What’s new in the Finger Lakes

Wednesday, 03 Apr, 2024 0

The Finger Lakes region of New York continues to thrive with new attractions opening for visitors and unmissable activities, lodging, and flavors.

Find what the buzz will be about through 2024.

New Attractions & Facilities

The Ithaca Downtown Conference Center in Tompkins County is slated to open this summer. This venue will be the first fully-electric conference center in the country. The center’s location in the heart of downtown will be just steps away from the area’s hotels and restaurants.

The charming lake town of Skaneateles will welcome the Skaneateles Lodge Curio Collection by Hilton in the fall, featuring an on-site restaurant and bar, a full-service spa, and indoor and outdoor pools.

The Big Tree Inn, a landmark property in Geneseo, is planning to reopen its guest rooms, restaurant, and tavern later this year.

Woodcliff Hotel & Spa in Fairport, is celebrating its spa’s 20th anniversary with major new renovations completed in late 2023 including improvements to on-site dining and spa with 13 treatment rooms, plus a 20-feet Himalayan salt wall.

New foodie experiences

The region’s lineup of new developments also expands to the food and beverage scene. Yates County has several new winery and brewery operations to explore, including Bravery Wines, Lake Life Brewery, and Vineyard View Winery at Sweet Farm. Look out for Acquilano Wine Cellars, located in downtown Canandaigua, to have its first tasting in spring 2024.

Syracuse has plenty of new culinary offerings this year with SINBUN and Elle Rae’s Tacos opening in the Salt City Market. Other new restaurants to the Syracuse area include Kofta Burger, Inka’s, The Whiskey Coop, and Louise the Everson Museum Café. In Livingston County, the Drumroll Stage and Sushi Bar, Rose’s Bar & Grill and T’s on Genesee will make a splash.

Events & Anniversaries

The 10th Annual Blackbird Film Festival, April 11-14 in Cortland, NY, features more than 100 films and workshops. The event is free to the public.

OnondagaMan 2024 will take place at Jamesville Beach Park on June 1. This new 300-person triathlon takes athletes swimming the Jamesville Reservoir, biking a loop through three New York counties, and finishing with a run surrounding the park.

Portrait of a Place: A Plein Air Competition will be hosted July 19-20 in Homer, NY. Artists will immerse themselves in the natural scenery of the township’s countryside and will paint at various locations within the village.

Hoochenanny Whiskey Festival returns for its second year on December 29-31, ringing in the New Year in Geneseo, NY. The event will showcase New York craft whiskeys, regional favorite music talents, and local artisan vendors.

Summer Fun

The Finger Lakes region has many annual festivals and seasonal activities making triumphant returns. Mark your calendars for these regional favorites.

Head to Tioga County to experience harness horse racing on summer weekends starting in May. From May 16-19, Williamson hosts its Apple Blossom Festival with local vendors, a car show, carnival rides, and more. Two great events are planned around Memorial Day weekend: Corning GlassFest May 24-26 and the Canandaigua Lake Trout Derby coming May 25-27. Waterloo prides itself on the birthplace of Memorial Day and celebrates the 158th consecutive observance this year.

Artistry shines in the Finger Lakes. Visitors can enjoy the Elmira Street Painting Festival June 8-9, with artists taking over the roadways with highly-creative art pieces. Take in world-class bluegrass music with Pickin’ in the Pasture August 22-24, a family-friendly festival held at a working sheep farm in Lodi, NY.

What’s new in the fall months?

The Grand Prix Festiva l brings in tens of thousands to celebrate Watkins Glen’s history of racing on September 6. The Central New York Tomato Festival, held in Auburn every September, helps fund Cayuga County food banks with vendor stands, living history tours, and more tomato-based excitement. In Monroe County, the top-rated Rochester Fringe Festival returns September 10-21.

TravelMole Editorial Team

Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.

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