It’s almost that time of year…if you’re a big fan of autumn. Yes, it’s time for leaf-peeping season. And while the window for that particular season is seemingly later and perhaps even shorter every year now, New York state boasts one of the longest fall foliage seasons where travelers can experience a vibrant tapestry of gorgeous colors for several weeks.
Both the Finger Lakes and central New York regions, in particular, are home to sweet small towns, colorful vistas, scenic hikes, craft breweries and cideries, award-winning wineries, and even corn mazes—all of which align to create a fantastic fall trip itinerary.
Where to go
Taughannock Falls State Park: While there are many trails throughout this state park, the easiest leads you straight to a wondrous site, one that is photogenic any time of year, but especially in autumn. At the end of the one-mile Gorge Trail (you walk in and walk out the same way, no hiking shoes required; tennis shoes are just fine), the park’s namesake waterfall plunges 215 feet in the middle of the rocky cliffs that tower 400 feet above the gorge. For more advanced hikers, there are trails along the rim that offer stunning views from above the falls, too.
Watkins Glen State Park: A perfect place for a hike at all experience levels—including seeing up to 19 waterfalls within a one-mile hike up the Gorge Trail—as well as trails that go north and south along the gorge, up stone steps for a higher view. (And like Taughannock, both state parks are dog-friendly (and you’ll see many dogs—on leash, only—along the way), but take note of which trails do not allow dogs. (The Gorge Trail here, for instance, does not because it is quite slippery at various points.)
The Cider Mill: Located in Endicott, this is a prime cider mill experience. Guests can get a closeup look of both the donuts being made and fresh apple cider being pressed. (Note that these donuts are plain, and not made with apple cider, but you wouldn’t really know the difference or mind because they are delicious on their own. All of the flavors come from external add-ons, like cinnamon and maple glaze. There are plenty of other goodies available on-site, including cheddar made in-house, fresh pies (sold as both full pies and half pies), and even apple cider slushies. Outside, there is a flower market and pumpkin patch with all sorts of gourds—even some extra ghoulish ones sold closer to Halloween.
Bully Hill Vineyards: Founded on the philosophy of “wine with laughter” and specializing in the art of having a good time, Bully Hill is one of the most eclectic wineries in the Finger Lakes. And there are plenty of attractions at this winery for groups that have a mix of people who imbibe and those who don’t with its pop art museum, a cooper’s museum, a gift shop, and a sit-down restaurant overlooking Keuka Lake.
Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery: Just down the hill and closer to Keuka Lake is one of the best wineries in the Finger Lakes and one of the most important to the winemaking industry in the United States. In 1958, Dr. Frank successfully planted the first riesling, chardonnay, and pinot noir vines in New York. (The region is blessed with terroir similar to eastern France and southwestern Germany.) Igniting this “Vinifera Revolution” would forever change the course of quality winemaking in the Finger Lakes as well as the United States at large, and it is still considered one of the top 10 best tasting rooms in the U.S., according to USA Today.
Song Hill Winery: A truly only in (upstate) New York experience, this winery’s tasting room in Victor, N.Y. (just outside of Rochester) is located in a renovated horse stable repurposed as a tasting room. (And it’s quite popular on weekends, so be sure to book a time slot in advance—especially if you have a large group.) And it’s a delightful experience, made even more delightful by the superb wine list. The family-owned winery sources its grapes from the Finger Lakes and Lake Ontario viticulture areas to produce ultra-premium wines, primarily from cabernet franc, pinot noir, and chardonnay.
The Strong National Museum of Play: Located in the heart of Rochester’s new and upcoming “Neighborhood of Play” (that is the name of the neighborhood being redeveloped), it is touted to be the only museum worldwide dedicated to the exploration and discovery of play. The exhibits will arguably tug on the heartstrings of anyone at all ages as there doesn’t seem to be a toy in history you can’t find here, from the yo-yo to Barbie to Dungeons & Dragons. And it will only get bigger with a 90,000 square foot expansion next year featuring the World Video Game Hall of Fame.
Rochester Museum and Science Center: While the building itself is more than 100 years old, the exhibits here are constantly being updated and added to keep up with the times, from an interactive jungle gym that serves as an educational model about climate change to an extensive anti-racism exhibit that examines racist media over history to present day. And while this seems like an obvious draw for families with kids (and it certainly is), there are a lot of exhibits and activities for older visitors as well, including adults-only happy hour events in the evening once a month. (The museum also hosts lots of private events, including weddings). The planetarium is also busy preparing for next year’s solar eclipse on Apr. 8, 2024 as Rochester lies in the path of totality, where observers can witness the sun completely eclipsed by the moon. (Just remember to wear solar eclipse glasses to protect your eyes.)
George Eastman Museum: Founded in 1947, this is the world’s oldest photography museum—and the location is fitting for photobugs given it is housed on the former estate of George Eastman, founder of Kodak Cameras. The house itself, a stunning 1905 Colonial Revival mansion, is in pristine condition. And new museum’s collection itself comprises more than 400,000 photographs from 14,000 photographers, dating from the beginnings of the medium (including the largest collection of daguerreotypes outside of France).
Bristol Mountain Aerial Adventures: The adventure lover’s option for seeing the foliage up close—by flying through and high above it. Visitors can soar through the trees with seven different ziplines on the zipline canopy tour. During both the summer and winter months, there are plenty of activities for kids, from summer camp to ski lessons. And for anyone who prefers après-ski, there is a cozy cafe onsite with a spectacular view over the treetops, which is visible from the heated patio or indoors (with hot cocoa and waffles).
Where to eat
Apple Hills: If you love fall more than any other season, then this place will feel like home. After six generations of farming, this local landmark is well-known for fresh vegetables, blueberries, raspberries, sunflowers, pumpkins, and over a dozen varieties of apples. The Apple Dumpling Cafe has both indoor and outdoor seating for lunch, and plenty of room for guests, but often gets packed on the weekends so make sure to book a reservation in advance. Guests can also feed the animals here, as well as go on a wagon ride, go apple-picking, or even brave the corn maze with mystery puzzles and clues throughout, which is updated annually. Fear not, there is a short maze for kids—or anyone who would prefer a shorter trip—and a four-mile layout for true adventurers.
Locals Only: An airy breakfast and lunch cafe in Rochester with a bohemian vibe serving unique coffee concoctions (and cocktail) and classic brunch dishes with updated twists. Menu items include the “1st and 10” (a short stack of apple-filled pancakes), the “Sweet Home Avocado” (toast), and the maple cinnamon crunch latte, which really does have the childhood favorite cereal on top. Bonus: you can also check out your dish before ordering as there are photos of every item on the digital menu, accessible by QR code.
Genesee Brew House: The Brew House in Rochester was created to capture and share the long history of The Genesee Brewery, one of the largest and oldest continually operating breweries in America. And the business has since transformed the 9,200 square-foot space into a beer destination, featuring interactive exhibits, multimedia content, gift shop, a pilot brewery, and a pub-style restaurant. On top of all that, there is a 96-foot (natural) waterfall next door, right in the middle of downtown Rochester.
Graft Wine + Cider Bar: Open only for dinner, Graft is a wine, cider, and tapas bar in Watkins Glen serving locally-sourced food with lots of healthy options, including tomato salads, dry aged steak, tofu bowls, and more. It’s also one of the most popular tables in town, so be sure to make a reservation or go early for walk-in seating.
Where to stay
Traditions at the Glen: Originally built in the 1900s as a private residence in Johnson City, it is now a hotel and spa on a 650-acre property. Within a historic mansion, the hotel features modern amenities like comfortable king beds, fireplaces, claw foot bathtubs, and a full-service spa. The Spa at Traditions is fully equipped with hair, nail and makeup services, eyebrow and lash services, facial treatments, massage, and body treatments. Guests can also play on the 18-hole championship golf course or at the very popular Foot Golf course. And depending on the season, guests can also enjoy outside activities like hiking, cross-country skiing, and waterfall sightseeing.
Ithaca Marriott Downtown on the Commons: Located in the heart of the Downtown Ithaca Commons near Cornell University and Ithaca College, guests are within walking distance of restaurant rows, local art galleries, boutique shopping, and many other attractions. And the hotel restaurant and bar, Monks on the Commons, is the perfect stop for craft cocktails and bites as well as breakfast before departure. There’s also a huge new conference center coming soon just down the street, so this will become an even more convenient option for business travelers.
Hyatt Regency Rochester: Situated along the Genesee River, the newly renovated Hyatt Regency Rochester is the tallest and one of the more upscale hotels in the Finger Lakes area. It is also great for business travelers as it is conveniently connected with the Rochester Riverside Convention Center. And given its central location, this is the ideal spot to both take in Rochester as well as nearby attractions such as golf courses, regional wineries, and ski slopes.
Grist Iron Brewing: For a more uniquely New York experience—located centrally on the Seneca Lake Beer, Wine, and Cheese Trails—this is the only lodging in the Finger Lakes that features an onsite microbrewery with house-brewed beer and BBQ. The nine newly renovated rooms offer a simple modern design with custom furniture designed by 823 Planning and Design and updated amenities. The Lodge offers continental breakfast each morning in the open and airy common area.