. Taughannock Falls is a breathtaking waterfall surrounded by incredible scenery. It has a drop of 215 feet and is one of the highest waterfalls east of the Rocky Mountains. The park itself is 750 acres and features hiking and nature trails, trailer sites, cabin rentals, and specifically for the winter season you can enjoy ice-skating, sledding, and cross-country skiing within the park.
Some important things to know about visiting Taughannock Falls State Park: It’s open year-round from dawn to dusk and is pet-friendly. The admission fee is $8 per car from April- September. During the offseason, it’s free to enter, which is another plus of visiting during the winter! There are multiple trails within the park, which are great for different skill levels. However, during the winter months, these trails can be pretty icy so good shoes are highly recommended.
We started off at the lookout point, which is located right next to the visitor center. Here, there’s an incredible view of the falls from a distance and we were really able to take in our surroundings.
Next, we hiked the Gorge Trail, which is a fairly easy 1.9-mile trail there and back. On this walk, we experienced the most beautiful views in every direction. Reaching the end is the real reward though! We found ourselves right at the base of Taughannock Falls where we got to marvel from up close.
Stop # 2: Finger Lakes Cider House
After taking in the breathtaking beauty of Taughannock Falls, it will be time to warm up indoors with an incredible lunch. Head to Finger Lakes Cider House for the best ciders and locally sourced food in the area. Located at the Good Life Farm, Finger Lakes Cider House is a working organic farm and orchard. Their balcony offers scenic views overlooking the crop fields and apple orchards. And inside you’ll find a great lunch menu with everything sourced from neighboring farmers right on the Finger lakes region.
We decided to get a few different flights of cider so we could sample a variety of what they offered. We were not disappointed! They have such an incredible array of options, whether you like something on the sweeter side, drier, or in between. For lunch, we shared an outstanding cheese and charcuterie board along with a few sandwiches. Everything was beyond delicious and I truly couldn’t recommend this place more.
Stop # 3: August Moon Spa
We decided to add some relaxation to our weekend with a trip to the spa. After lunch, we headed right to August Moon Spa, which is located in the charming, quaint town of Ithaca. August Moon Spa has a beautiful, rejuvenating energy about it and you can honestly feel it the moment you walk inside. They pride themselves on using local ingredients to create their spa treatments, and their menu is designed to be customizable based on each individual’s needs and treatment goals.
They offer everything from classic massages with added special oils, herbal poultice treatments, hot stone massages, and reiki. We, however, went with traditional Swedish massages and really enjoyed the hour of pure relaxation!
Stop # 4: Ithaca Falls
Since we were already in Ithaca, we decided to explore the area a bit, and let me tell you, the city of Ithaca is as charming as they come! You’ll find tons of great restaurants, cute shopping areas, and an unbelievable amount of waterfalls! Ithaca Falls is located just north of the downtown area, and is absolutely worth checking out! It’s not as tall and grand as Taughannock, but just as majestic and powerful. Again, be careful when approaching the falls during the winter, as the ground becomes frozen and very slippery. Good shoes are a must!
Stop # 5: The Boatyard Grill
For dinner that evening we made reservations at The Boatyard Grill, a fantastic spot right on the water. They specialize in steak and seafood and focus on locally-sourced fare. Everything from the ambiance to the decor was impressive. And then once the food started coming to our table we were even more impressed! We started off with a spicy tuna roll and crab cakes. Then we each had a filet mignon with grilled shrimp. For dessert, we indulged in a chocolate lava cake and it was the perfect ending to a perfect meal! And an all-around perfect day.
Sunday in The Finger Lakes
Sunday’s are perfect for day drinking and there’s no better way to spend a Sunday in the Finger Lakes than by making your way around the wine trail. After another wonderful breakfast at the main inn, we got started with our first winery of the day.
Stop # 1: Buttonwood Grove Winery
Buttonwood Grove Winery is a perfect place to start! They have a spacious multi-level deck, where you can enjoy spectacular views of the lake and beautifully landscaped grounds. The staff is very friendly and helpful when choosing wine and they offer a variety of different grapes, including Chardonnay, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and Riesling. We decided to stick to tastings, so we could try a variety. They offer five tasting for $12, which includes freshly baked bread and artisan cheese.
Stop # 2: Hosmer Winery
Next on our list was Hosmer Winery, located just down the road. Hosmer Winery was established in 1972 and is comprised of nearly 70 acres of grapes! The vineyard frames the tasting room, creating a very picturesque setting. Some of their grapes included Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Riesling, and Sauvignon Blanc. They offer five tastings for $12. Cheese & charcuterie boards are also available.
Stop # 3: Thirsty Owl Wine Company
Last on our list was Thirsty Owl Wine Company. This may have been my favorite of them all. Thirsty Owl is located right on the lake, so you can’t beat the views. They have an extensive wine and souvenir shop, which was a great place to pick up some little trinkets to bring back home. And they offer five tastings for $5! What a steal!
Stop # 4: Maxie’s Supper Club & Oyster Bar
After a day of wine tasting and enjoying beautiful views of the lake, we headed back into Ithaca for a delicious dinner at Maxie’s Supper Club & Oyster Bar. Maxie’s is a very cozy place with great ambiance and even better food. They specialize in New Orleans-style cuisine along with a fantastic raw bar selection. We started off with oysters and littleneck steamed clams, both of which were delicious. And then had the most incredible ahi tuna steak over sauteed spinach and a potato pancake. It was an incredible meal to end the weekend on.
The Finger Lakes region of New York State is a truly special place. I hope this itinerary has given you some great ideas of how to spend a weekend there, and if you never thought about visiting before, hopefully, you’re considering it now! Please feel free to leave any comments or questions below and as always, happy travels!
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