- Finger Lakes Effect
- Posts
- Finger Lakes Effect
Finger Lakes Effect
From puzzles to pie contests, here’s what’s happening this week
Adam Moody
September 24, 2025
Not everyone loves being indoors once the chill sets in—I know plenty of us are still squeezing in every last hike, bike ride, or paddle before the days get cold.
Still, I’ll admit—there’s something pretty satisfying about swapping the trail for a warm mug and a cozy day inside.
Recently, I took one of my trail photos—a Finger Lakes waterfall—and had it turned into a jigsaw puzzle.
Now I’m curious—would you like a Finger Lakes–themed puzzle to work on at home, or maybe to give as a gift this season?
Would you like your own Finger Lakes themed jigsaw puzzle? |
The Bulletin
Want to spread the word about your business, project, volunteer opportunity, or give a shout-out to 7,200+ friends in the Finger Lakes? Get in touch.
Hare Prix 10K Run/Walk - Be part of the first Hare Prix 10K in Watkins Glen. Run the historic course, then celebrate at the Lucky Hare Marina finish line downtown—your entry includes a free drink!
That’s What She Read Bookstore - Stop by this indie bookstore in Marcellus, run by book lovers for book lovers. Browse books, vintage finds, pottery, and more gift-worthy treasures.
📅 EVENTS
Top Weekend Picks
Wednesday
Local Lore: Water and Women’s Rights @ Lodi Whittier Library (Lodi) – Explore Finger Lakes history with tales of women’s rights and water cures in this free local lore series.
New York Kitchen Riesling Release Party @ New York Kitchen Tasting Room (Canandaigua) – Sip, savor, mingle, and enjoy bites at NY Kitchen’s Riesling release, toast friends, and take a bottle home.
Film Screening: The Flying Ace @ Cayuga Museum of History & Art (Auburn) – Discover a groundbreaking 1926 race film with fresh insight, history, and conversation after the screening.
Dan Forsyth @ Riseform Brewing Co. (Marcellus) – Folk-roots songwriter Dan Forsyth of Driftwood plays an intimate evening of music and craft beer.
Jeff Connor & Friends @ Auburn Public Theater (Auburn) – Enjoy originals, eclectic covers, and warm collaboration as Jeff Connor & Friends light up Auburn Public Theater.
Thursday
Winemaker Dinner: Dr. Frank Winery @ The Main Deck (Penn Yan) – Savor chef-crafted courses with Dr. Frank wine pairings, stories, and lakeside elegance at The Main Deck.
Midday Music in Lincoln: Roger Moseley and Travis Johns (CU Music) @ Cornell University (Ithaca) – Step into sound frontiers with Cornell’s rare microtonal keyboards in a free midday concert and demo.
Exhibition Celebration: Peacework – Fiber Artist Betz White @ Community Arts of Elmira (Elmira) – Celebrate Betz White’s fiber art with a gallery talk, creativity, and community at Elmira’s arts corridor.
Coaster Paint and Sip! @ WeBe Brewing Company (Geneva) – Sip craft beer, get creative and design custom coasters at a fun paint-and-sip night in Geneva.
Chicago (2002) @ Smith Opera House (Geneva) – Razzle-dazzle returns with a big-screen showing of Chicago at Geneva’s historic Smith Opera House.
Zane Lamprey @ Funny Bone Syracuse (Syracuse) – Laugh along with Zane Lamprey as he shares boozy travel tales and comedy from his hit TV adventures.
Friday
CAP Artist Networking Event @ Tompkins Center for History & Culture (Ithaca) – Connect, collaborate, and spark ideas with fellow creatives at a free arts networking night.
Hazlitt Happy Hour @ Hazlitt 1852 Vineyards (Hector) – Sip and save at Hazlitt’s Friday Happy Hour, $1 off drinks and vineyard vibes on Seneca Lake.
Golden Hour Sippin’ Series on the Ridge @ Idol Ridge Winery (Lodi) – Sip wine with sunset views at Idol Ridge’s Golden Hour Sippin’ Series, a perfect vineyard evening.
Live Music – Darkwine @ Hopshire Farm & Brewery (Freeville) – Acoustic quartet Darkwine brings soulful sounds to Hopshire’s rustic brewery setting with food and fresh brews.
Movie Night: Superman! @ Newfield Public Library (Newfield) – Free community movie night with James Gunn’s reimagined Superman and popcorn at Newfield Library.
The Blind Spots & Caviar & Grits @ Atomic Tom’s (Binghamton) – Funk, soul, and sass collide as The Blind Spots and Caviar & Grits light up Atomic Tom’s with high-energy grooves.
Black Violin – Full Circle Tour @ Corning Museum of Glass (Corning) – Classical strings collide with hip-hop beats in an electrifying performance that inspires and uplifts.
Comedy on State Street @ Enchanted Events (Binghamton) – Local comedy, tasty eats, and high-energy vibes make State Street a night of laughter and community fun.
Edgar Allan Poe Speakeasy @ LakeWatch Inn (Ithaca) – Sip cocktails, face the macabre, and lose yourself in Poe’s hauntingly immersive speakeasy. (also available Saturday)
Saturday
Hare Prix 10K Run/Walk (Watkins Glen) - Enjoy the first ever running of the Hare Prix 10K taking place on the original Grand Prix course. Entry includes free drink post race and entry for the 3-prize raffle. Stay and enjoy the post race event at the Lucky Hare Marina.
The Great Apple Pie Eating Contest (Ithaca) - Registration closes Thursday at 8 a.m. Sign up to compete or just come for the messy fun—and maybe take home a Hollenbeck’s pie.
Stuff Swap & Community Outreach Fair @ Penn Yan Public Library (Penn Yan) – Declutter, share, and connect at Penn Yan’s free Stuff Swap and community outreach fair.
Port City ft. Heyni Solera @ Ithaca College Center for Music (Ithaca) – Tango reimagined — music, dance, and identity collide in a vibrant celebration of tradition and change.
One Day at a Time Cookery + Music with Kenny Ende @ Apple Barrel Orchards (Penn Yan) – Orchard views, live music, and cooking demos create a cozy fall afternoon in Penn Yan.
Steinholding Competition @ Three Brothers Wineries & Estates (Geneva) – Hoist a liter of beer, cheer the crowd, and savor pretzels at this lively Oktoberfest-style contest.
Chocolate Lover’s High Tea @ Northville Arts Center (King Ferry) – Savor scones, sweets, and champagne in a decadent afternoon of chocolate-infused high tea indulgence.
Banned From the Tavern @ Abandon Brewing Company (Penn Yan) – Craft beer, lake views, and barnyard vibes set the stage for a lively afternoon of music and brews.
Skaneateles Duck Dash @ Skaneateles Creek (Skaneateles) – Cheer on the 13th Annual Duck Dash, with music, food, kids’ fun, and quirky creekside racing thrills.
Line Dancing @ Hopshire Farm & Brewery (Freeville) – Learn the steps, laugh with friends, and dance into the weekend with a little country flair.
4th Annual Brews & Bluegrass @ Smith Opera House (Geneva) – Sip craft brews, ride the bull, and dance to bluegrass at a wild fall night in downtown Geneva.
Palaver Strings @ Ford Hall, Ithaca College (Ithaca) – Experience the fire of tango as Grammy-nominated Palaver Strings pairs music with dance in a free concert.
Opening Night: Heroic Journeys @ Broome County Forum Theatre (Binghamton) – Celebrate opening night with Beethoven’s Seventh, Liszt’s concerto, and a season of heroic journeys ahead.
Appetite for Voltage – Guns N’ Roses Tribute @ Del Lago Resort & Casino (Waterloo) – Crank it up and rock the night away with a high-voltage tribute to Guns N’ Roses classics.
Sunday
Bound for Glory Live with Mustard’s Retreat @ Lansing Area Performance Hall (North Lansing) – Joyful, story-rich folk from Mustard’s Retreat brings hope and heart to Bound for Glory’s live series.
King & Queen of Beer Tree Mountain @ Beer Tree Brew Co. (Port Crane) – Run the hill, earn your beer, and claim bragging rights at this wild uphill race challenge.
MODAFFERI @ Westcott Street Cultural Fair (Syracuse) – Celebrate culture, food, and music at a lively street fair filled with dance, artisans, and global flavors.
Greg Hill @ Bundy Museum of History & Art (Binghamton) – Immerse yourself in an intimate night of multi-instrumental sounds and local artistry.
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!
Thank you to a tasty sponsor of the Finger Lakes 100 fundraiser - Flake Pastries!
Not only are they supporting us—they also make some of the best pastries around. Do yourself a favor: check out their website and place your pre-order every Monday.
Forks On The Road: Eats & Drinks
Last week, Adam and I stole away for a little date night magic—something I’ll talk more about in a future newsletter for anyone needing inspiration. As it was my turn to plan, I whisked us off to Skaneateles, NY—and, according to some very biased sources, the best lake of the Finger Lakes. I reserved a table at The Krebs, a historic gem that balances classic elegance with thoughtful, elevated cuisine. We began with one of the most careful, tasty charcuterie boards we've had in a long time, and an inspired plate of glazed sunchokes over celeriac puree (hello fall!), and warm bread. Warm bread. Sometimes it’s the simple things that signal you’re in for a real meal. |  |
Adam ordered the lobster risotto, which was velvety and decadent—a dish that knows exactly what it’s doing. I had the smoked rack of lamb, and folks, this is the dish I’ll be dreaming about for the rest of the year. Perfectly cooked, deeply flavorful, and confidently plated. I adore lamb—some of you reading have even made me some truly exceptional versions—and I think this may have taken the crown.
 | I knew it was special when I offered Adam a bite (or several), and he never once said no. That’s love, right?....for me or the lamb? We ended the night with a lakeside stroll, full and glowing, watching the lights of the town shimmer across the water. It was quiet. Gentle. The kind of moment that lingers. |
Would I recommend a dinner date at The Krebs? Unreservedly yes. But only if you’re ready to fall a little more in love—with your person, your plate, and this corner of the Finger Lakes.
—Jeney, Forkin’ Local
See You Out There
Thanks for being part of the Finger Lakes Effect!
Adam Moody
How did you like today's email? |