Finger Lakes Effect

Trail running roots, feedback request, plus fresh events!

Author

Adam Moody
June 25, 2025

New York has a deep trail running history—races like the Escarpment Trail Run (since 1977) and the Finger Lakes Fifties (since 1988) have been around for decades. The one I ran this past weekend in the Catskills isn’t quite that old, but it shares some of the same rugged trails as the Escarpment.

Trail races, hikes, and backcountry exploring are actually what first led me to those classic lean-tos tucked along the Finger Lakes Trail…

Last week, I finally released the lean-to poster. Getting on trails, taking pictures on the rare sunny days, and putting the poster together was a lot of fun and my goal is to make things you want to hang up, gift, or hold onto.

If you had your eye on it but didn’t end up ordering, would you let me know why? I’d love your honest feedback.

It’s a super short survey—just one required question:

🥾 TRAIL OF THE WEEK: Devil’s Path (East to West)

This trail isn’t in the Finger Lakes, but I “ran” part of it during a trail race this past weekend—and it left an impression.

The 21.9-mile route runs point-to-point through the Catskills, climbing several 3,000+ ft peaks. It’s rocky and steep—perfect for experienced hikers looking for a challenge. Bring a water filter, expect some solitude, and if you're bringing a dog, be ready to lend them a hand (or a lift) on the trickier climbs.

👉 Trail details here.

Beautiful & rugged

The Bulletin

Want to spread the word about your business, a project, a volunteer opportunity, or give a shout-out to over 2,943 friends in the Finger Lakes? Get in touch.

Visit your local independent bookstore! There are many around the Finger Lakes: Odyssey Bookstore (pictured), Stomping Grounds, Paperback Place, One Green Horse, and (my new favorite bookstore name) That’s What She Read, just to name a few.

Finger Lakes Runners Club - this non-profit running club puts on events year round, offers group workouts, and so much more. Check Sunday’s events below for the next upcoming race and a great way to get into trail running.

📅 EVENTS

Top Weekend Picks

Special Mention

  • 2025 Journey of Water Youth Education Series (Various Locations) - Kids and their families are invited to a season of free, hands-on water science adventures across the Cayuga Lake Watershed! Designed for ages 6–14 (but open to all), this fun and interactive series connects young explorers with our local water resources and how they’re cared for.

Wednesday

Thursday

  • Mathis Haug Live @ Ice Cream Bar (Trumansburg) – Catch acclaimed international artist Mathis Haug live on the Leslie Puryear Community Stage. Expect blues, folk, and world music vibes at this free summer set outside the beloved Ice Cream Bar.

  • CFCU Summer Concert Series @ Ithaca Commons (Ithaca) – Celebrate summer in the heart of downtown Ithaca with this free outdoor concert series every Thursday from June 26 to September 4. Each week features live tunes from talented local and regional bands.

  • Ithaca Concert Band @ South Hill Cider (Ithaca) – Soak up summer with cider, wood-fired food, and a performance by the Ithaca Concert Band—keeping a century-old community music tradition alive. 

  • Pizza Night @ Tabora Farm and Winery (Dundee) – Head to the hills above Seneca Lake for wood-fired pizza, wine, and sunset vibes at Tabora Farm and Winery.

  • Date Night: Bossa Nova Jazz @ The Downstairs (Ithaca) – Wrap up your Thursday with smooth bossa nova and jazz vibes from a stellar local quartet at The Downstairs. A cozy, candlelit venue perfect for date night or a mellow music fix in downtown Ithaca. 

  • Delaques Improv Grooves @ The Nocturnal Cafe (Ithaca) – Settle in for an evening of live, improvised soundscapes with Delaques at The Nocturnal Cafe. 

  • Music on the Deck @ Tag’s (Big Flats) – Unwind with sunset views, live local music, cold drinks, and delicious food every Thursday night on the scenic deck at Tag’s Restaurant.

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

  • Tortoise & Hare Trail Race (Ithaca) - 6.5 miles up, around, and down the beautiful Buttermilk Falls State Park - great intro to trail running. Also, a 1-mile fun run for kids of all ages (free).

  • What’s Next, Ithaca? @ South Hill Cider (Ithaca) – Join this free Sunday night panel and community Q&A on sanctuary city support, mutual aid, and action for the years ahead. Hosted by South Hill Cider with local partners. Coffee by Gimme.

  • Sundress & Sunshine Rooftop Brunch Party @ Rail Line (Syracuse) – Slip into your favorite sundress and head up to the rooftop for a Sunday Funday filled with sunshine, sips, and good vibes. 

  • The Eras Experience – Cami’s Version @ Lincoln Hill Farms (Canandaigua) – Step into a Taylor Swift-inspired journey through music and style with Cami and The Fringe as they bring “The Eras Experience” to life on the scenic Lincoln Hill Farms stage. From twangy country to po

  • Jazz Jam @ The Downstairs (Ithaca) – Join the soulful Sunday groove with DeWayne Perry at this monthly jazz jam session in downtown Ithaca.

Recurring Events

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

Forks On The Road: Eats & Drinks

Abandon Brewing: A Longtime Favorite with Unbeatable Views

We first visited Abandon Brewing back in 2016, and it instantly became one of our favorite stops in the Finger Lakes. Adam has requested a return visit many times — and for good reason.

Perched on a hill overlooking Keuka Lake, Abandon offers a laid-back, rustic setting that captures the essence of the region. The property is stunning, surrounded by vineyards and rolling hills, with plenty of outdoor seating to relax and soak it all in.

Whether you're posted up at a picnic table or just wandering the grounds with a pint in hand, it's the kind of place that invites you to slow down.

The beer is consistently solid, with a great mix of styles that cater to a range of palates. We especially enjoy sampling their seasonal and small-batch brews, which are always fresh, inventive, and full of character. The farmhouse vibe adds a unique charm to the experience, and it’s clear that care and craft go into every pour.

The staff is warm and welcoming, creating a community feel that makes you want to linger. Whether you're wrapping up a day of wine tasting around Keuka or just looking for a quiet place to unwind, Abandon Brewing delivers every time. It’s a staple for us—and we highly recommend making it one for you too.

Jeney - The Forkin’ Local

See You Out There

Thanks for being part of the Finger Lakes Effect!

Adam Moody

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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.