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The picturesque Finger Lakes Region
encompasses an area containing the 11
beautiful lakes, stretching from Lake Ontario
in the north to the Pennsylvania border in the
south. The New York State Thruway, which is
Interstate 90, runs east and west through the
region, and is a part of the National
Interstate Highway System. The region is alive
with history, breathtaking scenery, and
natural wonders.
The geographic center of the region is the
historic City of Geneva, located on the
northern tip of Seneca Lake, which is the
deepest fresh water lake east of the
Mississippi. Seneca Lake and Cayuga Lake are
linked to the historic Erie Canal, begun in
1817 and often called the engineering marvel
of its time. The Canal System winds north
through the Montezuma Wildlife Preserve, and
then proceeds in an east/west direction
through quaint historic Canal side ports,
before eventually connecting with the Niagara
River to the west, and the Hudson River to the
east.
The region is also noted
for its beautiful wineries, nestled between
deep narrow lakes and sloping hills, resulting
from glacial retreat millions of years ago.
More than one million visitors annually now
stop at one of the Region’s 50 plus wineries,
located on the wine trail throughout the
lakes. Many young wineries are now planting
French-American hybrids and delicate European
vines with stunning success. National and
international acclaim is pouring in, and award
wining wines are now being acclaimed
worldwide. The wineries are also becoming
centers for entertainment, art shows, and
culinary events, with many boasting world
class hotels, and historic B&B’s.
The area is noted for sport fishing, with the
City of Geneva hosting the annual Lake Trout
Derby every Memorial Day weekend. Down hill
and cross country skiing resorts are available
throughout the region. Lacrosse is a major
spectator College sport with Cornell,
Syracuse, and Hobart College, always top
national contenders.
For a high energy filled event, try the
Watkins Glenn National Speedway for a NASCAR
or BUSCH sponsored race, for a glimpse of such
notables as Dale Earnhardt Jr., Tony Stewart,
or our own local racing favorite, DIRT
Modified Champion Steve Paine. Water sports
are also popular with many tour companies
offering daily lake excursions, or rent a
Canal boat and make up your own itinerary.
Whatever your agenda requires the beautiful
Finger Lakes Region dares you to be bored. But
if peace and quiet are on your list, then go
and get lost among the hills and lakes, and
listen for the sounds of the winds, eagles
soaring, or trout swimming.
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