If you like the Finger Lakes in the summer, there’s a good chance you’ll fall in love with it in the autumn. 

As the weather turns and the days shorten, the Finger Lakes region comes alive in a whole new way that many visitors overlook. From delicious local produce at its peak, to vibrant vistas and perfect places to cozy up as the temperatures cool, it’s easy to see why the people who know make an annual tradition of experiencing fall in the Finger Lakes. 

Now is the perfect time to start planning that perfect autumn weekend getaway to see the colors, pick your own apples for an unforgettable pie, or sample some of the expertly crafted wines and delicious food the area has to offer. 

See the Colors at their Peak

Typically, the first two weeks of October offer the most idyllic chances to see the colors come out as summer turns to fall. While winter’s chill has settled in the air, and the sun is still warm enough to keep things pleasant, it’s easy to see why catching this part of the world in its fall transition is a must. Whether you plan to take a scenic bike ride, drive through the countryside, or take a fall Finger Lakes hike through the many parks and trails, there are just about as many ways to see the leaves turn as there are personalities. For a memorable peak at the turning leaves, take a Sky Ride at Bristol Mountain, which offers a unique aerial view of the spectacular fall colors from Bristol Mountain’s chair lifts. 

Find your fall headquarters at the 1795 Acorn Inn Bed and Breakfast, a relaxing getaway that offers the perfect blend of away-from-it-all serenity with easy proximity to world-class dining and diverting entertainment options. The Acorn Inn’s luxurious amenities and easy charm have earned it AAA’s Four-Diamond Award recipient for 25 consecutive years.

Finger Lakes Fall Festivals 

Immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, smells, and flavors of the season at one of the Finger Lakes region’s many fall festivals. Local wineries like the Deer Run Winery   and Lucas Vineyards host German-inspired Oktoberfests each September, complete with lively live music and featuring the finest local foods, wines, and beers available to sample. 

The Naples Grape Festival is another can’t miss fall activity in the Finger Lakes. Held annually in September, the community of Naples celebrates all things wine and grapes with parades, grape stomping, spectacular local food and beverages, and the crowd favorite Grape Pie Contest. 

Cozy up at The Country Comforts Bed and Breakfast to experience true Finger Lakes hospitality. Enjoy the charm of this updated 1850s home with its signature themed rooms and relaxed, country warmth. Savor the farm-fresh eggs in hot, fresh country breakfast served up each morning. Taste the very best locally-sourced ingredients for a memorable, hearty start to each day. A quick 20 minute drive to Naples makes this a great way to enjoy the fall activities the area has to offer, while enjoying the quiet relaxation of a country stay. 

Pick your Favorite Fall Finds 

From pumpkins and plums to apples and brussel sprouts, and all the seasonal produce in between, there’s a Finger Lakes farm you can find to pick your own favorites. Sample just-ripe apples from the tree to find your favorite flavor, and taste ciders, donuts, and more inspired by the cozy fall flavors at u-pick farms like Reisinger’s Apple Country or  Indian Creek Farm.  

Fall is also grape harvest season, which means you’ll have lots of opportunities to pick your own grapes and sample the many varieties of wine they’ll later be made into. If DIY isn’t your style, you can relax with a nice glass on a patio and watch the harvesting at work — this is also prime time to see the first of the season grape crushings. Treleaven Wine’s Harvest Festival is an especially ideal place to see the wine making process in action. 

For the full orchard experience, stay at The South Glenora Tree Farm Bed and Breakfast. This peaceful barn-inspired Bed and Breakfast is nestled in the heart of some of the richest Finger Lakes growing areas, so you can easily access farms and orchards to pick everything from plums, pears, apples, pumpkins, and more.

Tag us at @flbba on Instagram if you visit any of our favorite fall Finger Lakes destinations! Let the Finger Lakes Bed & Breakfast Association guide you to the perfect fall 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.