Hidden Gems
Insider View
Everyone knows about the incredible wineries, parks, and scenic views in the Finger Lakes region. But there are countless other hidden gems waiting to be discovered. Luckily for you, we’ve put together a collection of some of the best things to do in the Finger Lakes… that not everyone knows about. Get ready to visit some truly unique places and collect some interesting stories to share with your family and friends.
Hemlock-Canadice State Forest
Out of all 11 lakes, Hemlock and Canadice are the only two Finger Lakes that are free of development, retaining much of their natural beauty. Encompassing the two lakes is the Hemlock-Canadice State Forest, basking in its pristine glory. The state forest is a great place to spend a day hiking, biking, paddling or birding.
Green Lakes State Park
In addition to boasting some of the most beautiful glacier-formed lakes, Green Lakes State Park was also a German prison camp. Before this park was open for leisure visitors, it was the Fayetteville Camp for German prisoners of war in 1945, during WWII. After the war, many Germans returned to the area because they enjoyed it so much.
Eagle Crest Vineyards
O-Neh-Da Vineyard (Eagle Crest Vineyards) is the oldest authentic producer of premium sacramental wine in the New World. Fun fact: their wine was used by Pope Francis during a visit to the US.
Havana Glen Park and Eagle Cliff Falls
This little hidden gem is a local park in the village of Montour Falls. Visitors to Havana Glen can park for just $3 and make a short walk to the stunning Eagle Cliff Falls. It’s the perfect spot to take great photos or cool off on a hot summer day.
Cayuga County Water
With eight lakes and the Erie Canal, Cayuga County has more freshwater coastline than any other county in NYS. 20% of Cayuga County is water!
Ithaca’s Natural Beauty
How did Ithaca inspire that well known saying, “Ithaca is Gorges?” Because this small town with a big city vibe is an oasis of natural beauty where one can find more than 150 waterfalls and gorges within a ten mile radius of city limits. IthacaTrails.org can help you plan your next outdoor experience.
Gourdlandia
Located in Ithaca, NY, Gourdlandia is more than a gallery but not quite a farm. Visitors to Gourdlandia can stroll through the viney gourd trellis, shop for very unique, one-of-a-kind gourd art or participate in a workshop to learn how to cure, wash and carve gourds. While you’re there, be sure to see the vast body of gourd work – marionettes, masks, lamps and more!
Gourdlandia is just one of nine places in Ithaca featured on Atlas Obscura. See all of them here.
World’s Largest Pair of Pants
Climb the stairs to the second floor of Homer Men and Boys, a clothing store located on Main Street in Homer, NY, and you will find a pair of pants fit for a mythical lumberjack. Stretching from floor to ceiling the larger than life Wranglers were allegedly worn by the Cardiff Giant, another historical mystery of Cortland County. Years ago, Wrangler Jeans came into town with a promotion – guess how many stitches were in the giant pair of pants and win a prize. While the exact number of stitches was lost to time, the 8-feet tall pair of pants lives on.
Cortland Corset Company Building Mural
A 30-foot mural on the west end of the Corset Building in downtown Cortland was created by local artist Crystal Lyon to honor the 150-year old building. The mural features a large wagon wheel in the background and a woman wearing a corset, goggles, and artwork on her arms. This woman is Grace Brown – an American skirt factory worker at the Gillette Skirt Company in Cortland, who was murdered by her lover Chester Gillette (nephew of the Skirt Company owner) in 1906. The story of the murder was made famous by the movie “A Place in the Sun” and the book “American Tragedy” and was featured on an episode of Unsolved Mysteries.
The tragedy of Grace Brown is just one of the oddities featured in the new Cortland Curiosities trails.
Cortland Rural Cemetery
Established in 1853 this open-air museum is a beautiful 19th century Victorian garden cemetery located on 50 acres in downtown Cortland. Voted one of the Top 11 Spooky Cemetrails You Can Visit by the Travel Channel, the self-guided walking tour lets you admire the beauty of the headstones, the impressive diverse species of trees and discover those who helped share Cortland County history.
Experience Cortland Geotour
Want to see places in Cortland County that only the locals know about? Do just that and learn about the unique history of this area at the same time on the Experience Cortland GeoTour. From underground railroads to civil war camps, to major league ballplayers and possibly the best trucks every built, there is a little something for everyone on the GeoTour. You will also experience some of the nicest countryside and rural villages found in all of New York State.
Naples, Grape Pie Capital of the World
With a region so well-known for its wines, it’s not surprising that we’ve found other clever uses for grapes. Following the unique creation, the village of Naples was dubbed the Grape Pie Capital of the World. If you’re traveling through Naples, you have to try the delightful dessert for yourself. And then bring some home for later.
Seneca White Deer
During World War II, 10,000 acres of forest between Seneca and Cayuga Lakes was fenced off to create Seneca Army Depot. That enclosure created a unique herd of white-furred deer that now call the Finger Lakes home. Known as the Seneca White Deer, these creatures have high occurrences of leucism, a rare genetic trait that gives them their white coloring. Visitors can learn more about the deer and see them up close during a tour at Deer Haven Park.
