Find your family’s perfect celebration getaway in the Finger Lakes for all kinds of preferences and tastes. Especially ideal for families with adult children, the Finger Lakes is an adult vacationer’s paradise.Treat your parents to a memorable anniversary, celebrate a milestone graduation, or fete the whole family with diverting outings, fine dining, adventures, sightseeing, and first-class relaxation. Whether you’re looking to impress the family cook with a gourmet food and wine tour or an opportunity to hone their kitchen skills, an adrenaline-pumping white-water rafting adventure, or a serene hike or hot-air balloon tour, your next family vacation in the Finger Lakes can easily be tailored to fit everyone in the group.
Cooking Classes at New York Kitchen
For the amateur or aspiring chefs in the family, the Finger Lakes is an ideal getaway. Let professional chefs guide you through creating a truly spectacular meal from start to finish at Canandaigua’s own New York Kitchen. In this low-stress, high-enjoyment environment, the whole family can participate and enjoy. Everyone in your party can learn new culinary skills, taste the gourmet flavors of the Finger Lakes, and create a memorable meal from an even more memorable event together. So whether it’s Thai favorites, sushi rolling, authentic pasta, barbeque, brunch, or melt-in-your-mouth summer scones that highlight the freshest flavors of the season, New York Kitchen cooking classes help you feel confident bringing it to life.
Stay at the 1840 Inn on the Main for a convenient jumping off point to all the activities and dining experiences available in Canandaigua, like cooking classes, the Canandaigua Lake Wine Trail, scenic hiking and biking trails, and more. Enjoy the luxury amenities of the guest suites, like jacuzzi tubs and wake up to a gourmet breakfast included.
Finger Lakes Hiking
Known for scenic gorges, idyllic woods, and serene lakes, the Finger Lakes region features over 650 miles of shoreline and more than 1,000 waterfalls — all waiting to be explored. So grab the outdoor enthusiast in the family and plan an unforgettable adventure checking some of the most scenic Finger Lakes sights off the bucket list. Popular routes like the Finger Lakes Trail (FLT) offer professionally-guided hikes, as well as self-directed tours to choose your own outdoor adventure. Many waterfall hikes, like dramatic Shequaga Falls, among others, are available throughout the region, so you can plan your outing to include a dramatic photo opportunity to capture the fun. At the south end of Seneca Lake, the Finger Lakes Trail passes through the community of Watkins Glenn, and the many waterfalls and trails Watkins Glen State Park has to offer.
Put your feet up at The Cupola Above Seneca and take in the serene, Italian-style estate tucked away on 2 acres. With its sweeping views of Seneca Lake, the surrounding National Forests, and vineyards, the Cupola even comes with its very own creek and waterfall to provide the soothing soundtrack for a relaxing Finger Lakes family getaway. Enjoy the unmatched hospitality of this B&B with gourmet breakfast daily, complimentary snacks and beverages, and knowledgeable hosts to help you get the most out of your family’s Finger Lakes vacation.
Rafting and Boat Tours
See the area from a unique point of view with a boat tour like those at Discover Cayuga Lake, which offers both private and public tours, as well as special event outings to celebrate those once-in-a-lifetime milestones like special anniversaries, graduations, and more. Spend just over an hour cruising the lake with expertly-chosen wine and cheese pairings, or enjoy live music on board while watching the sun set.
For the more adventurous family members, the Finger Lakes region boasts over 20 exhilarating whitewater locations ready to be explored. Book a guided rafting tour out of Letchworth State Park to get the adrenaline pumping in the gorgeous canyons of the Genesee River. Slow things down on a self-guided canoe or kayak tour on one of the area’s many lakes, creeks, and rivers, like Canaseraga Creek or the Canisteo River.
Plan a memorable stay at Juniper Hills Bed and Breakfast, where historic charm and luxurious creature comforts await. From the relaxing jetted tubs and steam showers to help you relax after an exciting day on the river, to the delicious, house-made breakfasts created from the finest local ingredients, Juniper Hills is the perfect place to host celebrations and family vacations in the Finger Lakes of all kinds.
Hot Air Balloon Rides
Marking a truly special event or looking for a memorable way to show Mom or Dad some love on their anniversary? Look no further than a jaw-dropping hot air balloon ride over the Finger Lakes. Offered around the region, these exceptional sightseeing opportunities are sure to impress and celebrate the people or events your family is looking to highlight. Southern Tier Balloon Tours, for example, runs tours over Cayuga Lake and the surrounding region for a one-of-a-kind way to sightsee in the Finger Lakes.
Retire to Enfield Manor Bed and Breakfast to round out an exhilarating Finger Lakes Hot Air Balloon experience. Set on 15 acres of conservation land, this charming pet-friendly estate is ready to welcome families of all shapes and sizes. Its large size makes it a perfect place to host the whole family, with plenty of elbow room for everyone to relax and celebrate, whatever the occasion.
Tag us at @flbba on Instagram if you visit any of our favorite Finger Lakes destinations! Let the Finger Lakes Bed & Breakfast Association guide you to the perfect family summer tour stay. While we have highlighted a few excellent options above, FLBBA boasts a comprehensive list of independent inns across the Finger Lakes. The members of FLBBA abide by a list of high standards set by the organization, so you can confidently plan the perfect getaway today.
