Canandaigua and the Finger Lakes
Just south of the stretch of Interstate 90 that connects Syracuse and Rochester, 11 long, narrow bodies of water are the hallmarks of the Finger Lakes region. This hot spot of regional food and agriculture has more than 75 craft breweries and 200 wineries, not to mention abundant natural beauty.
Canandaigua, which sits at the north end of the 19-mile-long Lake Canandaigua, serves as a great headquarters for groups visiting the area. After a day of touring wineries, groups often end with a cooking demonstration or a five-star meal at the New York Wine and Culinary Center, where chefs can lead classes for groups of up 30 people that highlight produce and wine from Lake Canandaigua and beyond.
There are plenty of cultural highlights in the Finger Lakes as well, among them the Seneca Art and Culture Center at Ganondagan State Historic Site, which honors the area’s native people, and the world-class Corning Museum of Glass.
Lake George and the Adirondacks
The Adirondack Mountains are the geological highlight of northeast New York, and Lake George has become the vacation hub of this upstate destination. Groups spending a weekend in the area can choose between upbeat, fun-filled activities or leisurely days of experiencing the area’s wine, beer and shopping.
There is plentiful boating, hiking and other outdoor activity available in Lake George and the surrounding mountains. Groups often enjoy taking scenic cruises offered by the Lake George Steamboat Company. Adventure attractions, such as the Adirondack Extreme Adventure course, prove popular with student and youth groups.
A relaxing adult trip to the Adirondacks can include plenty of great local shopping, as well as tastes of wine and beer crafted in Lake George. Shoppers will find eclectic gift shops such as local favorite Live, Love, Laugh, as well as outlets and the Forest Hill Trading Company.
Watertown and the 1,000 Islands
At the western edge of northern New York, near the shores of Lake Ontario, Watertown is the gateway to a beautiful area known as the 1,000 Islands. This popular destination comprises towns and islands located in New York as well as southeast Ontario, making the 1,000 Islands an unusual international tourism area.
Groups that visit the 1,000 Islands can explore scenic areas and historic sites on both sides of the border — provided travelers remember to bring their passports. Several companies offer water taxi rides, ferry service and sightseeing cruises on Lake Ontario. Nature trails, preserves and other private and public areas provide additional opportunities for observing the area’s flora and fauna.
Historic sites in Watertown and the 1,000 Islands tell numerous stories from the area’s past. Travelers can see sites where fighting took place during the War of 1812, visit the Rock Island Lighthouse and Tibbetts Point Lighthouse, and visit enormous private island mansions in the area created by barons of the Gilded Age.
