The Finger Lakes Region of New York offers a beautiful destination for visitors, especially near Penn Yan and Watkins Glen. Penn Yan is known for its charming small-town atmosphere, scenic vineyards, and access to Keuka Lake, where you can enjoy boating and lakeside walks. Watkins Glen, on the southern tip of Seneca Lake, is famous for Watkins Glen State Park. The area also boasts renowned wineries, local eateries, and picturesque countryside perfect for a relaxing getaway. Whether you’re interested in outdoor adventures or savoring local flavors, the Finger Lakes Region provides an inviting escape in upstate New York. May is a busy time in the area so unfortunately we may not be able to offer the “Tour Hotel Rate” for extra days. Facilities are limited so early registration is encouraged. MARC is combining this Road Tour with a few of the regular activities of a Membership Meet. A brief “General Membership Meeting” will be held on Tuesday morning. Awards will be presented at the Thursday Night Farewell Banquet. Please note that due to space constraints, the banquet area is limited to 300 people so be sure to register early. Penn Yan is said to have been contrived from the first syllables of “Pennsylvania” and “Yankee”, as most of the early settlers were from Pennsylvania and New England; the latter were known as Yankees. It became a trading center for the agricultural county, with mills for lumber, buckwheat and other grains. The village was the western terminus of the former Crooked Lake Canal. We will offer two “Guided” tours, one to Corning Museum of Glass in Corning, NY and another to Geneva and Seneca Falls, NY . There are an abundance of arts and crafts destinations as well as wineries situated along the coastlines of Keuka Lake (Penn Yan area) and Seneca Lake (Watkins Glen, NY) and Watkins Glen State Park.
Although there are 11 finger lakes, the five largest Finger Lakes are:
- Seneca Lake: The largest and deepest lake, known for its wineries.
- Cayuga Lake: The longest lake, with Ithaca at its southern end.
- Keuka Lake: A Y-shaped lake in the heart of the wine region.
- Canandaigua Lake: The westernmost of the five major lakes.
- Skaneateles Lake: Known for its clean water and the charming town of Skaneateles.
Why they are famous:
- Wine production: The region is the largest wine-producing area in New York, with over 400 wineries and
vineyards. - Glacial history: The lakes and surrounding landscape were carved out by glaciers.
- Natural scenery: The region features numerous gorges, waterfalls (like at Watkins Glen State Park), and
state parks. - Outdoor activities: The area offers hiking, boating, fishing, and other outdoor pursuits.
The Host Hotel will be the Hampton Inn and Suites, Penn Yan on the northern end of the Y-shaped Keuka Lake and offers stunning views of the area. A block of rooms has also been reserved at the Best Western Vineyard Inn and Suites, Penn Yan, NY.
