Contentment and French Fries

When I was young and living in Central Wisconsin, every summer weekend brought a flood of traffic as people migrated to the lakes “Up North”. Central and Northern Wisconsin is a beautiful place to live and it is not hard to see why city dwellers would flee Chicago and Milwaukee each weekend for the slower pace and beautiful scenery. Although the mosquitos of northern Wisconsin have been known to carry off small animals, it’s a small price to pay for the peace and quiet a small lake and hundreds of acres of woods can give you.

Now it is true, there was a point in my twenties, longing for change and a little excitement, I was heard to say “trees, rocks, water . . . you seen ‘em once you seen ‘em a thousand times.” But such was the frivolity of my youth. While I did eventually get my change of pace and excitement via a move to the east coast, along with that came a greater understanding of why all those city folk spent their weekends in long lines of traffic slowing making their way to the Great Northwoods.

And as often happens in life, you revert back to the ways of your youth and find pleasure in the things you once disparaged. Today, it is a little far for me to make it back to the Northwoods of Wisconsin as much as I would like; however, finding a place that reminds me of home is not as hard as I thought.

Last weekend, that place was Cayuga Lake in the Finger Lakes Region of New York. Just a short 4-hour drive from the Philadelphia area, you can make the trip along interstates or windy country roads, whatever you are in the mood for.

Officially, there are 11 lakes considered to be part of the Finger Lakes region. Apparently, a Native American legend tells of the Great Spirit looking down favorably on the region and offering his blessing by placing his fingers upon the land. The impressions left behind filled with water – forming pristine lakes dotting the sacred ground.  Perhaps the Great Spirit had 11 fingers, I don’t know. Whatever the case, the link above is to a really interesting article on the history of the region – I highly recommend the read.

We stayed at a lovely home in Senaca Falls right on Lake Cayuga. The VRBOs and Air BnB’s of the world are a wonderful thing. For me it makes a weekend more fun when you can relax in a comfortable home instead of just living out of a suitcase and eating out all weekend.

Of course, the Finger Lakes region is known for more than just the lakes – there are also a ton of wineries. Yet another thing it has in common with Northern Wisconsin. While the Finger Lakes may not have the highbrow wineries of California’s Napa Valley, there are some really great wineries to choose from and a lot of fun to be had sipping and eating at them.  For instance, my new favorite food is Chardonnay Kielbasa off the tapas menu at Torro Run Winery. I mean it’s Chardonnay and Kielbasa, what’s not to like?  It reminds a bit of a Wisconsin staple – brats in beer. YUM!

And if you’re Jimmy . . . there are also photo opportunities to be had . . .

We also enjoyed renting a pontoon and tooling around Seneca Lake

But most fun was hanging out with friends. Playing rousing games of Wingspan (great new game!!!). Eating great food. And chilling next to the lake.

The Finger Lakes are a great place to relax for a week or a long weekend. With tons of things to do and cute little towns to explore you will not be bored. I highly recommend the trip.