Finger Lakes Road Trip

New York’s glorious Finger Lakes region spans a spectacular 9,000 miles and offers activities and attractions visitors can enjoy all year long. The Finger Lakes include Keuka, Canandaigua, Conesus, Canadice, Hemlock, and Honeoye. The region is home to various attractions, including wineries, beautiful bed and breakfasts, and the awe-inspiring Letchworth Gorge.

For people visiting the Finger Lakes area or planning a Finger Lakes getaway, AAA Hudson Valley recommends including the following spots on the itinerary.

1795 Acorn Inn Bed and Breakfast

Kick off an amazing Finger Lakes getaway with a stay at this AAA Four-Diamond Award-winning bed and breakfast. The 1795 Acorn Inn is the only B&B in the state with that distinction. Located a short drive from the shores of Canandaigua Lake, visitors to the Inn enjoy a quiet country setting near many exciting attractions. Visitors can explore the 41-mile Canandaigua Lake Wine Trail and much more.

The Inn has five rooms, each with its own private bath. Guests have access to amenities like in-room massages, an onsite hot tub and gardens, and a daily home cooked breakfast.

New York Kitchen

Located on the shores of sparkling Lake Canandaigua, New York Kitchen is a unique destination. Opened in 2006 as New York State Wine & Culinary Center and later reopened as New York Kitchen, this nonprofit organization is a culinary mecca.

It began as a collaboration of organizations, including Wegmans Food Markets, the New York Wine and Grape Foundation, Constellation Brands, and Rochester Institute of Technology. The restaurant celebrates the region’s amazing culinary arts and agriculture and offers ample opportunities to sample some of the best the area has to offer. New York Kitchen strives to build a connection between visitors and the community through food and craft beverages.

Visitors can sample food and drinks, take a class, and explore the Finger Lakes food and beverage scene in an unforgettable location.

Sonnenberg Gardens and Mansion State Historic Park

Sonnenberg Gardens is one of the United States’ most preserved Victoria estates and one of the Finger Lakes most revered landmarks. Approximately 35,000 people visit Sonnenberg Gardens & Mansion State Historic Park every year. It features formal gardens and a Queen Anne-style Victorian mansion that welcomes guests with open arms.

Visitors enjoy viewing the stunning architecture, exploring the 40 rooms in the mansion, and strolling the gardens of this gorgeous 50-acre estate. Many people also take the opportunity to learn the history of its owners and browse the gift shop. Sonnenberg Gardens also features a cafe and wine tasting on weekend afternoons.

Letchworth State Park

No visit to the Finger Lakes would be complete without exploring the “Grand Canyon of the East.” Home to the scenic Letchworth Gorge, this 14,350-acre park is simply stunning. The Genessee River runs through the park, cascading over three waterfalls and down cliffs that reach heights of 600 feet in spots. More than 60 miles of hiking and multi-use trails, water sports, and the Humphrey Nature Center all provide ample opportunities for recreation.

Plan a Finger Lakes Getaway with AAA Hudson Valley

With so much to see, do, and experience, deciding what to do while visiting the Finger Lakes can be challenging. Let the travel experts at AAA Hudson Valley help you plan your itinerary. Call us at (518) 426-1000 to get more information about planning your next Finger Lakes road trip.