Indoor Retreats From Winter in the Finger Lakes

Have unspent vacation time to use at the end of the year that would otherwise be lost? We have the perfect solution. A visit to the Finger Lakes. 

We know that braving the elements and hitting the slopes isn't for everyone, but a visit to the Finger Lakes in winter absolutely is. Here are some of the many indoor activities visitors indulge in to stay, cozy, entertained and satisfied in the winter months: 

Museums

As a center for cultural and historical happenings for hundreds of years, the Finger Lakes Region is rightfully the home to more than 135 museums. Discover our historical significance at sites connected to the underground railroad and the women's suffrage movement, learn about our role in early American arts, science, innovation and invention. Choose these destinations that will perfectly blend learning and play for the ideal family vacation, or for adults who are curious at heart.

Recommendations:  Strong Museum of Play, Finger Lakes Museum, Finger Lakes Boating Museum, George Eastman Museum, Glenn H. Curtiss Museum, Harriet Tubman Home, Women's Rights National Historical Park, Corning Museum of Glass, Museum of the Earth, Genesee Country Village & Museum, Rochester Museum & Science Center, Memorial Art Gallery, The Rockwell Museum.

Spas

Treat yourself, or plan a well-deserved romantic getaway with someone you love at award-winning spas that will help you forget the rest of the world for a moment of self-care. 

Recommendations: Isabella Spa & Salon at Belhurst Castle and Winery, August Moon Spa at La Tourelle, Rasa Spa, Mirbeau Inn & Spa, Waterfalls Spa at Hope Lake Lodge, Woodcliff Hotel & Spa

Resorts and Casinos

Stay where you play, or just spend the day.  Whether you like video gaming machines, live-action poker games, betting on horse racing, or a riveting game of BINGO, you are never far from fun in the Finger Lakes. Some locations also feature nightlife, live music, comedy performances, high-end dining and a resort-feel with other enticing amenities. 

Recommendations: del Lago Resort & Casino, Tioga Downs Casino, Finger Lakes Gaming and Racetrack

Craft Beverage Tours

The Finger Lakes are more than just wine country. Take advantage of our many wineries, breweries, cideries and distilleries, but do so safely, with options for group and individual tours that take the responsibility and liability for transportation out of your hands and maximize your enjoyment of our well-established craft beverage culture. 

Recommendations: Finger Lakes Winery Tours, Grapevine Country Tours, Quality Wine & Brew Tours, Main Street Drivers & Wine Tours, Experience! The Finger Lakes, Barefoot in the Finger Lakes

Dining Your Way

The Finger Lakes region features dining options to suit any budget, taste or special need. Find restaurants with spectacular views, roaring fireplaces and decadent meals. Options include farm-to-table focused establishments, fine dining, family-style, on-the-go, pub fare and many more. 

Recommendations: View All Dining Partners

Holiday Shopping

Find the perfect gift for family or yourself at quaint and unique boutiques on vibrant Main Streets, or at a variety of regional malls with everything you need under one roof. Antiques or artisan goods ranging from hand-crafted woodwork to meats and cheeses that embody the taste of the Finger Lakes, it's easy to take home reminders of why the Finger Lakes region is so special. 

Recommendations: Corning's Gaffer District, Destiny USA, Eastview Mall, Mackenzie-Childs, Historic Downtown Canandaigua, Downtown Ithaca Alliance, Evolve - The Christmas Store of New York, Polo Ralph Lauren, Auburn Downtown BID

Live Music & Theater Performances

Catching a concert at historic concert halls, large capacity venues, summer festivals and relaxing weekend brunches to live music are a staple of the region's entertainment. Talent, ranging from national acts to local, undiscovered talent can be seen taking to stages across the Finger Lakes year-round. Or take in a show sure to make you feel the gamut of emotions - laugh, cry and cheer at highly rated theater venues and shows.

Recommendations: Sterling Stage, Hangar Theater, The REV Theater Co., Clemens Center, Smith Center for the Arts, Bristol Valley Theater, Finger Lakes Opera, Trumansburg Conservatory of Fine Art, Del Lago Resort & Casino. 

Find additional live music performances at FLXmusic247.com