Best local festival or fair in the Finger LakesThe Finger Lakes region is an area of tranquil beauty, yet once a year each town puts on a festival or fair to shake things up a bit and showcase what the town is all about. There are many fairs and festivals to choose from, so the local innkeepers are sharing their thoughts on which ones not to miss as they offer their recommendations for the best local festival or fair in the Finger Lakes.
Seneca Lake Whale Watch Festival
Finger Lakes Wine Festival - held in July at the Watkins Glen International Racetrack, is one of the largest showcases of New York State wines. Participants can enjoy one-stop tasting and shopping of over 500 New York State wines. The Festival also features arts & crafts vendors, gourmet foods, wine seminars, cooking demonstrations, pace car rides, and live entertainment, highlighted by Corning Museum's Hot Glass Road Show. The racetrack is located approximately 3 miles Southwest of the village of Watkins Glen at the South end of Seneca Lake. ~ Barbara Schiesser - Sunrise Landing Bed and Breakfast Annual Montour Falls Fireman's Festival - Each year in early June they host several different types of entertainment that are FREE to the public. Many would say that Friday nights band is the "must see" band of the festival - Nik & The Nice Guys - the quinessential party band. Others would say that the Honeoye Falls Community Concert Band is the "don't miss" event of the weekend. The midway is clean and safe. Perfect entertainment for the entire family. The parade is also a big crowd pleaser - in past years we've had the pleasure of hosting the Budweiser Clydesdales and the Philadelphia Mummers. ~ Laura Lynch - Catharine Cottages Bed and Breakfast Cohocton Fall Foliage Festival - I think that this is the greatest, and not because we live here either. The people buy and buy and buy. The vendors really have some quality things and the food is to die for. Local folk (the churches, Lady Lions, etc.) do a lot of the cooking. Takes place in October in Cohocton which is west of Keuka Lake and South of Canandaigua Lake. ~ Fran Ambroselli - Villa Serendip B&B Waterfront Art Festival - Over 200 artists participate at this juried show. Artists display their creations right along the lake path. It's a beautiful way to spend the afternoon, walking along the lakefront and viewing local art. Of course a festival wouldn't be complete without plenty of food and entertainment. Takes place in July in Canandaigua at the North end of Canandaigua Lake. ~ Sheryl Mordini - Acorn Inn Bed and Breakfast Historic Downtown Canandaigua Arts Festival - As far as festivals go, we thoroughly enjoyed it. Great for the area. Art and craft vendors line Main Street. Food, activities and entertainment are also abundant. Takes place in July in Canandaigua at the North end of Canandaigua Lake. ~ Jaynee & Guy Straw - Inn on the Main Peppermint Days - Kiddie parade, live music in the Village Square, Historical House Tours, Tour of The Hotchkiss Peppermint Historical Building, Baking Contest, Crafters in the Park, Fireworks Saturday night over the Veterans' Bridge. Takes place in the July in the Village of Lyons to the Northwest of Canandaigua Lake. ~ Diane De Cracker- Peppermint Cottage B&B Trumansburg Grass Roots Festival - One of the most unique local festivals ever presented. Each year it features over 60 bands on 4 stages over 4 days and nights. Almost every type of music is showcased with a leaning toward roots related and world music. Monies raised go to various causes, including the fight against AIDS. Takes place in July in Trumansburg on the Southwestern side of Seneca Lake. ~ Judy - Barrister's Bed and Breakfast Waterloo's Celebrate Commemorate Memorial Day - Its the best festival. Historical significance on the beginnings of Memorial Day (Waterloo NY)--<via presentations, enactments, etc.>, entertainment, crafts, food, parades, Civil War ball, commemoration. etc--all contribute to the quality of the event. Located in Waterloo midway between the North ends of Cayuga and Seneca Lakes. ~ Perry and Caren - The Gridley Inn Sulphur Springs Festival - Takes place in June in Clifton Springs as a 2 day event that celebrates the founding of Dr Henery Foster's sanitarium and the water cure of the sulphured springs and features live music of the 'Golden Age' of Big Band era with the sounds of Glenn Miller, Tommy Dorsey and more. There is a parade, more music, lots of food, a victorian fashion show and a cruise-in of vintage cars. ~ Nancy & Al - Gorham House Bed & Breakfast
|
Stay in the Finger Lakes - the largest collection of B&Bs in the Finger Lakes |