I ran 100 miles this weekend on the Finger Lakes Trail — and somehow, between all the miles, sweat, and hill climbs, I kept finding myself just looking around.

The leaves are really starting to turn, and the light filtering through the trees made some sections feel almost golden. It’s wild how easy it is to take this area for granted until you spend some time out there — no phone, no noise, just you and the trail.

It reminded me how lucky we are to live somewhere like this, especially this time of year (even if it did hit 80 on Saturday…).

What’s your favorite thing to do around here in the fall? Let me know below — I’ll share the most popular ones next week!

🧩 Jigsaw Puzzle Update

I’m working on creating some graphics and fleshing out ideas to pass to a designer before sharing a poll to vote on your favorites so we can then move into tracking down the best manufacturer. I’ll share the options soon so you can cast your vote!

The Bulletin

Want to spread the word about your business, project, volunteer opportunity, or give a shout-out to 7,400+ friends in the Finger Lakes? Get in touch.

Service Station FLX - Jeney swung by during the 100 miles on the FLT and grabbed an incredible cup of coffee near Hammondsport. We’ll be back — check out this great bike-friendly craft coffee spot!

Vern’s Bakery - Something else I finally got to enjoy this weekend: pastries from Vern’s! Swing by and treat yourself to something sweet or savory — you’ll love it. (and thanks for the recommendations this summer to make a stop by Vern’s)

🏃Wrapping Up: 100 Miles On The FLT 🏃

This past weekend, I set out to cover 100 miles continuously on the Finger Lakes Trail, starting near Bath and ending in Ithaca.

I’m happy to say that — with the help of my chief supporter (and wife), two amazing crew friends, several pacers who joined me in the middle of the night, and everyone who donated through the fundraiser — the run was completed in 30 hours and 44 minutes, covering 100.24 miles!

We had our ups and downs, met new friends, crossed paths with trail volunteers, and got it done.

Donations to the Finger Lakes Trail Conference, the non-profit that maintains and improves the network of trails, will be made this week. Thank you for your support and helping make this possible!

📅 EVENTS

Top Weekend Picks

1. Wagers Apple Festival @ 256 E Main St

2. 5th Annual FLX Cider Fest & Market @ South Hill Cider

3. Oktoberfest @ The Lake House on Canandaigua

Wednesday

• Trumpet Ensemble & Trombone Troupe Concert @ Ithaca College (Ithaca) – Bold brass meets surreal art in this free Ithaca College concert inspired by Dalí’s “The Elephants.”

• Out to Lunch: Voices & Votes Exhibit Talk @ Chemung Valley Museum (Elmira) – A midday museum talk that serves up coffee, cookies, and a taste of American democracy in action.

• Lunch with Tom: Broome County Woodpeckers @ Town of Chenango Community Room (Binghamton) – A midday nature talk celebrating the fascinating woodpeckers of Broome County and their wild adaptations.

• Ro Sham Bo Night @ Outlet 111 Waterfront Cocktail & Wine Bar (Penn Yan) – Half-price drinks, full-on fun — take your shot at beating the bartender in this playful happy-hour showdown.

• Horror Movie Trivia Night @ Steele Memorial Library (Elmira) – Scares, snacks, and scream-worthy trivia — a killer night for horror fans of all eras.

Thursday

• 5th Annual FLX Cider Fest & Market @ South Hill Cider (Ithaca) – Raise a glass to autumn at this hilltop celebration of cider, flavor, and Finger Lakes spirit.

• Brewhouse Blues Jam @ Hopshire Farm & Brewery (Freeville) – Soulful blues, craft brews, and open jam vibes — a Finger Lakes music tradition that keeps on grooving.

• Groundswell Farm Fest @ Stone Bend Farm (Newfield) – A soulful night of music, farm-fresh flavors, and community connection in support of food justice.

• Tunes, Tastes & The Vine 2025 @ DoubleTree by Hilton (Binghamton) – Raise a glass to fall with live music, local wines, and good vibes at this annual tasting event.

• Ladies Night: Beers & Brushes @ Seneca Stag Brewing (Penn Yan) – Sip, paint, and unwind — a creative girls’ night out with brews and brushes.

Friday

• Blues Traveler @ State Theatre of Ithaca (Ithaca) – Grammy-winning jam legends light up the State Theatre with classic hits and unstoppable blues-rock energy.

• Food, Music & Wine! @ Bet the Farm Winery (Trumansburg) – Unwind with live music, local bites, and wine-country charm to kick off the long weekend.

• Artist-in-Residence Studio Experience @ Liverpool Public Library (Liverpool) – Watch artist Jeanne Ulrich turn lake glass and driftwood into art in this live, hands-on creative session.

• Oktoberfest Blues & Brews Featuring Erin & The Backwoods Blues Project @ Library Place (Ithaca) – Blues, brews, and Bavarian vibes fill Ithaca’s Library Place for a festive fall Oktoberfest evening.

• The Ampersand Project @ Eldridge Park Dance Hall (Elmira) – Turn up the Friday night feels with live grooves and vintage park vibes at Eldridge’s Dance Hall.

• Shawn Duchsherer @ Abandon Brewing Company (Penn Yan) – Golden-hour brews, live acoustic tunes, and lake views set the mood at Abandon Brewing.

• SKAN PRIDE 2025 Celebration Weekend @ Skaneateles (Skaneateles) – This lakeside celebration of LGBTQ+ History Month features events, performances, and gatherings that bring people together in the spirit of equality and joy.

• Exploring Italian Wines: Valtellina, Lombardy @ New York Kitchen (Canandaigua) – Sip your way through Italy’s hidden Alps and uncover the soul of Valtellina, one glass at a time.

• Outdoor Screening: Hocus Pocus @ Manlius Library (Manlius) – Blankets, popcorn, and witchy laughs — Hocus Pocus lights up the fall night in Manlius.

• Band By The River @ ONCO Fermentations (Tully) – From R.E.M. to The Cranberries, enjoy a night of nostalgic tunes, craft beers, and cozy brewery vibes by the river.

• John Morgan – Friends Like That Tour @ Touch of Texas (Binghamton) – Kick up your boots and sing it loud — Nashville’s rising star brings the honky-tonk heat to Binghamton.

• One Night in Memphis @ Smith Opera House (Geneva) – Relive rock’s golden era — Elvis, Cash, Lewis & Perkins light up Geneva for one unforgettable night.

• Let’s Get It On: The Marvin Gaye Experience @ Del Lago Resort & Casino (Waterloo) – Smooth soul, timeless groove — Marvin Gaye’s magic returns for one unforgettable night.

Saturday

• Learn-to-Curl Event @ Finger Lakes Curling Club (Ithaca) – This hands-on session includes an intro, on-ice instruction, and a friendly game — no experience needed, just curiosity and enthusiasm.

• Roller Derby World Championships Watch Party @ Personal Best Brewing (Ithaca) – High-speed hits, local brews, and derby pride collide in this action-packed community watch party.

• Wagers Apple Festival @ 256 E Main St (Penn Yan) – Celebrate fall at Wagers Apple Festival, a hometown favorite packed with fresh cider, apple treats, food and craft vendors, live fun, and family activities.

• Greek Peak Fall Fest @ Greek Peak Mountain Resort (Cortland) – Crisp air, live jams, and a pumpkin cannon that steals the show — fall hits its peak at Greek Peak.

• Crystal City OktoberfeAst @ Nasser Civic Center (Corning) – Sip, savor, and celebrate fall at Corning’s inaugural OktoberfeAst with local brews, bites, and live tunes.

• Newfield Covered Bridge Fall Festival @ Newfield Covered Bridge (Newfield) – A full day of fall fun by the Newfield Covered Bridge—music, food, and small-town charm in peak leaf season.

• Music with Madelyn Rose + La Monarka Food Truck @ Apple Barrel Orchards (Penn Yan) – Live music, orchard views, and the last La Monarka pop-up—perfect fall vibes at Apple Barrel Orchards.

• Run4All 5K & 1-Mile Run/Walk + Health Fair @ Yaman Park (Cortland) – Run, walk, or roll for inclusion—join Cortland’s Run4All 5K and Health Fair celebrating community access for all.

• Harvest Festival ft. The Petty Thieves @ Treleaven Wines (King Ferry) – Sip, sway, and celebrate harvest season with The Petty Thieves and local wine at Treleaven’s fall fest.

• Assemblage and Collage Exhibit @ The Gallery at South Hill (Ithaca) – Discover texture, color, and imagination at Ithaca’s Assemblage and Collage exhibit—a feast of creative expression.

• Harvest Fest @ Hosmer Winery (Ovid) – Sip mimosas, wine slushies, and local brews as you soak up vineyard views and fall vibes.

• Wolfnap @ Abandon Brewing Company (Penn Yan) – Live tunes, craft brews, and lake views—Wolfnap brings the vibe to Abandon Brewing this fall.

• Dead Ringer @ Auburn Public Theater (Auburn) – When a working-class twin murders her wealthy sister and takes her place, deception spirals into deadly intrigue.

Sunday

• Shengsheng Sizhu Ensemble Concert @ Herbert F. Johnson Museum of Art (Ithaca) – An exquisite midday concert weaving silk, bamboo, and centuries of musical tradition into living sound.

• Oktoberfest @ The Lake House on Canandaigua (Canandaigua) – Enjoy traditional Bavarian fare, live music, and fun competitions—from stein-holding and duck races to a best-dressed contest.

• James Gordon – Canadian Singer-Songwriter @ Valley Folk Music (Corning) – Folk legend James Gordon shares songs of humor, heart, and activism at Valley Folk Music in Corning.

• Bartending Competition – Fall Festival @ Rail Line Event Venue (Syracuse) – Taste, cheer, and vote as CNY’s top bartenders mix it up for cash and glory at the Rail Line.

• Tuba Skinny Master Class @ Smith Opera House (Geneva) – Learn New Orleans jazz firsthand at Tuba Skinny’s free master class at Geneva’s Smith Opera House.

• The 2025 Dove Block Project Short Film Festival @ The Dove Block Project (Geneva) – Celebrate bold storytelling and indie cinema at Geneva’s 2nd annual Dove Block Short Film Festival.

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!

Big thanks to two more sponsors of the 100 miles on the Finger Lakes Trail:

Topo Athletic makes incredible footwear for trail running, hiking, and road miles. I wore a pair of their Ultraventures on sections of the FLT 100-miler — highly recommend!

Tailwind is one of my go-to drink mixes for electrolytes and energy. I’ve long enjoyed the “Naked” (no added flavor) version for long runs — great for hiking, running, or any adventure that needs a boost.

See You Out There

Thanks for being part of the Finger Lakes Effect!

Adam Moody

Finger Lakes Effect