November 1, 2013
Brelaun Douglas
News Writer
Travel
Photos: Courtesy www.fingerlakeswinerytours.com
One of New York’s largest tourist areas (covering 9,000 miles, including 11 lakes), the Finger Lakes, happens to also be the perfect place to visit year-round. Filled with a combination of scenic escapes, diverse attractions, and a variety of wine choices from its many wineries, the Finger Lakes are a getaway everyone can enjoy.
To appreciate the wonder that is the Finger Lakes is to know its history. According to Fingerlakes.com, there are divergent perspectives on how 
the lakes came to be. The scientific standpoint is that the lakes developed about 2 million years ago from advancing and retreating glacial flows. These glaciers carved deep trenches into the earth, leaving lakes and deep gorges behind. Meanwhile, Native Americans who lived in the area for thousands of years before Europeans believed that a great spirit reached down and touched the earth, leaving behind its fingerprints. In doing this, the natives believed that the land was transformed into sacred ground. No matter which view you choose to take, the beauty of the waterfalls, lakes and parks of the Finger Lakes are stunning – and deserve to be discovered.
Dining
If you are looking to enjoy some seafood, while 
taking in the beauty of the lakes, then Doug’s Fish Fry in Skaneateles is the restaurant to visit. Founded as a small business in 1982, Doug’s offers a friendly atmosphere and fresh oysters, shrimp, and other seafood, while providing a delicious and reasonably priced meal. An additional plus to your dining is that there is no waitress, so not tip is required. For a more upscale experience, try The Cellar on the River in Owego. The menu offers global flavors, ranging from French onion soup and Spanish Manchego cheese to delectable duck and whiskey medallions, all freshly prepared from scratch. Located mere feet from the Susquehanna River, guests can enjoy dinner with a view in the dining area, or the more private lounge.
Lodging
Located in the heart of the Seneca Falls historic district is Barrister’s Bed & Breakfast. A beautiful inn featuring carved fireplaces, stained glass windows and a courtyard, this is the perfect place to stay. It’s a short drive from many wine trails, as well as being in close proximity to the waterfalls, parks and other natural beauties that the lakes have to offer. Although Barrister’s is set in a historical location, it still offers all the comforts of home, including en suite baths, air conditioning, Internet, whirlpools and, of course, breakfast.
For those wishing to take in the regions renowned wine trails, there’s 1907 Bragdon House Bed & Breakfast and Wine Tours located in Geneva’s historic district. A short trek to many of the wine trails along the lakes, this bed and breakfast’s accommodations include king and queen-sized beds, private baths, decorative fireplaces and parlors, where guests can 
enjoy music or reading. During the day, guests can take private wine tours or sit on the veranda and enjoy the view of Seneca Lake. In the evening, tourists can take the short stroll downtown to enjoy the various shops, restaurants and nighttime activities.
Things to See and Do
Spanning multiple cities and lakes, the Finger Lakes have a wide array of activities for visitors to participate in and enjoy. For theater and the arts lovers, the Clemens Center is the premier spot to visit. As the area’s leading performing arts center, it offers an array of performances ranging from its brilliant Broadway shows to dynamic dance performances and family-friendly entertainment. The center houses two performance spaces that hold different shows. The Mandeville Hall venue hosts more intimate performances for a relaxing night, while the newly renovated Powers Theater showcases not only majestic murals and ornate opera boxes, but also the biggest live entertainment in the region. The Clemens Center has a diversity of performances for everyone to enjoy.
To enjoy the nature of the region, head over to Buttermilk Falls State Park. This park is home to the Gray Petaltail dragonfly (a species that flew during the age of the dinosaurs) as well as Buttermilk Creek, which forms a foaming cascade, as it flows down the valley into Cayuga Lake. The park hosts a small lake, hiking trails, playing fields and picnic areas, along with a campground, pool and Larch Meadows, a wetland area. Park tours are offered from the Fourth of July through Labor Day.
For those with a more eclectic spirit, spend the day in Corning at the Corning Museum of Glass. Here, you can watch live glassblowing demonstrations and make your own glassware. Tours through the gallery are offered, and guests can shop through the glass market for extravagant keepsakes.
Photos courtesy of http://www.fingerlakes.org
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