|
CORNING & THE FINGER LAKES, NY
|
|
Eleven pristine lakes spread like fingers across central New York. Native American legend has it that these lakes were left behind by the Great Spirit who blessed this land with his hands. Today, we know them as New York’s Finger Lakes. The legend is echoed in the names of these fresh water lakes: Skaneateles, Otisco, Owasco, Cayuga, Seneca, Keuka, Canandaigua, Honeoye, Canadice, Conesus and Hemlock. Each lake and the land surrounding it has its unique personality and offerings.
Water is important to the recreational offerings of the area. Lake Ontario is the northern border to the region and is an anchor for great fishing. In the southern Finger Lakes, you can fish the Susquehanna River. Catch some famous waterfalls like Taughannock Falls, which plunges more than 400 feet into the basin below. Many state parks border the lakes, giving you options for camping, canoeing and kayaking. If you prefer your water frozen or snow-like then you can tackle the slopes at Greek Peak or Bristol Mountain Ski Resorts At Watkins Glen. Or go hiking through winding gorges or visit the western border of the Finger Lakes, “the Grand Canyon of the East,” Letchworth State Park. Nearly 80 different trail ideas are available in the Finger Lakes hiking and biking kit. Bring your bike and join in one of the triathlon or touring events which take you along the country roads or challenge you to ride up the hills beside the lakes.
Visitors to the Finger Lakes love the great outdoors and natural scenery, noting the spirit of the “locals” with their reputation for warm hospitality, entrepreneurship and creative artistic spirit. Perhaps this is why American trend-setters and heroes such as George Eastman, Susan B. Anthony and Harriet Tubman made their homes here. The history, art and culture of the Finger Lakes are showcased today in the world-class museums, performing arts centers and theaters which dot the region, anchored in cities like Rochester, home to the National Museum of Play and Syracuse, the host for the New York State Fair.
Charming communities are nestled lakeside or hillside, each with its own character: Auburn is known as “History’s Hometown,” Elmira was home to Mark Twain, and Skaneateles is dubbed a “stress free zone.” The smaller towns and villages of the region are truly what the Finger Lakes is all about - rural charm with a sophisticated flair. Boutique shopping, luxurious spas and unique eateries can all be found in the area's quaint towns and villages as well as the larger cities.
The food and wine you'll find in the Finger Lakes is legendary, from natural-foods pioneer Moosewood to the famous Dinosaur Bar-B-Que. Traveling the wine trails to meet the wine makers, touring the vineyards and enjoying a glass of award-winning wine at the more than 200 wineries in the region is one of the most popular activities. Many restaurants feature these wines and locally grown and produced foods on their menus. The rich agricultural lands of the Finger Lakes offer up a cornucopia of fresh tastes: apples, grapes and strawberries, as well as locally made cheeses, sauces and jams. At the New York Wine & Culinary Center, you can sample the state's prized harvests and taste what artisans are crafting at area wineries, breweries and distilleries.
You need to see the Finger Lakes from the air to really understand its splendor. The fall foliage rivals any in the Northeast and the landscapes are inspirations to photographers, artists, explorers, sailors and pilots. When you visit the Finger Lakes make sure you take a boat ride on the Erie Canal or one of the lakes, hop in a hot air balloon and float, consider one of the scenic train tours or take a glider ride at the National Soaring Museum.
The Finger Lakes are 9,000 plus square miles of adventure, scenery and personal experiences. It’ll be a tough choice of where to start and what to do and that’s why visitors have to return to the Finger Lakes over and over again to enjoy all that there is.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|