To put it lightly, COVID-19 is changing our routines and daily activities and how we’re looking at life during the time of social distancing. But instead of thinking of this as quarantine, think of this as an opportunity to spend quality time at home with your family that you don’t usually have. Social or physical distancing is a new concept for us, so if you’re in need of some ideas of things to do while avoiding contact with others outside of your home, we’ve got what you’re looking for! 

Ahh, vacation. That wonderful time when you get to slide out of school, push work to the wayside and relax with the family. If done well, there’s nothing more enjoyable than breaking out the board games and settling in for some stories as you kick back in the gentle ease of no responsibilities. We all know that a little time off goes a long way in the happiness column, but it’s important to remember the dollars and cents that go into crafting each successful getaway.

When planning the perfect vacation, having a travel budget is essential. Without it, an unexpected expense or two could make for a short-lived utopia. Fortunately, the Finger Lakes offer a plethora of options at a variety of price points to ensure a vacation that can be tailored to any travel budget. Mix and match or go straight down the line—we put together a list of options to fit any dollar amount.

American workers left a record number of vacation days on the table last year—768 million days, up 9% from 2017—according to new research from the U.S. Travel Association, Oxford Economics and Ipsos.

Find out why taking vacations is good for the mind, body and more.

When it comes to Upstate New York, there’s no shortage of sporting tradition. From the Buffalo Bills and their neighbor Sabres to the collegiate thrills of the Syracuse Orange, there’s always a game to get excited about. But while the athletes on the field serve as the main source of entertainment, almost equal in importance is a good atmosphere to soak in the sounds of competition. That’s why we’ve huddled up to find the four best places to watch sports in the Finger Lakes.

For craft beverage aficionados, the Finger Lakes region is a treasure trove. Between the microbreweries, wineries, cideries and distilleries, there are literally hundreds of ways to quench your thirst in the Finger Lakes.

Don’t know where to start? We have a few suggestions, courtesy of the ROC/FLX Craft Beverage Trail.

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.