Memorial Day – the Finger Lakes

An Outdoor Escape in the Finger Lakes

Photo Credit: Scenic Rentals

If you’re looking for an alternative to the usual weekend at the beach for your Memorial Day travel, you’ll find plenty to do in the Finger Lakes region of New York State. In addition to enjoying delicious restaurants, cultural excursions and of course, the landmark wineries, Finger Lakes vacations are an ideal time to get out and enjoy the amazing landscape that surrounds the area. The Finger Lakes region is rich in natural gifts that visitors can enjoy again and again.

The lakes themselves are a main attraction here. Vacationers enjoy boating, fishing and swimming in the cool water. With more than 650 miles of shoreline, you’re sure to find a secluded spot for a picnic or a sandy beach where the kids can play.

For hikers, a Finger Lakes vacation holds plenty of new terrain to explore. Meander through the 16,000 acre national forest in the region and explore the local flora and fauna. The Finger Lakes region boasts more than 1,000 waterfalls (1,063 at last count). If you’re not lucky enough to stay at a Finger Lakes rental with a waterfall on the property, chances are you’re within a short walk or hike to several.

Open for tours and exploration since 1870, the Ausable Chasm is a natural wonder that shouldn’t be missed. Hike the winding trails past rock formations and beautiful falls or take guided whitewater rafting tour for a unique adventure. Though the Chasm is open year-round, many of the water activities open just before Memorial Day each year.

Another natural wonder of the Finger Lakes region is the 17-mile gorge in Letchworth State Park. Known as “The Grand Canyon of the East,” the park is  a destination in itself. The Genesee River and the three waterfalls it feeds are the centerpiece of the park and more than 70 miles of hiking trails are just the beginning of the activities here. Horseback riding, hot air ballooning, biking, whitewater rafting and canoeing all have their place in Letchworth. Whether you are ready for a day of challenge and adventure or prefer to find a picturesque spot to enjoy a picnic lunch with a view, you’ll be humbled by these incredible surroundings.

And if hiking and whitewater rafting sound like a little too much adventure for your vacation, how about enjoying the great outdoors with your golf clubs in tow? With more than 160 courses in the region, even the best players are sure to find plenty of challenging holes to hone their game.

After a day spent exploring the great outdoors this Memorial Weekend, you’ll of course be delighted to return to your Finger Lakes vacation rental, throw some burgers on the grill and enjoy the sunset from your own private oasis. And really, what more can you ask for?

UP NEXT: MEMORIAL DAY IN THE CITY

Posted in: Cyber Roadtrip 2010, Holiday travel, New York, Travel Tips, Why you should choose a private vacation rental over a hotel

Tags: Accommodations, by owner vacation rentals, Cyber Roadtrip 2010, outdoor pursuits, suggested vacation destinations, summer vacations, vacation rentals worldwide

This entry was posted on Saturday, May 15th, 2010 at 8:25 am and is filed under Cyber Roadtrip 2010, Holiday travel, New York, Travel Tips, Why you should choose a private vacation rental over a hotel. 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.