It has been said that variety is the spice of life. If that’s a true statement, then this special issue of the magazine can be compared to a spicy hot tamale. We present stories from many different parts of the region, with subjects as diverse as they come for this 2012 Travel Guide.
Over the past several years, we have produced a travel planner that was a sister publication of Life in the Finger Lakes. This year, for the first time, that planner has become a part of the LIFL family and is now the special fifth issue of the year. We’re very excited about this, because we get to tell even more stories and show more great photographs throughout the year.
Since 2001, when Life in the Finger Lakes was first published, part of the magazine’s mission has been to showcase interesting stories that may not be mainstream. We wanted to inspire and educate people, even those who have called the Finger Lakes home their entire lives. Well, that’s still our mission, and I believe that we’ve fulfilled our goal yet again with this issue.
Route 89, on the west side of Cayuga Lake, is a wonderful section of New York roadway that has so much of the variety that epitomizes this region. The scenery is wonderful, from high hills surrounding the lake on the south end to farmers’ fields and vineyards in the middle and the northern end. There are so many things to do and see, from visiting wineries and craft shops to hiking at Taughannock Falls State Park and camping at Cayuga Lake State Park. This route appeals to outdoors-oriented folks as well as those out for just a day of sightseeing and shopping.
Another article focuses on visiting artists in their studios, watching them work and listening to them speak about their art. There are three major trails in the region, and this is a great excuse to do some pre-holiday shopping, buying truly unique gifts you can get nowhere else.
If you like the outdoors, we have some great stories about hiking and paddling in the southern Canandaigua Lake area. There’s a nice park with a great view southwest of Bath. I’m sure many of you have seen the mountain from the perspective of Interstate 86, never knowing what’s up there. And, for those interested in hunting and fishing, there’s a great outdoors show near Bath as well, coming this October.
The artwork of Tiffany glass can be viewed in Auburn at three separate locations. If you drive a little farther down the road to Skaneateles, you can take part in an antique boat show that will thrill any lovers of boats and water.
If you want to do something different, take a quiet drive out to Keuka Lake’s bluff to see the sights, or visit one of the best agricultural shows in the country by going to Empire Farm Days in Seneca Falls.
Again in this issue we have a special treat, a pull-out map of the region. This year we’ve made it even easier to find locations by using a grid system to pinpoint locations.
Please enjoy this issue, and make use of the map this year while exploring the fantastic Finger Lakes Region!
by Mark Stash
