The New York Times ran a "36 Hours in the Finger Lakes" piece last week.
Their take is that the region "can seem surprisingly intimate," full of small, tight-knit communities. I'd only argue with one word. Surprisingly?
Anyone who's run into three people they know at the farmers market in the first 10 minutes of stepping out of the car could have told them that. Still, it's nice to hear it from the outside. Here's my version of the next 36 hours (okay, the next week).
🍷 WINE SEASON 🍷
With the fall harvest underway, what better time to find out more about a local winery on Seneca Lake?
I had the opportunity to chat with Regina and Steve at Fulkerson Winery over the summer and they shared a lot about the winery, the history, the region, and the wine business.
There are lots of interesting bits along the way, so give it a watch. Next time you're nearby, swing by for some wine, fresh grape juice, or even a round of disc golf.
🎃 AND IF YOU LIKE WINE 🎃
Then you should grab a ticket to the Ghostly Grape Walk at Fulkerson Winery!
Come join the fun on October 27 for Happy Hour at the winery with a glass of wine and small bites included. And don’t forget the vineyard walk, complete with spooky tales 👻
Grab your ticket here ahead of time and save versus grabbing a ticket at the door.
📷 PHOTO CORNER 📷
Laurie Dirkx is back and brings us an incredible fall photo from Letchworth, showcasing the old trestle bridge that was replaced with a steel bridge in 2017.
The colors in this one look a lot like what's happening around the lakes right now.
Get out, enjoy the fall, and if you happen to snap a good fall picture, send it my way! I’ll put together a collage of all the photos I get from readers and share them in a future edition.
Find all of Laurie’s incredible photography here.
🍴 LOOK OUT, CANANDAIGUA 🍴
Dinner Club is back and heading to Canandaigua on October 29. Get all the details right here.
It’s a great way to have a tasty meal, meet some new friends, and enjoy good conversation.
Here's what a few past diners had to say:
"The food was amazing and the company was great!"
"I am so happy I signed up for this! It was so nice getting to know people in the area and just chatting among people who share the same community. The food was great and the vibes were great for just meeting people for the first time!"
🔆 QUICK HITS 🔆
Farmers Market Roundup: a new Field Guide, just in time for Winter Markets
New game available: Finger Lakes Memory
Did you know there’s a Finger Lakes Effect Book Club? Join here.
Be A Contributor, and you help keep the Finger Lakes Effect going. More of the good stuff, and more people to share it with.
The Bulletin
Interested in partnering with the Finger Lakes Effect? Reach 13,300+ engaged Finger Lakes readers. I feature local businesses worth knowing. Get in touch here.
Got a community event or shout-out? Submit it here.
Other Half Brewing - This lakeside location is a great place to stretch the legs before (or after) grabbing a fresh beer from the taps in Canandaigua.
Rosalie’s Cucina - I’ve been hankering for some Italian food so I might be making my way to Skaneateles. Don’t forget to call ahead for a reservation!
🔔 UPDATES 🔔
Sunrise: 7:17 AM
Moonrise: 11:42 AM
Air Quality: 28 GOOD
Sunset: 6:26 PM
Moonset: 8:17 PM
Property: Fortress Of Solitude?
Pets: Tutta Bella!
📅 EVENTS 📅
Top Picks
Witches Ball (Montour Falls - Friday)
Free Film Screening; Night of the Living Dead (1968) (Farmington - Saturday)
Little Clover Wine Pop Up (Rock Stream - Saturday)
Wednesday, October 14
Art Exhibit, Phoenix Rising: Margery Pearl Gurnett (Geneva) — Discover mixed-media resin pieces and paintings celebrating resilience and renewal after loss in this exhibition, October 2 - November 1.
Book Character Pumpkin Decorating Contest (Penn Yan) — Transform a pumpkin into your favorite book character and compete for People's Choice and Judges Choice awards at the library.
Storywalk on the Outlet Trail (Penn Yan) — Walk the scenic Keuka Outlet Trail while following a picture book story posted along the wide, flat path for all ages, October 10-18.
Something About Money, by Alexander Thomas (Ithaca) — Experience a hilarious solo performance examining money's role in our lives through characters, memories, and poetic language, October 14-25.
Thursday, October 15
Nostalgia for the Light (2010) (Geneva) — Watch a documentary interweaving astronomers' cosmic search with women seeking remains of loved ones lost to political violence.
History Happy Hour: Railroads in Geneva (Geneva) — View captioned historical slides of Geneva's railroads from 1841 to present at this casual happy hour drop-in program.
Friday, October 16
Brushes & Bottles: Pumpkin Edition @ Idol Ridge Winery & Alder Creek Distillery (Lodi) — Paint your own pumpkin with provided supplies and enjoy wine or spirits from the tasting bar while you create this weekend, October 16-18.
Food & Wine Experience: Fall Series at Fox Run Vineyards (Penn Yan) — Experience fall at Fox Run with vineyard tours, winemaker tastings, and an autumn-inspired lunch paired with seasonal wines.
Witches Ball (Montour Falls) — Connect with the community at this free festival featuring local vendors, live music, food, and creative energy in Montour Falls.
Survive the Sanatorium: Blood Ward (Mt Morris) — Navigate a haunted 1930s tuberculosis sanatorium transformed into a thrilling vampire-themed escape experience with dark corridors and labs, October 16-17.
Saturday, October 17
Empire Brick Con @ CMoG (Corning) — Marvel at hundreds of original LEGO creations from top artists across the country at this interactive building fan convention, October 17-18.
Steampunk Festival (Albion) — Immerse yourself in a Victorian-inspired steampunk celebration with live music, artisan vendors, performances, and creative adventures.
Scarecrow Jubilee @ Ithaca Children's Garden (Ithaca) — Enjoy an afternoon of fall fun with scarecrow-themed activities at a children's garden.
Free Film Screening; Night of the Living Dead (1968) (Farmington) — Experience the groundbreaking 1968 horror classic that birthed the modern zombie genre in a special Halloween-season screening.
What Ever Happened to Baby Jane? (1962) Evening Show (Geneva) — Watch the classic psychological thriller starring Bette Davis and Joan Crawford—dress up as your favorite character if you'd like.
Oktoberfest & Fall Market (Naples) — Enjoy a full day of local shopping, live music, craft beer, wine, food trucks, and a beer pong tournament at this fall celebration.
Good Earth Day (Lodi) — Visit Silver Thread Estate for walk-in tastings while supporting the Lodi Food4All organization with proceeds from each tasting.
Screen Printing with Camille Santangelo (Geneva) — Learn to design, prepare, and print custom images onto fabric and paper using professional screen printing techniques.
New Hope Mills Fall Festival (Auburn) — Enjoy pony rides, petting zoo, scarecrow building, pumpkin painting, and live entertainment at this free family-friendly fall festival.
Junk Journaling with Cindy Duprey (Penn Yan) — Create a unique 40-page journal from recycled scrap paper and decorate it with pockets, bellybands, and fancy edges.
Little Clover Pop Up (Rock Stream) — Sip sparkling wine or taste flights of Little Clover wines from a cozy vineyard tent with surprises and surprises planned.
Beginner Sewing Series - Foundational Classes to Master Your Machine (Fall 2026) (Corning) — Learn essential sewing machine skills and create a drawstring bag in this beginner-friendly class with all supplies included.
Sunday, October 18
Comfy, Pluck, and Tenor Caso at Stone Bend Farm (Newfield) — Rochester bands Comfy and Pluck perform with local musician Tenor Caso at this intimate farm venue featuring dynamic live music.
Stoned & Lonesome: A Celebration of The Rolling Stones-The Early Years (Auburn) — Celebrate The Rolling Stones' early years with a blues-influenced tribute band featuring award-winning musicians and special guests.
Puff and Paint (Ithaca) — Unwind with friends in a creative, social painting class featuring live music, laughter, and all supplies provided for adults 21+.
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
