Mother's Day is Sunday. If you're still figuring out plans, scroll down for a ton of local ideas.
Also, a thought I've been sitting on: a Finger Lakes Effect Book Club.
One book, story, or article a month. Probably an online thread or email reply-along to start. Maybe something in person down the road if there’s enough interest.
Quick poll below. Curious to see what you all think.
Would A Finger Lakes book club be your thing?
📿 GET FOUND! 👚
I went up to South Hill to tour the SouthWorks facility (the old Emerson Transmission building), and ended up bumping into Vanessa Weber from Found in Ithaca. One thing led to another and I got the full tour of their new space.
It's massive. They've packed it with furniture, clothing, jewelry, books, glass, pottery, art, and more.
I kept finding myself checking out more and more as I walked around. There’s 45+ dealers under one roof, and the styles range from 19th-century formal to mid-century-modern to cottage and industrial. There's also murals outside that are worth the trip on its own.
If you've been meaning to check Found out, this is the nudge. Watch the conversation with Vanessa below.
🍴 DINNER CLUB DID IT AGAIN 🍻
We closed out the brewery after the Dinner Club last week!
Ok, ok, it was 9pm. But still, Frequentem had to close up for the night and we counted that as a win.
Three tables at two restaurants (Il Posto & KiX) in Canandaigua had some delicious plates, great conversation, and made some new friends (and I think I saw some business cards trading hands).
If you missed out on this one, registration is open for Ithaca on May 28th.
One of the happy tables 😀
A few things people said:
This was such a phenomenal experience, and a great idea. I was hesitant that I wouldn’t click with people, or that it would be too intimate of a setting, but everything was awesome. I think far more people should join this experience! Thank you for putting this together! - Emily
Everyone was very nice. Had interesting conversations and laughs. It was fun and not uncomfortable at all! - Dianne
🪴 Finger Lakes Effect Contributors🪴
Becoming a one-time (or recurring) contributor means helping to keep the Finger Lakes Effect going so we can have more fun, build more connections, and not have each edition filled with ads. I appreciate any and all support from this great group! Thank you - Adam
The Bulletin
Partner with the Finger Lakes Effect: Reach 11,500+ engaged Finger Lakes readers. I feature local businesses worth knowing. Get in touch here.
Got a community event or shout-out? I want to hear about that too.
Shtayburne Farm Creamery - Ice cream flight? Cheese flight? How about both! Swing by Shtayburne, a short drive north of Watkins Glen on the west side of Seneca, to treat your tastebuds while enjoying the view.
Finger Lakes Insider - A monthly curated, 4-week-look-ahead game plan so you can lock in the fun stuff early, discover stuff you’d miss otherwise, stop last-minute scrambling, and support the Finger Lakes Effect for the cost of a latte.
Lucky Hare Run Club - Rain or shine, join in every Wednesday evening. Family & furry friends encouraged to come. They supply 3 different maps: 1 mile, 2 mile & 3 mile. Run, jog, or walk. Meet between 5:30-5:50pm at the Lucky Hare Watkins Glen Bar & Grill in the Marina behind the Harbor Hotel. Stretch it out, go over the maps, new run club members receive run club cards. Then hit the pavement at 6pm.
Do you know of other run clubs that people should know about? Send them in so I can feature them and help get us all “out there”!
🔔 UPDATES 🔔
Sunrise | 5:55 AM |
Sunset | 8:11 PM |
Moonrise | 12:27 AM |
Moonset | 8:54 AM |
Air Quality | 45 GOOD |
📢 Around The Lakes 📢
Events
Looking for more things to do outside of the weekend? Check out the new Finger Lakes Event Guide for ideas. Head over here and try it out: https://fingerlakeseventguide.com
Community Milestones
Tops is running their Stars for Our Troops program again and looking for old American flags with embroidered stars to repurpose and give to veterans at VA hospitals and nursing homes. If you've got any embroidered flags sitting around, you know where to bring them through mid-June.
Seasonal
Canandaigua's bringing back summer nights at Outhouse Park with free concerts, movies, and food trucks. Looks like a solid lakeside hangout is coming back into the rotation.
📅 EVENTS 📅
Top Picks
All things Mother’s Day. Not going to even attempt to choose a favorite. From lobster, to wine, to brunch, you’re covered - check out all of the Mother’s Day events below. Be sure to double check whether reservations are needed or not!
Victorians & Tattoos? Yes! @ 1890 House Museum (Cortland, Friday)
Food Truck Battle @ New York State Fairgrounds (Syracuse, Saturday) - It’s out of the area, but it’s a food truck battle!
Wednesday
Modern Fables for Complicated Times @ Cinemapolis Movie Theater (Ithaca) – A visually rich short film collection blending music, poetry, and surreal storytelling around modern emotional life.
Protagonist Books & Coffee Book Club @ Protagonist Books & Coffee (Dryden) – A welcoming monthly gathering to discuss local authors’ books in a relaxed, community-focused bookstore setting.
The Great Gatsby @ Clemens Center (Elmira) – A compelling stage adaptation of Fitzgerald’s classic exploring ambition, love, and the illusion of the American Dream.
Screening & Discussion: “A Fistful of Dollars (1964)” @ Carriage House Theater (Auburn) – A classic Western film screening followed by an engaging discussion and Q&A with a guest curator.
Bookish Trivia Presented by All My Friends Books @ Center for the Arts of Homer (Homer) – A fun trivia night celebrating books and pop culture, with prizes, teams, and a lively social atmosphere.
Thursday
Permaculture Workshop – Focus on Pollinators @ Nido De Terra (Newfield) – A hands-on workshop exploring regenerative gardening techniques to support pollinators and build thriving, biodiverse ecosystems.
Songwriter Night @ Hopshire Farms & Brewery (Freeville) – A welcoming open mic for songwriters to share originals, connect with peers, and spark creative inspiration together.
DJ Sav @ Argos Warehouse Lounge & Event Space (Ithaca) – A high-energy DJ night featuring dance beats, cocktails, and a lively late-night crowd in downtown Ithaca.
Friday
Hook & Sip: Happy Hour Specials @ Either Oar (Hector) – A laid-back lakeside happy hour featuring drink specials and relaxed vibes along the Seneca Lake wine trail.
TBD @ Abandon Brewing Company (Penn Yan) – A laid-back gathering at a scenic brewery offering relaxed vibes, craft drinks, and casual community atmosphere.
Stammtisch-German Dinners @ Binghamton German Club (Binghamton) – A welcoming weekly gathering with hearty German cuisine, drinks, music, and lively conversation in a cozy club setting.
Singer/Songwriter Nate Michaels Returns to LBC! @ Laurentide Beer Company (Penn Yan) – A lively evening of acoustic tunes and local brews as Nate Michaels brings crowd-pleasing energy to the taproom.
Drew Kiddoo and The Blackouts at Liquid State @ Liquid State Brewing Company (Ithaca) – A high-energy live set blends gritty rock sounds with post-tour momentum in a vibrant local brewery setting.
Mother's Day Stitch & Sip: Birth Flower Embroidery Workshop @ Other Half Brewing Canandaigua (Canandaigua) – A creative workshop blends embroidery, drinks, and social fun as guests craft personalized birth flower tote bags.
Victorians & Tattoos? Yes! @ 1890 House Museum (Cortland) – A fascinating talk explores the Victorian tattoo craze, followed by a reception with mocktails and charcuterie.
Ravi Coltrane @ Smith Opera House (Geneva) – A captivating modern jazz performance showcases masterful saxophone work and innovative compositions from a renowned artist.
Swing Dance Night w/ ZINGOLOGY @ Stone Bend Farm (Ithaca) – Dance the night away to lively swing rhythms with ZINGOLOGY in a charming farm setting.
Mother’s Day Wine & Food Pairing Experience @ Domaine LeSeurre Winery (Keuka Lake) – Celebrate Mother’s Day weekend with curated wine tastings and thoughtfully paired bites in a relaxed, scenic winery setting.
Saturday
Folk Singer/Songwriter Jeremiah Craig Live @ Brookton’s Market (Brooktondale) – A cozy evening of live folk music with storytelling, local charm, and a relaxed community atmosphere.
Mother's Day French Café at Fox Run Vineyards @ Fox Run Vineyards (Penn Yan) – A charming vineyard café experience offers French-inspired bites, wine, and a relaxed setting perfect for celebrating Mother’s Day.
Bubbles & Blooms at The Yard FLX @ The Yard FLX (Watkins Glen) – A fun social gathering features mimosas, pastries, and a hands-on flower planting experience in a relaxed setting.
Food Truck Battle @ New York State Fairgrounds (Syracuse) – A lively food festival brings together diverse food trucks competing with bold flavors, crowd favorites, and all-day entertainment.
Pop-Up Market: Evermore & Co. @ Idol Ridge Winery (Lodi) – A relaxed winery pop-up market featuring local vendors, artisan goods, and scenic Finger Lakes views.
2nd Annual Keuka Lake Cider Makers Event @ Apple Barrel Orchards (Penn Yan) – A lively cider celebration featuring local makers, live music, and grilled eats in a scenic orchard setting.
Free Live Music at 3Bros @ Three Brothers Wineries and Estates (Geneva) – An upbeat afternoon of free live music paired with wine, relaxed vibes, and scenic vineyard surroundings.
Arena Art Group Almost Summer Show Opening Reception @ The Arts Center of Yates County (Penn Yan) – Celebrate regional artists with a lively opening reception featuring diverse artwork, wine tasting, and live entertainment.
ELTON ROHN: North America’s Premier Elton John Tribute @ Merry-Go-Round Playhouse (Auburn) – A high-energy tribute show celebrating Elton John’s greatest hits with dazzling costumes, vocals, and nostalgic flair.
Book Fest 2026 @ Wisner Park (Elmira) – A lively outdoor celebration of reading featuring books, family activities, and a fun “Go Wild” theme.
Sunday
Women’s Distance Festival 5K (Dryden) - This 5K race allows women and girls of all ages to run together along the flat and scenic Dryden Rail Trail/Jim Schug Trail, sponsored by the Finger Lakes Runners Club. Might be the thing to do before all of the brunches!
Mother’s Day Raclette for Lunch! @ South Hill Cider (Ithaca) – A cozy, interactive dining experience featuring melted raclette cheese paired with cider in a festive Mother’s Day setting.
Mother’s Day Soiree @ Ice Cream Bar (Trumansburg) – A festive family-friendly celebration with brunch, live music, and local vendors in a lively community atmosphere.
Mother’s Day Brunch Celebration @ Treleaven Wines (King Ferry) – A festive winery brunch with curated dishes and a warm atmosphere perfect for celebrating Mother’s Day together.
Mother’s Day Vegan Brunch @ Vineyard View Winery on Seneca Lake (Himrod) – A cozy plant-based brunch featuring delicious vegan dishes and relaxed vineyard vibes for a unique Mother’s Day outing.
Mother’s Day Brunch @ Stonecat Café (Hector) – A festive jazz brunch with live music, seasonal dishes, and a warm atmosphere perfect for celebrating Mom.
Mother’s Day Brunch @ Ventosa Vineyards (Geneva) – A scenic vineyard brunch with delicious dishes and picturesque views, perfect for celebrating Mother’s Day in style.
Mother’s Day @ Three Brothers Wineries & Estates (Geneva) – A festive winery celebration with wine tastings, live music, and relaxed outdoor vibes for a memorable Mother’s Day.
Sunday Mimosa Flight @ Boundary Breaks Vineyards (Lodi) – A relaxed winery experience featuring refreshing mimosa flights and scenic vineyard views perfect for a leisurely afternoon.
Mother’s Day French Café @ Fox Run Vineyards (Penn Yan) – A charming vineyard café experience with French-inspired offerings and scenic views perfect for a relaxed Mother’s Day outing.
Lobster Lovers: A Mother’s Day Social @ Outlet 111 (Penn Yan) – A waterfront Mother’s Day gathering featuring fresh lobster rolls, craft cocktails, and a relaxed social atmosphere.
Mother’s Day High Tea @ Northville Arts Center (King Ferry) – An elegant high tea experience with sweet and savory selections in a charming setting perfect for a refined celebration.
Mother’s Day at Veraisons @ Veraisons (Dundee) – Celebrate Mother’s Day with scenic winery experiences, seasonal offerings, and a full day of relaxing activities.
Mother’s Day Brunch @ Ginny Lee Café (Lodi) – Celebrate Mother’s Day with a relaxing vineyard brunch featuring scenic views and seasonal café favorites.
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
