Fall in the Finger Lakes

Here’s to the locals, the wanderers and beautiful Seneca Lake.

Fall is officially here!

This past season was a particularly busy one for Ron and I here at the Inn, however we were blessed with time to explore the region with many visits from extended family and friends. In addition to hiking the Gorge trail at the Glen (www.parks.ny.gov/parks/watkinsglen/details.aspx), we discovered several new attractions in the area that launched their inaugural season this year.

The Finger Lakes Festival of Lanterns opened Labor Day right up the road from us.  (www.fingerlakeslights.com) The larger-than-life lantern festival is set among the trees and natural environment of the stunning Grist Iron Brewing Company property. Guests of all ages wandered through dazzling light displays made from silk lanterns, steel structures and colored glass water bottles. (Of course, we first stopped at the wine tent to choose a beverage or two to take with us on the walk!)

We strolled along the gravel path, taking in not only the displays, but the serenity of the moon and woods surrounding us.

We’ve also made a point to venture to the west side of the lake this summer, particularly enjoying the view from Miles Wine Cellars in Himrod, NY. (www.mileswinecellars.com) A beautiful 1812 Greek Revival home, this little gem boasts a small dock on the water as well as a private beach to enjoy their spirits.

Slightly north of their property is a wonderful farm to table restaurant, Sapalta, (www.sapalta.com) where we celebrated our son Drew’s birthday.

Rail biking along railroad tracks has become quite popular up north in the Adirondacks, and is finally catching on in our region.  Located in the Penn Yan community, Finger Lakes Rail Riders boasts a five- mile ride along beautiful rolling hills, meadows and horses. (www.flrailriders.com) On our way back to Magnolia, we stopped at several Mennonite stands to pick up local goodies- marmalades, mums, pumpkins and, of course, had to take home a famous Grape Pie!

A relatively new winery, Forge Cellars (www.forgecellars.com) has caught our eyes so we stopped over for a tasting last weekend.  Making wine in the traditional handcrafted manner, they harvest, sort, load and press without machinery. Hundreds of separate, small French barriques from 16 different vineyards each have their own story and personality. We particularly enjoyed their Willow Seneca Lake Dry Riesling as well as their Railroad dry white. (Conveniently, their tasting room and production barn run adjacent to Dr. Frank’s acreage and our property. We couldn’t ask for better neighbors!)

As we watch the leaves beginning to change, we can’t help but celebrate the lake, these hills and the passionate people that care for them.

Here’s to our way of life and sharing it with you!