Finger Lakes, New York
Explore the Finger Lakes region—a hidden gem in upstate New York—while staying with Inspirato at the Inns of Aurora. The inn is made up of five, 18th-century estates, all within walking distance of one another in the quaint, lakefront town of Aurora. Enjoy farm-to-table restaurants, spa treatments, complimentary outdoor gear rental, and more.
At the historic Rose Hill, experience the best of lake life with this standalone home’s expansive outdoor area and private dock right on Seneca Lake. And to the east at Hillcrest, close to the Canandaigua Lake waterfront, you’ll have direct lake access in the summer and be a quick drive from Bristol Mountain Ski Resort in the winter.
Charming Villages and Freshwater Lakes in Upstate New York
Just a few miles south of Lake Ontario, the Finger Lakes are made up of 11 long narrow lakes sprinkled across the landscape of upstate New York, carved by receding glaciers in the last ice age. Today, the Finger Lakes are an impossibly quaint vacation destination, boasting Victorian-era villages, rolling hills, and a surprising number of wineries. The abundance of freshwater lakes have created an ideal microclimate for growing grapes; taste the fruits of these labors as you meander down organized wine trails. Shop for antiques and enjoy farm-to-table fare in historic villages like Aurora, Ithaca, and Geneva. Leave time for outdoor recreation, whether that’s paddling on a quiet lake or bicycling along paved lakefront paths.
Quick Facts
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Suggested Airport
Syracuse Hancock International Airport (SYR) or Greater Rochester International Airport (ROC) -
Average Temperature
83°F in summer; 33°F in winter -
Closest Big City
Syracuse -
Population
1.2 million -
Car recommended?
Yes
Destination Highlights
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Ithaca
Famously the home of Cornell University, this quaint collegiate town sits at the southern end of Cayuga Lake. It offers a blend of scenic natural beauty—in the form of gorges and waterfalls—as well as indie bookstores, local restaurants, and renowned museums.
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Watkins Glen State Park
A must-see for any nature lover, this state park is best known for its 400-foot-deep narrow gorge, fed by waterfalls and flanked on either side by the ropy, moss-covered walls of a slot canyon. Hike along the two-mile trail to see 19 waterfalls.
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Skaneateles
In the summer, pack your swimsuit and head to this quaint village on the north end of the namesake lake. Shotwell Park is the perfect spot to swim. Each December, the town transforms into an old-fashioned winter wonderland known as “A Dickens Christmas.”
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Weather
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Forecasting Your Finger Lakes Vacation
The Finger Lakes region of upstate New York experiences all four seasons fully. Spring brings warm weather and a bit more rain in May and June, while summer sees high temperatures hit the mid-80s—perfect for cooling off in the nearby namesake lakes. Fall is crisp, with frequent rain showers. The majority of the region’s snowfall occurs in December and January. Thanks to the so-called lake effect (due to the region’s proximity to Lake Ontario), snowstorms can bring many inches at once.
