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The Finger Lakes Region is home to the Finger Lakes and multiple cities. Lakes in the region include Otisco, Owasco, Seneca, and Keuka.[1] Some of the cities in the same general area are Rochester, Syracuse, and Binghamton. The north side of the region goes along Lake Ontario while the east wraps around Cicero, Hamilton, and Oneonta. The region stretches down past Binghamton, Elmira, Olean, and Jamestown in a rectangular shape. Weather near the Finger Lakes has an average high of 73 degrees Fahrenheit and an average low of around 25 degrees. Rain falls in June and October more often, and snowfalls from November to April, with an average of 5.5 inches of snow on the ground in February each year.[5] Many tourists visit the area to spend time at the Finger Lakes, but the cities within the region are also a draw for tourism. Things to do within the region include the Rosamond Gifford Zoo, Watkins Glen State Park, Robert Treman State Park, the Finger Lakes National Forest, and Erie Canal Museum.[3] Other activities within the region are in Rochester. These include the Strong National Museum of Play, Highland Park, Seabreeze Amusement Park, the Erie Canal Trail, and the Seneca Park Zoo.[4]
The Finger Lakes Region is best known for the lakes and cities within it. The lakes include the Otisco, Skaneateles, Owasco, Cayuga, Seneca, Keuka, Canandaigua, Honeoye, Canadice, Hemlock, and Conesus Lakes.[1] Some examples of cities nearby are Rochester, Syracuse, and Binghamton. Within the area are many attractions. Activities near the Finger Lakes consist of the Rosamond Gifford Zoo, Robert Treman State Park, Watkins Glen State Park, Erie Canal Museum, and Finger Lakes National Forest. The Rosamond Gifford Zoo is home to many animals, such as elephants, penguins, tigers, leopards, monkeys, sloths, meerkats, and multiple species of birds. Robert Treman State Park has numerous waterfalls, a pool, and a hiking trail. Watkins Glen State Park has hiking trails, waterfalls, cabins, and a graveyard. The Erie Canal Museum is home to many historical artifacts such as plates and other dishes. During the wintertime, they display gingerbread houses. Finger Lakes National Forest has campsites and trails, along with multiple wild animals in the area, such as turkeys and deer.[3]
In Rochester, there are many things guests can do during their stay. Some of these things are the Strong National Museum of Play, Seabreeze Amusement Park, Highland Park, Seneca Park Zoo, and the Erie Canal Trail. The Strong National Museum of Play has an assortment of activities for children to participate in, such as shopping, constructing a train, and riding a carousel. There are also exhibits on superheroes and animals. Seabreeze Amusement Park has many rides, roller coasters, and other attractions along with a water park. Highland Park has multiple trails people can go on. There are many flowers and trees in the area, and guests can have the chance to see animals in the area. Seneca Park Zoo holds many animals, including lions, zebras, rhinos, giraffes, and red pandas. The Erie Canal Trail goes along rivers and has activities along with it such as boating, biking, and going on bridges.[4]
The Finger Lakes Region goes along Lake Ontario and stretches down past the cities of Binghamton, Elmira, Olean, and Jamestown. The east side of the border wraps around Cicero, Hamilton, and Oneonta. The west area of the border curves around Jamestown before going up to Medina. The region has the Finger Lakes within it, making it wetter and relatively flat. Within the region, there are hills, and mountains can be seen in the distance. The weather in the region is relatively warm, with an average high of 73 degrees Fahrenheit and an average low of 25 degrees. Rain is more likely to fall in the months of June and October, while snow is likely to fall from November to April. Snow gets up to an average of around 5.5 inches in February each year.[5]
Animals in the region vary depending on where a person goes within the region. Throughout the cities and the areas surrounding them, animals such as raccoons, squirrels, Canadian geese, woodchucks, skunks, and opossums can be found.[6] Near the Finger Lakes, animals such as bald eagles, beavers, black bears, great blue herons, river otters, sandhill cranes, white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, and snow geese are more common.[8] Plants that grow in large numbers within the region include crocosmias, Oregon grapes, southern magnolias, black elders, hostas, and coleus.[7]
Finger Lakes is part of the Iroquois homeland. Included in the Iroquois tribe are the Seneca and Cayuga nations. Two of the largest lakes are named after these nations. Along with the Iroquois tribe lived the Tuscarora tribe from ca. 1720. Living at the eastern edge of the region were the Onondaga and Oneida tribes. They were located to two lakes, which were named after them. The Iroquois tribe had an easternmost tribe called the Mowhawk. Many other tribes moved to the area seeking the protection of the Iroquois during colonial times. Major towns inside the area included Kanadaseaga (currently known as Geneva), Goiogouen, Chonodote (presently known as Aurora), and Catherine's Town, which is located near present-day Watkins Glen. Because of their numbers and power, the Iroquois tribe was able to keep European settlers away for nearly two centuries. The Iroquois tribe used ingenuity and adaptability to resist the Europeans.
During the American Revolutionary War, the part of the Iroquois tribe sided with the British while the other part sided with the Americans, causing a civil war within the tribe. During the war, most of the Iroquois towns were destroyed, and Iroquois power was broken. After the war, the Indians, including the Iroquois tribe, were assigned reservations. Most of their land was made available for purchase and settlement. Part of the land made public was the Finger Lakes.[1]
Rochester was first inhabited by the Seneca tribe but lost most of the land during the Treaty of Big Tree in 1797. The development of Rochester followed the American Revolution. The cession was forced by the Iroquois tribe. Because of their ally with the British, four major Iroquois tribes were forced to move from the area but were given a large portion of land as a reward for their loyalty to the British. Rochester itself was founded shortly after the American Revolution by immigrants from New England. In November of 1803, three men, including Nathaniel Rochester, Major Charles Carroll, and William Fitzhugh, purchased a 100-acre tract from the state. In 1817, other landowners joined their lands with the Hundred Acre Tract to form Rochesterville. It became the seat of Monroe County by 1821 and was officially renamed Rochester in 1823. It became the most prominent flour-producing city in the United States by 1838 and was nicknamed "Flour City." Rochester also became America's first "boomtown." From 1830-1831 Rochester experienced a big Protestant revivalist moment. It was lead by Charles Grandison Finney. Many things were changed or closed during the revival. As time passed, Rochester continued to develop. The black population rose to more than 25,000 during the 1950s.
In 1964 a riot started in the town. By the end of it, five people had been killed, and many stores had been damaged or looted. Almost a thousand people were arrested for damaging the stores. After the riots, people established FIGHT (Freedom, Integration, God, Honor, Today), which helped open employment and city governance. The population continued to rise over time. In 1950, the ratio of black to white was 97.6% white and 2.3% black. By 2018 the population had declined, and the percentage of black to white was around 46.58% white and 40.71% black or African American.[2]
The Inn at Gothic Eves is located in the small village of Trumansburg, New York. The property includes two buildings, the main house with six suites guests can stay in and a second building with two additional suites and a spa that operates in the summer. The owner, Rose, has dedicated herself to keeping the establishment current and as such makes updates to various aspects of the premises every year. The breakfast served at the inn is a rotating menu based on the season of the year and is made from locally sourced ingredients, especially fruits and vegetables. There is also a vegetable flower garden on the property. Because the inn is located in the village, many of Trumansburg’s attractions are within walking or biking distance. There are also many natural places popular with guests near The Inn at Gothic Eves, such as waterfalls, hiking, and biking trails.
...Read MoreThe Enfield Manor Bed and Breakfast and Vacation Rental is a property on fifteen acres of land. The property consists of a Greek Revival house with two rooms, a cabin that people can rent out, patios, ponds, and a monarch butterfly preserve. The property is surrounded by maple tress, offering a backdrop while guests walk around, adding to the potential to enjoy the view of the fields and the small town a few miles away. The property provides breakfast for its guests which typically consist of meals such as bacon, fried eggs, French toast, and omelets.
...Read MoreThe Genesee Country Inn is located in the small township of Mumford, New York. Owned and operated by Deborah Stankevich, the property has been considered a bed and breakfast since 1982. Inside the building, there are a total of ten rooms available to guests. The area is known for its wineries, golf courses, and various universities. The building itself has a history that dates back over 175 years ago. There has been a substantial amount of work put into the property to preserve its past and keep it in shape. The Genesee Country Inn also doubles as an event venue. Guests are able to hold significant events and celebrations like weddings and birthdays at the inn if they would like.
...Read MoreBlushing Rose Bed and Breakfast
Blushing Rose Bed and Breakfast is located in Hammondsport, New York, which is a village situated at the south end of Keuka Lake. Keuka Lake is one of the Finger Lakes of New York, referring to the eleven long and narrow lakes that run through the state of New York. The city of Hammondsport houses an abundant amount of wineries and distilleries, which makes wine tasting a more common activity to do for visitors. The house was built in 1843, making it over 175 years old. Due to the location of The Blushing Rose Bed and Breakfast, it doesn't take long for guests to reach the downtown square of Hammondsport, as it is within walking distance.
...Read MoreFinger Lakes B&B at Hutton Farm
The Finger Lakes Bed & Breakfast at Hutton Farm is a B&B owned by Maggie and Mike and is located in Penn Yan, New York. It is a 7000 sq. ft. building with 5 units to rent that sits on 5 acres of land. The B&B is relatively central to a number of attractions in the area, such as many wineries, lots of hiking, and the Finger Lakes themselves. Not only is the property a bed and breakfast, but it is also home to The Hutton Farm Bakery. Maggie bakes many different pastries, and all of her creations are family recipes that have been passed down from generation to generation.
...Read MoreThe 2W Lake Bed and Breakfast is located on the corner of Skaneateles, New York's main street. The property is right across the street from the village park and the lake, which many guests have enjoyed visiting while staying here. The bed and breakfast has two floors. The two rooms that are offered to guests are both located on the top floor, leaving the bottom floor to provide sitting rooms and a dining room for the property's visitors. While at the property, guests can enjoy a daily breakfast made by the owner and explore the various amounts of keepsakes throughout the building.
...Read MoreRed Fox Run B&B is located in upstate New York in the city of Cazenovia. The bed and breakfast is a farmhouse suite and is located two miles from town. The property is five hours from New York City and allows visitors to experience a different, rural side of New York. The Red Fox Run Bed and Breakfast is known for its unique breakfast experience, which is giving to guests by a basket. In the basket, guests are given a variety of foods, including fresh eggs, maple syrup, and, if desired, the Farmhouse Porridge.
...Read MoreThe Tenwood Lodge is located just south of Ithaca, New York. The six-bedroom home is constructed with thirteen different types of wood and has windows on all sides of the home overlooking the 120 acres of land surrounding the lodge. A large kitchen, three living spaces, and a dining room are common spaces in the home suited for large families and groups. Breakfast is served fresh by the owner of the property, Kim Nitchman, every morning for guests to the establishment. Those who reserve the entire home are welcome to use the large kitchen. Tenwood Lodge is located near many national forests and lakes.
...Read MoreLiberty House Bed and Breakfast is presently owned and operated by William and Irene Unterborn, who originally converted the establishment into a bed and breakfast business. A total of three guestrooms are available for visitors to reserve, all of which are air-conditioned with cable TV and free WiFi. The property is situated among several local museums and historic sites in the town of Palmyra, New York. William and Irene often receive those who are members of the LDS church, and as such, the owners suggest nearby sites that pertain to the church's historical significance, such as the Hill Cumorah Visitor's Center, the Martin Harris Farm, and the Book of Mormon Historic Publication Site (Grandin Building). Beyond the town's historic properties, another popular attraction is the Finger Lakes wine region where people can engage in water sports or explore the breweries.
...Read More1867 Parkview Inn is a boutique and hotel that is likely the oldest operable hotel in Owego, New York. As it states in its name, The 1867 Parkview Inn was built just over 150 years ago. Onsite, there are fourteen guest accommodations available for patrons to stay in, as well as a pub and restaurant located on the first floor. Potential guests will find the property in the middle of town and on the edge of the Susquehanna River. In almost any given direction, an assortment of stores and restaurants line the sides of the streets, with a wide range in both price and variety. The town itself has been around for a long time, and the locals tend to live up to their heritage.
...Read MoreLocated on the shoreline of Seneca Lake, the Plum Point Lodge is comprised of multiple buildings with large windows overlooking the lake. There are thirty-one guest accommodations at the lodge. Perhaps the most unique of these units are the six yurt-glamping tents. All guests at the Plum Point Lodge have access to the property's pool, the firepits and yard games in the main courtyard, the dock seating, and the bar. Sapalta is a restaurant located on the property that serves dinner every night and breakfast every morning. The Plum Point Lodge offers boat rentals out of its dock, and there are many wine tours in the surrounding area.
...Read MoreThe Skaneateles Inn on 20 is a short distance outside of the town of Skaneateles in northwestern New York. It has 20 different guest accommodations of varying degrees of stay duration and availability during the year. The inn was once a motel back in the 1960s, and so it still has a motel-style look to it, though with modernized amenities and features. Its feel, however, can be described as being more like a bed & breakfast or an inn. This more homey feeling is due to the fact that they serve breakfast on the premises and because the guest accommodations have all been renovated and modernized. Beyond this, the rooms are also all distinctly decorated to differ from the cookie-cutter feeling associated with motels. Close by is the city of Auburn, New York, known for its history and culture. Notable among these attractions are the William Seward House and the Harriet Tubman Home.
...Read MoreIrwin Bay Cottages can be found in Mayville, New York, which is located on the Chautauqua Lake and near Lake Erie. The business has seasonal cabins that are available from the last week of April to the middle of October as well as vacation rentals that can be reserved year-round. According to the owners, the cabins were initially built during the 1930s and 1940s. They have made several significant changes in an effort to improve the quality of the business. The owners would like visitors to feel relaxed at the establishment. All of the units come with private bathrooms and screened porches, and guests can also utilize the barbecue grills outside. A boat dock resides on the lake, allowing patrons to take their boats and other watercraft out. Another activity that people tend to participate in at the lake is fishing.
...Read MoreCandlelight Lodge Bed and Breakfast
In Westfield, New York is the Candlelight Lodge Bed and Breakfast which offers seven units for guests to reserve. The property was built in 1851 and was supposedly used as one of the stations of the underground railroad. Each room is individually decorated with antiques from the Civil War to the 1900s. The bed and breakfast is open year-round and has its busiest season in the summertime because of the lake activities that are available nearby, says Wilma, who is one of the owners. According to Wilma, a popular attraction among visitors are the 25 wineries located within 40 miles of the bed and breakfast. The Finger Lakes region of New York is also within close proximity to the property.
...Read MoreThe Deer Run Lodging House is situated on six acres of land in upstate New York near the Finger Lakes. There are two rooms available to guests, both with unique names. The Frederick Suite features a king bed, a sitting area, and an en suite bathroom with a Jacuzzi tub and walk-in shower. Those staying with more than two people may prefer Helen’s Suite, which has pull-out beds for guests if needed. Breakfast is served each morning by Rick and Rita Keyes, the owners of the property, and guests can choose what they want from a menu. “You tell us what you want, we won’t tell you,” says Rick regarding the breakfast. Throughout the region, there are a number of activities that patrons of the guest house can engage in, including the aforementioned Finger Lakes. Some activities include hiking, water activities on the lake, and wine tasting at the various wineries that specialize in white wine near the property.
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