Riesling, waterfalls & cozy lakeside charm
Riesling, waterfalls & cozy lakeside charm
Lafayette, NY 13084Pittsford, NY 14534
Trip overview
Wander through a golden-hued landscape of steep-sided glacial lakes, world-class Riesling vineyards, and spectacular gorge waterfalls. This romantic journey pairs the cozy autumn charm of local apple orchards with unforgettable tastings and scenic lakefront vistas.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1 — Lafayette
Beak & Skiff Apple Orchards
An iconic multi-generational orchard where you can pick crisp apples, sip award-winning hard cider, and enjoy warm, fresh-pressed cider doughnuts among the rolling hills.
2708 Lords Hill Rd, Lafayette, NY 13084
Clift Park & Skaneateles Lake Pier
Stroll down the iconic wooden pier jutting into the exceptionally clear, deep-blue waters of Skaneateles Lake, framed by historic lakeside homes.
15 W Genesee St, Skaneateles, NY 13152
Mercato Bar & Kitchen
A cozy, candle-lit Italian bistro on Ithaca's Restaurant Row, known for its intimate ambiance and superb menu of fresh, seasonal, handmade pastas.
108 N Aurora St, Ithaca, NY 14850
Day 2 — Trumansburg
Taughannock Falls State Park
Witness one of the northeast's most spectacular natural wonders: a breathtaking 215-foot single-drop waterfall carving through a massive, sheer-walled gorge.
1740 Taughannock Blvd, Trumansburg, NY 14886
Sheldrake Point Winery
Taste exceptional cool-climate dry Rieslings and Cabernet Francs on a gorgeous lakefront estate located directly on the shores of Cayuga Lake.
7448 County Rd 153, Ovid, NY 14521
Hazelnut Kitchen
An intimate neighborhood bistro focusing on hyper-local ingredients sourced from neighboring Finger Lakes farms, served in a warm, rustic-chic setting.
53 Main St, Trumansburg, NY 14886
Day 3 — Watkins Glen
Watkins Glen State Park Gorge Trail
An enchanting, otherworldly trail that winds under, over, and behind 19 roaring waterfalls as they cascade through a deep, moss-covered stone glen.
1009 N Franklin St, Watkins Glen, NY 14891
Boundary Breaks Vineyard
Enjoy crisp, beautifully structured Rieslings on a relaxed lawn terrace directly overlooking the widest and deepest stretch of Seneca Lake.
1568 Porter Covert Rd, Lodi, NY 14860
Stonecat Cafe
An iconic regional favorite offering an authentic farm-to-table culinary experience, featuring local trout, organic produce, and exceptional Finger Lakes wines.
5315 NY-414, Hector, NY 14841
Day 4 — Hammondsport
Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery
The historic cradle of the Finger Lakes wine revolution. Enjoy world-renowned European-style vinifera wines on a stunning hillside overlooking the bifurcated waters of Keuka Lake.
9749 Middle Rd, Hammondsport, NY 14840
Lamberton Conservatory
A historic, beautifully restored 1911 glass-dome conservatory nestled in Highland Park, filled with lush tropical plants, exotic orchids, and desert flora.
180 Reservoir Ave, Rochester, NY 14620
The Dartmouth House
A highly rated, romantic boutique bed & breakfast set in a grand, historic Edwardian mansion located in Rochester's trendy, tree-lined Park Avenue neighborhood.
215 Dartmouth St, Rochester, NY 14607
Lento
An award-winning, rustic-chic eatery in the Village Gate building that focuses on slow food, artisanal cocktails, and sustainably farmed local New York ingredients.
274 N Goodman St, Rochester, NY 14607
Day 5 — Rochester
George Eastman Museum
The stunning historic mansion and gardens of Kodak's founder, housing the world's oldest photography archive and a magnificent, sun-drenched conservatory.
900 East Ave, Rochester, NY 14607
Schutt's Apple Mill
A beloved local landmark since 1918, offering delicious homemade spiced cider doughnuts, local cheeses, and just-pressed sweet apple cider.
1063 Plank Rd, Webster, NY 14580
Pittsford Farms Dairy
Step back in time at this historic local dairy, serving rich, old-fashioned ice cream and fresh milk in glass bottles along the scenic Erie Canal.
44 N Main St, Pittsford, NY 14534
Experiences & guides
Bookable tours and stops worth a detour along this route.
Experiences
Guide content may not reflect current conditions. Always verify information before your trip.
Frequently asked questions
The Finger Lakes Gold road trip covers about 267 mi and roughly 7h of driving, comfortably spread across about 5 days.
This itinerary maps out 16 stops from Lafayette, NY 13084 to Pittsford, NY 14534. Highlights include Taughannock Falls State Park, Watkins Glen State Park Gorge Trail, and Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery.
It begins in Lafayette, NY 13084 and ends in Pittsford, NY 14534, following a mapped, road-following route the whole way.
The estimated cost is around $1,563, covering fuel, lodging, food, and activities. Your actual total varies with the season, your pace, and the choices you make along the way.
Open Finger Lakes Gold in the free Road Trip app for turn-by-turn navigation, the full day-by-day itinerary, live weather, and gas-cost tracking along the route.
More road trips
Open this trip in the app
Take this route with you — navigation, live weather, and gas tracking inside Road Trip.
