Things to Do Over Labor Day Weekend in the Finger Lakes

Summer seems to fly by too fast, right? We spend time waiting for the dark, cool days of winter to yield to the warmer spring and summer months – and then before you know it, it’s Labor Day weekend! Instead of being sad summer is over, be happy that it happened, and that it gets to happen year after year!  

Savor the last moments of this summer with a Labor Day weekend in the Finger Lakes. With an abundance of outdoor activities and unique celebrations, you can send summer off in style with these excursions and experiences.  

Here’s your list of things to do during Labor Day weekend in the Finger Lakes, along with tips on how a stay at The Hammondsport Hotel can keep you comfortable all weekend long! 

If you need a little help brainstorming your trip, why not request our free Hammondsport Destination Guide! The local insights, tips, and tricks inside will give you everything you need to know when planning the best Labor Day weekend in the Finger Lakes! 

Activities for the Best Labor Day Weekend on Keuka Lake 

Take the Keuka Lake Wine Trail 

First things first, we’re toasting to the summer with a trip along the Keuka Lake Wine Trail.  When spending Labor Day weekend in the Finger Lakes, you can explore some of the region’s best wineries in and around Keuka Lake. A simple online search shows how you can easily make your reservations at the different wineries on the trail. Once you do that, you’ll be well on your way to sipping a selection of wine that varies from the fruity to the dry. Wine tasting and Labor Day weekend go hand in hand in the Finger Lakes!  

Go for a Hike in Finger Lakes National Forest 

The goal is to spend as much time as we can outside right? Spending some time in nature is the best recharge you can give yourself this Labor Day weekend in the Finger Lakes. Treat yourself to a last hurrah hike by hitting the trails at Finger Lakes National Forest. With over 30 miles of interconnecting trails, you can wander along pastures, ravines, woodlands and gorges! Be sure to pack appropriate sun and bug protection, and wear breathable clothing that can protect against the elements (including tick bites!)  

Get Out on the Water of Keuka Lake 

Spending time by the water is a quintessential part of summer. Here in the Finger Lakes, our body of water of choice is naturally – the lake! You can’t come to the Finger Lakes for Labor Day weekend and not get out onto the lake. There are plenty of places around Keuka Lake that offer boat rentals, jet skis and other vessels for navigating the water (like kayaks, paddleboards, and more) so don’t worry if you’ve left yours at home.  

Once you’ve chosen your vessel of choice, spend an easy morning out on the water – kayaking, paddleboarding, or even swimming in the cool waters of Keuka Lake. Take in your surroundings and savor every moment.  

Or maybe you prefer to gather some of your friends and family to take a relaxing ride around the water in the boat, or to cast a line into the rich waters of Keuka Lake! (If you want to fish, be sure to get your NYS Fishing license first – it’s an easy process.) Grab a sandwich and snacks from any of the local shops and you’ll have everything you need to relax in the summer sun – all from the calming waters of the Finger Lakes! As you can see, a little water time is a must-do for your Labor Day weekend in the Finger Lakes. 

Witness the Ring of Fire 

For an unforgettable Labor Day weekend experience in the Finger Lakes, you have to witness the “Ring of Fire“. As the sun sets on Sunday night, thousands of flares light up the shores of Keuka and Canandaigua Lake, creating a breathtaking ring of glowing red light around the water. This has been a local tradition for over 100 years, and is quite an incredible sight! The ceremony comes from an ancient Seneca tradition that would commemorate the close of summer. Find your spot along the water, grab a blanket or a chair, and watch the lake come alive with fire, celebration and ancient traditions. Once you witness this, you’ll never want to send off summer in any other way! 

If wine’s not your thing there are fantastic Craft Breweries and Distilleries in the immediate area too. 

Stay at The Hammondsport Hotel 

Start planning your trip to the Finger Lakes region of New York State!