Thanksgiving and Black Friday and Cyber Monday—oh, my! Each year, the fourth weekend in November kicks off the start of the holiday season, and here at Finger Lakes Visitors Connection, we want to be sure you’re ready. 

Think you need to be a pro photographer with lots of gear to capture awesome memories of your travels? Not today! Following these simple steps with your smartphone to help improve your personal photo library and gain followers. Although I am a professional photographer, I use my phone all the time for personal photos and social media. These are just some of my best tips for photographing on the go!

Once a year, the cherry blossoms bloom over the streets in Bonn, Germany, turning them into vibrant tourist attractions.

Once a year, on 11/11 at 11:11am, sunrays pour through five pillars in Arizona, perfectly illuminating the Anthem Veterans Memorial.

Once a year, sweater-weather lovers across the nation lose their minds over the rebirth of … pumpkin spice.

Two of those, I needed to google. One, I did not.

Here’s the thing: While pumpkins get the glory, there’s plenty of space to take the place of the season’s most overrated passion project. I don’t want to ruffle too many feathers, but the fall fandom of pumpkin spice leafs me no choice! It’s time for five fall-ternatives to the pumpkin-spice life. 

Let’s not beat around the grapevine—wine is a Finger Lakes staple. With wine trails, and wine centers throughout Ontario County, there are lots of ways to embark on a wine trail excursion. 

Fall is the perfect time for a Finger Lakes trip, but it can be tough to know the ins and outs of recycling when you’re away from home.

As most New Yorkers know, our state has a rich and storied history—from the 13 colonies to a state with one of the country’s largest populations. A couple of times a year, New York likes to celebrate that history through its Path Through History weekends.

But what does Path Through History mean, exactly? 

As the sunsets of summer drift into the horizon, the beautiful brushstrokes of autumn usher us into

There is not a single word in the English language that rhymes with purple, which is only fitting for a festival as unique as its color. The Naples Grape Festival was born in 1961 and continues to come alive every September. Located in the valley, this annual festivity celebrates the great grape and all its tasty and talented offerings.  With gifted artists, vibrant musicians and expert wine makers, the Naples Grape Festival is one of a kind.

Don’t know where to start? Here are Eight Great Grape Festival To-Do’s. 

There are few places more picture-perfect than the Finger Lakes in Autumn. Clear blue lakes encompassed by rolling hills bursting with reds, yellows and oranges, and expansive fields and farmlands of green are everywhere. The days may be getting shorter, but that doesn’t mean there’s a shortage of solo adventures, romantic escapes or family fun waiting for you in your backyard. So pack the car for a weekend getaway, and a backpack with hiking snacks and sunscreen. Here are some of my favorite ways to make sure you fall in love with Ontario County this season. 

Summer is in full swing. So whether you’re looking for ideas for date night or ways to entertain the kids on summer vacation, here are some of my top picks for things to do this summer. 

Festivals and events!

You can bet to find something happening almost every weekend during the rest of summer, no matter when you’re visiting. But if you’re looking for some cool things to plan a trip around, here are some of my favorites.