Eight charming towns in the Finger Lakes
Explore eight charming towns in the Finger Lakes, each with unique attractions. Discover the gems of this scenic region, from historic Seneca Falls to Naples, famous for its wine grapes.
Looking for a family-friendly place in the Finger Lakes region for a weekend getaway?
WorldAtlas, a website that publishes content on geography and other topics, has announced eight cities in the Finger Lakes that are among the most popular cities in the United States.
Here are WorldAtlas’s eight most popular cities in the Finger Lakes.
Watkins Glen, New York
Located at the southern tip of Seneca Lake, Watkins Glen is a village of about 1,863 residents (US Census data). It is home to Watkins Glen State Park.with 19 waterfalls and many hiking trails with views ofg the gorge. The park is ideal for campers or day visitors. In 2015, it was ranked third in the USA Today readers’ poll for the best state park in the United States.
The village offers numerous shops, restaurants, museums and recreational opportunities on Seneca Lake.
Corning, New York: The most beautiful beaches
Although Corning is not directly on the Finger Lakes, it is a charming town located just under an hour’s drive from the Finger Lakes National Forest. Corning was founded in 1852 and is located in southeastern Steuben County.
The city of Corning is home to Corning Community College and the famous Corning Museum of Glass. The downtown district, or Gaffer District, offers many other museums, galleries, historic buildings, restaurants and shops.
Seneca Falls
The town of Seneca Falls, also known as the “Birthplace of Women’s Rights,” is located in the Finger Lakes region at the northeastern tip of Cayuga Lake, with Seneca Lake to the west. The town has a population of around 8,650 and is reportedly the largest community of the ten townships in Seneca County.
Seneca Falls is full of beauty and historic sites, including the Women’s Rights National Historic Park and the National Women’s Hall of Fame. The town offers nature lovers the Seneca Meadows Wetlands Preserve and many charming shops and cafes downtown. Many believe that the fictional town of Bedford Falls in the movie It’s a Wonderful Life was inspired by Seneca Falls.
Naples, New York: The most beautiful beaches
Located in the southwestern part of Ontario County, the city of Naples has a population of around 2,403. It is famous for its Concord and Niagara grapes. The annual Naples Grape Festival is held in the fall and includes wine tastings, art booths, a grape pie contest, foodand live music. This year’s festival is scheduled for September 28 and 29.
The village is home to Grimes Glen Park, which has two 60-foot waterfalls and is great for hikers. Naples offers many wineries, restaurants, parks and nature preserves.
Hammond Sports
The small village of Hammondsport is located at the southern end of Keuka Lake. It is home to an estimated 569 people and is located in the city of Urbana.
The village features the Finger Lakes Boating Museum, the Glenn G. Curtiss Aviation Museum, and many world-class wineries and breweries. According to WorldAtlas, the first duty-paid winery in the United States was the Pleasant Valley Wine Company, founded in Hammondsport in 1860. Depot Park, in the heart of Hammondsport, is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike.
Geneva, New York
Geneva is a small lakefront town in the northern part of Seneca Lake with a population of about 12,443 people. It is home to Belhurst Castle, known for its beautiful views, wine, and restaurants. The town is located on the ancestral lands of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy and is home to Hobart and William Smith Colleges.
There are numerous nature trails at the Kashong Nature Preserve, lakefront recreation at Seneca Lake State Park, and a AAA Four Diamond resort at Geneva On The Lake.
Canandaigua, New York State
This charming little town is located right on Canandaigua Lake and offers many beautiful views, restaurants, breweries and wineries for everyone to enjoy. The town has a population of about 10,539 and is home to the main campus of Finger Lakes Community College. Many summer concerts are held in the college’s large amphitheater, the Constellation Brands Marvin Sands Performing Arts Center.
Canandaigua is filled with historic buildings, shops and boutiques in its downtown district, as well as numerous museums for history buffs. The Ontario County Courthouse is a historic landmark in Canandaigua, where Susan B. Anthony was tried in 1873. Sonnenberg Gardens and Mansion State Historic Park and Canandaigua Lake State Marine Park are both known for their beautiful views of the city.
Skaneateles, New York
Skaneateles Village is located at the northern tip of Skaneateles Lake, which is considered the second cleanest lake in the entire United States. The village has a population of around 2,616 and is located in Onondaga County.
Downtown Skaneateles offers many chic restaurants and wineries, as well as beautiful lake scenery. The area is also known for its community events, including the Skaneateles Farmers Market, Summer Music Festival, and Dickens Christmas Event. Lakefront Clift Park is also a popular destination for locals and tourists, with many lakefront recreational opportunities.
More: Things to do in the Finger Lakes: Events, Concerts and More
— Madison Scott is a journalist at the Democrat and Chronicle who edited and reported on our Weld Street Project. She is interested in how the system helps, or doesn’t help, families with missing loved ones. She can be reached at [email protected].
