Frequently-Asked Questions

Q: How many Finger Lakes are there?

A: Eleven Finger Lakes and one Great Lake. From west to east, they are: Conesus, Hemlock, Canadice, Honeoye, Canandaigua, Keuka, Seneca, Cayuga, Owasco, Skaneateles, and Otisco and Lake Ontario.

Q: How big is the Finger Lakes Region?

A: We are the size of a small state! 9,000 square miles, fourteen communities, eleven lakes and miles of relaxing fun. 

Q: What is the weather like in the Finger Lakes?

A: We are a four-season destination – we see it all! 

Summers bring out hot, sunny days ranging from the mid 70s to the mid 90s on average. It’s the perfect time to bring out the boat and enjoy those eleven lakes! In the fall and spring, the weather stays cool – mid 50s and 60s, cool breezes, blooming flowers and crisp colors. In the winter, we get SNOW. Locals and visitors alike should bundle up and hit the slopes, go sledding, ice fish on the lakes, or enjoy a nice hot mug of cocoa by the fire. 

Q: When is the best time to leaf-peep and see the colors?

A: The leaves start to change in the fall, making this region a vibrant menagerie of color! The best times for leaf-peeping usually fall around late September or early October, though this can change if we have a hot summer or early autumn cool down. The best way for you to know when the colors are coming is to keep an eye on our website and social media for updates as the season approaches. 

Q: How do I get to the Finger Lakes? And how do I get around once I am there?

A: By train, plane, or automobile! The Finger Lakes has three airports, the Greater Rochester International Airport in Rochester, NY, the Syracuse Hancock International Airport in Syracuse, NY and the Elmira/Corning Regional Airport in Horseheads, NY. All offer flights to and from the region daily. Amtrak Train Stations are also located in Syracuse and Rochester. 

While rideshare services like Uber and Lyft can be found in the cities, most of the region is only accessible with a personal vehicle. Rentals at popular places like Enterprise, Hertz, or Budget can be found at the airports or at select locations around the region. 

Q: How many wineries are there in the Finger Lakes? What about craft breweries and distilleries?

A: There are over 130 wineries in the Finger Lakes Region and over 80 breweries, distilleries and cideries. We recommend taking a trail to try a few of the trails specialties or picking one with a great view of the lake. 

Q: Where do I stay? 

A: Well, that all depends on what you want to do! We have fourteen communities that make up the Finger Lakes Region, and each one is home to great hotels, motels, (Holiday Inns!), bed & breakfasts, camping, glamping, cabins, yurts and more! Once you narrow down where you want to be – by the lake, in the city, near a hiking trail, or otherwise – check out our “Places to Stay” tab to select the right overnight for you. 

Q: What if I have more questions? 

A: Give us a call at 1-888-408-1693 or fill out our contact form. We’d love to hear from you and answer them all.