When you think of the Finger Lakes in New York, you probably think of vineyards galore. Of course, wine and wine-tasting tours are what the area is best known for, but the truth is, this region offers so much more than that. There are many great dining options, shopping centers, and even an amusement park to explore!
If you want to experience all the Finger Lakes area has to offer, consider renting an RV. You’ll be able to take in the sights at a comfortable pace and have a relaxing space to retire to at the end of the day. Plus, you won’t have to deal with noisy neighbors on the other side of the wall in your hotel room.
Search RV rentals in the Finger Lakes, NY area.
Preparing for your Finger Lakes, NY RV Trip
When you’re deciding how to spend your two days in Finger Lakes, NY, the first thing you need to consider is what type of RVshare rental is best suited to your needs. If you’ll be arriving in the area in a large truck or SUV, you may want to rent a towable RV. That way, you’ll be able to set up camp in your chosen campground and be free to use your vehicle to drive from one attraction to the other. On the other hand, if you’re flying in from further away, renting a motorhome or campervan might make more sense, so you won’t need to rent a separate vehicle for sightseeing.
Renting an RV for the first time can be a bit intimidating. Here are some articles to help you book your vacation with confidence:
• Complete Guide to Renting an RV
• How to Park Your RV Like a Pro
• You Booked Your RV Rental. What’s Next?
• Packing Tips for First-Time RV Renters
Once you’ve decided which RV to rent, it’s time to choose a campsite. If you’re looking for a family-friendly (and pet-friendly) resort complete with two pools, two playgrounds, a dog park, and more, Hickory Hills in Bath, NY, might be the perfect place to park your rig. On the other hand, if solitude and nature are more your vibe, renting a campsite in Watkins Glen State Park could be just what you need.
Find other campground options in our comprehensive list of top-rated campgrounds in Finger Lakes, NY.
Day 1: Perusing the Finger Lakes Area
Morning: Shop ‘Till You Drop
When you get to the Finger Lakes region, your first stop for a fun time should be the Destiny USA Mall in Syracuse, NY. They have more than 200 shopping places, but the fun doesn’t end there. There are plenty of other things to do at this venue, including playing mini golf, climbing a ropes course, and watching a movie at the IMAX theater. There are also many dining options to choose from if you still need breakfast or are just looking for a tasty treat.
Lunch: Grab a Bite by the Lake
When you’re done exploring the mall, you can head over to The Waterfront Tavern, situated on the edge of Oneida Lake. They have a wide variety of lunch options, including burgers, wraps, soups, and sandwiches, to enjoy while you take in the scenery.
Afternoon: Get Out on the Lake
With your appetite satisfied, you can spend the afternoon on Lake Skaneateles, one of the cleanest lakes in the country. The Mid-Lakes Navigation Cruise Company offers afternoon sightseeing cruises that either last for 45 minutes or three hours, depending on your budget and preference.
Setting Up Camp
When you’ve finished your boat tour, it’s time to go to the RV campground you selected to get set up. Make a quick stop at the camp office to check in, then head to your campsite to park your rig and hook up to the utilities. If parking and hookup sounds like a chore that you’d rather not deal with, you could have your RV delivered to your campsite instead. Many RVshare RV owners offer this service. To find one, just filter by delivery options when booking your vehicle.
Dinner: Cook Out
Once you get settled into your campsite, you’ll probably be so content you won’t want to leave. When you rent an RV, dining in couldn’t be easier. You can cook dinner in your rig’s kitchen or roast hot dogs and marshmallows around a campfire.
Day 2: Exploring the Finger Lakes Region
Morning: Visit a Museum
No Finger Lakes itinerary would be complete without a visit to the Corning Museum of Glass. There, you can explore 3,500 years of glass-making history, watch a live demo, or even make your own glass with help from an experienced glassmaker.
Lunch: Hit the Pub
When you’re done at the museum, you can fill your belly at The Hungry Burd in Burdett, NY. It has all the foods you’d expect from a pub (burgers, sandwiches, and the like) and generous portion sizes.
Afternoon: Horseback Riding on the Trails
After lunch, head on over to the Painted Bar Stables, also located in Burdett, NY, to take a trail ride through the picturesque landscape of the Finger Lakes Region. They can accommodate riders as young as eight years old and offer rides that last anywhere from an hour to overnight.
Evening: Go to a Concert
As the day fades into night, you can get in one last adventure at the Constellation Brands-Marvin Sands Performing Arts Center (CMAC) in Canandaigua, NY. Book tickets for your favorite band in the general admission lawn at the Corona Cabana, or make it extra special by reserving a space in the exclusive Keybank Headliner Lounge tent. They also offer plenty of dining and beverage options, so you can grab dinner while you enjoy the music.
Day 3 and Beyond
Sometimes, two days in Finger Lakes, NY, just isn’t enough, so if you can, extend your stay! If you want to stay longer than two days in the Finger Lakes, here are things to explore the locals rave about:
• Sylvan Beach Amusement Park: With thrill rides and family rides, dining, and shopping options, there’s something for everyone at this amusement park. Since it’s right on the beach, you can relax in the sun when you’re done with the rides.
• Watkins Glen International Speedway: Established in 1948, this race track hosts NASCAR races and other fun events throughout the year. They even offer camping during the NASCAR season.
Winter Activities
If you visit the Finger Lakes during the winter, there are all sorts of activities to keep you happy, like skiing at Bristol Mountain Ski Resort or splashing around at the Cascades Indoor Waterpark.
Indoor Activities
If your Finger Lakes vacation gets rained out or you need to beat the heat, don’t worry. There are plenty of things to do inside, like visiting The Rockwell Museum or trying your luck at the Tioga Downs Casino.
The Finger Lakes, NY, is bursting with fun things to do, with amusement, shopping, and dining experiences for everyone. When you rent an RV, you add flexibility and convenience to your vacation that you can’t get any way else.
