Madison ScottRochester Democrat and Chronicle
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Looking for a family-friendly place in the Finger Lakes region for a weekend getaway?
WorldAtlas, a website that publishes content about resources surrounding geography and other topics, has revealed eight towns in the Finger Lakes that were ranked among U.S. favorites.
Here are WorldAtlas' eight favorite towns in the Finger Lakes.
Watkins Glen, NY
Located at the southern tip of Seneca Lake, Watkins Glen is a village with a population of around 1,863, according to U.S. Census Data. It is home to Watkins Glen State Park, which has 19 waterfalls and many trails overlooking the gorge. The park is great for campers or day visitors. In 2015, it came in third place inUSA Today's Readers' Choice Poll for Best State Park in the United States.
The village is filled with shops, eateries, museums, and lakeside recreation on Seneca Lake.
Corning, NY
Although Corning is not situated directly on the Finger Lakes, it is a charming town just under an hour's drive from the Finger Lakes National Forest. Established in 1852, Corning is located in southeastern Steuben County.
The Town of Corning is home to the Corning Community College and the well-known Corning Museum of Glass. The downtown district, or Gaffer District, offers many other museums, galleries, historic buildings, eateries, and shops.
Seneca Falls
The Town of Seneca Falls, also known as "the birthplace of women's rights," is located in the Finger Lakes region at the northeast tip of Cayuga Lake, with Seneca Lake to its west. The town is home to around 8,650 people and is reportedly the largest community out of the ten townships in Seneca County.
Seneca Falls is filled with beauty and historic landmarks, including the Women's Rights National Historic Park and the National Women's Hall of Fame. The town offers the Seneca Meadows Wetlands Preserve for nature lovers and many charming shops and cafes within its downtown district. Many believe that the fictional town of Bedford Falls in the movie, "It's a Wonderful Life," was inspired by Seneca Falls.
Naples, NY
Located in the southwestern corner of Ontario County, the Town of Naples is home to around 2,403 people and is famous for its Concord and Niagara grapes. The annual Naples Grape Festival is held in the fall and includes wine tastings, art vendors, a grape pie contest, food, and live music. This year'sfestival is planned for Sept. 28 and 29.
The village is home to Grimes Glen Park, which has two 60-foot-tall waterfalls and is great for hikers. Naples offers many wineries, eateries, parks, and nature preserves.
Hammondsport
The small village of Hammondsport is nestled at the southern end of Keuka Lake. It is home to an estimated 569 people and is located within the Town of Urbana.
The village offers the Finger Lakes Boating Museum, the Glenn G. Curtiss Aviation Museum, and many world-class considered wineries and breweries. According to WorldAtlas, the first bonded winery in the United States was Pleasant Valley Wine Company, which was founded in Hammondsport in 1860. Depot Park, located in the heart of Hammondsport, is known to be a popular spot for both locals and tourists alike.
Geneva, NY
Geneva is a small lakeside city located in the northern part of Seneca Lake with a population of approximately 12,443 people. It is home to Belhurst Castle, which is known for its beautiful views, wine, and dining. The city stands on the ancestral lands of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy and is home to Hobart and William Smith Colleges.
There are many nature trails within the Kashong Conservation Area, lakeside recreation at Seneca Lake State Park, and a AAA Four-Diamond resort at Geneva On The Lake.
Canandaigua, NY
Sitting right on Canandaigua Lake, this charming little city offers many beautiful views, dining, breweries, and wineries for all to enjoy. The city has a population of approximately 10,539 residents and is home to the main campus of the Finger Lakes Community College. Many summer concerts occur at the college's large amphitheater, the Constellation Brands Marvin Sands Performing Arts Center.
Canandaigua is full of historic buildings, shops, and boutiques within its downtown district, as well as plenty of museums for history lovers. The Ontario County Courthouse is a historic landmark within Canandaigua known to have tried Susan B. Anthony in 1873. Sonnenberg Gardens and Mansion State Historic Park, along with the Canandaigua Lake State Marine Park, are both known for their beautiful views of the city.
Skaneateles, NY
Skaneateles Village is located at the northern tip of Skaneateles Lake, which is known to be the second cleanest lake in the entire United States. The village has a population of around 2,616 residents and is located within Onondaga County.
Skaneateles's downtown district features many fancy eateries and wineries, as well as beautiful lake scenery. The area is also known for its community events, including the Skaneateles Farmers Market, Summer Music Festival, and Dickens Christmas Event. Clift Park, located along the lake, is also a popular destination for locals and tourists, with many lakeside recreations.
More: Things to do in the Finger Lakes: Events, concerts and more
—Madison Scottis a journalist with the Democrat and Chronicle who edited our Weld Street Project and also did reporting for it. She has an interest in how the system helps or doesn't helpfamilies with missing loved ones. She can be reached atMDScott@gannett.com.
