Weekend Getaways: The Finger Lakes

The Finger Lakes region of New York – just three hours from State College and Penn State – offers a variety of activities for the perfect weekend getaway.

Perhaps best known for its wine industry, there’s plenty of craft breweries to keep your trip exciting. For those interested in local New York libations, we recommend the Craft Your Adventure craft beverage tour.

This self-guided adventure has a variety of stops, meaning you’re bound to find a new favorite beverage on the trip! Enjoy beautiful lakeside views, fun events with live music, food trucks, tasting rooms and more on this fantastic excursion.

While libations are popular in the area, so are the natural attractions. Stretching over 950 miles, the Finger Lakes Trail is probably one of the longest hiking trails you never knew existed. The trail can be accessed from a number of spots, meaning there’s an opportunity for a great hike no matter where your southern New York getaway takes you.

If it’s too hot to hike, consider visiting one of New York’s fantastic state parks. Unlike Pennsylvania state parks, there is an admission fee, but it’s almost always worth the cost. Well maintained and endlessly scenic, there’s a variety of parks to choose from. Popular in the southern tier are Stony Brook State Park, Watkins Glen State Park and Keuka Lake State Park.

Watkins Glen is the most popular, having been named the number two attraction in the whole state in 2017. Beautiful waterfalls and an enchanting trail define this park, which has become a tradition for many families.

Museums are also popular here, with the Corning Museum of Glass being one of the stand-outs. Dedicated to the history and science of glass, this museum is great for all ages and is worthy of an afternoon of exploring.

New York state is huge and diverse – and the Finger Lakes region has much to offer. At just a few hours’ drive, it’s well worth the visit.