The Finger Lakes of Central New York

If you ever want to experience a true piece of Americana then head to the Finger Lakes region in Central NY. There is something to do for everyone. I've been coming to Owasco Lake since my childhood. My Mom is a native of Auburn, NY and I was fortunate enough to have a grandmother who owned a cottage on the lake. Swimming in the lake, taking a canoe ride, going out for ice cream, finding a local chicken barbecue, going berry picking and enjoying the simple pleasures of a small town are all things that transport me back to my childhood. I am so grateful that my girls can now join in these experiences and make their own fond memories. It's nice to get away from the hustle and bustle of our busy lives back home - we don't have any summer camps to rush to, our television choices are very limited (only 5 channels come in and one of them is for local radar weather), and I don't have internet access (oh my). Instead, we are left to enjoy the lake, enjoy the scenery and enjoy each other (granted, that can be hit or miss, but for the most part, it's been great).

If you enjoy wine and small local wineries then this is the place for you. The Cayuga Lake Wine trail offers stunning views in addition to some great local wineries. You can partake in inexpensive wine tastings and enjoy a variety of wines such as Riesling, sparkling wines, fruit wines, Cayuga, Catawba, Niagara, Pinot Noir, Ice Wine and more. For a free visitor's guide of Cayuga County, visit www.TourCayuga.com. Make sure you stop by the picturesque grounds of MacKenzie-Childs and take in the breathtaking views of Cayuga Lake while enjoying their exquisite country gardens, retail store and the restored Victorian Farm House with daily tours available. If you head down Route 90 go to the quaint village of Aurora and drive through the historical Wells College and savor the view. You can even play 9 holes of golf at their public course designed by Robert Trent Jones. If you're hungry stop by the Pumpkin Hill Bistro or head to the charming Dorie's Café on Main St.

There are so many local, state and national parks here that we haven't even begun to see them all but we have made it to Fillmore Glen State Park in Moravia. Fillmore Glen has an actual natural spring pool where you can swim complete with lifeguards and fresh crisp water. Pack a picnic lunch and your hiking shoes and enjoy some scenic natural beauty. If you're still hungry after your visit, stop by for a slice of pizza at the New York Pizzeria (117 Main St., Route 38) or have a cup-o-joe at Coffee 'N Cream (165 N. Main St., Route 38). We've also headed up to Fairhaven Beach State Park and enjoyed swimming in Lake Ontario while building sand castles on the beach. You can camp, hike, fish and boat there too. Another great place to swim or launch a boat is Long Point State Park in Aurora. We still need to visit Watkins Glen at the Southern tip of Seneca Lake that has gorges, waterfalls and natural scenic charm - pack those hiking shoes for sure.

Make sure you head over to Skaneateles to enjoy the stunning clean lake surrounded by the most gorgeous homes. You can even take a boat ride on a historic mail boat. The town of Skaneateles is adorable - boutique shopping, spas and tasty restaurants populate this little hamlet. Of course, you have to try Doug's Fish Fry - they have the best fish sandwich I've ever had. If you plan it right, you see a free outdoor concert at the gazebo at Clift Park on their public waterfront area (held every Friday night in July & August). There's also a long pier perfect for a leisurely stroll and at the end it's a great place to take some pictures.

In the town of Auburn, take your family to see the Auburn Doubledays , a farm team for the Toronto Blue Jays or head to the Seymour Public Library for story time or special events for the kids. There are also plenty of free family-friendly summer concerts. Auburn is also home of the Merry-Go-Round Playhouse and has some first rate Broadway shows to see. It's located in beautiful Emerson Park - bring your suits and enjoy a swim at their lifeguarded beach area. If your kids can stay awake, head to the Finger Lakes Drive-In and "see the movies under the stars".

If history appeals to you then see all the historic sites in Auburn - visit the beautiful Seward mansion (William Seward purchased Alaska), head to the Ward W. O'Hara Agricultural Museum, see Harriet Tubman's home, and more. On a side note, did you know that the birthplace of a women's right to vote is part of the Finger Lakes region? It is and it all started in Seneca Falls, NY. Visit the Women's Rights National Historic Park or see Elizabeth Cady Stanton's House in Seneca Falls.

Of course, you can't beat the scenery here and if you do any driving along the lakes, you will see some beautiful farms. If you get the chance, go berry picking. We've hand-picked strawberries & raspberries at Burrell's Navarino Orchard (located about 8 miles outside Skaneateles on Route 20). For some great driving tours visit www.routes5and20.com. You may also want to visit New Hope Mills, a water-powered gristmill, and purchase some delicious pancake mix and maple syrup. It's listed on the National Register of Historic Places. You can also visit their retail location in Auburn at 181 York St. Then there are the local county fairs where you can see goats get milked or sheep shorn.

There is so much to offer in this region and this article only focuses on a few of the highlights. It's a remarkable family-friendly vacation destination. If you ever want to enjoy this area like I do, you can actually stay at a wonderful lakeside home on Owasco Lake. Visit http://www.vrbo.com/246302 for more details.