Located just shy of 5 hours from the heart of NYC is the heart of grape county – Naples, NY. While Naples might stir thoughts of the Italian countryside, Naples in the Finger Lakes region is not to be overlooked! Particularly every September since 1961 when visitors from near and far travel to Naples for the annual Naples Grape Festival to celebrate the grape harvest, talented artisans, wine makers, local and regional music, and cuisine.
2020 has marked many changes in the tourism and events industry, as we trade in groups and events for personalized and private experiences. While the Naples Grape Festival looks forward to 2021, here are some ways you can keep the spirit of the grape alive this month!
Go to a U-Pick Farm
From roadside stands where you pay by the honor system, to larger scale operations like Jerome’s U-Pick, there is nothing more rewarding than produce you picked for yourself!
Pick up a grape pie
Monica’s Pies, Cindy’s Grape Pies and Jeni’s Pies…it’s the Naples trifecta! Many don’t know that Naples is the grape pie capital of the world. Trust us…you’re going to want to sample it for yourself!
Insider tip: Arbor Hill Grapery & Winery carries grape tarts AND grape pie filling if you are looking for more grape goodness to remember your time in grape country!
Go wine tasting
Naples is the southernmost part of the Canandaigua Lake Wine Trail, and is home to Arbor Hill, Inspire Moore Winery & Hazlitt’s Red Cat Cellars! Purchase your passport and get your wine tasting on – during the heart of harvest season!
Shop local
Naples’ Main Street is home to unique boutiques like Artizanns and delicious restaurants like Roots Café. A walk in the village will do your soul some good!
Insider tip: How many purple fire hydrants can you spot?
Stay in a cozy Naples B&B…or a haunted hotel!
You won’t find large hotels down in Naples, which helps curate the intimate, small-town feel that attracts people to visit Naples. Choose from one of the cozy B&Bs for a fall getaway or opt for the newly reopened Naples Hotel…if you dare!
Bonus tip: Grab some coffee and enjoy sunrise from the Carolabarb Park for a guaranteed breathtaking start to your day!
We cannot wait to welcome you to the Finger Lakes this fall. For those looking for the best leaf peeping locations while staying in Ontario County, we have you covered!
