There's a stretch of early June that belongs to us. The weather’s warming up, the markets are back, and the summer crowds haven't quite figured out it's time yet. Let's make the most of it.
Lots to cover this week, plus a first-time guest spot, scroll down and check it out.
Dinner club reservations for June and July are filling up fast. If you’re interested, get all the details here.
🏆 FLX TRAIL WINNERS 🏆
Thanks to everyone who played the FLX Trail game - it was great to see a few players hit the high score on the final day!
The top 4 scores (4-way tie) were:
Scott Dawson
Laura
LauraH
Mike B
The top-ten scoring participants are getting some goodies in the mail 🎁
Want to see more games in the future? Vote below!
Should there be more games in the future?
🥘 OFF MAIN MARKET: A DELICIOUS LEAP OF FAITH 🌶️
We had no idea what we were getting into and that was half the fun. Off Main Market in Canandaigua had earned enough reader nudges that we decided to trust the crowd and pop in for lunch on a recent visit. Friends, what a pleasant surprise.
The space is a charming market-style shop, takeaway-focused, with cast iron pans and cookware, dry noodles, sauces, and spices to browse while your order is prepared, plus freezer and fridge finds to take home for later. While we waited, the cheerful whistle of the chef drifted out from the kitchen; a good sign if there ever was one. With no seating in the shop, we opted for takeout, crossed the street to a park, and then we dug in.
Deliciousness greeted us: pad thai, scallion dumplings, and gyoza that felt more authentic than anything we'd had since our trip to Thailand last October. Like two hungry gremlins, we devoured the feast from the takeout containers on our laps. We didn’t take pictures. There was no time before it disappeared.
Oh, we’ll be back.
Jeney - The Forkin' Local
🦌 THE FINGER LAKES ALIVE 🦌
I recently had the pleasure of talking with Laurie Dirkx, an outdoor photographer specializing in preservation, conservation and ethical wildlife photography. All this while helping her viewers learn about and respect our out-of-doors.
Laurie wanted to share a timely photo and message as we move from spring into summer:
Photo by Laurie Dirkx. View full resolution image here.
An abandoned fawn? Unlikely. A doe leaves her fawn for long periods, coming back to nurse 3-6 times per day. Have comfort the fawn is healthy and attended to. However, if you see curled ears (likely dehydration) or hear a fawn calling out repeatedly (likely the doe can't return), this is a fawn that needs wildlife rehabilitation. The DEC website lists rehabbers in your area.
You can find more of her wonderful work at www.LaurieDirkx.com
🔆 FINGER LAKES EFFECT BOOSTER 🔆
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I appreciate the support from this great group!
Thank you
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Off Main Market - A fun surprise on our last visit to Canandaigua and highly recommended for some delicious food. Check them out!
Flake Pastry - The winner of the FLX Trail is getting a gift certificate for impressively tasty pastries, and if it’s good for the winner, it’s good for the rest of us! Be sure to pre-order on Mondays.
Word Scramble - The answer will be in next week’s email!
🔔 UPDATES 🔔
Sunrise: 5:30 AM
Moonrise: 11:44 PM
Air Quality: 35 Good
Sunset: 8:38 PM
Moonset: 8:51 AM
Property: Need a deck with a hot tub and a view?
Pets: Just toss him the ball!
📅 EVENTS 📅
Top Picks
Canandaigua in Bloom @ Downtown Canandaigua (Canandaigua - Saturday)
First Friday Prix Fixe Dinner with Little Clover Wines @ Stonecat Café (Hector - Friday)
Barbecue Competition @ Eldridge Park (Elmira - Saturday)
Wednesday, June 3
Plant Bingo @ Brewers Kitchen and Taproom (Ithaca) – A lively plant-themed bingo night combining games, greenery, and community fun in a relaxed taproom setting.
Read to Dogs @ Newfield Public Library (Newfield) – A heartwarming reading program where children build confidence by reading aloud to friendly volunteer therapy dogs.
Zingology @ the Stonecat Café (Hector) – An evening of lively gypsy swing music blending Django-inspired rhythms with dancing, dining, and relaxed café vibes.
Thursday, June 4
Thriving Futures Mural Ribbon Cutting Celebration-Trumansburg (Hector) – A community celebration unveiling vibrant murals inspired by clean energy, environmental equity, and visions of a thriving future.
RobbieTheFire Comedy show + Live RYM @ Catharine Valley Winery (Burdett) – A stand-up comedy night blending sharp humor, live entertainment, and offbeat storytelling in a relaxed winery setting.
Rodgers and Hammerstein's "OKLAHOMA @ Cortland Repertory Theatre (Preble) – A beloved classic musical filled with romance, humor, and iconic songs set on the American frontier.
Eco-Book Club & Hike @ the Cumming Nature Center (Canandaigua) – A thoughtful outdoor gathering combining nature-inspired reading discussions with scenic hiking and community exploration.
The NEO Project LIVE @ Grist Iron Brewing Company (Burdett) – An upbeat evening of live music, craft beer, and lakeside brewery vibes in the heart of Schuyler County.
Friday, June 5
Friday Night Farm CHASING NEON @ Finger Lakes Cider House (Interlaken) – A festive farm jam featuring live music, barbecue, cider, and laid-back community vibes under the Finger Lakes sky.
Wag Your Tail Along The Trail (Cayuga Lake) - Bring your dog along for a relaxed, dog-friendly week of wine, wagging tails, and good vibes across the Cayuga Lake Wine Trail. This flexible format lets you sip and stroll at your own pace. June 1 - 14.
Sunset Music Series Presents David Siurano @ Wagner Vineyards (Lodi) – A relaxing lakeside evening featuring live music, vineyard sunsets, and casual dining overlooking the Finger Lakes.
Blind Tasting In The Vineyard @ Either Oar (Hector) – A guided vineyard tasting experience challenging guests to explore wine aromas, flavors, and pairings blind.
June 2026 First Friday Community Event @ Seward House Museum (Auburn) – An inviting community gathering featuring live jazz, plein air artwork, and thoughtful historical exhibits in Auburn.
Illuminate Downtown @ Corning's Gaffer District (Corning) – A lively downtown celebration featuring tastings, outdoor dining, local vendors, and live entertainment across Market Street.
Live Music Fridays @ Hazlitt 1852 Vineyards Oasis (Hector) – A relaxed vineyard evening featuring live music, lakeside views, and summer drinks at Hazlitt’s lively Oasis venue.
Spirit in the Light: Photographing Springsteen 1973-75 @ Smith Opera House (Geneva) – A fascinating photographic retrospective capturing Bruce Springsteen’s early performances and rise during the mid-1970s music scene.
Teddy Swims: Summer 2026 Tour @ CMAC (Canandaigua) – A soulful summer concert showcasing Teddy Swims’ powerhouse vocals, heartfelt songs, and dynamic live stage presence.
Amelie, The Musical @ Geneva Community Center (Geneva) – A whimsical musical journey through love, imagination, and small acts of kindness inspired by the beloved French film.
Grassanova LIVE @ Two Goats Brewing (Hector) – A spirited bluegrass performance filled with banjo-driven improvisation, craft brews, and scenic Finger Lakes atmosphere.
Lone Gonzo live at Lucky Hare, Watkins Glen @ Lucky Hare Brewing Bar and Grill (Watkins Glen) – A soulful live music night blending roots, jazz, and world influences with lakeside food and drink specials.
Saturday, June 6
Jeremiah Craig Live at Airy Acres Vineyard’s Summer Vendor & Wine Celebration @ Airy Acres Vineyard (Interlaken) – A lively vineyard celebration featuring folk music, Finger Lakes wine, local food vendors, and summer community vibes.
Canandaigua in Bloom @ Downtown Canandaigua (Canandaigua) – A vibrant downtown celebration filled with blooming gardens, outdoor dining, local shopping, and seasonal community festivities.
Start of Summer Bash with Fall Creek Brass Band @ Hopshire Farm & Brewery (Freeville) – A festive summer kickoff featuring lively brass music, outdoor food, and relaxed brewery vibes with friends and family.
Smokin' Summer Kickoff 2026 @ Seneca Lake Wine Trail (Watkins Glen) – A flavorful summer festival featuring regional wines, barbecue, live entertainment, and scenic Finger Lakes winery experiences.
Pop-Up Painted Pottery Event (Ithaca) - The Clay School of Ithaca is hosting a pop-up painted pottery event at Liquid State Beer. No registration required.
Muds N' Suds at The Y at Watson Woods (Painted Post) – A muddy family obstacle course adventure packed with climbing challenges, outdoor fun, and energetic community spirit.
Barbecue Competition @ Eldridge Park (Elmira) – A smoky outdoor barbecue competition bringing together local cooks, flavorful food, and lively community summer fun.
Upstate Haze 1 Year Anniversary Celebration @ Upstate Haze (Ithaca) – A lively anniversary celebration featuring food trucks, music, games, raffles, and local pop-ups for the Ithaca community.
Free Live Music at 3Bros @ Three Brothers Wineries and Estates (Geneva) – A casual winery concert experience featuring free live music, local wines, and relaxing Finger Lakes weekend vibes.
The D'ell Duo @ Seneca Stag Brewing (Penn Yan) – A relaxed brewery performance featuring live music, local brews, and laid-back Finger Lakes evening atmosphere.
Funk in the Falls - Sophistafunk & BSC @ 6 Ovid Street (Seneca Falls) – A high-energy night of funk music, dancing, and late-night entertainment with vibrant community party vibes.
Mom Prom 2026 @ The Vault Grand Venue On Main (Cortland) – A glamorous adults-only dance party celebrating friendship, music, and nostalgic prom-night fun in downtown Cortland.
Carsie Blanton wsg/ Brittany Ann Tranbaugh @ Hollerhorn Distilling (Naples) – An intimate outdoor concert evening featuring acclaimed singer-songwriters, craft cocktails, and scenic Finger Lakes atmosphere.
Sunday, June 7
Sunday Soiree with Peregrin @ Ice Cream Bar (Trumansburg) – A lively evening of blues, funk, and rock favorites performed by one of Trumansburg’s favorite young local bands.
Gorges Ithaca Half Marathon @ Black Diamond Trail (Ithaca) – A scenic half marathon winding from Trumansburg to Ithaca through waterfalls, trails, and Finger Lakes landscapes.
Master Gardener Volunteer's Hector Plant Sale @ Diamond on Seneca (Hector) – Browse plants, garden décor, local vendors, and scenic vineyard views at this lively community gardening event.
Yoga and Wine at Inspire Moore @ Inspire Moore Winery, Vineyard & Venue (Naples) – Stretch, sip, and unwind with an outdoor yoga session followed by relaxing wine tastings in Naples.
Share & Pair Sundays at Fox Run Vineyards (Penn Yan) – Relax with wine, scenic vineyard views, and shareable bites during this laid-back Sunday tasting experience.
Free Live Music at 3Bros @ Three Brothers Wineries and Estates (Geneva) – Enjoy an afternoon of free live music, wine, and laid-back Finger Lakes vibes at 3Bros.
Sunday Songs On The Ridge @ Idol Ridge Winery (Lodi) – Relax with lakeside wine and live music during a scenic Sunday afternoon at Idol Ridge Winery.
House of Sterling @ Abandon Brewing Company (Penn Yan) – Enjoy an easygoing afternoon of live music, craft brews, and vineyard views overlooking the Finger Lakes.
Recurring Events
Limited Duration - click here
Trivia - click here
Kid Friendly - click here
See you out there!
Thanks for being part of the Finger Lakes Effect.
Adam Moody
