Nestled into upstate New York is Seneca Lake, the largest of the 11 Finger Lakes. Home to the area’s first major winery, award-winning rieslings, and skirted by more than 50 vineyards, Seneca Lake offers one of three distinct Finger Lakes wine country trails. Factor in farm-to-table dining and a plethora of outdoor activities and you've got all the trappings of a perfect weekend getaway.
Must do: sleep lakeside
Finger Lakes Premier Properties
If you want an autonomous stay while visiting the Finger Lakes, trying securing a vacation rental right on the lake. Finger Lakes Premier Properties, for instance, offers over 250 vacation rentals on six of the lakes, including Seneca, and provides easy access to the acclaimed Seneca Lake Wine Trail.
Finger Lakes Premier Properties
The perks of booking your own place: guaranteed lakefront views, an array of cottages and luxury homes, professional cleaning, and keyless entry (no check-in). With ideal proximity to the lake and access to non-motorized water sports, experience a home away from home while spending your free time kayaking, wine tasting, and exploring.
Where to wine and dine your way through Seneca Lake
Zugibe Vineyards | ochristine.com
Follow the Seneca Lake Wine Trail and spend the day tasting local wines at a great price. At an average of $5 per person, Finger Lakes doesn’t gouge when it comes to tasting.
Start your wine journey in northeast Seneca Lake and visit Zugibe Vineyards. Be sure to try their award-winning rosé and lounge in their outdoor Adirondanck chairs overlooking the lake.
Next, visit Anthony Road Wine Company on the west side of Seneca Lake to experience the iconic rieslings Finger Lakes is known for. Their art gallery-styled tasting room is bright, open, and chic.
Fox Run Vineyards | ochristine.com
By this time, you’ll have worked up an appetite. head over to Fox Run Vineyards for a tasting paired with a delectable meal. Fox Run offers tours of their winery and vineyard, and is beloved for their annual summer Garlic Festival. For lunch, enjoy bison tacos paired with a glass of Lemberger on their outdoor patio.
If you want an evening in, take advantage of your rental home kitchen and purchase fresh produce from roadside farm stands for dinner. Bring exact change in US dollars; the stands operate on an honour system and don’t usually have an attendant managing the transactions. Be sure to grab some sweet corn while there.
Exploring the area
The Corning Museum of GlassThere is much to explore and experience around Seneca Lake, whether you’re looking for community, art and culture, or outdoor activities. Drive to Geneva in northern Seneca to spend the day exploring quaint neighbourhoods, colourful homes, and trendy establishments.
Where to go:
- Stroll along Linden Street for a small but robust offering of bars, restaurants, and nightlife.
- Visit FLX Table for a unique dining experience in a communal setting. (By reservation only.)
- Sample regional wines at Microclimate Wine Bar.
- Catch a show at the Smith Opera House.
Alternatively, take a gastronomic break and hike near Watkins Glen State Park at southern Seneca Lake, or drive 30 minutes south for an artistic and cultural experience at the Rockwell Museum and The Corning Museum of Glass. With a combo ticket, you can transfer between the two museums on a free shuttle. At The Corning Museum of Glass, treat yourself to a glass making class, or watch one of the many live demos, including glassbreaking and flameworking.
How to get to Seneca Lake from Canada
Flickr/Mike Procario (CCbyND2.0)
From Toronto and Niagara Falls, Seneca Lake is approximately a 4 hour and 2.5 hour drive, respectively — depending on where you book your Finger Lakes rental home.
The area is prime road tripping country. Having a car means being able to explore the area's back roads and hidden gems at your leisure. However, in the event you don’t want to drive, Uber and Lyft now operate in the area, and wine tasting tours may be booked ahead of time.
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This article was brought to you by our friends at Finger Lakes Premier Properties. Finger Lakes Premier Properties has the largest selection of lakefront vacation rentals in the region ranging from cozy cottages to luxury estates. Create your vacation today by clicking here to book direct, ensuring you reserve the best home at the best price.
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