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World Atlas names 7 of New York’s ‘little-known’ towns in the Finger Lakes. See the list

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World Atlas names 7 of New York’s ‘little-known’ towns in the Finger Lakes. See the list

New York’s Finger Lakes region is known for its magnificent lakes, hiking trails amidst unique landscapes, vineyards and countless small towns that dot the region. Many of the communities are inviting, quaint and connect visitors with lakeside serenity.

Here are seven lesser-known towns in the Finger Lakes, according to World Atlas.

Skaneateles NY

Skaneateles, with its unique shops and restaurants, sits astride the northern tip of Skaneateles Lake in Onondaga County. Home to Carpenter Falls and Bahar Nature Preserve and of course Skaneateles Lake, the town is an outdoor enthusiast’s dream. Skaneateles Lake is considered to be one of the highest Finger Lakes, at almost nine hundred feet above sea level, and there are also several parks in Skaneateles, including Cliff Park, Thayer Park and Shotwell Memorial Park.

The town also boats a quaint historic district, which hosts a Charles Dickens-themed festival each December. The historic district boasts a wealth of well-preserved 19th century buildings and has been a part of the National Register of Historic Places since 1984.

Hammondsport NY

A village within the town of Urbana, Steuben County, Hammondsport is located at the southern end of Keuka Lake. The community was the birthplace of Glenn H. Curtiss, a pioneer in aviation and flight enthusiasts may want to visit a museum in his name here that looks at the advancement of aviation. Hammondsport is also home to some world-class wineries and breweries – including Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery is one of the first vineyards that introduced Rieslings into the region. The village’s main street is also bustling – there are art galleries, quaint cafes and boutique shops According to the World Atlas, “Hammondsport’s small-town atmosphere and its mix of cultures make for one very memorable stop for those to whom being immersed in history and leisure is so appealing.”

Aurora NY

Located on the eastern shore of Cayuga Lake, Aurora is a small village (of roughly 735 people) with a rich culture and landmarks, including the notable Aurora Inn. The village is home to Wells College, which for years was a women-only liberal arts college and closed earlier this year. Also known as Aurora-on-Cayuga, the village is filled with lakeside inns and estates, eateries and shops. Visitors can also enjoy lakeside recreations and water sports on Cayuga Lake.

Owego NY

“A walk through its downtown is enough to fall in love with this little town,” according to the World Atlas. Both a town and a village by the same name, Owego is located in Tioga County. The village is a walkable community with inviting character. Hickories Park, located on the Susquehanna River, features riverside trails, playgrounds, picnic areas, a dog park, camping sites and fishing spots. Each June the village holds its annual Strawberry Festival with live music local artisans and food, block parties and other events.

Naples NY

Roughly 45 minutes south of Rochester and located in the southwestern corner of Ontario County, Naples is surrounded by vineyards and (in the fall) hills ablaze with wildflowers and vibrant leaves. Naples offers a sampling of some of the best the region has to offer — waterfalls, wineries and a bounty of local cuisine, including the famous grape pie. The village is home to Grimes Glen Park, where hikers can navigate a shallow creek to two 60-foot-tall waterfalls. Cumming Nature Center, a 900-acre nature preserve and educational center is also nearby.

Trumansburg NY

This Tompkins County village is a destination on its own. Trumansburg is within the town of Ulysses and is just around the corner from Taughannock Falls State Park, home of the nation’s tallest free-standing waterfall east of the Rockies. Within the village, a 2.5-mile historic walking trail along Main Street and adjacent streets displays buildings and architecture from the early 1800s. Downtown Trumansburg has an artistic feel to it, with cafes, pubs, eateries and shops of all sorts. Each summer, the village hosts the Grassroots Festival, a four-day music festival, at the village’s fairgrounds.

Penn Yan NY

Located in Yates County, at the north end of Keuka Lake, Penn Yan is filled with unique and historic spots, including Birkett Mills, which is Penn Yan’s oldest industry, established in 1797. The village has shops and other businesses and some nearby wineries are top-notch. Hike the Keuka Outlet Trail to a waterfall, visit one of the nearby swimming beaches or stop by a sustainable farm in the area.

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