If you’ve spent any time on the Finger Lakes Trail, chances are you’ve stumbled across a lean-to tucked into the woods—three walls, a sloped roof, and a kind of quiet you don’t usually get in day-to-day life.

These rustic shelters are more than just a place to sign the log book. They’re part of the trail.

The lean-tos go back decades into the 1960s and the Finger Lakes Trail Conference plays a central role these days in the upkeep. Just remember - there’s an unwritten code: leave it better than you found it!

I’ve been working on a little project to celebrate these little home-away-from-homes in the woods—a poster featuring lean-tos I come across on trail runs and hikes. It’s part art, part tribute, and part conversation starter.

If you’re a lean-to fan (or just love the Finger Lakes), or know someone who’d be into a lean-to poster for their home or cabin, let me know below—this might end up being printed in more than just a one-off.

🙏 Thank You

Also, a quick thanks for voting on the next event in last week’s poll - looks like the top choice was a group hike / walk, followed closely by Happy Hour…might be a good combo there with a drink after a hike! Details to come…

🥾 TRAIL OF THE WEEK: Lake Treman Loop

The Bulletin

Want to spread the word about your business, a project, a volunteer opportunity, or just give a shout-out to over 1,973 friends in the Finger Lakes?

Hare Prix 10K - run the original grand prix course in Watkins Glen on September 27th. This 10K run/walk is a serious workout and includes a post race party at the Lucky Hare Marina location where the race ends (open to friends and family as well). Sign up now to lock in the best price before prices increase this summer!

Finger Lakes Trail Conference - the non-profit group that keeps the Finger Lakes trail running—big thanks for that! They can always use a hand—whether that’s trail work or a donation. If you use the Finger Lakes Trail please consider finding out more here.

Forks On The Road: Eats & Drinks

Garlic Bratwurst That Stole the Show – Cayuta Sun Farms

We spent Memorial Day weekend with my sister-in-law, and we made the early trek to the Ithaca Farmers Market—chilly for late May, but still one of my favorite visits. First stop, as always: a special breakfast burrito from Solaz (it’s a ritual at this point).

We wandered the stalls, coffee in hand, and picked up some ground lamb from Shannon Brook Farms, random veggies from several stalls, and—unexpected highlight—a pack of garlic bratwurst from Cayuta Sun Farms.

We chatted with Michael, who was running the stand that day—friendly, jovial, and clearly passionate about what he does. He told us the garlic brats are their best seller, and after grilling them that night, it was obvious why. Perfectly seasoned, juicy, and packed with flavor without being overpowering—just the right balance of garlic and good-quality meat. Local, pasture-raised meat at its best. 

Cayuta Sun Farms (located between Watkins Glen and Ithaca in Alpine, NY) has definitely earned a spot on my must-visit list at the market. Grab the brats (and say hi to Michael) next time you’re there—you won’t regret it.

Jeney - The Forkin’ Local

📅 EVENTS

Recurring Events

Recurring events seem to be working well, so we’re going to keep them in the newsletter like this for now.

Trivia - click here

Kid Friendly - click here

Wednesday

• Yappy Hour (Ithaca) - Help raise funds for the SPCA during Yappy Hour! 50% of all proceeds benefit the SPCA of Tompkins County. 4—7pm and your well-behaved pooch is welcome to attend.

• Science Together: Flower Dissection (Ithaca) - Little ones (ages 0–4) can explore flowers up close at the Sciencenter’s Science Together program—hands-on fun with tools, observation, and discovery.

Thursday

• Ithaca Festival (Ithaca) - The Ithaca Festival returns with a multi-day celebration of local art, music, and community—featuring nearly 100 vendors and over 70 performances across downtown. Runs through Sunday (June 1st).

• Papa Muse @ South Hill Cider (Ithaca) - Enjoy craft cider, great food, and live music—this week featuring Papa Muse’s infectious blend of indie rock and global grooves.

• Geneva Music Festival (Geneva) - Experience French and German masterworks at the Geneva Music Festival—a concert celebrating the European roots of Finger Lakes music and wine.

• Many Upcoming Art Opportunities (Penn Yan, Other) - The Arts Center Of Yates County has many upcoming classes, events, and activities this summer. Check out the entire listing and find one for yourself!

Friday

• Burning Springs in Bristol (Bristol) - See natural flames flicker from the creekbed at Bristol’s Burning Springs, open to the public for just this weekend—no registration needed, just show up and explore.

• The Notorious String Busters @ Finger Lakes Cider House (Interlaken) - Get ready for a wild night of high-octane bluegrass with The Notorious Stringbusters—foot-stompin', string-bustin', and yes, that good.

• The John & Bob Dean Duo (Auburn) - Catch the John and Bob Dean Duo—veteran Central NY musicians blending rich vocal harmonies, guitar, bass, and the occasional banjo or tuba in a genre-spanning acoustic set.

• Couple’s Welding Workshop (Springwater) - Spark something new at Ironwood Studios’ Couple’s Welding Workshop—no experience needed, just come ready to laugh, learn, and leave with handmade candle holders. Available on Saturday is the Women’s Welding Workshop.

• Prison City Rockers @ Prison City (Auburn) - Join for live music at a fantastic brewery with good eats.

• Freight @ Steuben Brewing (Hammondsport) - Catch Freight at Steuben Brewing—an original alt-country band from Ithaca serving up rural rock and country funk with serious roots music chops.

• Community Plant Swap (Owego) - Bring your extra plant babies to Spellbound’s community plant swap—trade tomatoes, squash, flowers, and more with fellow local growers in this laid-back garden gathering.

Saturday

• Ben Frank Moss: Drawings & Collages (Ithaca) - Explore the life and work of Benn Frank Moss at South Hill’s latest exhibit, featuring the expressive landscapes and legacy of this influential painter and longtime art educator.

• Free Community Paddle (Branchport) - Try out kayaking or canoeing for the first time and explore the wetlands at the Finger Lakes Museum—gear provided or bring your own, just be sure to pre-register for a time slot!

• Enchanted Ithaca Smackdown Roller Derby (Ithaca) - Roll into Ithaca Fest weekend with The Bad Apples vs. Grapes of Wrath roller derby bout at Cass Park Rink.

• 2025 Wicked Wine Run (Dundee) - Run, walk, sip, and celebrate at the Wicked Wine Run—choose a 1K or 5K vineyard course with wine tastings, a DJ-fueled afterparty, and plenty of fun for friends and wine lovers alike.

• Open Farm & Tack Swap (Burdett) - Head to Painted Bar Stables for an Open Farm & Barn day with pony rides, a tack sale, BBQ, brews, and more.

Sunday

• Kids In The Kitcken: Pizza Party (Groton) - Join the fun on Sunday for a hands-on pizza-making party—kids learn to make, top, and bake their own pies, with grown-ups joining in for the memories.

• Lansing Car Show (Lansing) - 5th annual car show in Lansing NY. At least 14 classes, easy judging, lots of vendors, both food and goods! Myers Park 9am—1pm.

• Bingo, Bubbles, & Brunch (King Ferry) - Head to Treleaven on Sunday for brunch, bubbly, and Bingo—great food, fun prizes, and a relaxed vibe all day long.

• Seeing The Light Nature Photography (Naples) - Learn to capture the beauty of the outdoors in “Seeing the Light,” a beginner-friendly photography class with hands-on instruction and a guided nature walk.

• Erie Canal Festival (Weedsport) - Celebrate 200 years of the Erie Canal at the first-ever Brutus Erie Canal Festival—live music, family fun, historical displays, and more at Centerport Aqueduct Park.

• Sunny Point Opening & Pig Roast (Dundee) - Kick off the season at the 2025 Sunny Point Opening and Pig Roast—enjoy lakeside food, wine tastings, live music, and local art. Grab your ticket first!

• Music, Food, & Wine @ Keuka Spring Vineyards (Penn Yan) - Spend an unforgettable afternoon at Keuka Spring Vineyards with live music from The Mustard Tigers, smoky BBQ from JR's Back Alley, and award-winning wines overlooking Keuka Lake.

Got an event we should feature in the Finger Lakes Effect? Click the button below and add your event details!

Ready For Your New Pet? 🐱🐶

Meet June Bug!

June Bug is a sweet, 39-pound pup who gets along well with adults and has tons of playful energy.

Need a furry friend? Check out adoptable pets here (Auburn), here (Syracuse), or here (Ithaca) and set up a visit at the closest SPCA. But act fast—word on the street is that animals rarely last more than a week or two before finding homes.

Shout Out 📢

Thanks to Casella for helping with small community events like the Finger Lakes Running Club’s Finger Lakes 50s and the Lucky Hare Hare Prix 10K!

They've been a huge help with sponsorship and waste removal, helping us keep races clean and costs down. Thanks Casella!

See You Out There

Thanks for being part of the Finger Lakes Effect!

Adam Moody

Finger Lakes Effect

P.S. The Finger Lakes Effect will be evolving as it goes - if you have an idea for the style, look, or topics, hit reply and let me know.