To March Break and Beyond! I’ll be honest, despite living in Southern Ontario my whole life, I had never heard about the Finger Lakes region of Upstate NY.  If it wasn’t for the wonderful people at Holiday Valley in Ellicottville, NY, where we had our amazing ski adventure last year, I would probably have not been introduced to this gem of a destination, only a three to four hour drive from the GTA. The locals raved about all the things for us to see and do there, especially for families – so many thi...

I woke up at 4:45a this morning, dressed in the warmest clothes I own and headed for Dundee, NY-1.5 hours from my home.  I volunteered to help Hermann J. Wiemer Vineyard disgorge their sparkling wine.

Here are the necessary components:

1.) Freezing cold weather, i.e. today in Dundee, NY 19 degrees

2.) Sparkling wine that has been riddled so yeast sediment is ready for expulsion

3.) Willing, able, strong minded volunteers, approximately 12

I showed up to 11 smiling faces, so happy to have a 12th ...

THINGS TO PACK FOR YOUR FINGER LAKES VACATION

The Finger Lakes region in Central New York State offers recreation and relaxation year-round. If you prefer the natural scenic backdrop provided by the pristine lakes and gentle rolling hillsides, or you're the adventurous type that likes to hit the trails or the slopes, and feel the wind in your sails out on the water, you won't be disappointed by all that the Finger Lakes have to offer. With the largest selection of Finger Lakes rental vacation homes to choo...

The Fourth of July is almost here, so how are you planning to celebrate America’s independence in the Finger Lakes? My family and I usually choose to have a cookout and enjoy the local fireworks.

 As a kid, I remember my favorite part of the holiday was packing up the car, heading out to the lake, and claiming our spot on the hill to watch the fireworks display over Canandaigua Lake. I never wanted them to come to an end, yet I remember the feeling of anticipation as I waited for the grand finale- no matte...

While we all enjoy a beautiful summer day, the nice weather can be a problem in the Finger Lakes- it’s hard to decide what to do first! If you are having trouble deciding how to spend your day, consider going for a hike. The Finger Lakes Region has a variety of scenic trails to choose from, but one of my favorites is The Keuka Outlet Trail.

This 7-mile trail runs along the Keuka Outlet stream which connects Keuka Lake to Seneca Lake. Along the way, the trail passes by all kinds of great scenery including ...

As a lifelong resident of the Finger Lakes region, I sometimes find that I take for granted the beautiful area that I am so fortunate to live in. As an intern here at the Finger Lakes Tourism Alliance, I am rediscovering why so many people flock to this area as a vacation destination, and I am even learning about new places to visit and sights to see that I never knew existed!

Now that summer vacation from college is here, I am able to get outside and enjoy the beautiful summer weather, and although yo...

Article courtesy of Tara Powers of 'Chip Chip Hooray'

For more information on Tara Powers and her blog, please visit her site at: http://chipchiphooray.wordpress.com/

A Weekend In Wine Country -- Finger Lakes, NY

“It’s five o’ clock somewhere.”

A phrase you’ve often heard to describe consumption of alcohol at an hour that might otherwise be considered uncouth, no? Well. Let me tell you, friends, there is something weirdly freeing about uttering those words at the blissful hour of 10 a.m.

The wee...

The weather is getting warmer and soon the water will be too. There is no better place to enjoy the water than in the beautiful Finger Lakes, a region named for its abundant freshwater. The Finger Lakes is home to eleven lakes that are scattered throughout the region. No matter where you are staying in the Finger Lakes you are bound to be close to one of them. The eleven pristine lakes are Conesus, Hemlock, Canadice, Honeoye, Canandaigua, Keuka, Seneca, Cayuga, Owasco, Skaneateles, and Otisco; along with nu...

Living in the Finger Lakes Region the past couple of years it has been hard to try and avoid the famous wineries the region prides itself on. Each year when my parents come to visit the area we like to take a wine tour. Usually we visit the same wineries time and time again; the Seneca Wine Trail is normally our trail of choice. We are drawn in by the magnificent service, and spectacular lake views that each establishment has to offer. There are so many to discover, and they all offer their own unique atmos...