Discover New York's Finger Lakes: Wine Tastings, Hikes, and Charming Stays for an Ideal Weekend Getaway
My fiancée and I recently enjoyed a long weekend in the Finger Lakes, exploring tasting rooms and state parks for a low-key, rejuvenating escape.
Wine Tasting:
We drove the strip between Seneca and Cayuga Lakes, stopping along the Seneca Wine Trail and Cayuga Wine Trail. I had planned stops ahead, but soon realized flexibility was key—tasting rooms are frequent, well-signposted, and inviting. Just pick a direction and go.
Riesling shines here, but reds impress too. We stocked up on favorites from Kings Garden Vineyards' scenic lake-view room and Shalestone Vineyards, a red-wine specialist where owner Rob Thomas poured personally.
En route, we savored a hearty Viennese lunch at Dano’s Heuriger on Seneca: wiener schnitzel, bratwurst, and bread with savory spreads.
Cider Tasting:
The Finger Lakes' climate nurtures apple orchards, fueling top cideries. We loved the cozy Bellwether Hard Cider room, then visited Finger Lakes Cider House for Good Life Cider, guest ciders, ginger ale, and switchel (a tangy vinegar soda). Pair with their cheese and charcuterie.Watch the west side between them for Black Diamond Diner—an old locomotive cab billed as the world's smallest roadside diner by RoadsideAmerica.com, serving tasty hot dogs and burgers.
Cheese Tasting:
Balance wine with local cheese at Muranda Cheese Company, where owner Tom Murray crafts award-winning varieties on his family farm for eight years. For $2 per person, sample a dozen; we adored the aged and blue cheeses, plus a peek into aging rooms.
Hiking:
Between tastings, we hiked state parks to burn calories amid waterfalls and gorges. Watkins Glen's famed 19-waterfall trail was winter-closed, so we tackled Robert H. Treman State Park's moderate 4.5-mile loop to Lucifer Falls and Taughannock Falls State Park's easy 1.5-mile path.
Where to Stay:
For a limited time, Belhurst Castle on Seneca Lake offers $129/night Sundays-Thursdays through May 12. Frommer’s praises this 19th-century gem as "one of the most extraordinary places to stay in the Finger Lakes."We based in historic Seneca Falls, site of the first women's rights convention. Visit the Women’s Rights National Historical Park or grab a latte at Café XIX (nodding to the 19th Amendment), featuring Warhol-style portraits of activists like Elizabeth Cady Stanton.
For value year-round, try Hampton Inn Seneca Falls: clean, spacious rooms with free breakfast and Wi-Fi.
