Rain or Shine Finger Lakes Fun
Rainy Day Adventures: Indoor Finger Lakes Fun
7 Ways to Beat the Rainy-Day Feeling
Rain in the Finger Lakes? Don’t worry—your vacation is far from washed out. While sunny days might be perfect for boating and hiking, a rainy afternoon opens up a whole new world of cozy, creative, and flavorful experiences in this beautiful region of New York.
Here are some of the best rainy day activities to keep your Finger Lakes getaway full of wonder, even when the skies are gray:
🍷 Sip Your Way Through Wine Country
The Finger Lakes is world-renowned for its wineries—especially its Rieslings—and many tasting rooms offer stunning indoor spaces to relax and sample local vintages. Cozy up at spots like Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery on Keuka Lake or Fox Run Vineyards near Seneca Lake. Want a deeper dive? Book a cellar tour and learn how Finger Lakes wine is made, rain or shine.
🏛️ Explore Local Museums
Whether you're a history buff, an art lover, or traveling with kids, the Finger Lakes has a museum for you:
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Corning Museum of Glass lets you watch live glassblowing demos or even try your hand at making your own piece.
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The Museum of the Earth in Ithaca brings the prehistoric past to life with dinosaur fossils and hands-on exhibits.
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Glenn H. Curtiss Museum in Hammondsport celebrates aviation and motorcycling history in one fascinating collection.
☕ Chase Comfort in a Coffee Shop
There’s something magical about watching the rain fall outside a warm café window. The Finger Lakes region is dotted with charming, locally owned coffee shops where you can sip a latte, read a book, or chat with locals. Try The Painted Purple Lady in Palmyra, or Seneca Sunrise Coffee Company in Watkins Glen.
🛍️ Shop Local
Rainy days are perfect for treasure hunting. Wander through boutiques, antique shops, and craft markets for handmade jewelry, home goods, and locally sourced products. Don’t miss the Windmill Farm and Craft Market (open seasonally on Saturdays) or downtown shops in towns like Skaneateles, Geneva, and Watkins Glen.
🧖 Treat Yourself to a Spa Day
Let the rain be your excuse to slow down. Book a massage, facial, or soak in a mineral bath. Find ways to pamper yourself in every corner of the Finger Lakes Region. Spas like Mirbeau in Skaneateles, Isabella Spa at Belhurst Castle in Geneva, Waterfalls Sap at Hope Lake Lodge in Cortland, Woodcliff Hotel & Spa in Fairport, Spa at Inns of Aurora, and Hotel at del Lago Resort & Casino offer luxurious ways to relax and recharge.
🍽️ Savor Local Flavors
Rainy days are ideal for lingering over a great meal. Enjoy farm-to-table cuisine at restaurants like Little Creek Farm in Owego or Kindred Fare in Geneva or find first-class dining options with lakeside views at Inn of Taughannock Falls Restaurant and Versions Restaurant at Glenora Wine Cellars. Many restaurants source ingredients from nearby farms, giving you an authentic taste of the region with every bite.
🎭 Catch a Show or Live Music
Check out the local arts scene! Get inspired at local hubs of creativity like community theaters, college stages, and cozy live music venues. Historic Stages like Fort Hill Performing Arts Center in Canandaigua, The Smith Opera House in Geneva and Hangar Theatre in Ithaca host live performances, concerts and forums that make a rainy evening feel unforgettable.
A little rain won’t dampen the Finger Lakes spirit—it just adds a fresh layer of discovery to your adventure. So grab your umbrella, embrace the cozy, and let the region surprise you with all it has to offer… no sunshine required. ☔
Want more inspiration? Download the Explore Finger Lakes app to plan your rainy day route with maps, events, and more!