by George Cassidy Payne
Mist rises off the glassy surface of Canadice Lake as the sun peeks over rolling hills, warming the fields and forests that make the Little Finger Lakes one of New York’s best-kept secrets. For years, these pristine lakes have quietly enchanted those who know them. But now a movement is underway to share their magic with the world.
The Little Finger Lakes Region – home to Honeoye, Canadice, Hemlock, and Conesus – has long been admired by those fortunate enough to discover its serene beauty. These unspoiled waters have provided a peaceful retreat for locals and visitors alike. But for many years, the region remained largely under the radar, its quiet charm overshadowed by the more famous Finger Lakes to the north. That was until a new initiative began to take shape, one that hopes to redefine the area’s identity and raise its profile on the state and national stage.
On the morning of February 22, a group of passionate community leaders, local business owners and regional advocates gathered at the Little Lakes Community Center in Hemlock for a historic workshop aimed at shaping the future of the Little Finger Lakes. What followed was an inspiring day of collaboration, reflection and action, a turning point for a region poised for growth.
Laying the foundation for a new identity
Jerry Elman, director of the Little Lakes Community Center and a key visionary behind this effort, shared how this movement came to be.
“Another person you need to talk to is Laurel Nelson, co-owner of Lagom Landing Retreat in Dansville,” he told me. “She and her husband hosted a group back in June to begin talking about collaboration. That was where I had my ‘aha’ moment about sustainable farming being our equivalent of vineyards. The board at the Little Lakes Community Association supported me in the center taking the lead on this effort, which all started at Lagom Landing.”
That realization set the stage for the February workshop, where local leaders gathered to turn inspiration into action. Sustainable farming, Elman realized, could be the Little Finger Lakes’ signature industry – a way to mirror the success of the region’s famous vineyards while embracing the area’s agricultural heritage.
The workshop wasn’t just a meeting; it was a call to action. Using digital tools like Mentimeter, participants engaged in interactive exercises to map the region’s defining characteristics, identify its strengths and discuss its growth potential. As discussions deepened, a shared vision emerged: “The Little Finger Lakes will be a model for sustainable living – where community, conservation and culture come together to create a thriving, inclusive region.”
This vision will become the cornerstone of a new tourism and branding campaign aimed at raising the region’s profile. But it was not just about tourism. It was about fostering a sustainable economy that reflects the region’s values of collaboration, preservation and local pride.
From agriculture to adventure: The region’s strengths
The collaborative spirit of the workshop was palpable. Participants didn’t just talk about the future. They took steps forward, brainstorming ways to overcome barriers to collaboration and growth. From shared marketing efforts to pooling resources for regional events, the emphasis was on working together.
One key takeaway was the potential of agritourism. As Elman noted, “Sustainable farming is our equivalent of vineyards.” The Little Finger Lakes are home to farms producing dairy, produce and livestock, with a growing interest in farm-to-table dining, local wineries and craft breweries. Visitors will soon have the opportunity to better explore the region’s rich agricultural offerings – from apple picking to tasting fresh maple syrup – all while enjoying the laid-back charm of small-town life.
Bob and Mary Ann Thompson, workshop attendees, exemplify this potential. Their business, Hemlock Hills Alpaca Farm, is the longest-running alpaca farm in the Little Finger Lakes. For 25 years, they have raised these beautiful animals for their fiber while offering tours and educational experiences. Their farm features an on-site shop and is open to the public by appointment, allowing visitors to experience firsthand the region’s commitment to sustainable farming and agritourism.
But the region’s appeal extends beyond agriculture. Canadice and Hemlock Lakes are known for their untouched wilderness, perfect for hiking and birdwatching.
“Hemlock and Canadice are nearly as pristine as they were when inhabited solely by the Seneca Nation,” shared local environmentalist Tawn Feeney. “They are surrounded by a state forest, shale beaches and a few boat launches. The only building on them is the Rochester Water Authority plant at the north end of Hemlock Lake. At one time, 100 to 150 years ago, the two lakes were home to many cottages and even grand hotels. Carriages, and later trains, brought vacationers to the lakes, and boats plied their waters with passengers. However, when Rochester determined that it needed a safer water supply and knew that these lakes were at a higher altitude than the city, which would enable the water to be gravity-fed, they started taking over these two lakes for the water. They bought the properties, or eventually took over others by eminent domain.”
That history of preservation has left Hemlock and Canadice uniquely untouched, offering visitors a rare glimpse into what the Finger Lakes once were. With strict conservation measures in place, these lakes remain a haven for wildlife, nature lovers and those seeking true tranquility.
Feeney went on to express a deeper hope for the region’s relationship with the land. “We who reside in the area treasure this evidence of nature’s healing powers,” Feeney said. “We understand that if humans stop polluting and trying to ‘fix’ the environment, it will heal itself. We look to nature to also regenerate our farm fields, to enrich the soil that has been robbed of its essential microorganisms by the herbicides and pesticides applied to them. We desire to take the lead in establishing regenerative, sustainable agriculture in New York State, inspired by the natural powers that surround us.”
A united effort for a thriving future
With easy access from Rochester, Buffalo and the Finger Lakes wine region, the Little Finger Lakes are poised to become a must-visit destination. Cozy B&Bs, lakeside cottages and charming inns provide perfect places to stay, while year-round events – from fall foliage tours to summer music festivals and winter ski getaways – ensure there’s always something to experience.
A tourism campaign is already in the works to capture this energy, aiming to showcase everything the region has to offer. The tagline, “It’s the little things that count!” captures the essence of the Little Finger Lakes perfectly. Whether you’re savoring locally crafted wines, exploring breathtaking vistas or simply enjoying a quiet afternoon by the water, you’ll quickly discover that in this region, it truly is the little things that make life big.
Michael Morgan, a social worker and stewardship farmer, came to the workshop out of curiosity but left with a renewed sense of purpose. “We all have an opportunity to build skills together, to work on being together in the community, and to use the ‘gift of COVID’ as a way to remember who we are and what we are working toward,” he said.
I had not heard others talk about COVID that way, but I knew what he meant. For all of the tragedy and suffering, that event reminded so many people what they truly care about: family, good food, clean water, social connection and taking care of each other – the little things that make a big difference.
Following Elman’s suggestion, I reached out to Laurel Nelson, a steering committee member and advocate for the initiative. When asked what makes her so committed to the area, she said, “The landscape, tradespeople and hospitality of the Little Finger Lakes offer a laid-back and welcoming atmosphere for people to relax, play, learn and grow.”
With dedicated community members like Elman, Nelson, the Thompsons, Morgan and Feeney leading the charge, the future of the Little Finger Lakes is bright.
Come discover the beauty, culture and people that make this region so special – because here, it really is the little things that count.
George Cassidy Payne is a journalist, educator, crisis counselor and human rights advocate. He lives and works in Irondequoit.
