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Why search for paradise when you can escape to the Finger Lakes? This upstate New York region boasts 11 stunning lakes; 9000 square miles; terrific trails; rolling hills; peace and quiet; farm-to-table food; craft beers; and raw, unprocessed honey — who needs more?

ONONDAGA COUNTY: SYRACUSE & MORE

After flying into the Syracuse Hancock International Airport, I checked into the lovely Craftsman Inn & Suites in nearby Fayetteville. My group left right away for a guided tour of the Beaver Lake Nature Center, part of Onondaga County Parks, in Baldwinsville. The indoor Observation Bee Hive was the coolest thing ever — the first time I looked at bees that were behind glass and couldn’t sting me!

Observation Bee Hive: Image Courtesy of Beaver Lake Nature Center

We toured downtown Syracuse and saw people playing in a pretty fountain in Clinton Square where the Erie Canal used to run through. In the winter, people ice skate there.

Clinton Square: Image Courtesy of Visit Syracuse

Whimsical names of nearby restaurants included “Pastabilities” and “Oh My Darling.” Already familiar with Dinosaur Bar-B-Que in Manhattan, I was excited to see its original location next to our dinner spot, Apizza Regionale!

Our group loved “The Calabrian.” This wood-fired pizza consists of fermented, organic, stone-ground wheat; tomato sauce; soppressata; homemade mozzarella; caciocavallo; fresh oregano; and Calabrian-chili infused honey. Vegetarian, vegan, and allergy-free options are available upon request.

The next day we had breakfast in Liverpool at the amazing Hope Cafe, where choices abound! Their famous “Breakfast Sangwich” consists of ciabatta; and American breakfast fillings — including fried egg, cheddar cheese, and mushrooms — all with tasty Peruvian sauces. The profits go to The People Project, formerly known as Shekinah Gloria Ministries, which created a free school in an impoverished area of northern Peru. Now the charity’s work spans 13 countries, across the globe.

Then it was off to  Onondaga Lake Park, also in Liverpool, an eight-plus mile, linear greenway with four, wonderful trails. The group bicycle was a hit with my colleagues!

Group Bicycle at Onondaga Lake Park: Image by Laurie Heifetz 

SENECA COUNTY: ROMULUS & INTERLAKEN

Then we went on a fascinating, bus tour of Deer Haven Park in Romulus, part of Seneca County. It’s on a property formally occupied by the Seneca Army Depot, a US Military munitions storage and demolition facility. We got to explore some of the structures. Deer Haven Park is home to the Seneca White Deer, and we spotted a few. Our tour guide, Dee Calvasina, is the author of Beyond the Fence: The Amazing World of Deer Haven Park. She told us how beavers are the most industrious animals after humans, and we got to see a beaver dam.

Inside a Munitions Structure at Deer Haven Park:Image by Laurie Heifetz

Lunch at the Finger Lakes Cider House at Good Life Farm in Interlaken was followed by a tour of the 69-acre, organic farm. My colleagues loved dunking their grilled cheese sandwiches in the delicious, homemade tomato soup and tasting the flight of hard ciders: 2021 Funkhouse, 2022 Pioneer Pippin, 2022 Honeyoye, and Rose.

Honey Bee Mural at Good Life Farm: Image by Laurie Heifetz

We checked out the handsome D&K Ranch in Interlaken, where people stay in cabins, go horseback riding, have wine tastings, and just relax. In addition, abused horses are tamed here. The co-owner, Kelly, is a former social worker.

TOMPKINS COUNTY: ITHACA & MORE

Ithaca, the county seat of Tompkins County, was up next! We checked into Cornell University‘s elegant Statler Hotel and experienced the ultimate in service. Many of the workers were interns at the Ivy League’s school world-renowned, Nolan School of Hotel Administration hospitality program, and they — including two football players at the bell station — sure showed it!

I slept like a baby on the Stearns & Foster Estate Plush Euro Pillow Top Mattress and the New Generation King-Size Pillow by Borden, with polyester fibers and 100% cotton outer covering. I’m told neither is available for residential purchase, but I certainly want to check out what is!

Statler Hotel at Cornell University: Image Courtesy of the Statler Hotel

Ithaca Beer Co. was our dinner spot. The Tap Room Burger was quite tasty. Beer was made on the premises. The Lava Lamp Mocktail made with Ithaca Ginger Beer, lime juice, and raspberry puree was a big hit.

The following morning we had breakfast at Cafe Dewitt in Ithaca’s Dewitt Mall. Nothing like looking out at an amazing aquarium while dining on granola with house-made fruit compote, yogurt, and local honey! The farm-to-table peaches (which weren’t on the breakfast menu) were among the best I’ve ever had! I asked about the Braille writing underneath the aquarium and the owner revealed that it’s excerpts from William S. Burroughs, intercut with Baudelaire‘s poems:

Aquarium at Cafe Dewitt, Ithaca: Image by Laurie Heifetz

It was such a privilege to tour the beautiful Ithaca Downtown Conference Center, the first fully electric conference center in the United States. Not only is sustainability and accessibility front and center, but the eight floors above are for residential housing, the only place in the U.S. with that feature.

Ithaca Downtown Conference Center: Image Courtesy of the Conference Center

Don’t miss Ithaca Murals in the car-free, downtown Ithaca Commons! Be sure to check out “No Justice, No Peas,” the striking, electric-box mural by Brooklyn-based, multi-media artist, Samarra Khaja.

Mural by Samarra Khaja: Image by Laurie Heifetz

Afterward,  we explored the Cascadilla Gorge Trail. Cascadilla Gorge is one of “more than 150 waterfalls — carved out by glaciers that formed gorges” — in Ithaca and the surrounding area. No wonder why the slogan  “Ithaca is Gorges!” is so popular!

Cascadilla Gorge Trail: Image by Chelsea Fausel

We ate lunch at none other than the famed Moosewood Restaurant, home of the eponymous cookbook. The Mushroom Lentil Pate, with caramelized mushrooms, brown lentils, vegetable crudité, and baguette toasts was a big hit at our table. All food is either vegetarian or vegan. Don’t miss the gift shop, which includes a great selection of food and books.

We had a great time kayaking with Paddle-n-More on the Blueway Trail in Cayuga Lake. After changing in our hotel, we hiked to the breathtaking Ithaca Falls. It has a drop of 150 feet and a width of 175 feet!

I was thrilled to see Pan-Seared Salmon on the dinner menu at North Star Public House, and it was one of the best I’ve ever had! Callaloo, which I last ate in Jamaica, was on the menu that night, too. Head chef Nathan Miller prides himself on serving non-allergenic, as well as vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options and also on keeping track of the customers’ choices. The restaurant proudly touts itself as being one of Ithaca’s black-owned businesses.

In the morning it was off to Ithaca Bakery, where we intended to grab and go, but stayed instead. There’s a huge selection including turkey and smoked turkey sandwiches; green and grain bowls; and vegetarian and vegan choices. Breakfast sandwiches are served all day. I just opted for eggs and cheese, no bagel.

The Cornell Lab of Ornithology in Sapsucker Woods with 230 bird species seen or heard is not to be missed. Catch the grand reopening of the Visitor Center on September 14, which has a great, gift shop!

We didn’t get to visit Bright Raven Farm & Apiary in Jacksonville, but we got to taste their delicious, Aster Goldenrod raw, unprocessed honey!

CORTLAND COUNTY: CORTLAND & HOMER

Outdoor Adventure at Greek Peak Mountain Resort in Cortland was not to be missed. I bravely went on the gravity-fed Mountain Coaster, and I’m glad I did! The rider controls the brakes. I’m also happy that I skipped the zipline, which is not for the fearful! One can go skiing  at the resort in the winter.

Lunch at Rex’s Pasta in Cortland West was a real, Italian experience. In addition to the many choices of pasta and fresh vegetables, delicious grilled chicken was on the menu.

Lime Hollow Nature Center in Cortland was our next spot. Executive director Ilya Shmulenson gave us a tour. The center is a leader in accessibility with its Action Trackchair, “the ultimate all-terrain wheelchair” that is a “game changer.” The Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation gave Lime Hollow a grant to purchase it.  People with mobility issues don’t need a standard wheelchair that has to be pushed — they can use the Action Trackchair by themselves.

The Action Trackchair: Image Courtesy of Lime Hollow Nature Center

"Moon" by Tony Ferro of Frog Pond Farm Art Gallery: Image Courtesy of Lime 
Hollow Nature Center

We checked in at Hope Lake Lodge, part of the Greek Peak Mountain Resort. It was rustic, and my room had a terrace. We didn’t have time to experience the Indoor Water Park, which looked like a lot of fun. We ran off to Dasher’s Corner Pub in Homer, New York, also part of Cortland County. The cocktails and the steak were big hits.

Live music by “Band by the River” was happening at Homer Hops Brewing in Cortland! Owner Jason Kristof gave us a tour of the brewery and the hops yard, followed by a tasting. The flight consisted of (from left to right): the peach-pureed Peach Kolsch; the sour, fruited Pleasure Craft; the blueberry, raspberry, and marshmallow Real Freaky Naughty and the non-nitro stout with raspberry puree, Sweet Surrendering.

Flight at Homer Hops Brewing: Image by Laurie Heifetz

The Exchange Restaurant in Homer was our charming breakfast place for the last day. I was happy to see the fresh fruit bowl (with berries!) on the menu which was “drizzled with local honey and cinnamon!” One person enjoyed the Route 11 Skillet with corned beef hash, smoked pork chop, three eggs, home fries, and toast. Shakshouka was another skillet choice.

Then it was off to the Syracuse Hancock International Airport. I was excited to spot the Syracuse Regional Aviation Museum, which focused on sustainable design and construction.

Got back to NYC safe and sound. Can’t wait for my next adventure in the Finger Lakes!