Two major universities, more than 150 waterfalls within 10 miles, and a fiercely independent downtown make Ithaca the cultural and natural epicenter of the Finger Lakes.

Cayuga Lake stretches 38.2 miles from end to end — the longest of the Finger Lakes — with Cornell University and the city of Ithaca at its southern tip and some of the best bass fishing in New York at its northern shallows.

A small city with an outsized culinary reputation, Geneva anchors the north shore of Seneca Lake with James Beard-recognized restaurants, a thriving craft beverage scene, and one of New York's most beautiful lakefront parks.

At 618 feet deep and 38 miles long, Seneca Lake is the deepest and largest Finger Lake by volume — and the center of the region's wine industry, with more than 30 wineries lining its shores.