One of my best friends from University came up to visit with his boyfriend while I was home, and one of our other best friends from University was camping near me from Long Island so we all got together, went to some wineries and then went chasing waterfalls. That’s what you do in the Finger Lakes, which is why I encourage you all to visit.
The guys and I were going to meet Alyssa at Lucas Vineyards because it’s one of Alyssa’s favourite wineries, along with her parents so she needed to stock up. They were running late so the three of us stopped at Thirsty Owl first to try some good wine and get some great views over Cayuga lake. Thirsty owl is always one of my favourite places to take new people because the staff are really friendly and helpful in describing the wines and grapes that go in them. 
After we had our fill of wine, we headed to the brand new Finger Lakes Cider house on our way back to Ithaca. I’d had several people tell me we needed to go here so I figured I’d better listen. I’m never one to turn down a good cider after all. 
For a few dollars you got to choose five ciders, I chose mine based on dryness and creative names. I judge alcohol on their covers for sure until I try it. As far as tastings go, it was alright, but it’d been nice to get a little more background information on the place since it was so new. The ciders were alright, but I only really liked a few I tried between all of ours. The sweeter ones I think will do really well for them.
As someone always drawn to aesthetics, the bottles were a dream. I loved the illustrated labels and the way they bottled the ciders. The cider house itself was a great space with a big wraparound deck with nice views over Cayuga Lake. They apparently have live music and food as well making me wish I was in New York for longer.
After we filled up on Wegmans goodies for lunch, we went waterfall chasing. Our first stop was Buttermilk to swim in the little falls all the way down the trail. The water was absolutely freezing, so Alyssa and I didn’t go as nuts as we normally do. Not to mention the water level was so low from lack of rain, so many of our favourite falls and spots to slide down weren’t great.
Plattsburgh reunion! Man I miss these friends.
After Buttermilk we went to Taughannock, also sparse with water, so it was really easy to walk up through the gorge.
After we had our fill of wine, we headed to the brand new Finger Lakes Cider house on our way back to Ithaca. I’d had several people tell me we needed to go here so I figured I’d better listen. I’m never one to turn down a good cider after all. 
For a few dollars you got to choose five ciders, I chose mine based on dryness and creative names. I judge alcohol on their covers for sure until I try it. As far as tastings go, it was alright, but it’d been nice to get a little more background information on the place since it was so new. The ciders were alright, but I only really liked a few I tried between all of ours. The sweeter ones I think will do really well for them.
As someone always drawn to aesthetics, the bottles were a dream. I loved the illustrated labels and the way they bottled the ciders. The cider house itself was a great space with a big wraparound deck with nice views over Cayuga Lake. They apparently have live music and food as well making me wish I was in New York for longer.
After we filled up on Wegmans goodies for lunch, we went waterfall chasing. Our first stop was Buttermilk to swim in the little falls all the way down the trail. The water was absolutely freezing, so Alyssa and I didn’t go as nuts as we normally do. Not to mention the water level was so low from lack of rain, so many of our favourite falls and spots to slide down weren’t great.
Plattsburgh reunion! Man I miss these friends.
After Buttermilk we went to Taughannock, also sparse with water, so it was really easy to walk up through the gorge.
No birds were harmed in the stalking of this heron. We couldn’t even get close.
Even without a lot of water, I still love Taughannock Falls. Lots of memories and such a gorgeous place.If you ever go to the Finger Lakes, which you should, you’ll be rewarded with wine and waterfalls. What more can you really want?