The Unheralded Wine Country of New York's Finger Lakes Warrants Attention

The Unheralded Wine Country of New York's Finger Lakes Warrants Attention

In the heart of New York, the Finger Lakes region offers an underrated treasure trove of natural beauty, rich history, and unique cultural experiences. From the vibrant city of Ithaca to the charming town of Syracuse, there's a wealth of hidden gems and historical sites waiting to be explored.

Ithaca, nestled at the southern tip of Cayuga Lake, is home to Cornell University and treats from Cornell Dairy, sourced from the Veterinary College. The city boasts pedestrian-friendly streets, quirky local businesses, cinemas, music shops, co-op groceries, and restaurants like Moosewood and Ithaca Bakery. Downtown Ithaca also offers attractions such as Paddle-N-More for kayaking and Ithaca Falls for viewing.

Just a short drive away, Deer Haven Park in Romulus, New York, presents a unique spectacle with its population of ghostly, stark-white deer. Once an Army depot during World War II, the park now offers a wonderland of gorgeous greenery and secluded lakefronts.

Syracuse, with its Americana charms and hidden surprises, is another must-visit destination. The city was the site of the Erie Canal and Clinton Square, where the canal once flowed, still stands as a testament to this historical event. Onondaga Lake, once considered one of the most polluted in the country, was the founding location of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy.

The Finger Lakes region is also dotted with notable historical sites. White Gates in Schuyler County, near Romulus and Interlaken, is a historic 1825 home built by the Lawrence family with ties to slavery and the Underground Railroad. Tours and talks explore this lesser-known history. Nearby, Watkins Glen State Park is famous for the Gorge Trail with 19 waterfalls, making it a major natural attraction.

Taughannock Falls State Park, near Ithaca, is home to one of the tallest free-falling waterfalls in the eastern U.S., offering spectacular views and hiking opportunities. Green Lakes State Park near Syracuse features two striking blue-green glacial lakes with forested trails and a sandy beach, ideal for hiking and swimming.

Historical walking tours and presentations at Schuyler County sites such as Lawrence Chapel and nearby cemeteries provide deep local historical context, including 19th-century history and cultural presentations. The Finger Lakes wine region itself, while more popular, offers a cultural experience beyond the wineries, with small towns and independent boutiques.

For those seeking adventure, Secret Caverns and Howe Caverns, a bit farther afield, offer unique caving experiences. Secret Caverns features a 100-foot underground waterfall and folk art, while Howe Caverns offers lantern-lit tours of a series of limestone caves.

The region's natural beauty extends to its three majestic mountain ranges. The Cascadilla Gorge Trail in Ithaca offers a scenic hike through craggy facades with cascades flowing down their earthen grooves.

Accommodations in the region range from the student-run Statler Hotel in Ithaca, offering peerless service and cozy quarters, to the D&K Ranch in Interlaken, which offers accommodations including a converted grain silo and wooden cabins, and provides access to the Finger Lakes National Forest.

Rex's Pasta in Cortland serves spicy spaghetti, while the Cortland County Ice Cream Trail offers sweet treats. The Exchange Restaurant in Syracuse serves poached benedict for breakfast, and Dasher's Corner Pub offers dinner and drinks with a view in Homer. Homer Hops offers a compelling selection of craft beer and often hosts concerts in the warmer months.

New York State, with its diverse magical scenery, rivals much bigger states out west. Whether you're seeking history, nature, adventure, or culinary delights, the Finger Lakes region offers something for everyone.

1. In the Finger Lakes region, the historical home White Gates in Schuyler County sheds light on lesser-known history, including ties to slavery and the Underground Railroad.
2. The unique spectacle of Deer Haven Park, with its population of ghostly, stark-white deer, is a short drive away from Ithaca.
3. For those seeking adventure, Secret Caverns in the Finger Lakes region features a 100-foot underground waterfall and folk art.
4. The Finger Lakes region, nested in New York, boasts Green Lakes State Park, which features two striking blue-green glacial lakes for hiking, swimming, and picnicking enthusiasts.
5. The charm of Syracuse, with its Americana charms, offers a vibrant downtown scene with local businesses, restaurants, music shops, and cinemas, blending modern lifestyle with historical landmarks like Clinton Square and Onondaga Lake.

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