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Finger Lakes Regional Guide

Trumansburg & Finger Lakes

Things To Do

Welcome to the quiet side of the Finger Lakes — minutes from towering waterfalls, vineyard views, and the vibrant college town of Ithaca. This guide blends our favorite spots with curated itineraries so you can plan your perfect getaway effortlessly.

Quick Hits — Host Favorites

Boundary Breaks Vineyard

Sweeping lake vistas, outdoor seating, and a Riesling/Cab Franc focus. One of the area's great sunset spots on Seneca Lake.

Gimme! Coffee

Beloved local roaster on Main Street Trumansburg. Grab a cappuccino before hikes or wine tasting.

Garrett's Brewing Company

Small-batch beers, frequent live music, and a laid-back taproom right in the village.

Outdoors & Waterfalls

10–25 min
Taughannock Falls State Park — Easy gorge trail to a 215-ft waterfall (one of the tallest east of the Rockies) or quick drive to the overlook. Beach and picnic areas on Cayuga Lake. 📍 1740 Taughannock Blvd, Trumansburg, NY 14886
Black Diamond Trail — Gentle 8.4-mile rail trail linking Taughannock to Ithaca's Cass Park. 📍 Trail access at Taughannock Falls State Park or Cass Park, Ithaca
Cayuga Nature Center — Woodland trails, a six-story treehouse, animal exhibits, and Black Diamond Trail access. 📍 1420 Taughannock Blvd, Ithaca, NY 14850
Buttermilk Falls State Park — Gorge and rim hikes with cascades; seasonal swimming area. 📍 106 E Buttermilk Falls Rd, Ithaca, NY 14850
Robert H. Treman State Park — Enfield Glen gorge, Lucifer Falls, and a photogenic stone staircase. 📍 105 Enfield Falls Rd, Ithaca, NY 14850
Allan H. Treman State Marine Park — Boat launch, marina, and birding at the south end of Cayuga Lake. 📍 805 Taughannock Blvd, Ithaca, NY 14850
Puddledockers — Kayak and paddleboard rentals on Cayuga Lake and the inlet. 📍 321 Taughannock Blvd, Ithaca, NY 14850
Watkins Glen State Park — 19 waterfalls in a 2-mile gorge with stone bridges, tunnels, and 200-ft cliffs. The famous Gorge Trail winds past cascades including Rainbow Falls. 📍 1009 N Franklin St, Watkins Glen, NY 14891 • 25 min drive

Seneca Lake Wine Trail Adventure

Full Day Experience

A carefully curated wine trail route from Burdett to Geneva, with options to return via Cayuga Lake. Plan 6-8 hours for the full experience.

Navigation Tip: Use your favorite maps app (Google Maps, Apple Maps, Waze) to navigate between stops using the addresses provided below.

🍷 The Perfect Wine Trail Day

Start at the southern tip of Seneca Lake in Burdett, work your way north through stunning vineyards, enjoy lunch with lake views, and finish with dinner in historic Geneva—or loop back through Cayuga Lake to end closer to home.

Starting Point: Burdett Wineries

Drive Time from Trumansburg: 25 minutes via NY-96 South

Osmote Wine Cellars — Small-batch, handcrafted wines in intimate tasting room. Known for unique varietals and personalized service. 📍 5210 County Road 132, Burdett
Hillick & Hobbs Estate — European-style winery with stunning architecture and sophisticated wines. Beautiful grounds perfect for photos. 📍 5537 NY-414, Burdett • 5 min drive north

Lunch Break: Lakeside Dining

Drive Time: 15-20 minutes north on NY-414

Stonecat Cafe — Farm-to-table cuisine with panoramic Seneca Lake views. Outdoor seating available seasonally. 📍 5315 NY-414, Hector
The Elf in the Oak — Cozy lakeside spot known for fresh, local ingredients and creative seasonal menu. 📍 Along NY-414 (check current location)

Afternoon Tastings: Mid-Lake Gems

Drive Time: 5-10 minutes between stops

Standing Stone Vineyards — Award-winning Rieslings and reds with sweeping lake views. Dog-friendly outdoor seating. 📍 9934 NY-414, Hector
Lamoreaux Landing Wine Cellars — Iconic Greek Revival building with exceptional wines and educational tours. Don't miss their Riesling. 📍 9224 NY-414, Lodi • 10 min north
Boundary Breaks Vineyard — Stunning sunset views, acclaimed Rieslings, and dog-friendly lawns. Perfect for relaxing with a glass outdoors. 📍 1569 Porter Hokanson Rd, Lodi • 8 min east

Northern Route Option: Extend to Geneva

Drive Time: 20 minutes north to Geneva

Three Brothers Wineries & Estates — Family operation with three distinct labels, distillery, and brewery on-site. Great for groups with varied tastes. 📍 623 Lerch Rd, Geneva
Dinner in Geneva

The Rusty Pig — Upscale gastropub with craft cocktails and locally-sourced menu.

Alternative Options: Ports Cafe (waterfront), Beef & Brew (steakhouse), or Abigail's Restaurant (fine dining).

📍 Various locations in downtown Geneva • 45 min drive back to Trumansburg

Alternative Return: Cayuga Lake Loop

Instead of Geneva: Head west to Cayuga Lake for a shorter drive home

Bet the Farm Winery — Your final stop! Right in Trumansburg, perfect for ending the day close to home with local wines and a relaxed atmosphere. 📍 5055 NY-96, Trumansburg • 5 min from downtown

🚗 Planning Your Route

  • Total Distance (Geneva route): ~90 miles, 6-8 hours including tastings
  • Total Distance (Cayuga loop): ~60 miles, 4-6 hours including tastings
  • Best Days: Friday-Sunday for full winery hours and food service
  • Reservations: Recommended for all wineries, especially weekends
  • Designated Driver: Plan ahead or consider a wine tour service

Additional Cayuga Lake Options

Sheldrake Point Winery — Estate wines with breezy lakeside lawn and food service.
Hosmer Winery — Dry Rieslings and reds in a relaxed, family-friendly setting.
Thirsty Owl Wine Company — Deck with lake views and on-site bistro for casual dining.

Breweries

5–35 min
Garrett's Brewing Company — Neighborhood taproom, rotating styles, and events.
Ithaca Beer Co. — Large beer garden, pub menu, year-round favorites plus seasonal releases.
Liquid State Brewing Company — Industrial-chic brewery with food trucks and wide tap list.
Two Goats Brewing — Legendary lake view, live music, and Beef on Weck.
Lucky Hare Brewing — Lakeside lawn in Hector plus Ithaca taproom; hop-forward beers.
Personal Best Brewing — Downtown Ithaca brewery with innovative craft beers and rotating food offerings.

Markets & Local Food

5–25 min
Trumansburg Farmers' Market — Wednesdays, 4–7 pm (May–Oct); produce, crafts, prepared foods, live music.
Ithaca Farmers Market — 100+ vendors at Steamboat Landing; produce, prepared food, flowers, and crafts.

Ithaca: Arts, Culture & Strolls

20–30 min
Downtown Ithaca Commons — Pedestrian mall of shops, cafés, and festivals.
Hangar Theatre — Summer theatre, concerts, and seasonal programming.
Herbert F. Johnson Museum of Art — I. M. Pei design, free admission, panoramic views.
Cornell Botanic Gardens — Gardens, arboretum, and natural areas.
Museum of the Earth — Fossils, dinosaurs, Ice Age geology.
Sciencenter — Hands-on science museum for all ages.
Sagan Planet Walk — 3/4-mile solar system model from the Commons to the Sciencenter.
Ithaca Children's Garden — Playful outdoor space with whimsical features.

Weekend & Rainy Day Itineraries

Rainy Day: Culture & Coffee in Ithaca

  • Morning: Start with a cappuccino at Gimme! Coffee in Trumansburg
  • Late Morning: Museum of the Earth — Fossils, dinosaurs, geology
  • Lunch: Moosewood Restaurant — World-famous vegetarian cuisine
  • Afternoon: Herbert F. Johnson Museum of Art — Art and panoramic lake views
  • Optional: Cornell Botanic Gardens Nevin Welcome Center — Indoor exhibits

Weekend: Finger Lakes Classics

Day 1 — Taughannock & Wine

  • Morning: Taughannock Falls State Park Gorge Trail
  • Afternoon: Cayuga Lake Wine Trail — Sheldrake Point, Hosmer, Lucas Vineyards
  • Evening: Dinner at Hazelnut Kitchen

Day 2 — Ithaca Highlights

  • Morning: Brunch at Collegetown Bagels
  • Midday: Cornell Botanic Gardens & Herbert F. Johnson Museum of Art
  • Afternoon: Ithaca Commons stroll
  • Evening: Drinks at Liquid State Brewing or Ithaca Beer Co.

Family-Friendly Fun

Day 1 — Outdoor Adventure

  • Morning: Cayuga Nature Center with treehouse exploration
  • Midday: Picnic at Taughannock Falls overlook
  • Afternoon: Paddle from Puddledockers
  • Evening: Pizza in Trumansburg

Day 2 — Indoor Exploration

  • Morning: Sciencenter hands-on exhibits
  • Lunch: Cornell Dairy Bar ice cream
  • Afternoon: Sagan Planet Walk
  • Evening: Casual dinner in Ithaca Commons

Tips for Using These Itineraries

  • Check weather forecasts — some spots shine even in light rain
  • Wineries & cideries often require or encourage reservations
  • Weekday visits mean fewer crowds at popular spots
  • Always confirm seasonal hours before heading out

Seasonal & Festivals

Finger Lakes GrassRoots Festival (Late July, Trumansburg) — Four days, multiple stages, and camping at the fairgrounds.
Apple Harvest Festival (Early October, Ithaca Commons) — Cider donuts, local apples, crafts.

Worth the Drive

25–75 min
Watkins Glen International — Premier NASCAR road course hosting racing events including the Go Bowling at The Glen. Drive the track yourself on non-race days. 📍 2790 County Route 16, Watkins Glen, NY 14891 • 25 min drive
Corning Museum of Glass — Live glassblowing, galleries, and hands-on experiences.
Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge — Birding, auto tour, seasonal migrations.

Visitor Information

Downtown Ithaca Visitor Center — Year-round info, maps, and event guides.
Taughannock Overlook Visitor Center — Seasonal, with park maps and exhibits.
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