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Overview

The rolling hills around these glacier-carved lakes are dotted with 9,000 acres of vineyards, 90 fine wineries, and two major cities, Syracuse and Rochester, dotted with museums. History, too. This is where George Eastman perfected early photography; his home and museum houses some of the world's greatest photo images. And where Elizabeth Cody Stanton and Amanda Bloomer, first to wear the pantaloons named for her, sparked the women's rights movement. You can get revved up with the NASCAR crowd at Watkins Glen International, take a boat ride through an Erie Canal lock or several, sail across a wind-swept lake, or just sit on a hillside with a ...

The rolling hills around these glacier-carved lakes are dotted with 9,000 acres of vineyards, 90 fine wineries, and two major cities, Syracuse and Rochester, dotted with museums. History, too. This is where George Eastman perfected early photography; his home and museum houses some of the world's greatest photo images. And where Elizabeth Cody Stanton and Amanda Bloomer, first to wear the pantaloons named for her, sparked the women's rights movement. You can get revved up with the NASCAR crowd at Watkins Glen International, take a boat ride through an Erie Canal lock or several, sail across a wind-swept lake, or just sit on a hillside with a picnic lunch and drink in the view with one of the locally made beverages, red or white, sparkling or not.

Evelyn Kanter
About the Expert

Evelyn Kanter is a contributor to Fodor's NYC and Fodor's Canada, editor of the Michelin Green Guide Switzerland, and author of Great Destinations: The Hudson Valley.

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— Evelyn Kanter for AAA Destination Discovery

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If time is short, save these attractions for a second visit.

Must See Skip It 'til Next Time

  • More than 90 wineries
  • Corning Glass Museum, National Women's Hall of Fame, auto races at Watkins Glen
  • George Eastman House and International Center of Photography
  • Museum of Western Art
  • Erie Canal sightseeing boat excursion
  • New York State Fair (Syracuse)
  • The river running through downtown Rochester

Facts at a Glance

Climate

  • Best Time to Visit:

    Spring, for the Lilac Festival (Rochester) and lake scenery; summer, for anything outdoors; fall, for wine harvest and brilliant foliage color.