Honeymooning in the Finger Lakes: A Romantic Itinerary for Love Birds

Whether you’re looking for a laid back escape where you get plenty of down time or the chance to get out and adventure, the Finger Lakes is the perfect destination -- but did you know it’s also an amazing spot for honeymooning? The Finger Lakes, especially around the Seneca Lake region, is fabulous for honeymooners with a mix of outdoor activities, wine tasting, restful retreats, and more.

If you’re looking for a four-day (or longer!) plan for an escape to the Finger Lakes, we’ve got you covered. Here are some of our favorite romantic spots and itinerary suggestions for lovebirds who are visiting us on their Finger Lakes honeymoon. 

Day 1: Arrival

When you first arrive to check in at our vacation rental near Seneca Lake, you’ll be greeted by cozy quarters that will make you feel right at home. Choose to stay in the schoolhouse or farmhouse if you’d like a little more room, or you can snuggle up in one of our micro-cabins! Any of our options are a great fit for serving as your home base for your honeymoon.

Once you’re all booked in, you have your choice of activities. You can choose to have a quiet night in (think books, wine outside by the fire, and stargazing) or you could head out for dinner and drinks at a romantic spot nearby. 

We’d recommend the food and the ambiance at Stonecat Cafe, Graft Wine + Cider Bar or Dano’s for an Austria flare. In nearby Ithaca, there’s also Maxie’s Supper Club & Oyster Bar, Coltivare, or Gola Osteria for some delicious Italian. Or if you don’t mind a scenic drive along the lake, you could try Kindred Fare or Belhurst Castle in Geneva. 

Day 2: Get Out and Explore

Rise and shine! Start your day with coffee and tea in your room and then head over to The Blackberry Inn Kitchen in Watkins Glen for some freshly boiled NY bagels. Their yogurt parfaits are amazing too! This charming little spot is a great pick for breakfast when you’ve got a full day of adventuring ahead of you!

After fueling up, it’s time to get out and explore. Today’s all about enjoying the natural beauty of the region. Between preserves, conservation areas, and state parks, you’ll have so many options to fit the pace of how you’d like your day to go.

For example, Watkins Glen State Park offers insta-worthy scenic views, 19 waterfalls (you can even walk under some and stroll on Lover’s Lane), and a rich network of hiking trails to enjoy if you prefer to be more active. Or you could spend some time on the water with a kayak rental or tour through Summit to Stream Adventures. If you’d like a more leisurely pace, you can always hit up nearby Ithaca for a walk through Cornell’s Botanic Gardens. We also have recommendations for the best waterfalls to see and our favorite hikes. 

If you’re feeling particularly adventurous, you can also book a guided boat tour or a boat rental through Finger Lakes Water Adventures to explore the shores of Seneca Lake.

Or maybe you have a need for speed? The Glen is THE place to go to catch a race while you’re visiting the FLX. Insider tip! When there are no races going on, you can drive your own car on the track! It’s a blast and we highly recommend this for some memorable fun! 

Between all of that adventuring, make sure to check out one of our restaurant recommendations for takeout picnic fare or for lunch and dinner if you need a break in the action! 

Day 3: Rest and Relaxation

After yesterday’s full day of exploring, it’s great to take time to rejuvenate and recharge. This day’s itinerary is all about relaxation and serenity. Here are some suggestions:

Take your time and enjoy the wine! Visiting the wineries around Seneca Lake is one of our favorite ways to enjoy an afternoon. Not only will you love the views, but the hospitality from our local wineries will leave you feeling right at home.

Take your time and linger at a few spots, enjoying couples tastings and light bites. If you want to head over to the west side of Seneca Lake, Glenora Wine Cellars has a little something for everyone’s taste palate. From fruity and sweet wines to deep reds. We love Lakewood Vineyards for their port; it’s the best on Seneca and you can’t not stop at Hermann J. Wiemer for some of the best wine-making in the region.  

If you would prefer to stay closer to the FLX Escape Vacation Rentals, the East Side of Seneca is for you! Start with Osmote or Hillock and Hobbs, these are 2 of the new wineries in the region, both boosting excellent views of the lake. Then head to Ryan William Vineyard for some fantastic wines and equally fantastic lunch and brunch options. 

Feel like you can squeeze in a few more? Sometimes you just get in the mood and want to keep it going! We often find ourselves at Leidenfrost, they have some of the most fun winetenders in town, and we like to chillax at Hector Wine Co. with a cheese plate and a bottle of their Soul Red. Feeling like a slushie, popcorn and hot dog? Sit outside at the Oasis and play some cornhole at Hazlitt, known for its Red Cat, easy drinking red wine. We like to end here because they tend to stay open later in the summer months with live music! 

Or, you could book a couples spa day. In Watkins Glen, The Body Sacred offers couples massage packages that are pure bliss. You can also find couples treatments with Isabella Spa-Salon or Finger Lakes Massage Therapy in Geneva.  In nearby Ithaca, there are several couples spa options through Rasa Spa, Deeply Devoted Massage, or August Moon Spa. 

Finally, cap off your day with takeout from Nickel’s Pit BBQ (it’s incredible!) and cannoli for dessert from Scuteri’s Cannoli Connection. Retire to your vacation rental and cuddle up by the outdoor fire pit with a glass of wine. 

Day 4: At Your Leisure

Now that you’ve had a full day of relaxation, it’s time to end your Finger Lakes honeymoon with a relaxed -- but still active! -- day of leisure. We recommend choosing activities that will let you stay in the moment and be present with each other, like: 

• Taking a romantic bike ride -- Mike’s Bike Rentals has you covered!
• Sitting by the water and fishing along Seneca Lake
• Browsing for antiques -- don’t forget a memento to remember this special trip!
• A private wine tasting -- make sure to grab a special bottle to enjoy on your first anniversary!
• Booking a couple’s photo shoot along the shores of Seneca Lake or at one of the wineries to capture the magic of this special time

All of these options are great ways to cap off your honeymoon and continue to enjoy the FLX after you’ve checked out and are headed back home.

This itinerary is the perfect blend of adventure, romance, and relaxation, making for a memorable honeymoon experience -- but it’s fully customizable! If you’re a couple that loves adventure, there’s plenty to see and do while staying active with hiking, fishing, kayaking or exploring. Or if you prefer something low-key, know that you’ll have plenty of wineries and romantic restaurants to enjoy, as well as our cozy and comfortable accommodations. The best part about visiting the Finger Lakes for your honeymoon is that it’s the perfect place to find something for every couple!