Memorial Day – Finger Lakes
Wine Tasting & More in the Finger Lakes Region
Photo Credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/gdominici/ / CC BY-ND 2.0
Memorial Day is said to have its roots in the New York State town of Waterloo in the Finger Lakes region of the state. Nestled among the striking wilderness of this gorgeous area, visitors are treated to amazing scenery, first-class accommodations and some of the best local flavor in the United States. It may surprise you to learn that almost 100 wineries are found here, proving that distinctive United States wines aren’t only found in Northern California. In fact, the Finger Lakes region has the highest concentration of vineyards East of California.
With an abundance of locally grown grapes, the Finger Lakes region has long been known for producing primarily aromatic white wines like Riesling and Gewurztraminer, though some local wineries have more recently added Cabernet Franc and Pinot Noir to their repertoire. May is “Reisling Month” in Finger Lakes, with special activities and events occuring throughout the month. In July, the annual Finger Lakes Wine Festival is held. One of the largest festivals in the country, thousands of attendees enjoy wine tastings, entertainment and more during this three-day event. The 2010 Finger Lakes Wine Festival will be held from July 16th – 18th.
But a weekend of wine tasting isn’t the only way to enjoy a Finger Lakes getaway. There is a little something for everyone in this sophisticated but laid back locale. Car enthusiasts can pursue their passion with a visit to Watkins Glen International, the birthplace of American road racing. The more literary-minded might enjoy a trip to the original study and final resting place of author Mark Twain. Twain spent summers in the region and is said to have crafted both Huck Finn and Tom Sawyer during his time here.
If culture is what you crave, wander through more than 135 museums and 80 galleries. You can even try your hand at the local art of glass blowing at the Corning Museum of Glass. The antique shopping here is excellent and the food is simply unmatched. Hundreds of restaurants and eateries offer something to please every palate, from freshly roasted coffee and locally grown berries to liven up breakfast to fresh cheeses, vegetables and meat from local sources. In addition to wineries, local breweries and gin distilleries mean you’ll never have to look far for something to whet your whistle, and area dairies offer some of the smoothest ice cream you can imagine.
Whether you’re planning a Memorial Day weekend trip or a getaway later in the summer, food and fun await in the Finger Lakes.
UP NEXT: OUTDOOR ADVENTURE IN THE FINGER LAKES
This entry was posted on Thursday, May 13th, 2010 at 4:37 pm and is filed under Cyber Roadtrip 2010, New York, Travel Tips, U.S. travel news. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.
One Response to “Memorial Day – Finger Lakes”
Memorial Weekend | Vacation Rentals May 13th, 2010 at 4:40 pm
[...] square miles. Travelers can choose from a myriad of activities like hiking, biking, boating and wine tasting. With more than 650 miles of shoreline, 135 museums, 80 art galleries, 160 golf courses and plenty [...]
