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DRIVE TRIP

Finger Lakes

373.7 miles: 7 hours, 27 minutes

New York’s gorgeous Finger Lakes region is full of must-see attractions—from waterfalls to historical museums to art galleries—and ranks among the nation’s top wine-producing areas. Providing access to the 100-plus wineries surrounding the major lakes, this driving route will make you go gaga over grapes.

1

Rochester to Corning

121.6 miles: 2 hours, 5 minutes

Courtesy of The Corning Museum of Glass

Stretch your legs in Hammondsport, a picturesque community on the southern tip of Keuka Lake. Wineries are the big draw here, but the quaint village square also is ripe for exploration. Next on the agenda is the historic Gaffer District in Corning, where you can grab a bite or a souvenir and watch glass artists at work.

2

Corning to Ithaca

103.0 miles: 2 hours, 12 minutes

Wikimedia Commons/Tthaas

The largest concentration of Finger Lakes wineries lines both sides of trout-filled Seneca Lake, and you’ll pass many of them as you follow the Seneca Lake Wine Trail from race fan-friendly Watkins Glen to Geneva, an agricultural hub. Though not as scenic as its parallel companion SR 89, SR 96 leads to some outstanding natural attractions in Ithaca.

3

Ithaca to Syracuse

58.9 miles: 1 hours, 28 minutes

PapaBear/iStockphoto.com

Once SR 13 veers away from Cayuga Lake, there’s not a whole lot to see or do on this leg—until you reach Syracuse, that is. Historic Armory Square is the downtown hot spot and a good home base for a walking tour of the district, which features shops, restaurants, theaters and museums; tour maps are available from the Syracuse Heritage Area Visitor Center at the Erie Canal Museum.

4

Syracuse to Rochester

90.2 miles: 1 hours, 40 minutes

photoquest7/iStockphoto.com x

Rochester is known for its parks, gardens, estates, excellent educational institutions and vibrant arts scene. Remember all those architectural gems you oohed and aahed at earlier? You’ll find plenty more (especially in and around Rochester’s downtown core) after the long interstate segment of this last jaunt.

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