The cooler weather after last week’s high temps is feeling nice, and while we might grumble about the rain, we can be thankful it’s not setting any records.
Back in July of 1935, 12 inches of rain fell in just 9 hours in central New York. That downpour triggered the “Finger Lakes Flood” that caused widespread damage and loss of life throughout the area.
The image shows downtown Trumansburg. The market building shown in the center would later collapse from the flooding.
The total damage ran into the hundreds of millions in 1935 dollars, and 40+ people lost their lives.
A quick jump through the rest of today’s newsletter: snail mail results, tasty restaurant review, and more weekend events.
Photo from New York Heritage
📨 SNAIL MAIL RESULTS 📨
Snail mail it is! 90% of you answering the poll said “You know it! LOVE Getting actual mail!”
I’ve got things roughly laid out, so now it’s time to get to work.
Pre-orders will be open soon and I’ll of course give you a heads-up in the newsletter. If you snag a pre-order you’ll save a few bucks; more details on that later.
🐟 Velvet Belly: A Birthday Surprise Worth Savoring 🐟
When Adam's birthday weekend called for something special and we happened to be heading from the Finger Lakes into Rochester, I did my research. Velvet Belly sits at the edge of Rochester's Public Market, and from the moment we settled into our cozy booth, the night had the right energy: warm, inviting, and full of anticipation.
Every dish showed the same care: bright flavors balanced against rich ones, textures that played off each other, and an attention to detail that made each plate feel intentional.
The prime beef tartare on a potato galette with truffle crema was classic and refined. As a tartar devotee, I was thoroughly satisfied.
The duck fat fried brussels sprouts with pickled mustard seeds and apple disappeared fast. Our server steered us toward the grilled crab-stuffed calamari. This is a gloriously spicy, layered dish that rewarded every bite.
And the Electric Feel sushi roll, built around freshwater eel and finished with kabayaki sauce, was the kind of lush, indulgent close that makes you briefly consider ordering a second.
Velvet Belly is exactly the kind of place a birthday deserves.
Jeney
The Forkin' Local
📖 Did You Know About The Book Club? 📖
That’s right, the Finger Lakes Effect Book Club started up in June of this year.
One Finger Lakes book a quarter, read together. Join and get the details via email.
The Bulletin
Interested in partnering with the Finger Lakes Effect? Reach 12,500+ engaged Finger Lakes readers. I feature local businesses worth knowing. Get in touch here.
Got a community event or shout-out? Submit it here.
Willy’s Water - Need a pool or hot tub filled, well flushed, a water truck for a trail race or event? Just about anything dealing with bulk water, they can help you out or point you in the right direction. You can also give them a ring at 607-279-4559.
Dinner Club - Come join us for a tasty meal at a table with 5 others from the area. The next event is taking place July 30th in Watkins Glen. Meet some new friends, enjoy a night out, and stick around for the after-dinner secret meetup with everyone from all tables. Details here.
🔔 UPDATES 🔔
Sunrise: 5:36 AM
Moonrise: 12:28 AM
Air Quality: 28 Good
Sunset: 8:45 PM
Moonset: 2:36 PM
Pets: Sugar…Ah, Honey Honey! (and if you have to hear the song now)
📅 EVENTS 📅
Top Picks
Curbstone Festival & Sidewalk Sales @ Village of Skaneateles (Skaneateles, Thursday - Saturday)
Bike The Glen @ Watkins Glen International (Watkins Glen, Saturday)
Free All Ages Concert with Lucy Isabel @ Northville Arts Center (King Ferry, Sunday)
Wednesday, July 8
2026 Mill Park Music Series @ Mill Park (Newfield) – Enjoy a free outdoor concert featuring the Ithaca Bottom Boys in a relaxed community park setting.
The Van Gogh Shogh @ Kitchen Theatre Company (Ithaca) – An interactive clown comedy blending art, karaoke, and audience participation into a wildly funny theatrical experience.
Lodi Library Summer Reading Kickoff @ Lodi Whittier Library (Lodi) – Kick off summer reading with ice cream, crafts, yard games, and family-friendly fun for readers of all ages.
Beginner Paddle Workshop: Learn to Kayak with Confidence @ Grove Street Boat Launch (Elmira) – Build confidence on the water while learning essential kayaking skills and safety techniques from a certified instructor.
She Sings Wednesdays: Jackie Pop! @ Potters Farm to Fork (Port Byron) – Enjoy an evening of live music celebrating talented Central New York women musicians in a relaxed farm-to-table setting.
The Devil Wears Prada 2 (2026) Evening Shows (Geneva) – Catch the stylish sequel on the big screen with themed cocktails, costume fun, and classic movie theater charm.
Music on Main @ Mead Square (Victor) – A lively outdoor concert series featuring local bands, family-friendly entertainment, and free summer evenings in downtown Victor.
Thursday, July 9
An Evening with Cuchulain @ Bet the Farm Winery (Trumansburg) – Enjoy an evening of folk music, local wine, and heartfelt storytelling from acclaimed singer-songwriter Cuchulain and his trio.
Ithaca Concert Band at Ithaca Beer Co. @ Ithaca Beer Company (Ithaca) – Enjoy a free outdoor concert featuring the Ithaca Concert Band with great music, local brews, and scenic views.
Works on Paper @ The Gallery at South Hill (Ithaca) – Explore a diverse group exhibition showcasing inventive paper-based artworks through unique techniques, materials, and creative perspectives.
Syracuse International Jazz Fest @ Beak and Skiff Apple Farm (LaFayette) – Celebrate four decades of outstanding live jazz with acclaimed performers, diverse musical styles, and unforgettable summer festival vibes.
TARZAN The Musical @ Merry-Go-Round Playhouse (Auburn) – A thrilling family musical featuring unforgettable Phil Collins songs, jungle adventure, and a heartfelt story of belonging.
Arts and Crafts @ Village of Homer (Homer) – A creative community event celebrating handmade crafts, local artistry, and opportunities to explore unique artistic creations.
Curbstone Festival & Sidewalk Sales @ Village of Skaneateles (Skaneateles) – A lively village festival featuring sidewalk shopping, family entertainment, local nonprofits, and charming downtown summer festivities.
Friday, July 10
Ageless Jazz Band @ Groton Recreation Summer Concert Series (Groton) – Enjoy an evening of lively big band jazz, community spirit, and dancing at this free outdoor summer concert.
The Highly Connected Dispensary - Party in the Alley @ The Highly Connected Dispensary (Ithaca) – Celebrate summer with live DJ music, tasty food truck favorites, raffles, and a lively community gathering.
Women on the Water Walking Tour @ Erie Canal Museum (Syracuse) – Discover Syracuse’s role in the women’s suffrage movement on a guided walking tour through historic canal-side landmarks
Sunset Music Series Presents Whiskey Business @ Wagner Vineyards (Lodi) – Enjoy country music, vineyard sunsets, delicious food, and local wines during a relaxing summer evening concert.
Treleaven Wines 10th Anniversary Party featuring ZBTB @ Treleaven Wines (King Ferry) – Celebrate Treleaven’s anniversary with live country music, Finger Lakes wines, and a festive summer evening at the vineyard.
The Widows: Exploring the Women Who Shaped Champagne @ New York Kitchen (Canandaigua) – Discover the inspiring women behind legendary Champagne houses through storytelling, tastings, and thoughtfully paired culinary delights.
Dogs In A Pile @ Lincoln Hill Farms (Canandaigua) – Experience psychedelic rock, jazz, funk, and improvisational jams from one of today’s most exciting touring live bands.
Planetarium: Asteroid: Mission Extreme @ Link Planetarium (Binghamton) – Embark on a fascinating space adventure exploring asteroids, planetary defense, and the future of human space exploration.
Weird Al Yankovic @ Empower Federal Credit Union Amphitheater at Lakeview (Syracuse) – Enjoy an unforgettable night of hilarious parody songs, comedy, and crowd-pleasing hits from Weird Al Yankovic.
Saturday, July 11
The Evolution of Trees - A Walk Through Time @ Cornell Botanic Gardens (Ithaca) – Discover 380 million years of tree evolution on a guided arboretum walk exploring ancient species and living natural history.
STRC Trailfest @ Newtown Battlefield (Elmira) – Challenge yourself on scenic woodland trails during a fun community event featuring a timed endurance trail running adventure.
FREE Community Paddle @ Saunders Finger Lakes Museum (Branchport) – Enjoy a guided paddle through scenic wetlands while learning kayaking basics and exploring local wildlife with family-friendly fun.
Yoga Retreat @ Hunt Country Vineyards (Branchport) – Recharge with yoga, mindfulness, and wellness practices in a peaceful vineyard setting surrounded by beautiful gardens and countryside.
Classic Cruisers: A State Street Car Show @ West State Street (Ithaca) – Stroll among beautifully preserved classic cars, hot rods, and vintage favorites while chatting with passionate local owners.
Train Day @ Eldridge Park (Elmira) – Celebrate railroad history with train-themed fun, family activities, and classic attractions during this community park event.
Jimmy Jam Band @ Seneca Stag Brewing (Penn Yan) – Enjoy an evening of live music, local brews, and relaxed Finger Lakes brewery vibes with Jimmy Jam Band.
Bike The Glen @ Watkins Glen International (Watkins Glen) – Ride your bicycle around the iconic Watkins Glen International race track during this unique family-friendly cycling experience.
Summer Jam 2026: Dead to the Core Premier @ ONCO Fermentations (Tully) – Celebrate summer with live music, craft beer, and the premiere of Dead to the Core at the brewery.
Dierks Bentley: Off The Map Tour 2026 @ Constellation Brands-Marvin Sands Performing Arts Center: CMAC (Canandaigua) – An unforgettable night of chart-topping country music, energetic performances, and summer concert excitement under the stars.
Sunday, July 12
Vinyasa in the Vineyard @ Hosmer Winery (Ovid) – Refresh your Sunday with vineyard yoga, scenic views, and a complimentary mimosa after class.
Euchre at The Grayhaven @ Grayhaven Motel (Ithaca) – Gather for a friendly afternoon of Euchre in a cozy historic lounge, welcoming both beginners and experienced players.
Forest Bathing Walk @ Baltimore Woods Nature Center (Marcellus) – Reconnect with nature on a guided forest therapy walk designed to encourage mindfulness, relaxation, and sensory exploration outdoors.
Trees Up Tompkins: Tree Planting Workshop @ CAP Art Space in The History Center on The Commons (Ithaca) – Discover practical tree planting techniques through hands-on activities surrounded by inspiring tree-themed artwork from local artists.
North of Forty @ Abandon Brewing Company (Penn Yan) – Enjoy an afternoon of live music, craft beer, and scenic Finger Lakes views at a relaxed brewery gathering.
Free All Ages Concert with Lucy Isabel @ Northville Arts Center (King Ferry) – Enjoy an afternoon of heartfelt folk and Americana music from singer-songwriter Lucy Isabel in an intimate community setting.
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
