Nestled in the heart of Upstate New York, the Finger Lakes region is a tapestry of long, glacial-carved lakes, rolling hills, and vibrant small towns. Since 2001, *Life in the Finger Lakes* magazine has woven together stories that celebrate the natural beauty, local culture, and unique experiences of this 14-county region. Here’s a glimpse into what makes life here so extraordinary.
**1. A Landscape with Deep Roots**
The Finger Lakes—11 narrow, deep lakes—were sculpted by ancient glaciers and remain striking in their geology and depth. Seneca and Cayuga Lakes, among the deepest lakes in the U.S., are dramatic examples of this formation.
These lakes not only shape the land—they also shape life. Hemlock and Canadice Lakes, with their forested shorelines, harbor the state’s oldest bald eagle nesting site, highlighting the region’s rich biodiversity.
**2. Food, Wine & Local Harvest**
A cornerstone of the Finger Lakes lifestyle is its celebrated wine and food scene. With over 400 wineries dotting the major lakes—Seneca, Cayuga, Keuka, and more—the region thrives on its unique microclimates and lake-moderated warmth, perfect for Riesling, Gewürztraminer, and other varietals.
But there’s more than wine. The Finger Lakes Cheese Trail invites you to savor locally made cheddars, blues, and chèvres from family-run dairies, making it a gourmet’s dream trail.
**3. Immersed in Nature & Trails**
Beyond its lakes and vineyards, the region pulses with outdoor adventure. The Finger Lakes Trail stretches over 584 miles, threading through state forests, parks, and private lands—part of the majestic North Country National Scenic Trail.
For nature lovers, the Cumming Nature Center near Naples spans 900 acres of forest, marsh, and meadow, complete with educational programming, art trails, and maple sugaring festivities.
**4. A Cultural Fabric of Festivals & History**
The Finger Lakes are rich in history—from Iroquois nations and Underground Railroad sites to Seneca Falls, the birthplace of the women’s suffrage movement.
Today, community shines through festivals like the Naples Grape Festival, with wine, grape pies, crafts, and live music drawing 80,000 visitors each year, and the GrassRoots Festival in Trumansburg, celebrating diverse music and dance across multiple stages.
**5. Stay & Indulge: Boutique & Luxurious**
From cozy inns to spa retreats, the region offers lodging that marries charm with modern comfort. Inns of Aurora evoke 19th-century elegance, while the Lake House on Canandaigua offers sleek design, spa amenities, and lakeside leisure—with even seaplane service from NYC. And if relaxation is on your agenda, the luxurious Spa at the Inns of Aurora invites rejuvenation amidst local pampering and hydrotherapy.
**Final Thoughts**
Life in the Finger Lakes isn’t just a picturesque postcard—it’s an immersive experience where land and lake inspire everything from wine, art, and festivals to education, wellness, and community spirit. It’s exactly these multifaceted stories that *Life in the Finger Lakes* magazine has been sharing since 2001, six issues a year, through stunning imagery and heartfelt storytelling.