Magnolia Place: FAQs
What makes the Finger Lakes so unique?
Ancient glaciers formed these 11 long, thin lakes in central New York State and are a sight to behold. From east to west, the significant lakes are Otisco, Skaneateles, Owasco, Cayuga, Seneca, Keuka, Canandaigua, Honeoye, Canadice, Hemlock, and Conesus, each with its unique charm. Seneca, Cayuga, Keuka, and Canandaigua are the five major lakes due to their length and volume of water.
What is the largest Finger Lake?
Seneca Lake, the largest lake by volume of water, boasts over 50 wineries around its shoreline. There are over 100 wineries in the entire Finger Lakes region.
When is the best time to visit?
Anytime is a perfect time! The Finger Lakes region offers something unique in every season. Peak season is Late April through the second week of November. Spring provides warming temperatures and fewer crowds to enjoy the many wineries; summer and warmer, dryer weather brings water activities, excellent hiking with many waterfalls, and a NASCAR race track in Watkins Glen motorsports. Fall (September-October) is popular for fall foliage and the wine harvest, while winter provides opportunities for snow sports.
What are the notable wineries surrounding Seneca Lake?
The region is well known for its Riesling wines. However, many other varietals, including dry reds, are being produced successfully. Notable wineries that surround Seneca Lake include Lakewood Vineyards, Lamoreaux Landing Wine Cellars, Wagner Vineyards, Ryan William Vineyard, The Hector Wine Company, Glenora Wine Cellars, Shalestone Vineyards, Forge Winery, Hillick and Hobbs Winery, Fox Run Vineyards Hermann J. Wiemer Vineyard, and many more.
What other notable wineries are in the Finger Lakes?
Surrounding Keuka Lake, there are several outstanding wineries, such as the Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery, Weis Vineyards, Ravines Winery, McGregor Winery, Bully Hill Vineyards, and Heron Hill Winery. Cayuga Lake offers many fine wineries as well: Knapp Winery, Sheldrake Point Winery, Hosmer Winery, and Swedish Hill Winery
What about Breweries and Distilleries?
Yes, there are many; Finger Lakes Distilling is a notable distiller. As for Breweries, there are over 30 in the area: Two Goats, Scale House, Grist Iron, Lucky Hair, and Three Brothers, to mention just a few. Many of these breweries boast charming restaurants as well!
What about Breweries and Distilleries?
Prepare to be amazed! Watkins Glen State Park features a dramatic 400-foot-deep gorge with 19 waterfalls along a 1.5-mile hiking trail. The most popular Trail, the Gorge Trail, offers spectacular views of the falls and rock formations. The park is typically open from mid-May through early November; however, it's good to check the park’s website when coming early or late in the season.
Where can I stay in the area?
Options are varied; they include lakefront hotels in Watkins Glen, B&Bs in historic homes, vacation rentals, camping at Watkins Glen State Park, and numerous hotels in nearby towns. To truly experience the Finger Lakes, one might choose a country inn and experience the tranquility of the surrounding countryside.
What are the best Watkins Glen and Hector restaurants?
Notable restaurants include Graft Wine + Cider Bar, Stonecat Café for local fare, Seneca Harbor Station for waterfront dining, Grist Iron Brewing Company for casual pub food, the Hazelnut Café in Trumansburg, and Sapalta at the Plum Point Lodge.
What water activities are available on Seneca Lake?
Activities include swimming, boating, kayaking, fishing, and sailing. You can rent boats at the Glen Harbor Marina, kayaks, and SUP boards at Summit to Stream Outfitters in Watkins Glen.
Are there boat tours on Seneca Lake?
Yes, there are! Captain Bill’s Boat Tours offers more classical excursions and a dinner cruise. If you want to sail, there is a majestic schooner called the True Love. Want a more intimate tour? Try Falling Waters Boat Tours; they only take out six people at a time and offer a unique finish to the tour by doing a wine tasting next to Hector Falls after your boat tour ends. Finer Lakes Cycle Boats are fun, and you assist in the vessel's propulsion
Is Watkins Glen International Raceway worth visiting?
Yes, especially for racing fans. The track hosts a major NASCAR event every August. Several other races are conducted throughout the summer and offer driving experiences and tours. During non-race days, you can even drive your vehicle around the track during "Drive The Glen" events.
What hiking trails are available besides Watkins Glen State Park?
The Finger Lakes National Forest, located between Seneca and Cayuga Lakes, offers over 30 miles of trails. There is Sugar Hill State Park, The Finger Lakes Trail, Havanna Glen Park, Robert Treman State Park, Taughannock Falls State Park, and Buttermilk State Park, all located 30 minutes or less from Watkins Glen
What's the weather like?
The region experiences four distinct seasons. Summers are warm (70-85°F), and winters are cold (10-35°F) with some snowfall. Spring and fall are mild but can be unpredictable. The lakes, especially Seneca Lake, moderate local temperatures somewhat.
What events shouldn't be missed?
The Finger Lakes Wine Festival (July) is a three-day event that showcases the region's best wines, food, and music. NASCAR races at Watkins Glen International in August. There are two significant events in September: The Vintage Race Weekend and a Balloon Fest at Castle Grisch, which happens near the end of September.
How long should I plan to stay?
To explore the area properly, a minimum of 3-4 days is recommended. This allows time for wine tasting, outdoor activities, and visiting local attractions without feeling rushed.
Is public transportation available?
Public transportation is limited, so a car is recommended. However, a Trolley runs up the east and west shores of Seneca Lake, and there are many different wine tour options. There is a unique option called Main Street Drivers; they drive you in your car, saving you the cost of getting around. A lively service called Pico’s Transit Authority hails out of Watkins Glen. Taxi and ride-share services are available but may be limited.
What's available in the winter?
Winter activities include cross-country skiing in Finger Lakes National Forest, wine tasting (most wineries are open year-round), plenty of excellent museums like the Corning Museum of Glass and the Rockwell Museum, and winter hiking. Several ski resorts are not too far away. Greek Peak is on the eastern side, and Bristol Mountain is southwest of Canandaigua. Bristol offers both Alpine and Cross-Country trails.
Where are the good shopping opportunities?
Downtown Watkins Glen offers boutique shopping, while the Waterloo Premium Outlets on the North of Cayuga Lake is a great option. The City of Corning provides excellent shopping, as does the village of Hammondsport. The City of Canandaigua boasts a vibrant downtown shopping district. Local artisan shops and farmers' markets are scattered throughout the region; one notable is the Windmill near Penn Yann and in the heart of the Mennonite/Amish community. In Ithaca ( on the Southern end of Cayuga Lake, there is an excellent farmers market on the weekends, and the Commons is a unique place to shop.
What's the best way to experience a wine tasting?
Consider hiring a tour company or designated driver service. Popular companies include Finger Lakes Winery Tours and Quality Wine Tours. The Lakeside trolley is another option, as is Main Street Drivers. Most wineries charge $5-10 for tastings, often waived with bottle purchases. It's best to check their websites for pricing.
Are there other attractions besides wineries and outdoor activities?
Yes! Visit the Corning Museum of Glass, Women's Rights National Historical Park in Seneca Falls, the Glenn H. Curtiss Museum, the Smith Opera House in Geneva, the Clemons Center (Broadway Shows and the Arts), and other historical sites and museums throughout the region.
What local foods should I try?
Local specialties include Finger Lakes wine, cheese from local creameries, grape pie (especially during harvest season), local produce from farmers markets, and fresh fish from the lakes. Many regionally sourced eateries feature eclectic menus.
What's the best way to experience fall foliage?
Of course, driving is the best way, but there are also balloon and helicopter rides, where you can get great views from above. Mixing leaf peeping with wine tasting is a great way to experience that area.
What universities and Colleges are in the area?
Cornell University in Ithaca is a world-renowned Ivy League school. There is also Ithaca College, Hobart and William Smith Colleges in Geneva, Keuka College in Penn Yann, Elmira College, and LECOM in Elmira. Community colleges include Finger Lakes Community College in Canandaigua, Corning Community College in Corning, and Thompkins Cortland Community College in Ithaca.