One thing I’ve heard loud and clear (and felt myself) is how much of a PITA it can be to find out what’s happening across the Finger Lakes without spending an hour browsing websites that felt clunky when MySpace hit the scene.
That’s why I’ve been spending time working on a Finger Lakes–wide event calendar. It’s still a work in progress, but the goal is clear: better filters by lake, town, and event type, clearer visibility, and more reasons to get out and explore.
I also snuck in a poll about burgers, because cold weather makes me think about hot food and a full belly after being outside. I’ve also included a little more on chestnuts, which have a deeper local story than you might expect.
Would you help find the best burger in the Finger Lakes?
If we get a majority “yes”, I’ll be putting together a special submission form and more details so that we can collectively find the best burgers around. Also, I need your help so that I don’t have to eat every burger. I mean, I want to…but I’d also like to live long enough to take part in the next “Best Of” contest!
🌰 The Ghost Tree of the Finger Lakes
Before grapes and apples took over the hillsides, the American chestnut was everywhere here: lining ravines, anchoring woodlots, feeding families and wildlife each fall.
Then, almost overnight in forest time, it vanished. Chestnut blight swept through the Finger Lakes in the early 1900s, killing nearly every mature tree.
But the story didn’t fully end.
If you walk the edges of old fields or hike sunny slopes above Cayuga or Seneca, you might spot one: a fast-growing chestnut sapling, straight and hopeful, rising from roots that could be over a century old. Most won’t live long in the wild, but they keep trying.
Researchers at SUNY and other schools, along with partners and chestnut growers across New York, are working to bring chestnuts back to the landscape. For a local example, check out the Finger Lakes Nut Farm.
🥾 TRAIL OF THE WEEK: Burnt Hill
The Finger Lakes National Forest provides year-round hiking, views, and wildlife. Whether you’re looking for a short walk from the campground or something longer (or much longer), you can find what you need and adjust this trail for your day.
👉 Trail details here.
👋 Contribute To The Effect 👋
The Finger Lakes Effect is 100% free to read, independently owned, and locally operated (it’s me, my wife, and a cat).
Your contributions go toward keeping the Finger Lakes Effect going so we can have more fun, build more connections, and not have each edition filled with ads. I appreciate any and all support from this great group! - Adam
The Bulletin
Want to spread the word about your business, project, volunteer opportunity, or give a shout-out to 9,200+ friends in the Finger Lakes? Get in touch.
Artisan Cove - A new shop on the Ithaca Commons featuring handcrafted treasures from local artists. Great place for gifts, or something for yourself!
Bread @jensArtisan - If you’re headed to Rochester, make sure you swing by and try some of the fantastic bread on offer. We were in town for two days last weekend and went twice. It’s that good. Highly recommend the breakfast focaccia (pictured).
📅 EVENTS
Top Picks
South East Seneca Chowder Cook-Off @ Wagner Vineyards (Friday & Saturday)
Wednesday
Grayhaven Book Club: Anxious People @ Grayhaven Motel (Ithaca) – A cozy winter book club night centered on connection, conversation, and a warm, witty story about being human. Don’t worry, Anxious People is the name of the book ;)
Casino Themed Murder Mystery @ Seneca Stag Brewing (Penn Yan) – An interactive casino-themed murder mystery where clues, characters, and craft beer collide for a playful night out.
Very Sherry January @ Pintxo Wine & Tapas (Canandaigua) – Rare sherries, thoughtful pairings, slow sips, and a cozy winter tasting experience made for curious wine lovers. SOLD OUT - noticed just before sending, but next week is open (as of right now). Next week’s link is here.
Thursday
Adult Craft: Lip Balm @ OWWL Libraries (Clifton Springs) – A cozy winter craft session focused on self-care, creativity, and making your own healing lip balm.
First Contact by Becky Ferreira: Book Discussion & Author Visit @ Tompkins County Public Library (Ithaca) – Aliens, science, culture, and big questions about life beyond Earth, an author talk made for curious minds.
Beer Pairing Dinner with Frequentem Brewing @ The Lake House on Canandaigua (Canandaigua) – Craft beer pairings, a multi-course dinner, and an elegant lakeside night made for serious food lovers.
Musicians’ Choice Chamber Music Series @ Corning Museum of Glass (Corning) – Live chamber music, iconic surroundings, composer insights, and a free wine tasting for an elegant night out.
3-Mo-G Live @ Radisson Hotel Corning (Corning) – Live music, good drinks, and an easygoing night out vibe—perfect for unwinding with friends and sound.
Friday
Restaurant Week @ Auburn & Cayuga County (Auburn) – Nine days of local dining deals, special menus, and a perfect excuse to explore Auburn’s food scene.
South East Seneca Chowder Cook-Off @ Wagner Vineyards (Lodi) – Chowder tastings, winery views, winter vibes, and a fun food showdown where you help crown the winner
Winter Tracking Workshop @ Primitive Pursuits (Ithaca) – Learn to read animal tracks in the snow, a hands-on winter nature workshop for curious outdoor explorers.
Live Music: The Soul Benders @ Hopshire Farm & Brewery (Freeville) – Bluesy rock, soulful grooves, local brews, and an easygoing Friday night with live music.
Planetarium: Asteroid: Mission Extreme @ Link Planetarium (Binghamton) – A cinematic planetarium journey into asteroid threats, space exploration, and humanity’s future beyond Earth.
Patrick Young Music @ Lippy’s Bar & Grill (Greene) – Easygoing live tunes, relaxed bar vibes, local crowd energy, a perfect Friday night unwind.
Chayce Beckham @ Touch Of Texas (Binghamton) – Modern country anthems, raw vocals, radio hits, dance-floor energy, boots-on-the-floor vibes.
Homer Winterfest @ Homer, NY (Homer) – Small-town winter fun, community traditions, family-friendly activities, cozy vibes, classic Central NY charm.
Saturday
Bennie and the Rest: A Tribute to Elton John @ Hangar Theatre (Ithaca) – A high-energy tribute concert celebrating the iconic hits, piano flair, and showmanship of a legendary pop artist.
Logan Oltz Live Music @ Brewers Kitchen and Taproom (Ithaca) – A relaxed dinner-time live music set with good food, easy vibes, and a welcoming Saturday night atmosphere.
Frosted Lakes 5K @ Yates Community Center (Penn Yan) – Crisp winter run, scenic Finger Lakes route, community energy, meaningful cause, start your weekend strong.
NY Sportsman’s Expo @ New York State Fairgrounds (Syracuse) – Outdoor gear, sports lifestyle finds, vendor browsing, hands-on demos, active weekend expo energy.
Homer Winterfest Chili Cook-Off! @ Center for the Arts of Homer (Homer) – Hearty chili tastings, friendly competition, warm winter comfort food, community cheers, hometown festival vibes.
Planetarium | Out There: The Quest for Extrasolar Worlds @ Link Planetarium (Binghamton) – Exoplanets, cosmic discovery, immersive planetarium visuals, humanity’s search for life beyond Earth.
Patrick Young @ Treleaven Wines (King Ferry) – Laid-back live music, cozy winery atmosphere, acoustic vibes, sip-and-listen Finger Lakes afternoon.
Next Stop Comedy @ ONCO Fermentations (Tully) – Stand-up laughs, rotating comedian lineup, intimate brewery setting, great vibes, effortless Saturday night fun.
Disruptor with Guests – Live @ The Annex Theater (Bundy Museum) (Binghamton) – High-energy live bands, gritty local sound, late-night vibes, intimate theater setting, music-forward hangout energy.
Paint Your Wagon (1969) @ Smith Opera House (Geneva) – Classic musical western, Gold Rush drama, offbeat humor, vintage cinema vibes, big-screen nostalgia.
Comedy Night at Blazin’ Saddles (Binghamton) – Dark, smart stand-up comedy with regional favorites in a lively bar setting at Blazin’ Saddles.
Sunday
Syracuse Speed Dating for Singles (Ages 30–49) @ Bulfinch Taphouse and Bistro (Camillus) – Real conversations, relaxed vibes, and meaningful connections in a fun afternoon speed dating event.
Amanda Mole, Organ @ Sage Chapel (Ithaca) – Grand organ music, historic instruments, and timeless German masters filling Sage Chapel with sound.
Puppy Pals Live – The Action-Packed Comedic Stunt Dog Show @ Smith Opera House (Geneva) – Laugh-out-loud canine stunts, adorable dogs, and action-packed family fun in a live stage show.
Recurring Events
Limited Duration - click here
Trivia - click here
Kid Friendly - click here
Got an event we should feature in the Finger Lakes Effect? Click the button below and add your event details!
Finger Lakes Insider - The Finger Lakes Insider is here! This isn’t just a longer event list. It’s a well-curated, month-ahead game plan so you can lock in the fun stuff early, discover gems you’d miss otherwise, and stop last-minute scrambling (and annoying calendar overlaps).
Thanks for supporting the Finger Lakes Effect!
See You Out There
Thanks for being part of the Finger Lakes Effect!
Adam Moody
