Visiting Finger Lakes in February? Here’s What to Expect
While many travelers make plans to visit the Finger Lakes during the warm summer months, February offers a more intimate experience with frozen waterfalls and snow-draped vineyards. During the winter, you can enjoy the absence of the summer crowd and linger by crackling fires as you discover the beauty of lake vistas.
The Finger Lakes region encompasses 11 lakes that span across central New York. In February, you may notice that some of the lakes freeze fully or along the edges creating unique ice formations. While summer is the perfect time for outdoor adventures, winter may offer the winter wonderland that you’re looking for.
What is Finger Lakes Like in February?
As you can expect, February is the best time for winter sports lovers who don’t mind the cold. During the day, temperatures hover between 15 and 35 degrees and dip to 10 degrees or below at night. You can expect lake effect snow to occur regularly during the winter, making it the perfect destination for skiers, snowboarders, and more!
Finger Lakes Things to Do in February
Explore Local Museums
Stay warm while admiring the art in local museums. The Corning Museum of Glass is the perfect place to explore. With hot glass demonstrations and plenty of art events in the winter, you’ll find yourself seeking shelter here on a cold day. For a look into how the Finger Lakes formed on their own, take a look at the Museum of Earth. There are interactive displays that will keep the kids entertained and a glacier exhibit for the whole family to learn and explore.
Indulge in Seasonal Menus at Finger Lakes Restaurants
To explore all that Finger Lakes dining has to offer, take a walk down Restaurant Row in downtown Ithaca to try everything from Asian dishes to delicious breakfast and lunch dishes. In February, the annual Chili Cook-Off is hosted on Restaurant Row, so you can warm yourself up from the inside out. For locally sourced ingredients, Veraisons Restaurant prepares meals with the freshest root vegetables and local game along with panoramic views of Seneca Lake. Skip the kitchen and spend more time dining in warm, cozy restaurants in Finger Lakes. Especially notable is the Red Wing Bar & Chill located in our Hotel which offers Craft Kitchen style home made pasta, sauces and ingredients, there’s a delectable selection that will satisfy any pallet. With featured food and cocktail selections always changing you’ll never get bored either. The menu is available here.
Enjoy Outdoor Winter Activities
The highlight of visiting Finger Lakes in February is the abundance of outdoor activities. Bristol Mountain is the region’s prime destination for downhill skiing and snowboarding. Swain Resort is also a great place to ski, snowboard and even snow tube. With 35 slopes, and snowmaking on 97%, you’ll find a slope perfect for beginners and experts. Bristol is about a 1 hr drive and Swain closer to 45 min. In general Swain is less crowded and a more laid back environment. Taughannock Falls State Park is home to stunning winter views with a 215-foot waterfall that partially freezes and creates unique ice formations.
Where to Stay in Finger Lakes
For winter lodging in the Finger Lakes region, Hammondsport Hotel stands out as the premier choice. Located in the heart of Keuka Lake wine country, you’ll escape the cold with amenities like a heated indoor pool and an outdoor seating area with a fire pit for entertainment. If you’re into wine tasting in the winter, you’ll be delighted to know that Bully Hill Vineyards is just a short drive away. Let us make your winter adventure in the Finger Lakes one to remember!
