Seasons
Life in the Finger Lakes offers four distinct seasons, each filled with a robust list of activities for every lifestyle. Plus there are always new events and unique celebrations being planned every year.
Spring
If we had to give spring a color, it would definitely be green. From the plants awakening from their winter slumber to the festivities of St. Patrick’s Day, green is everywhere. Speaking of St. Patrick’s Day, Syracuse is one of the best places to celebrate the Irish holiday. It all kicks off with Green Beer Sunday at the iconic Coleman’s Irish Pub and wraps up with a boisterous parade mid-March.
Every May visitors flock to Highland Park for the Rochester Lilac Festival, celebrating the largest collection of lilacs (1,200 bushes of 500 varieties, to be exact) in North America. Sonnenberg Gardens & Mansion State Historic Park welcomes you to stroll through its flower-filled gardens or picnic under their majestic trees. Multiple gardens throughout the Finger Lakes region are honorary stops along The Peace Garden Trail. The blooms commemorate the peace that has existed between Canada and the United States since the end of the War of 1812.
Spring at Rochester Lilac Festival
Summer
The Finger Lakes region is in full swing during the summer months. With so many lakes and waterways, it comes as no surprise that they are the highlight of the season. Take a dip in one of the lakes, cast a reel in a side stream, or just sit back and enjoy the views. Go tubing, jet skiing or kayaking. You can even pull up your boat for a drink and a bite to eat at a lakeside restaurant. Hike, bike or horseback ride along trails, feel the adrenaline of an amusement park ride, and camp out under the stars.
Plus there’s a handful of festivals every weekend in the summer, celebrating everything from the area’s unique history to its signature foods. Learn about the history of chocolate-making at the Genesee Country Village & Museum. Watch hot air balloons soar over Letchworth State Park. Indulge in the best bites and sips that the Finger Lakes has to offer at the Taste of the Finger Lakes at the Ithaca Farmers’ Market. Get some chalk on your hands during the Elmira Street Painting Festival.
Spend your days shopping at the area’s bustling farmer’s markets or the 50-mile-long Route 90 Garage Sale. At night, you’ll find plenty of places with hot music and cold drinks.
Summer at Taughannock Falls
Fall
During the fall months, take to our hiking or biking trails for the best leaf peeping views. The deep blue water of the Finger Lakes against the bright red, orange, and yellow autumn leaves makes for a memorable visit (or Instagram post). Along with the fall harvest comes plenty of tasty events. Mark your calendars for the Naples Grape Festival and Wayne County’s Apple Tasting Tour.
Step back in time during Corning’s Days of Incandescence. If you’re feeling brave, explore the Finger Lakes stops on the Haunted History Trail for a frightening good time! Learn the story of the newlywed couple often seen on the porch at Miles Wine Cellars. Explore the old jail cells at Wayne County Museum of History. Or spend the night at the famously haunted Fainting Goat Island Inn.
Fall at Richmond Aqueduct
Winter
When the temperature drops and the snow flies, don’t worry. There are still plenty of things to do in the Finger Lakes in the winter. Hit the slopes at one of six downhill skiing resorts, snowshoe across open valleys, or snowmobile through well-groomed trails. To warm up, head inside for tasty soups, decadent hot cocoa, or a sweet glass of ice wine!
Holiday events and celebrations such as the “It’s a Wonderful Life” Festival in Seneca Falls, Dickens Christmas in Skaneateles, and Lights on the River in Owego make the Finger Lakes a fun and festive place to be in winter.
Winter at Letchworth State Park
