The Finger Lakes, 11 pristine lakes spread like fingers across central New York , encompasses 9,000 plus square miles of outdoor adventures and bucolic scenery with a nice mix of urban hot spots to boot.
The region offers world class vineyards, farm to table culinary delights and internationally acclaimed annual festivals. With more than 100 wineries spread between 14 counties, the Finger Lakes region is known to produce the best Rieslings and Gewurztraminers outside of Germany.
Cayuga County is located in the heart of the Finger Lakes and offers travelers an array of delectable culinary and wine-infused experiences from vintner training to cheese trail hopping.
Here are some are some travel suggestions from the Cayuga County Tourism Office
Where to Eat:
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Aurora Inn - The award-winning, refined American cuisine is inspired by the changing seasons and fresh regional products and pairs perfectly with the vast array of Finger Lakes wines on their list. Aurora Inn offers an elegant indoor dining room as well as lakeside dining on their spacious veranda, perfect for taking in Finger Lakes sunsets.
www.aurora-inn.com
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Moro’s Table -
Chef Moro searches out only the freshest, finest product and utilizes the surrounding abundance of the Finger Lakes region whenever possible in his American-style cuisine. His passion for simplicity and purity of flavor ensures that each dish is balanced and impressionable.
www.morostable.com
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Pumpkin Hill Bistro - The Pumpkin Hill Bistro menu features down to earth comfort food "with a twist" served at moderate prices in a unpretentious, but charming atmosphere. Delight in the charm of the bistro's peaceful storied setting, while enjoying a fine selection of Cayuga Lake wines and delectable culinary options. Diners can also shop for unique antiques and gifts at the Country Store.
www.pumpkinhillbistro.com
Where to Pick & Buy Local:
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Long Point Orchard - Fruit enthusiasts can pick their locally grown produce or purchase it from the farm stand located at 2007 State Rte 90 in Aurora. Please note that they are closed on Mondays.
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Grisamore Farms – Featuring an array of delectable fruity crops from strawberries to sweet cherries to blueberries, Grisamore Farms is the ideal U-pick destination. For those wanting to bypass the picking process, their farm store is located in a 19th century dairy barn and equipped with an array of delectable items for sale.
www.grisamorefarms.com
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The Produce Place – Specializing in fresh, local produce as it ripens, The Produce Place sells sweet corn, tomatoes, pies and custard just to name a few.
www.theproduceplace.net
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King Ferry Farmer's Market - This pop-up marketplace located just off of Route 90, boasts farmstead cheese, organic flour, organic vegetables, plants and flowers, fiber art, pottery and jewelry among many other locally grown and produced items.
http://kingferry.blogspot.com
Where to Stay:
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Aurora Inn - Aurora Inn , set on the shores of Cayuga Lake amidst a heritage village, has a pedigree dating back to 1833. The original Finger Lakes inn, built in Federal style with red brick and wide columned balconies, has been impeccably restored with understated elegance to appeal to the most discerning guests. The quintessential bed and breakfast is renowned for being a lakeside haven with hammocks and Adirondack chairs putting calm and relaxation at the forefront. The Aurora Inn embodies the intimacy of a bed and breakfast with services and amenities that only a luxury hotel can offer.
www.aurora-inn.com
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E.B. Morgan House - Formerly the home of Colonel Edwin Barber Morgan, co-founder of The New York Times and American Express, the E.B. Morgan House offers seven stylish guest rooms, exquisite living spaces, gracious porches that overlook the lake and lawns and an exceptional collection of original modern art.
www.ebmorganhouse.com
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Dill’s Run Bed & Breakfast and Vineyard - Dill's Run Bed and Breakfast is located along the east side of Cayuga Lake on Scenic New York State Route 90 in the Town of Ledyard. The lovely Italianate Victorian house was built in the late 1830's by R. Dill and has recently been restored. It is ideally located on 15.5 acres just four miles north of Aurora , 15 minutes from Auburn , 35 minutes from Ithaca and 25 minutes from Seneca Falls . Dills Run also has a vineyard that offers some of the best in Finger Lakes wines which is open from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Friday through Sunday and by appointment.
www.dillsrun.com
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Cayuga Marina and Campground - Located on the north end of scenic Cayuga Lake, a short distance from Lock One, Seneca Canal, and the Montezuma Wildlife Preserve. Cayuga Marina and Campground is ideal for an overnight, weekend or week stay for both outdoor sports enthusiasts, and those who just appreciate the beautiful countryside and relaxing lake side atmosphere. The facility features a full range of seasonal guest accommodations and marina services for patrons.
www.cayugamarina.info
Finger Lakes wineries and lodgings are giving you the opportunity to extend your winter getaway and stay another day in Wine Country. When you book a Winter Wine Weekends package (through March 31, 2012), you will receive discounted rates or free nights with participating accommodations and the Palate Passport at check-in. The Passport provides great discounts, deals, and experiences from many popular attractions, wineries, and restaurants. 
Zinful Wine Bar & Restaurant, (419) 878-9463, 7541 Dutch Road, Waterville.
