Thanksgiving is more than just cooking the bird! The best turkey days are celebrated by giving thanks to one of Mother Nature’s best agricultural gifts: the grapes in the ground that turn into wine by the pound.

What are the best wines to pair with your Thanksgiving meal? We asked our friends and wine experts on the Canandaigua Lake Wine Trail to tell us their top recommendations.

Parties for hosting? Marshmallows for toasting? Caroling out in the snow? Scary ghost stories and tales of the glories of Christmases long, long ago?

Yes to all that and more because it’s the most wonderful time of the year! The snowy season is upon us, and with it comes plenty of friends, family and fun. That also means it’s time to break out the thinking cap for some new, creative presents—and we know just what you need to put a little local flavor into your gift-giving game. So long, socks! See ya, shirts! Because …

From its founding as “Rochesterville” to the third-wave coffee age of today, the city of Rochester has laid claim to plenty of locations and experiences. Despite its recent resurgence, there are still plenty of gems that even the Flower City can’t offer. For these sights, sips and sounds, you have to venture just outside the ROC to the free-spirited beauty and relaxed nature of the Finger Lakes region.

So long, summer. Hello, fall! It’s that time, once again, when pumpkin gets prime billing, sweaters become fashion statements and the leaves reveal their true talents. For many, the crisp air and cool breeze of this unfolding season are practically perfection. To enjoy autumn to the full extent, we’ve put together the Ultimate Finger Lakes Fall Fun Guide.

Grab your friends and family, pick your spots and get ready to go adventuring!

Grab your telescope, blanket and bug spray because it’s time get ready for the total solar eclipse coming to a sky near you April 8 … 2024?! That’s right! We’re aware that’s about a lightyear away, but we already can’t wait.

And we’re not the only ones. There’s already been some media hype orbiting around 2024’s total eclipse. Amazingly, 2017’s eclipse was viewed by more than 150 million people! And 2024’s eclipse will last even longer than usual, taking the moon four minutes to move in front of the sun.

The best part—New York is one of 15 states in the U.S. located in the path of totality and the Upstate NY region is considered a prime viewing location!

So even though you have time to prepare, why not use the impending total eclipse as an excuse to scope out your perfect skygazing spot in the Finger Lakes? There’s no better (or more beautiful) place to navigate your way through stellar parks, celestial lakeside views and starry overlooks before the big day. To help, here’s a list of spots that shine bright in our eyes.

Warm weather calls for sizzling soirées, barbecue bashes, campfire celebrations—or pretty much any excuse to enjoy the great outdoors and good company. But whether it’s a thoughtfully crafted occasion or spur-of-the-moment backyard hangout, the best parties are the ones that keep your guests entertained, happy and full.

Pulling together all of the things you’ll need seems like a tall order with a long list of items to buy. But it doesn’t have to be a chore! And to prove it, we’ve prepared a list of outdoor party and hosting essentials—all from one convenient store.

So where can you find all the cooking gear, summer-fare favorites and outdoor comfort items to keep your party going? Wegmans, of course—the grocery store mothership of the Finger Lakes and the pride and joy of Upstate New Yorkers. It’s got everything you need to throw together a party in a cinch and enjoy it, too!

Calling all newly engaged couples! We know July is a big month for engagements, and we’re here to help you start your planning process with this roundup of our favorite Finger Lakes wedding moments found on Instagram. Get your Knot profiles ready to start planning your dreamy destination wedding in the Finger Lakes. For more wedding planning resources, click here. 

Ontario County’s Finger Lakes are known for breathtaking views, handcrafted wine and beer, and local towns populated with charming restaurants (and people, of course). Season after season, they prove to be a perfect setting for adventures—both in and out of the water.

Thanks to ancient glaciers that melted some 10,000 years ago, we now have these unique, gorgeous Finger Lakes to love and enjoy. So let’s take a deep dive into what makes each of Ontario County’s Finger Lakes so special!

June is Pride Month—a worldwide celebration of the LGBTQ community! All month long, every major US city will have rainbow-clad parades and exciting escapades that recognize a full spectrum of sexual orientations, genders and lifestyles. But luckily you don’t need to travel far to embrace Pride. Mark your calendars, because Ontario County has a variety of local pride events happening throughout early June!

There are loads of ways to celebrate dad this Father’s Day, and there’s one great spot to do so—right here in the Finger Lakes! Whether your dad wants to post up and try a new brewery or is determined to reach 10,000 steps before lunch, I have a couple of suggestions to make June 16 the best dad’s day ever!