by Lori Bloom

Created on: April 25, 2009   Last Updated: April 18, 2011

The Finger Lakes is a beautiful region located in Upstate New York. There are eleven lakes that make up the Finger Lakes and from a satellite view, they do appear to be finger-like. Vacationing in the Finger Lakes can be fun-filled, relaxing, or as exciting as you want it to be. In the summer months, temperatures average in the 80's. The Finger Lakes changing of the seasons is quite beautiful if you are planning an autumn or fall visit, and in the winter months, skiing is phenomenal and the winter scenery is quite impressive. From beautiful wine trails, to festivals and fairs, waterparks, beaches, golf courses, ski lodges, a casino and Nascar races, there are many reasons to travel to the Finger Lakes Region, no matter what time of year!

Canandaigua Lake offers boat tours and dinner cruises on the Canandaigua Lady, Roseland Waterpark or three different beaches to choose from on those hot summer days. Canandaigua also hosts a Performing Arts Center where many well-known artists perform all summer long, and at the south end of the lake there is the famous Naples Grape Festival each October. The Finger Lakes Racetrack and Casino is a wonderful place to spend a day, or weekend.

Keuka Lake is a great place for boating and there are a few restaurants along the lake that offer dock service for customers. Boat tours and dinner cruises are also available on the Keuka Maid. The State Park is a great place to camp, hike, or relax on the beach.

The Bristol Mountain Ski Resort is located between Honeoye and Canandaigua lakes for those who seek adventure and beauty. If you aren't planning a ski vacation, during the Fall they offer lift rides up the mountainside, which is breathtaking.

The Ontario County Fair, which is held in July, is located in Canandaigua at the stock car speedway track. If you travel to the Hemlock Fair, also held in July, located between Honeoye and Hemlock Lakes, you will be sure to be entertained by the famous, action-packed Demolition Derby held there.

Each August, a Sauerkraut Festival is held in Phelps, NY, which is in between Canandaigua and Seneca lakes. If you don't like Sauerkraut that much, don't despair, there is plenty of entertainment at this carnival-type event. A parade, live music and rides for the kids makes for a great family outing. August is also a great time to visit Watkins Glen, which is located at the south end of Seneca Lake. If you enjoy camping, hiking, or attending a Nascar Race, Watkins Glen is the place to be!

There are many hotels, motels campgrounds and bed and breakfasts to choose from, no matter what your budget is, or your vacation plans are. The Finger Lakes Region also has many wineries and golf resorts for those who just want to get away from it all and relax. There are many places on the web to get information about traveling to the Finger Lakes. Fingerlakes.com is quite helpful in planning a vacation there.

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