5 Unique Things To Do Finger Lakes for Retirees

Are you ready to uncover some hidden treasures in the picturesque NY Finger Lakes region? If you’re a retiree looking for unique attractions to explore, you’re in for a treat. From charming wineries to breathtaking waterfalls, this article will guide you through 5 hidden gems that are sure to make your retirement adventure unforgettable. Get ready to sip, relax, and enjoy the beauty of the Finger Lakes in New York State like never before.

What is the Finger Lakes Region?

The Finger Lakes Region is a magnificent area in upstate New York known for its stunning natural beauty and abundance of recreational activities. With 11 long, narrow lakes carved out by glaciers thousands of years ago, this region offers a unique combination of picturesque landscapes and charming small towns. Whether you’re interested in wine tasting, hiking, or simply immersing yourself in the tranquility of nature, the Finger Lakes Region has something for everyone. As you prepare to explore the hidden gems for retirees in this area, it’s helpful to gain a brief understanding of what makes this region so special.

The Finger Lakes region of New York State covers about 9,000 square miles.The region centers on 11 long, narrow, glacial pristine lakes in central New York:

• Eastern group: Otisco, Skaneateles Lake , Owasco, Cayuga

• Central group: Seneca, Keuka Lake

• Western group: Canandaigua Lake, Honeoye, Canadice, Hemlock, Conesus

The lakes are all popular for water sports and other great outdoors activities. Cayuga Lake and Seneca lake are the two largest lakes.  We stayed at the Hotel Canandaigua. on Lake Canandaigua and were totally relaxed and regenerated after a tough day at the Finger Lakes Gaming & RaceTrack (see Hidden Gem #5 below).

They stretch roughly north–south between the major cities of Rochester and Syracuse in western New York, with the northern tips approaching Lake Ontario and the southern ends pushing into the northern Appalachian Plateau.

Finger Lakes National and State Parks

The region includes approximately 26 state parks, according to Finger Lakes Finger Lakes Tourism Alliance. National parks are the Women’s Rights National Historical Park, where the suffrage movement started and the Harriet Tubman National Historical Park, where she lived for more than 50 years after the Civil War.

Cos’s Prior Visits to Upstate New York

Cos’s Prior Visits to Upstate New York included traveling through the Finger Lakes Area as a very young lad, of which he has no recall, with the intent of visiting the Niagara Falls. He attended college in the eastern part of Upstate New York in the city of Troy, NY and occasionally visited Cornell University in Ithaca, NY at the south end of Cayuga Lake. In 2025, Cos and Robin spent three beautiful days in the Finger Lakes and came away with the following Five Hidden Gems that we highly recommend. We refer to all of them as hidden gems, because of all the tourist regions we have visited, this one felt the least toursited, which was a real positive, making the whole region a hidden gem. In fact, the only place we ran into a little bit of traffic was in Seneca Falls at the north end of Cayuga Lake after we traveled on the Cayuga Lake Wine Trail.

As you delve into the hidden gems for retirees in the NY Finger Lakes Region, you’ll find a curated list of unique and lesser-known destinations that will surely make your visit memorable.

5 Hidden Gems to Visit

From off-the-beaten-path hiking trails to quaint boutiques tucked away in charming villages, the Finger Lakes Region is teeming with hidden gems waiting to be discovered. These unique destinations offer a different perspective of the area, allowing retirees to immerse themselves in the local culture and beauty of the region. As you explore these hidden gems, be sure to keep an eye out for the next stop on your journey – the charming wineries where you can sip and relax amongst scenic vineyards.,

#1 Hidden Gem: Wine Tasting Adventures in The Finger Lakes NY Wineries

After a day of exploring the hidden gems of the Finger Lakes Region, retirees can unwind at the charming wineries scattered throughout the area. These tranquil spots offer the perfect setting to sip on exquisite wines while taking in the breathtaking views of the surrounding vineyards. Get ready to indulge in a relaxing wine tasting experience on the Seneca and Cayuga Lake Wine Trails.

Retirees can continue their exploration of the Finger Lakes Region by embarking on wine tasting adventures along the Seneca and Cayuga Lake Wine Trails. These trails offer a unique opportunity to sample a variety of award-winning wines while enjoying the picturesque landscapes of the region.

Finger Lakes Wineries Map: Finger Lakes NY Wineries

Surprisingly, there are over 130 Finger Lakes NY Wineries.  The valleys created by the lakes, form nice natural places to grow grapes.  Here is where they are located.

Seneca Lakes Wine Trail

Of the 130 Wineries that are located in the Finger Lakes Region, we believe the best wineries are located on the Seneca Lake Wine Trail. Seneca Lake boasts over 50 wineries, the highest concentration in the region. Our favorite was the Hermann J. Wiemer Winery.  He was responsible for bringing European Grapes to Seneca Lake in 1948, which was a major improvement over the previously grown local grapes. We had delicious Rieslings and Cabernet Franc wines at their wine tasting.

Similarly, Dr. Konstantin Frank was known for bringing European vinifera grapes to the region and producing exceptional Rieslings and sparkling wines at his winery on Keuka Lake.

Cayuga Lakes Wine Trail

On the Cayuga Lakes Wine Trail we were impressed with the wines at the Hosmer Winery. The Cayuga Lakes Wine Trail includes a number of wineries that are located directly on the lake, so it is possible to take a wine cruise on the lake. After indulging in the delightful flavors of local vineyards, retirees can immerse themselves in the natural beauty of Watkins Glen State Park, where stunning waterfalls and lush forests await.

#2 Hidden Gem: Watkins Glen

Watkins Glen State Park, nestled in the Finger Lakes Region at the southern end of Seneca Lake, is a must-visit destination for retirees seeking outdoor adventures, natural beauty and tranquility. The park boasts a series of breathtaking waterfalls cascading through a lush gorge, surrounded by towering cliffs and vibrant greenery. Visitors can wander along the winding pathways, crossing over picturesque stone bridges and soaking in the serene atmosphere.

After a peaceful stroll through the park, retirees can visit the famous Watkins Glen International Racing Course.

Watkins Glen International​

Famous for its state park with cascading waterfalls, Watkins Glen is also one of New York State’s historic sites famous for Grand Prix and NASCAR racing at Watkins Glen International. Hosting Grand Prix Races between 1948 and 1980, and the Formula One United States Grand Prix from 1961 until 1980, Watkins Glen was back then known as the United States F1 race track.  While Grand Prix F1 races are no longer held at Watkins Glen, Watkins Glen remains a major racing destination, hosting a variety of prominent motorsport events:

• IMSA SportsCar Championship: The annual 6 Hours of Watkins Glen endurance race continues to be a highlight.

• NASCAR: The track hosts several major races including the NASCAR Cup Series Races.

After your exploration of the Watkins Glen Gorge, and the Watkins Glen Inernational Course, then you can marvel at stunning glass creations and learn about the art of glassmaking at the region’s cultural offerings at the nearby Corning Museum of Glass.

​#3 Hidden Gem: Corning Museum of Glass

Another hidden gem for retirees to explore in the NY Finger Lakes Region is the Corning Museum of Glass. This world-renowned museum is the world’s largest glass museum, and offers visitors the opportunity to witness exquisite glass creations, historical glass exhibits, and learn about the fascinating art of glassmaking. From intricate glass sculptures to interactive exhibits showcasing the history and science behind glass, the Corning Museum of Glass is sure to captivate visitors of all ages.

Some of the works from Chihuly Glass Works are truly impressive. To see more please see our Seattle, Washington post.

Here are some of the other beautiful glass works that we saw at the museum.

After indulging in the beauty and artistry of glass at the museum, retirees can continue their journey through the region’s wonders by visiting Taughannock Falls State Park. This park offers breathtaking views of one of the highest waterfalls east of the Rocky Mountains, providing a truly awe-inspiring natural spectacle for visitors to enjoy.,

#4 Hidden Gem: Breathtaking Views at Taughannock Falls State Park

Retirees seeking natural beauty and serenity should not miss out on the opportunity to visit Taughannock Falls State Park. Located in the NY Finger Lakes Region, this park offers breathtaking views of Taughannock Falls.  Taughannock Falls is the tallest single-drop waterfall east of the Rockies, including it is taller than Niagara Falls (which drops about 167 feet). The sight of the cascading water plunging 215 feet into the gorge below is truly awe-inspiring and provides a peaceful escape into nature for visitors.

Whether taking a leisurely stroll along the gorge trail or enjoying a picnic with a scenic backdrop, Taughannock Falls State Park is a must-visit destination for retirees looking to immerse themselves in the beauty of the outdoors.

After experiencing the tranquility and natural wonder of Taughannock Falls State Park, retirees can add some excitement to their itinerary by attending the thrilling horse races at Finger Lakes Gaming & Racetrack.,

#5 Hidden Gem: Exciting Horse Races at Finger Lakes Picks Gaming & Racetrack

The racetrack offers a lively atmosphere where spectators can feel the adrenaline rush as the horses thunder down the track, competing for the win. With a variety of races to choose from, retirees can enjoy a day filled with suspense, cheers, and maybe even a little bit of luck. Unfortunately, for us and other used to visit more famous race tracks, such as Saratoga, Belmont and Churchill downs, making Finger Lakes Picks is not easy as the horses and jockeys are not well known.  We visited to watch Cos’s Daughter’s horse, Caldwell Luvs Gold, run in the $50,000 highlight race.  Unfortunately, she finished third with a smiling, but unknown Jockey.

Conclusion

As you contemplate your retirement adventures, don’t overlook the treasures waiting to be discovered in the NY Finger Lakes region. From savoring fine wines at charming wineries to marveling at the natural wonders of Watkins Glen State Park and Taughannock Falls State Park, there is something for every retiree to enjoy. Whether you choose to explore the Corning Museum of Glass or try your luck at Finger Lakes Gaming & Racetrack, the Finger Lakes region offers a wealth of experiences just waiting to be embraced. So why wait? Start planning your retirement adventure today and uncover the beauty and excitement that the NY Finger Lakes region has to offer. As you embark on this journey, remember the words of Nelson Mandela, “It always seems impossible until it’s done.” Happy exploring!