BringFido’s Guide to The Finger Lakes

Posted by Erin Ballinger

The Finger Lakes is a popular vacation destination in upstate New York that spans 14 counties. Visitors and their pups flock to the region to relax and unwind with winery tours, hike to waterfalls among the vibrant fall foliage, sample local craft beers, dine on farm-to-table cuisine, and chill by the water. The best time to visit with canine companions is from late spring to early fall, when the weather is warm enough for pet-friendly outdoor seating areas to be open. With its small-town appeal and natural beauty, there’s plenty for Fido to see and do in the dog-friendly Finger Lakes!

Things to Do

“I’m 21 in dog years.” Photo by @webster.doodle

From wine tastings to forest hikes leading to majestic waterfalls, your dog will want to see and do it all in the Finger Lakes!

No Whining on The Seneca Wine Trail

Bring your four-legged friend along to sample some of the region’s finest vino on the Seneca Lake Wine Trail. Many of the 30+ member wineries invite your pup to join you as you taste world-class wines made from grapes that are grown in the unique conditions surrounding Seneca Lake. Visit Ravines Wine Cellars for a dry Riesling, Penguin Bay Winery for a spicy Gewurztraminer, and Atwater Estate Vineyards for a bubbly Pinot Noir. Throughout the year, you can take in special events on the trail, like the Grapehound Wine Tour, held annually at the end of July. Celebrating Greyhounds and other sighthounds, the event is a popular pet-friendly festival filled with tastings, art events, vendors, and music.

Visit the East Coast’s Grand Canyon

Explore the natural beauty of New York in all seasons by taking a hike with your pooch. Letchworth State Park, nicknamed the "Grand Canyon of the East," offers 66 miles of trails across one of the most scenic areas in the eastern United States. Hike with your hound along the Keuka Outlet Trail, a seven-mile path that connects the town of Penn Yan to Dresden on a Rails-to-Trails pathway through a wooded area. Keep your eyes peeled for local wildlife like white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, beavers, and bald eagles!

Peruse a Pet-Friendly Market

For more than 30 years, New Yorkers have flocked to Penn Yan’s dog-friendly Windmill Farm & Craft Market on Saturdays for some “re-tail” therapy. Leashed dogs are welcome to join their owners at the seasonal market, which brings together more than 175 indoor and outdoor vendors selling local food, handmade items, brews, and food. The Windmill Farm & Craft Market is open every Saturday from late April through the end of November, from 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.

Sample the Local Brews

The Finger Lakes are home to a bustling craft beer scene, and many breweries allow canine companions to join their owners at comfortable outdoor seating areas. Visit Lucky Hare Brewing in Hector for their flagship extra-special bitter, and Climbing Bines Hop Farm and Craft Ale Company in Penn Yan for hand-crafted ales brewed with estate-grown hops and local barley. Leashed dogs are “hoppily” welcome while you sit, sip, and stay awhile. Geneva offers two worthy stops for two- and four-legged beer enthusiasts. At WeBe Brewing Company, your pup can woof at Barley the brew dog and woof down on Barley’s Snacks dog treats while you drink a pint. And at Brewery Ardennes, visiting pups can play with the resident Frenchies, Barley and Hops.

“Is that waterfall ‘fur’ozen?” Photo by BringFido/Catherine

Go Chasing Waterfalls

Get outdoors with your furry friend on an adventurous trek to see some of the area’s magnificent waterfalls. Follow the trails at Buttermilk Falls State Park and Taughannock Falls State Park with your leashed canine, and you’ll be rewarded with vistas of some of the Finger Lakes’ finest natural attractions. If you and your pup like awe-inducing sights, Taughannock Falls is most impressive, with 215 feet of cascading water making it three stories taller than Niagara Falls. If Fido prefers a short hike with the reward of several smaller falls, he’ll love the Gorge Trail to Buttermilk Falls.

Stroll Among Sculptures in Seneca Falls

View sculptures and the breathtaking scenery of the Finger Lakes along the Ludovico Sculpture Trail. Located along the Seneca-Cayuga Canal in Seneca Falls, this waterside dog-friendly trail is approximately 1.5 miles long and an easy hike for those of all fitness levels. The path is lined with artworks and benches if you want to “paws” and soak in the natural beauty of the canal.

Explore the Finger Lakes by Water

Does Fido know how to doggie paddle? Take him out on the crystal-clear waters of Keuka or Seneca Lakes in a pet-friendly kayak, canoe, or stand-up paddleboard. Reagan’s Canoe & Kayak Livery offers the area’s largest fleet of canoes, kayaks, and SUPs. Canadice Lake Outfitters is another dog-friendly rental company in the Finger Lakes that services Canadice Lake. You’ll want to BYODLJ (bring your own doggie life jacket), because they aren’t offered at either rental company.

Make New Friends at the Park

For some off-leash fun in the Finger Lakes, head to two of the area’s best dog parks. In Auburn, Fido will love Lakeside Dog Park. The leash-free space is located inside Emerson Park, a 135-acre space with a lake and riverfront. Your mutt can also mix and mingle with pups of his own size at Tompkins County Dog Park in Ithaca, which features separate fenced areas for small and large dogs.

Places to Stay

"Who says we have to 'ruff' it?" Photo by @firelightcamps

With options ranging from quaint lakefront cottages to historic hotels and glampsites in the woods, you’ll have a hard time choosing which dog-friendly accommodations you’ll prefer in the Finger Lakes.

Glamping in Style

Escape to Firelight Camps in Ithaca for an elevated dog-friendly camping experience. The camp’s furnished tents are outfitted with hardwood floors, a plush king or double queen bed, a private tented porch with rocking chairs, battery-powered lanterns, and a writer’s desk and chair. Wake up to the sounds of birds singing and a complimentary continental breakfast before hitting the nine miles of hiking trails at Robert H. Treman State Park with your pup. At the end of the day, visit the on-site bar for a local microbrew, spiced cider, or hot cocoa before roasting s’mores by the communal fire pit.

All That and a Bag of Treats

When you check in at the Best Western Plus Vineyard Inn & Suites in Penn Yan, your four-legged travel companion will be gifted a bag filled with tennis balls, wipes, and treats. The hotel provides free Wi-Fi and has an indoor pool, hot tub, and 24-hour fitness center on site. Enjoy a complimentary breakfast before setting out for wine tasting at the nearby Fox Run Vineyards or Red Tail Ridge Winery.

Fantastic Finger Lakes House

Sit and stay awhile on the lakeside porch at this updated lake house in Canandaigua that was originally built in 1920. Fido will love playing on the large, grassy lawn while you laze on the sundeck or fish from the dock. BYOB (bring your own boat) and anchor it using the provided buoy. The pet-friendly vacation rental has five bedrooms and sleeps 12, perfect for a fun family vacation in the Finger Lakes.

Go for Gould

After a fun day roaming New York wine country, your pooch will be dog-tired and ready for a comfy stay at The Gould Hotel in Seneca Falls. Situated in the heart of the village, the pet-friendly hotel is a great jumping-off point to explore both the Seneca Lake Wine Trail and the nearby Cayuga Lake Wine Trail, which boasts more than a dozen dog-friendly wineries.

“Oh, what a view!” Photo by @ithacamarriott

In the Center of Ithaca

For a downtown experience in the region’s cultural and economic center, book a pet-friendly room at Ithaca Marriott Downtown on the Commons. Located conveniently in a two-block pedestrian mall in downtown Ithaca, it boasts a plethora of shopping and dining options within walking distance. The cozy rooms are equipped with oversized sleeper chairs, ergonomic workstations, mini-refrigerators, and walk-in showers. Guests can work out in a state-of-the-art fitness center, enjoy complimentary Wi-Fi in the lobby, order room service, or feast on a full American breakfast each morning for an additional fee.

Lounge in the Lodge

Located in Skaneateles, Finger Lakes Lodging invites you and your dog to make yourself at home in one of 14 air-conditioned rooms decorated in the Adirondack Great Camp style. Cozy lodge rooms feature fireplaces, flat-screen cable TVs, terraces, and conveniences like complimentary Wi-Fi. The pet-friendly motel is located near dog-friendly activities including Anyela’s Vineyards and Skaneateles Brewery.

Can’t Get Much Closer to the Lake

Book this dog-friendly lakeside cottage in Romulus and enjoy views like those from a boat. The vacation rental is also close to wineries, breweries, and Sampson State Park. After a long day of sightseeing, come back to the cottage and fish for your dinner off the dock, or snuggle up with your furry friend by the pellet stove. The one-bedroom cottage sleeps six.

Dog-Friendly Restaurants

Barley and Hops. Photo by Facebook.com/breweryardennes

The Finger Lakes may be known as New York’s wine country, but its dining scene is just as vibrant. There are many dog-friendly restaurants with seasonal outdoor seating to accommodate your best friend, so you can nosh on meals ranging from fish fries to farm-to-table cuisine. Oh, and there are even ice cream sundaes for dogs!

Frenchies and Frites for the Win

Located in a beautifully restored farmhouse in Geneva, the Belgian-inspired Brewery Ardennes is a craft brewery and kitchen that’s known for its seasonal menus. Enjoy mussels and frites at a table in the dog-friendly beer garden while Fido munches on dog treats, and pay your compliments to Barley and Hops, the Frenchie mascots, before you leave.

Did Someone Say Doggie Sundae?

Treat your pup to a Doggie Sundae at The Old Mill Hot Dog Stand & Catering, Phelps’ favorite summertime fast-casual dining destination. From the walk-up window, order a locally made Perry’s Ice Cream or Upstate Niagara Custard. Or, opt for Zweigle’s brand hot dogs and Italian sausages, grilled burgers, fried finger foods, wraps, and salads. Fido is welcome to join you at one of the picnic tables outside.

Breakfast of Champions

Fuel up for your dog-friendly Finger Lakes adventures with a hearty breakfast at Club 86 Bagels & Cakes. Even though they are open all day, breakfast is the real star here. Start off the day with an acai bowl, a fresh bagel, frittata, smoothie, or breakfast sandwich. Wolf it down on an outdoor table with your canine companion.

Enjoy a Fish Fry With Fido

Bring Fido and sit at one of the outdoor tables on the grassy lawn next to Skaneateles Lake while you indulge in some of the best seafood in the Finger Lakes at Doug’s Fish Fry. Make the difficult decision between fried clams or the lobster roll, and then enjoy a sundae for dessert. Leashed dogs are welcome at the picnic tables.

“I can haz french fries?” Photo by @@jcaraccilo

Fancy Like Rose Tavern

Sit on the screened porch overlooking the lake with your four-legged dining companion for a real treat. Located within the historic Lake House on Canandaigua, Rose Tavern is a New American restaurant serving meals made with local ingredients. Make reservations for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or the popular Sunday brunch featuring mouthwatering menu items like Lobster Eggs Benedict.

Pizza on the Porch With Your Pup

Dogs are welcome at the outdoor tables on the covered porch at Silverbird Woodfired and Gastropub in Penn Yan. Bring Fido to join you while you dine at this casual pizza pub featuring woodfired pies, sandwiches, and fried foods.

Pet-Friendly Farmhouse Fare

Enjoy a farmhouse-inspired dinner at Kindred Fare in Geneva. Charcuterie boards, crisp salads, small plates like poutine, handmade pasta, and fried chicken are the most popular items on the menu. Pair your meal with a handcrafted cocktail for the ultimate Finger Lakes dining experience. The restaurant has a few outdoor tables to accommodate four-legged friends.

What are your favorite dog-friendly things to do in the Finger Lakes? Leave a comment or tweet us @BringFido!

Banner photo by @rileythegreatgoldendoodle.