March is Women’s History Month, 31 days dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the impact our Finger Lakes women have made throughout history and continue making today. From the powerful matriarchs that formed the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy to leading abolitionists and suffragettes to the first women to receive a medical degree in the United States, Ontario County women have always been leaders and entrepreneurs. Today, the tradition of entrepreneurship and leadership continues with extraordinary women owned and run businesses, events, and programs. Brave Women FLX shines the spotlight on trailblazers past and present that have found their strength in the fiercely beautiful and inspiring Finger Lakes Region.
Here are some special ways to honor Finger Lakes women during Women’s History Month 2025:
Naples Women’s Weekend is a diverse multi-day event featuring workshops, motivational speakers, pop-up shops, and more, March 7-9. Engine 14 Brewery will host a variety of pop-up shops and classes; Ironwood Studios will host two welding workshops just for women; and Hollerhorn Distilling will host a “Whiskey and Wood-burning” experience. See their Facebook page for a full calendar of events.
Celebrating the Women of FLX Wine at New York Kitchen (NYK). On Saturday, March 8, International Women’s Day, join NYK Beverage University Instructor Sandy Waters to celebrate women winemakers in the Finger Lakes wine industry. We also recommend you visit Trestle Thirty-One winery, whose owner and winemaker, Nova Cadamatre is one of the 425 Masters of Wine in the world.
Stay at William Smith Inn in Geneva, a women-owned B&B, that was once owned by William Smith, philanthropist, astronomer, spiritualist, nurseryman, women’s rights activist and founder of William Smith College.
Enjoy the hospitality and fine food of Susie Atvell of Kindred Fare in Geneva featuring seasonal menus focused on local ingredients or try Shawna Shell’s quaint neighborhood Anorah Restaurant and Bar.
Experience the Finger Lakes on horseback with Green Riding Retreats. Jessica Green has spent over forty years caring for and working with horses and she is passionate about connecting people with nature through horseback riding offering signature trail rides and forest bathing experiences.
Paint the Finger Lakes! Award-winning artist Cindy Harris will craft a unique-to-your group experience that will teach you how to capture the beauty of the Finger Lakes through your personal painting. In Cindy’s classes “everyone is an artist!”
Visit the Brave Women FLX microsite on fingerlakestravelny.com for a plethora of women-focused itineraries, events, and businesses as well places to stay and dine as you explore the landmarks and in indulge in experiences that celebrate women of the Finger Lakes past and present.
