Every Season Tells Its Own Story…

A question I hear constantly: "When should we visit?" well, every season tells it’s own story

Fall is a very popular time to visit, and for good reason. September through October brings harvest season, vibrant foliage, and perfect hiking weather. The vineyards are heavy with grapes. The hillsides turn gold and red. But the wine trails are also busiest. Tasting rooms fill up on weekends. If you're coming in fall, book early and plan weekday winery visits when you can.

Summer brings warm lake days, outdoor concerts, and full winery schedules. This is when Cayuga Lake becomes swimmable, when you can kayak in the morning and still have time for afternoon tastings. Taughannock Falls is five minutes away and the swimming area is perfect when it's hot. Summer weekends get busy, but the long days let you fit more in without feeling rushed.

Spring offers blooming landscapes and fewer crowds. April through May gives you the gorges running full from snowmelt and hiking trails that feel like yours. The weather can be unpredictable, but if you're comfortable with variability, spring lets you experience the region in a more intimate way. You're seeing it wake up before everyone else arrives.

Winter is ideal for cozy and romantic getaways or self care retreats with snow-dusted gorges and quiet wineries. This is the season most people skip, which is exactly why some couples love it. The frozen waterfalls. The vineyards covered in snow. The tasting rooms with fireplaces where you're often the only guests. Trumansburg stays open year-round, and there's something romantic about having an entire winery to yourselves on a Tuesday afternoon in January.

We're beautiful year-round. The best time to visit is the season that matches what you're actually seeking.

Ready to plan your Finger Lakes escape? Book your stay at 16 Elm, where every season is beautiful and your privacy is guaranteed.