Finger Lakes, New York: A Serene Escape from the Everyday

Autumn is a magical time in the Finger Lakes, when nature shows off a spectacle of brilliant foliage. Kick off your adventure with an early morning hike at Harriet Hollister Spencer State Recreation Area, which offers nearly 40 kilometers of trails. Follow the Overlook Trail to take in sweeping views of Honeoye Lake framed by the golden hues of the surrounding woodland. Nearby in Naples, Grimes Glen Park is known for its three waterfalls, each tumbling roughly 18 meters over shale rock. Just under 2 kilometers in total, an out-and-back trail follows a creek and passes by two of these beautiful cascades. To truly immerse yourself in the vibrant canopy of fall color, head to Bristol Mountain Aerial Adventures. The Aerial Adventure Park is a thrilling way to reach new heights as you navigate a variety of zip lines, bridges and ropes courses through the woods.

Take a step back in time at Sonnenberg Gardens & Mansion State Historic Park, a treasured landmark in Canandaigua. This 20-hectare estate features a 40-room Queen Anne Victorian-style mansion dating back to 1887. Spaces in the opulent former summer home of a New York City banker and his wife that are open to the public include a library, great hall, billiard room, trophy room and several bedrooms, with architectural features like balconies, arches and pane glass peppered throughout. Beyond the impressive mansion, you’ll find a striking greenhouse complex and a collection of formal gardens. Stroll through nine breathtaking gardens, including the elegant Italian Garden, flower-filled Old-Fashioned Garden, peaceful Japanese Garden, colorful Rose Garden and more to appreciate a unique array of horticultural styles in all their splendor.

The Finger Lakes is home to a robust wine region, anchored by four distinct wine trails and more than 120 wineries and vineyards set among glittering waterways. Canandaigua Lake’s picture-perfect shores are an idyllic spot for a quiet moment of scenic beauty before venturing out to get a taste of the area’s award-winning reds and whites. Thanks to a microclimate created by the lakes, varietals like Riesling, Gewurztraminer, Pinot Noir and Cabernet Franc thrive. At Ravines Wine Cellars in Geneva, the tasting room is housed in a rustic-chic historic barn, where you can sample a wine flight of five pours. For a delectable experience, the Tasting Table wine and food pairing offers a grazing plate of savory bites alongside a curated selection of wines. Either way, you’ll learn about your beverage’s distinct characteristics and what makes wine from the Finger Lakes so unique.

With several major airports within a few hours’ drive of the region, getting to the Finger Lakes is easy. Greater Rochester International Airport (ROC) and Syracuse Hancock International Airport (SYR) are both around an hour away by car; Buffalo Niagara International Airport (BUF) is about two hours away, making the Finger Lakes a convenient stop for travelers also visiting the Niagara Falls area. Alternatively, Amtrak offers train connections to Rochester and Syracuse from most major Northeastern USA cities.