Seasons

We consider ourselves a four-season playground – meaning there’s something new and exciting to try all year round. 

Spring

We kick off spring with a huge party – St. Patrick’s Day! (Syracuse takes its celebration so seriously, it starts a few weeks early with Green Beer Sunday.) Cozy up to an Irish pub, watch a parade march down the street or catch festive music at parties around town. When spring is in bloom, the flowers are too! Visitors flock to Rochester for the Lilac Festival, celebrating the largest collection of lilacs (1,200 bushes and 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. And the path of gardens along The Peace Garden Trail blossoms in commemoration of 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. Take a dip in one of the lakes or cast a reel in a side stream. Go tubing, jet skiing or kayaking through any of the waterways – or 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. The weekends are just as packed with things to do. Shop at one of the area’s bustling farmer’s markets or attend an annual event like the Route 90 50-mile Garage Sale and Elmira Street Painting Festival. 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 of tasty events, such as the Naples Grape Festival, Big Flats Appleumpkin Days, Hop Harvest Festival and the Apple Tasting Tour. If you’re feeling brave, explore the Finger Lakes stops on the Haunted History Trail for a frightening good time!

Fall at Richmond Aqueduct

Winter

When the temperature drops and the snow flies, hit the slopes at one of six downhill skiing resorts, snowshoe across open valleys or snowmobile through snow-laden parks. To warm up, head inside for tasty soups, homemade 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