Finger Lakes
The Greater Finger Lakes Area is huge, comprising most of the western part of Upstate New York, reaching from Syracuse to Letchworth State Park, and from Lake Ontario south to the Pennsylvania border. Its main features are
over 200 wineries, rolling hills, beautiful lakes with cruises galore, and just plain peace and tranquility.
IDEA CENTER
for Tour Operators, Wholesalers, Group Leaders,
Clubs, Banks, Schools, and Meeting Planners
whose groups of 30 or more persons are traveling by motorcoach.
Let Hayfield Tours prepare an exciting tour
from the Idea Center or from an idea of your own.
These tours are not for individual
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IDEA INDEX OF FINGER LAKES TOURS
Scroll down and find the Tour # of choice for your group.
Tour # FL-1 - Awesome Finger Lakes
Tour # FL-2 - Keuka Lake
Tour # FL-3 - South Seneca Lake
Tour # FL-4 - Skaneateles Lake
Tour # FL-5 - West Cayuga Lake
Tour # FL-6 - North Seneca Lake
Tour # FL-7 - Canandaigua Lake
Tour # FL-8 - Letchworth State Park
Tour # FL-9 - Waterfalls of Cayuga
Tour # FL-10 - Salt City Syracuse
Tour # FL-11 - Oswego Harborfest
Tour # FL-12 - Christmas Lights on the Lake
Tour # FL-13 - Erie Canal in the Mohawk Valley
Tour # FL-14 - Gems Along the Mohawk
Tour # FL-15 - Cooperstown
Tour # FL-16 - Play Time Off Broadway
Tour # FL-17 - Lucy & Desi
Tour # FL-18 - Corning
Tour # FL-19 - Watkins Glen Gorge
Tour # FL-20 - Finger Lakes Wine Festival
Tour # FL-21 - Finger Lakes East and the Grand Canyon of PA
Tour # FL-22 - Black History
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Tour # FL-1 - AWESOME FINGER LAKES: THE SAMPLER
This tour samples all 5 sections of the Finger Lakes for the most complete visit to this magnificent region of New
York State, with rolling hills, breathtaking lakes, unblemished countryside, and over 200 wineries.
EAST:
* 1849 Women’s Suffrage Convention Park
* 3 Women’s Suffrage Ladies statue
* Most photographed church in region.
* Memorial Day Museum
* Anyela Winery and Tasting
* Dinner Cruise on Skaneateles Lake
NORTH:
* George Eastman House & Museum
* Rochester City Tour
* Erie Canal Cruise
* Dinner at Finger Lakes Casino
WEST:
* Sonnenberg Gardens
* Letchworth State Park & Gorge
* Widmer Winery Tasting
* Esperanza Rose Cruise
* Dinner at Esperanza Mansion
CENTRAL:
* MacKenzie-Childs Designer House & Store.
* King Ferry Wine Tasting
* Dinner at Belhurst Castle
* William Seward House.
* Willard Chapel
* 3 Brothers Winery
* Dinner at Springside Inn
SOUTH:
* Corning Glass
* Castel Grische Winery
* Watkins Glen Gorge
* Mark Twain Studio
* Air Museum
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Tour # FL-2 - KEUKA LAKE
Keuka Lake is an unusual member of the Finger Lakes because it is Y-shaped instead of long and narrow. Keuka (pronounced que-kuh) was referred to in the past as Crooked Lake and means “canoe landing” in Iroquois language. Steep hills from shoreline give it striking vistas and cloud shadows unique to this lake.
KEUKA VILLAGE
* Esperanza Mansion Lunch & Cruise. Bluff Point is known as place of little bit of heaven on earth. Historic mansion, superb food, magnificent scenery, cocktail lounge cruise.
* Ravines Wine Cellars Tasting. Dream and passion of Morten (European Winemaker/Oenologist) and Chef/Foodie wife Lisa Hallgren who created small, distinctive winery crafting elegant and food friendly wines using Old World wine making tradition with New World innovation.
* McGregor Winery and Tasting. Sit on the porch overlooking the lake, drink in the magnificent scenery and taste
the delicious wines.
HAMMONDSPORT
* Heron Hill Winery Tasting. Grows cold-climate Riesling and Chardonnay grapes, makes elegant world-class wines
on slate hill overlooking scenic Keuka Lake. Views from magnificent vaulted Tasting Hall, taste portfolio of Rieslings, Chardonnays, Vinifera reds, popular Eclipse Series, Ingle Vineyard series, Late Harvest, and Ice wines.
* Great Western Winery Tour & Tasting. 1860 oldest winery in Finger Lakes, U.S. Bonded Winery #1, 8 remarkable stone buildings listed on National Register of Historic Places.
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Tour # FL-3 - SOUTH SENECA LAKE
Seneca is the largest of the Finger Lakes and known as Trout Capital of the World. Rolling hills planted with grapes provide breathtaking open vistas galore.
HECTOR
* Penguin Winery & Champagne House Tasting. Nestled along hillside overlooking some of region's premier vineyards, one of best views of Seneca Lake while sampling premium wines and champagnes.
* Hazlitt Winery Tasting. Viticulture has been life blood of the family for 151 years. One of America's Top 25 Tasting Rooms.
WATKINS GLEN
* Lunch. Overlooking Seneca Lake, on land or on a cruise.
* Lakewood Winery Tasting. Winemaker has phrase "Winemaker/ Owner/Operator/Prisoner" on business card due
to 24/7 dedication to making fine wines. Over 500 medals and trophies attest to consistently high quality wines.
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Tour # FL-4 - SKANEATELES LAKE
Jewel-like crystal clear lake in Eastern Finger Lakes, Skaneateles area is home to thriving residential and business community, with mansions lining its shores of the rich and famous over the years.
SKANEATELES
* Skaneateles Lake Lunch Cruise. Mansions dot the shoreline, the rolling hills wrap around this most beautiful of all the Finger Lakes. Food is delicious, boat is most comfortable for an afternoon outing.
* Shopping in boutique stores of Main St.
* Lunch or Dinner. 100 hr old historic Sherwood Inn.
* Anyela Vineyards. Began 3 generations ago in Eastern Europe, continues today on hillside high above Skaneateles Lake. Nocek family combines viticultural experience with cooler climate patterns and fertile soil to grow select grapes.
SENECA FALLS
* 3 Famous Ladies Statue from the 1849 Women’s Suffrage Convention
* Most photographed church in entire region.
AUBURN
* Seward Home. Home of William H. Seward, Sec’y of State to Pres. Lincoln and Johnson, leading figure in
purchase
of Alaska - “Seward’s Folly, strong abolishionist.
* Willard Chapel. Only known Louis Comfort Tiffany Chapel to exist. On National Register.
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Tour # FL-5 - WEST CAYUGA LAKE
Western Cayuga Lake offers wineries, waterfalls and gourmet food for all tastes.
OVID
* Sheldrake Point Vineyard Tour & Tasting. Huge compound on mid-19th century farmstead, atop vineyard to visit.
* Lunch at Sheldrake Vineyard. One of best restaurants in Finger Lakes overlooking Cayuga Lake.
ITHACA
* Eve’s Cidery. Artisinal apple ice cider, ice wine, fruit wine from English, French, American apple origins.
TRUMANSBURG
* Taughannock Falls State Park. Magnificent cataract drop of 215’ (one of highest east of Rocky Mtns.)
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Tour # FL-6 - NORTH SENECA LAKE
Largest Finger Lake, 38 miles long with depth of 630’, is second deepest lake in country. Northern half lays claim to colleges, mansions, and homes of the rich and famous, along with 50% of all wineries in the Finger Lakes.
GENEVA
* Three Brothers Winery /Microbrewery Tasting. New winery with 3 different tasting adventures plus brewery, all
on one estate.
* Belhurst Castle Lunch and Wine Tasting. Voted most “romantic” restaurant in Finger Lakes, breathtaking
castle like-like structure directly on the lake.
* Weaver-View Farm & Amish Country Store. 128 acre farm, 200 yr old 14-room farmhouse/store with one-of-a-
kind, many homemade, country gifts.
DUNDEE
* Glenora Winery & Tasting. Spectacular lake views, oldest winery on Seneca Lake, 75 medals at international wine competitions in just one year alone!
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Tour # FL-7 - CANANDAIGUA LAKE
Meaning “the chosen place”, this lake is 4th largest and its Squaw Island was refuge for native-American women and children during the Sullivan campaign. With the villages of Naples and Canandaigua anchoring the lake, the rest is
rolling hills for lots of wineries and beautiful scenery.
NAPLES
* Widmer’s Wine Cellars Tour & Tasting. 100 yr old Swiss Old World tradition, modern technology for best in wine.
* Grape Pie. If you’ve never tasted a grape pie, you owe it to yourself!
* Arbor Hill Winery & Tasting. Award winning wines, wide selection of locally made gourmet foods.
CANANDAIGUA
* Sonnenberg Gardens. 1887 Queen Anne mansion set in lush landscape, 9 formal gardens, gallery, history.
* Lunch & Winery School at NY Wine & Culinary Institute. Properly match wine with food. Simply put, learn how
to do it right!
* Wilhelmus Estate Winery & Tasting. Dutch heritage starting 1958, consistently award-winning.
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Tour # FL-8 - LETCHWORTH STATE PARK
Known as "Grand Canyon of the East," one of most scenic areas in eastern U.S.
MT. MORRIS
* Letchworth State Park. Genesee River passes through gorge over 3 major waterfalls between 600’ cliffs, surrounded by lush forests, a dam, Mr. Letchworth’s home and gift shop.
* Lunch at Glen Iris. In Letchworth State Park.
MUMFORD
* Genesee Country Village & Museum. NY’s largest living history museum. Historic buildings, costumed “interpreters” bring 1800s to life. Art gallery, nature center, restaurants, shops, trolley.
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Tour # FL-9 - WATERFALLS of CAYUGA
All clustered at the southern end of the lake, these waterfalls are the perfect setting for natural beauty and schools of learning.
ITHACA
* The Falls.
Ithaca Falls - Fall Creek Gorge - Triphammer Falls - Buttermilk Falls - Taughannock Falls - Lucifer Falls - Lower Falls
- Cascadilla Falls.
* Cornell University. It’s more than a school. The gardens and grounds are spectacular.
* Winery Tasting.
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Tour # FL-10 - SALT CITY SYRACUSE
Not only the economic and educational hub of Central New York, and region with over a million inhabitants, Syracuse
is also home to Syracuse University, a major research university, as well as several smaller colleges and professional schools. It all began with the discovery of salt and its value for the preservation of meats being shipped to open up
the West on the Erie Canal.
SYRACUSE
* Salt Museum. See how salt was taken from the ground, put thru the brining process, roof-top drying, the furnaces.
Unbelievable look at a yesteryear industry.
* Erie Canal Museum. Step on a real barge, movie depicts history of the city based on salt.
* City Tour. Learn about the upside down light, various ethnic communities, magnificent architecture, surprising history.
* Lunch at Turkey Farm. Best turkey in town. All-you-can-eat.
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Tour # FL-11 - OSWEGO HARBORFEST
July 22-25, 2010 ONLY
The Seaway Trail skirting Lake Ontario contains much history of wars between Canada and US. Today it is peaceful ambiance that lures people to the lake, the heritage sites, and the festivals, of which Oswego Harborfest is the largest.
OSWEGO ON LAKE ONTARIO
* Harborfest. Named ABA Top 100 Event in US.
Fri. Nite: 3 stages of entertainers
Sat. Nite: Fireworks Spectacular - Juried Arts and Crafts, - Marketplace Buskers - Harborfest Midway.
Trolley for ease of getting around.
* Dinner. In town at an interesting restaurant.
* Dr. Mary Edwards Walker Mansion. Born in Oswego, one of nation’s 1.8 million women veterans but only one to
earn Congressional Medal of Honor for service during Civil War.
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Tour # FL-12 - CHRISTMAS LIGHTS ON THE LAKE
This one is different - Finger Lakes Christmas Lights on Onondaga Lake in the heart of Syracuse.
SYRACUSE
* Lights on the Lake. 2-mile drive featuring Wizard of Oz, Under the Sea, hundreds of icicle-laden trees, towering displays, Fantasy Forest, Wild World of Sports, Victorian Village, Storybook finale.
* City Tour. Local guide will show us all - the upside down street light, the fighting street, the beautiful architecture,
and the unusual history.
* Dinner. Best turkey restaurant in state.
* Erie Canal Museum & Gingerbread Gallery. When Museum opened its doors 1962, it celebrated and preserved
life of the last remaining Weighlock Building in America. Greek revival building stands as monument to importance of
Erie Canal to history of US.
* Christmas Champagne Party
SKANEATELES
* Dickens’ Christmas. Charles Dickens and his cast of characters will interact with residents and visitors in streets, stores and restaurants.
AURORA
* MacKenzie-Childs Pottery. Decked in Christmas finery. You simply will not believe this place.
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Tour # FL-13 - ERIE CANAL IN THE MOHAWK VALLEY
The engineering marvel of its day, the Erie Canal was built in 1817 with 83 locks. The Canal is divided into several sections from Niagara Falls to Albany. The Mohawk Valley section is featured here.
HERKIMER
* Erie Canal Cruise. Get in touch with history, fully narrated, smooth calm water, pass thru 1926 lock.
* Lunch. Dining/shopping complex directly on the Canal.
* Herkimer Home. Gen. Herkimer and Battle of Oriskany - American history at its finest.
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Tour # FL-14 - GEMS ALONG THE MOHAWK
World famous Herkimer Diamonds, beautifully doubly-terminated quartz crystals already faceted by nature. The bed rock in which crystals are found began forming approximately half a billion years ago in a shallow Cambrian sea that lapped against the southern shores of ancestral Adirondack Mountains.
HERKIMER
* Herkimer Diamond Mines. Prospect for diamonds (quartz crystals). Keep all you find! Create your own jewelry or crafts, keepsake with diamonds found.
* Lunch in Crystal Chandelier Restaurant
* Extensive museum.
* Gift shop and jewelry.
* Mystery Stop
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Tour # FL-15 - COOPERSTOWN
Believe it or not, there is only one stoplight in the entire village, indicating this back-to-yesteryear quaint area of the western Catskill Mtns. But the attractions are quite spectacular. Birthplace of baseball has been established as Cooperstown, NY, where folklore has it that Abner Doubleday, on an afternoon in 1839, had inspiration to invent a
game that quickly became our national pastime.
COOPERSTOWN
* Baseball Hall of Fame. Definitive repository of game's treasures, stands as symbol of most profound individual
honor bestowed on an athlete. Spectacular artifacts and multi-media entertainment bring history of America's pastime
to life and tell story of game's impact on our culture.
* Fenimore Art Museum. Houses some of nation's finest examples of American landscape, history and genre of
paintings, American folk art, photography and American Indian art.
* Farmers Museum. Deep roots in New York State's rural past. Land has been part of working farm since 1813 when owned by James Fenimore Cooper, author of “Last of the Mohicans”. National Register of Historic Places.
* Lunch at Otesaga Hotel. Magnificent, Federal-style structure with imposing front portico supported by massive 30' columns, 700’ of lakefront on southern shore of Lake Otsego, famed "Glimmerglass" of James Fenimore Cooper’s novels. Hotel reminiscent of more genteel era when gracious welcome was standard. Buffet is simply outstanding.
* Cruise Otsego Lake. Glimmerglass Queen provides wonderfully relaxing tour of lake, views of great rolling hills,
and greener-than-green lands.
* Glimmerglass Opera. Internationally acclaimed opera theatre opened 1975, evolved into world-class theatre with
43 performances of 4 operas each year. Situated on shores of Otsego Lake.
* Fly Creek Cider Mill. Historic Fly Creek Cider Mill & Orchard provides first-hand look at how apple cider is made in pressing room where crisp, juicy apples are pressed into sweet, delicious cider that New Yorkers have enjoyed for over 150 years. On site winery, restaurant, bakery, small market that sells fresh, homemade treats, and large country store.
* Trolley Ride. Fun ride through town like the olden days.
* Hyde Hall. Consider to be finest neoclassic country mansion in US. Overlooking Otsego Lake, built 200
years ago
by English ex-patriot George Clarke, features nearly 50 rooms, many of which being restored.
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Tour # FL-16 - PLAY TIME OFF BROADWAY
Cortland and Ithaca are homes to some of the best institutions of learning in New York State. With that comes high class theatre and museums.
CORTLAND
* Cortland Repertory Theatre. Always a professional performance.
* Frog Pond Folk Art. If you think you have seen it all - you have not until you see this place. Described by one of its
own names: Project Absurd! What fun.
ITHACA
* Lunch. Highly rated, great prime ribs, local favorite.
* Museum of the Earth. Unusual paleonology institute showing life on this earth, past and present.
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Tour # FL-17 - LUCY & DESI
The funniest couple ever - relive memories, and laughs.
JAMESTOWN
* Lucytown Tour. Home town of Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz.
* Desilu Playhouse. Features exact replicas of most famous sets in TV history including “Vitameatavegamin”, vintage costumes. memorabilia.
* Lucy-Desi Gift Shop. Everything Lucy and her friends.
* I Love Lucy Museum. A warm salute to the First Couple of Comedy.
* Lunch at The Tropicana Room. Special video in Tropicana Room above Playhouse. Reproduction of Ricky Ricardo’s famous nightclub open only to groups and special events.
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Tour # FL-18 - CORNING
A small city with a cosmopolitan flair and captivating history. Nestled in a river valley with steep hills, Corning is also southern gateway into the Finger Lakes Region. World renowned for its glassmaking past and present. Discover art, history, and science of glass.
CORNING
* Corning Museum of Glass. World famous, glass-blowing demonstration, Huge gift shop. Fascinating.
* Rockwell Museum of Western Art. Finest American Western and Native American art collection this side of the Mississippi.
ELMIRA
* Lunch at Hilltop Inn & Rest. Spectacular views of Chemung Valley from the summit.
HORSEHEADS
* Wings of Eagles - National Warplane Museum. Where history takes flight.
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Tour # FL-19 - WATKINS GLEN GORGE
Watkins Glen State Park is the most famous of the Finger Lakes State Parks, with reputation for leaving visitors spellbound.
WATKINS GLEN
* State Park. Within two miles, the glen's stream descends 400’ past 200-ft cliffs, generating 19 water-falls along its course. The gorge path winds over and under waterfalls and thru the spray of Cavern Cascade. Rim trails overlook the gorge. For the agile of foot, experiencing the gorge is just that - an experience not to forget.
* Dinner & Cruise. On the water or on the shoreline, your choice.
* Castel Grisch Winery & Tasting. "A little touch of Europe in the Finger Lakes" One of most unique properties in central New York on scenic hillside overlooking Seneca Lake, founded by Swiss family and developed at this location because of its similarities to their native Switzerland - panoramic views of the hillside and lake.
* Montour Falls. A gorgeous up-front and personal 150' waterfall, also known as "Che-qua-ga" but "Montour Falls" is easier to say and remember!
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Tour # FL-20 - FINGER LAKES WINE FESTIVAL
July 16-18, 2010 ONLY
Biggest Event of the Finger Lakes! Over 500 wines wines to taste, 70 wineries, wine foods, music, more.
WATKINS GLEN
* Finger Lakes Wine Festival. Watkins Glen International Racetrack, rain or shine.
* Dinner Cruise. Seneca Lake.
* Shopping. Many Main Street stores to enjoy.
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Tour # FL-21 - FINGER LAKES and the GRAND CANYON OF PAI
After enjoying the wineries and interesting venues of the Finger Lakes, it's a real surprise to discover that Pennsylvania has a Grand Canyon of its own, right at the New York border. Wagon ride, train ride, cruise, wineries. Discover them all.
ITHACA
* Ithaca Commons, charming, pedestrian mall, shopping and lunch.
* Ithaca City Tour including Buttermilk Falls and Cornell University.
AURORA
* MacKenzie Childs - most awesomeness store and farmhouse you will ever see.
AUBURN
* Dinner at 1851 family-owned inn, part of the Underground Railroad.
* Seward House, home of man who shaped the nation.
* Willard Memorial Chapel, only complete and unaltered Tiffany chapel known to exist.
FAIRPORT
* Cruise on the Erie Canal.
GENEVA
* Rose Hill Mansion, considered one of finest examples of Greek Revival architecture in US.
* Dinnner at Belhurst Castle, Romanesque Revival style, truly unique and breathtaking experience.
WATKINS GLEN
* Castle Grische Winery, a little touch of Europe in the Finger Lakes.
CORNING
* Wings of Eagles Discovery Center, aviation history from 1919 to present.
* Corning Glass, world's largest glass museum featuring 35 centuries of glass artistry.
* Dinner at historic site.
GRAND CANYON OF PA
* Wagon Ride through canyon.
* Train Ride through canyon.
* Scenic heights of the East Rim, spectacular views of the canyon.
* Chocolate Factory.
* Quaint little village in the canyon.
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Tour # FL-22 - BLACK HISTORY OF THE FINGER LAKES
One of the major trails of the Underground Railroad in New York State traversed the Finger Lakes, leaving in its
wake some historic people, places and sites throughout the region. Feel the history!
AUBURN
* Harriet Tubman was the icon of the Underground Railroad, known as "The Moses of her People". She single-
handedly brought hundreds of slaves to freedom and acted as a national conductor, playing the role of nurse, spy
and scout. Visit her Home, Museum, Burial Ground, and Restaurant hiding place.
PETERBORO
* Gerrit Smith, born to a family of means and education, spent much time and money working towards social
progress, making substantial donations of both land and money to the African American community, and funding
John Brown's raid in Harpers Ferry, and the Temperance Movement. His cousin was Elizabeth Cady Stanton.
Visit his home and village.
JOHNSTOWN
* Elizabeth Cady Stanton, strong advocate of the temperance and abolitionist movements, most notably the woman's
rights movement where she and Susan B. Anthony penned the Declaration of Sentiments in 1848 which included
the right to vote regardless of sex or race. Cousin to Gerrit Smith.
ROCHESTER
* Frederick Douglas. Known for his fiery speeches against slavery, one of which was powerful enough to swing
attendees to pass the Declaration of Sentiments in Seneca Falls for women's rights. Visit safe homes, churches,
and former home of this famous patriot.
* Susan B. Anthony. Took prominent role in New York's anti-slavery and temperance movements and founded the
National Woman Suffrage Association. Was introduced to Elizabeth Cady Stanton by Amelia Bloomer in Seneca
Falls, home of the Woman's Rights Movement. Visit her home which is open as a museum.
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