Summer in the Finger Lakes

There are lots of ways to enjoy the summer months- but in the Finger Lakes region in particular, it seems like a crime not to take in the beauty of the season with some outdoor adventures. As you plan your summer visit to our tasting room (of course!), check out some of these other wonderful Finger Lakes attractions right outside our doors—

On your way to the Windmill Farm and Craft Market in Penn Yan, just 30 minutes from FLD, you are more likely to see horse and buggy traffic than hear the impatient honking of car horns. The market is open every Saturday from April through December, and is frequented by Amish and Mennonite vendors from around the state.The maze of tented shops feature everything from fresh food and produce to handmade crafts. And if you really want to get into the spirit of the market, you can even take a ride on a horse-pulled buggy! (Check 'em out online: http://www.thewindmill.com/)

There's nothing quite as refreshing as cooling down from the summer heat with some fun on Seneca Lake. There are numerous agencies offering kayaks, jet skis, and boats for rent, in addition to various cruises around the lake. The True Love Schooner, which has been sailing the Caribbean since 1950 and was featured in the 1956 film "Love Boat" with Bing Crosby and Grace Kelly, has hung up its pioneering jib and is now available for daytime, sunset, and private sails around the Lake. (http://www.schoonerexcursions.com/)

As you may have heard, the Finger Lakes are gorges. Bad puns aside, the entire area is covered with deep and winding gorges, complete with walking and biking trails, waterfalls, and swimming holes. In Watkins Glen State Park, just a few miles away from FLD, you'll find the tremendous Glen gorge and all the walking trails and camp grounds that go with it- perfect for a break from the wine trail, for a day hike or picnic.

Similarly, Taughannock Falls sits 25 miles from FLD and boasts one of the highest falls east of the Rockies. There you can hike and swim, as well as bring in some food to grill and picnic. And Saturday nights during the summer, a $5 parking pass gets you into the park for weekly concerts! (see the schedule: http://nysparks.state.ny.us/parks/62/details.aspx)

And speaking of live music, Wagner Vineyards, a winery and brewery just up the road from FLD, has a great Friday night concert series, called Friday Nights on the Brewdeck. From 8-11pm you can dance the night away to the fun bands that play on the brew deck overlooking the lake, and you can buy some Wagner wine or beer to sip while you sway. A fun Friday night for the whole family. (http://www.wagnervineyards.com/)

The bottom line: there is tons to do in the Finger Lakes right outside the Distillery's doors, aside from the Seneca Lake Wine Trail. If you're headed this way, check out some of these awesome outdoor activities, and find more suggestion online at http://www.fingerlakes.org/things-to-do.

And of course, between outings and wine tastings, stop by our tasting room to 'un-wine'!