ABOUT THE FINGER LAKES
WE'RE TOURING
from
GREETINGS FROM
THE FINGER LAKES,
A Food And Wine
Lover's Companion
by Michael Turback,
who operated Turback's of Ithaca, a restaurant for nearly 3 decades! His loyalty to small local farmers and use of seasonal produce helped to popularize American regional dining, and his wine-tasting events and wine dinners inspired interest in a new generation of Finger Lakes wines.

CAYAGUA LAKE
At forty miles, Cayuga Lake
is the longest of the Finger Lakes. Fed by stunning waterfalls and deep gorges, it is three miles wide, 435 feet deep, and it holds 2.5 trillion gallons of water. Cyclists are fond of the scenic roads that surround Cayuga Lake. Located at the southern tip of the lake is the intellectual and cultural capital of the Finger Lakes, Ithaca. In addition the Cayuga Wine Trail bands together the lake's boutique-size wineries, where it is likely you'll meet owners who still pour their own wines in the tasting rooms. And watch overhead for an occasional hot air balloon, providing an extra measure of wine country ambiance.

SKANEATLES LAKE
Sixteen miles long, a mile across at its widest point, and 350 feet deep, Skaneateles is probably the most tranquil of the Finger Lakes. It is surrounded by farms for growing corn, soybeans, and cabbage, and with temperature a bit too chilly for growing wine grapes, you'll find just a few newly planted acres of of vines the lake's west shore. Skaneateles, the charming and somewhat eccentric village nested at the north end of the lake , welcomes visitors. Architecture of the area's homes is mostly Greek Revival and Victorian, including seasonal "cottages" along the lake. Antique shops and boutiques flourish in the business district-malls and fast food outlets are outlawed. The culinary arts flourish in several very good restaurants, and Skaneateles is home to Mirbeau, an extravagant spa where pampering has been elevated to
a high art form.