World Atlas Praises 9 Vibrant Downtowns in New York's Finger Lakes: Check Out the List

The Finger Lakes area is renowned for its stunning bodies of water, scenic hiking paths through distinctive terrains, extensive wineries, and numerous petite towns scattered throughout. A good number of these charming settlements feature lively central zones—typically blending historical elements with contemporary conveniences—and make perfect spots for a short holiday retreat.

Below are 9 towns in New York's Finger Lakes region known for their lively downtown areas.

Watkins Glen NY

Home to Watkins Glen State Park Watkins Glen, located in Schuyler County at the southern tip of Seneca Lake, boasts breathtaking gorges and hiking paths. This charming town is also famous for its racetrack. Watkins Glen International , which routinely attracts both racing enthusiasts and wine lovers during the mid-summer event. wine festival. Watkins Glen features a lively and pedestrian-friendly downtown district brimming with numerous stores, eateries, and boutiques. Additionally, the city center hosts multiple small parks, such as Seneca Harbor Park a lakeside park featuring City Pier and its distinctive pier house.

Seneca Falls NY

The history is rich in this Seneca County town situated between the northern ends of Seneca Lake and Cayuga Lake. It holds the distinction of being the birthplace of the American women's rights movement, and Seneca Falls proudly upholds its distinctive past. Key places to visit encompass the National Historical Park for Women's Rights And the Wesleyan Chapel, where the inaugural women's rights convention took place in 1848, stands as an important landmark. The town additionally boasts the Seneca Meadows Wetlands Preserve for those fond of nature, along with quaint shops and cafés located in its central area. Every December, the downtown section of Seneca Falls morphs into a version of the fictitious Bedford Falls for a special event; this transformation was prompted by claims that the town served as inspiration for the setting seen in the film "It's a Wonderful Life."

Canandaigua NY

The City of Canandaigua Located at the northern tip of Canandaigua Lake, Canandaigua serves as the county seat for Ontario County. The city boasts numerous historic structures, retail stores, cultural institutions, and boutique shops concentrated in its central area. Close by, the Ontario County Courthouse stands out as an important historical site where Susan B. Anthony was put on trial back in 1873. Adjacent to downtown lies Kershaw Park, which offers a lakeshore setting complete with a bathing beach right next to Canandaigua’s City Pier. Sonnenburg Gardens and Mansion , a historic property spanning 50 acres, is located merely a few blocks from downtown Canandaigua.

Geneva NY

Nestled along the northwestern banks of Seneca Lake, Geneva stands as a quaint lakeside town within Ontario County. This charming city boasts an energetic downtown district teeming with farm-to-table eateries, artisanal breweries, vineyards, seasonal farmer’s markets, and various attractions. During the summertime weekends, Linden Street in downtown Geneva transforms into a bustling pedestrian zone as vehicle traffic ceases, fostering a vibrant urban walkway. Additionally, Geneva features Hobart and William Smith Colleges and the Belhurst Castle on the westside of Seneca Lake.

Elmira NY

Situated in Chemung County, Elmira boasts a vibrant downtown area with art galleries, stores, restaurants, and various attractions. Arnot Art Museum is a popular stopping point, and for those intrigued by history (along with literature), they can also make a visit. Mark Twain's Study And Mark Twain's burial location. Elmira It is also brimming with parks, such as Wisner Park, which stretches across both sides of Main Street. During the summertime, this space transforms into a lively farmers' market where sellers offer fresh produce, handmade crafts, and various other locally made items.

Ithaca NY

Surrounded by two prominent institutions atop the nearby hills, downtown Ithaca exudes a quaint ambiance, especially in its town center. Ithaca Commons , a pedestrian mall that stretches across multiple blocks in the county seat of Tompkins County. This zone prohibits car access and serves as a popular meeting place for locals and visitors alike. It’s also a frequent site for protests organized by activists. Alongside various stores, restaurants, and art galleries, the district features several cinemas, among which is an independently operated movie theater alongside a historically significant one. State Theatre and the Kitchen Theatre Company in Ithaca, including Cornell University and Ithaca College are situated at the southern tip of Cayuga Lake. Additionally, multiple impressive state parks can be found nearby – such as Buttermilk Falls, Robert H. Treman and Taughannock Falls.

Waterloo NY

Positioned between Seneca Falls and Geneva and situated at the north end of both Cayuga Lake and Seneca Lake, Waterloo Waterloo serves as the county seat of Seneca County and holds the distinction of being the "birthplace of Memorial Day." In the heart of downtown Waterloo, you'll find a mix of stores and restaurants. Recently, Main Street underwent renovations aimed at enhancing walkability, sustainability, and overall quality of life. Stretching for almost seven miles along the route of an old railway track next to the canal connecting the region’s two biggest Finger Lakes, the Cayuga-Seneca Canal Trail can be found in Waterloo.

Corning NY

Founded in 1852, Corning is situated in the southeast part of Steuben County. It serves as the location for the renowned Corning Museum of Glass Additionally, the Rockwell Museum adds charm to the area. The downtown district, known as the Gaffer District, is lively—boasting an array of museums, art galleries, historical structures, restaurants, and boutiques. Its charming street scenes attract numerous visitors, particularly the nearby Centerway Bridge, which serves as Corning’s iconic pedestrian crossing over the Chemung River.

Trumansburg NY

This village in Tompkins County stands as an attraction all its own. Trumansburg located in the town of Ulysses, not far from Taughannock Falls State Park, which boasts the highest freestanding waterfall to the east of the Rocky Mountains. Inside this village, a 2.5-mile historical walking path meanders through Main Street and nearby roads, showcasing structures and architectural styles dating back to the early 19th century. The downtown area of Trumansburg exudes an artsy ambiance, featuring various cafés, bars, restaurants, and retail stores. Every summertime, the community organizes the Grassroots Festival , a four-day musical event, held at the village's fairgrounds.

The article initially appeared in the Rochester Democrat and Chronicle. The World Atlas highlights 9 New York towns in the Finger Lakes region known for their lively downtowns. Check out the list below.