Things to Do
Top 10 Places for a Picnic in the Finger Lakes
If you love a picnic, the Finger Lakes is the place to be. Be sure to check out these beautiful places to enjoy a picnic you won't soon forget.
#1. Don't overlook this overlook
Carolabarb Park, Naples/South Bristol
This is a popular picnic spot for good reason. It offers a stunning view of the hills hugging pristine Canandaigua Lake, and what picnic isn’t more romantic or relaxing when you can see natural beauty for miles around you? Bring a bottle from a nearby winery and maybe a Naples grape pie to add a local flavor to your stop.
#2. A true day of play
Seneca Lake State Park, Geneva
Combine your picnic lunch with a leisurely stroll along the path next to Seneca Lake, the deepest of the 11 Finger Lakes. When you’re hungry, stop and spread out your feast and enjoy your packed treats. Afterwards, play disc golf. If the kids are along, let them play on the playground, then give them some cool-down time at the park's sprayground.
#3. Forgot the food? You're in luck!
Kershaw Park, Canandaigua
Imagine, you're enjoying a lovely picnic next to the Canandaigua Lake waterfront, a gentle breeze rolling in off the water. It's a pretty amazing concept, right? But what if you forgot to pack the sandwiches? Not to worry. There are several restaurants within walking distance to get some takeout. Or go straight to dessert and get an ice cream cone at Scoops, located right across the street.
#4. Float your boat
Onanda Park, Canandaigua
A picnic doesn’t have to be set up on a blanket on the ground. For a different picnic experience, take your kayak or canoe to Onanda Park on Canandaigua Lake and have your lunch on the water. What would be more leisurely than sitting back in your canoe and enjoying lunch while the water laps against the craft’s sides?
#5. Where history is alive
Ganondagan State Historic Site, Victor
The meadows surrounding Ganondagan's Native American bark longhouse replica are alive with butterflies, flowers, and Mother Nature's other lovely picnic accessories. After eating, round out the experience by touring the longhouse and the Seneca Art & Culture Center to see the way the Seneca and Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) lived hundreds of years ago and how their culture still thrives today.
#6. The lakes that were left alone
Hemlock-Canadice State Forest, Springwater/Canadice/Richmond
#7. On top of the world
Ontario County Park at Gannett Hill, Naples/South Bristol
#8. It takes a village
Clifton Springs Village Park, Clifton Springs
There are several beautiful spots where you can spread out a blanket and enjoy a picnic in Clifton Springs Village Park. The historic area has beautiful gardens to enjoy your picnic out in the sun or in a cool, shady spot under a tree. A nearby gazebo is also a great place to dive into that picnic basket. P.S. Don't forget to talk a walk around this historic village.