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WRVO 89.9 Summer Destinations logo with a scenic view of a lighthouse and water

Explore the best of central and upstate New York this summer with WRVO. Our Summer Destinations partnership highlights a curated selection of local attractions across the Adirondacks, Central New York, Finger Lakes, and the Thousand Islands. We’ve made it easy to find your next stop with a searchable directory featuring direct website links and Google Maps directions for every partner. Dive into the arts, history, and natural beauty of our region today!

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Adirondack Experience

Your Adirondack Experience Starts HERE! Come to the heart of the Adirondacks for a truly unique experience. With more than 20 buildings nestled across 120 acres overlooking Blue Mountain Lake, the open-air campus offers everyone something to do. Step into the rich history of this region as you explore the museum, row an authentic guideboat, break up a logjam, climb a classic ADK fire tower, or enjoy a family-friendly hike to Minnow Pond. Don’t miss the special exhibition Natural Beauty: The Art of Rustic Furniture, in its final season. This stunning exhibition features rustic furniture from around the world and rarely seen private collections! Enjoy a few hours or the entire day as you discover unexpected stories of the Adirondacks past and present.

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Adirondacks Historical
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Alexandria Bay Chamber of Commerce

In the heart of the 1000 Islands, amidst the St. Lawrence Seaway, Alexandria Bay welcomes you. This quaint village is home to the famous Boldt Castle on the St. Lawrence River. Alexandria Bay is a place of year-round beauty, boasting plenty of activities for leisure travel, families, and sportsmen alike. Book a day cruise, charter a fishing guide, rent a boat, visit state parks, and shop local retail stores. An events calendar and more details are available on the web.

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Thousand Islands Tourism Information
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City of Oswego

Take a stroll through Oswego's weekly downtown Farmers' Markets, featuring fresh local produce and handmade goods. Explore our unique assets like the Oswego Speedway, Safe Haven Museum, and Fort Ontario, which offer a glimpse into our city's rich history and culture. Don't miss Oswego's annual city-wide celebrations: Independence Parade and Harborfest, where you can enjoy live music, delicious food, and breathtaking views of Lake Ontario. With so much to see and do, Oswego is the perfect regional destination for your summer vacation.

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Central NY Tourism Information
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Cortland Arts Connect | Arts off Main Festival

Cortland Arts Connect presents the Arts off Main Festival in Downtown Cortland on Saturday, Aug. 1, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The festival features local and regional artists selling their works and musicians performing throughout the day. Festival goers can try their hand at a variety of art mediums in free mini workshops led by local artists! Add your touch to an interactive chalk mural and enjoy food and beverages from downtown restaurants. Visit the website for more information.

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Finger Lakes Fairs & Festivals Performing Arts
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Doug's Fish Fry

Started in Skaneateles, Doug's Fish Fry has been serving since 1982. Their seafood is delivered by truck on crushed ice five days per week. The menu offers seafood, chicken, grilled items, steamed clams and lobsters, beer, wine and ice cream. Doug's Dipping Sauce is also available in a convenient take-home size at the Skaneateles or Cortland locations, at The Great New York State Fair, and online.

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Finger Lakes Food & Dining
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Earlville Opera House

Earlville Opera House, Inc. was founded in 1972 as a not-for-profit, volunteer-based, community service organization promoting the arts in a rural region of central New York by offering programs of cultural, educational, and historical significance; and preserving and restoring the architectural and historic integrity of the Earlville Opera House, a unique second-story theater constructed in 1892. Key EOH programs include a wide range of culturally diverse visual and performing arts programs represented through rotating gallery exhibitions; a superb live performance series; arts workshops; classes and arts education opportunities; and grants to artists and arts organizations. EOH was named to the National Register of Historic Places in 1973 and celebrated its 50th Anniversary in 2022.

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Central NY Performing Arts
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Everson Museum of Art

Located in the heart of downtown Syracuse, the Everson Museum of Art is an iconic cultural destination housed in a building designed by I. M. Pei. Known as a “museum of firsts,” the Everson was the first museum in the United States dedicated to collecting American art and continues to present bold, thought-provoking exhibitions spanning modern and contemporary works. Visitors can explore a world-renowned ceramics collection, enjoy rotating exhibitions, and experience dynamic programs for all ages — from gallery talks and hands-on activities to outdoor events on the museum plaza. While visiting, you can also stop into the Louise Café for thoughtfully crafted food and drinks served in handmade ceramics, adding to your experience at the museum.

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Central NY Arts & Culture
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Finger Lakes Land Trust

The Finger Lakes Land Trust was founded in 1989 to protect the region’s forests, farmlands, gorges and shorelines. The Land Trust has saved more than 35,000 acres of land by creating public nature preserves and helping landowners conserve their beloved properties. This conservation work is designed to benefit everyone who lives in or travels to the region. Forty-five nature preserves are open to the public free of charge for anyone who wants to explore, attend events and help build more trails this summer.

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Finger Lakes Nature & Gardens
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Glimmerglass Festival

The Glimmerglass Festival is a summer opera and musical theater festival in Cooperstown, New York, with a history spanning five decades. The 2026 festival, running July 10 through August 25, features a new production of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Oklahoma! alongside Puccini’s Madame Butterfly, Mozart’s Così fan tutte, and Gregory Spears’ Fellow Travelers. The season also includes special Pavilion events and the youth opera Robin Hood by Ben Moore and Kelley Rourke. From the plains of America’s heartland to the political tensions of the 1950s, the 2026 productions invite audiences to reflect on personal and national ideals and the evolution of the American dream. A full schedule of performances and events is available on the festival website.

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Central NY Performing Arts
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The Great New York State Fair

From August 26 through September 7, 2026, visitors from across New York state and beyond will come together to experience an affordable, 13-day celebration of food, exhibits, entertainment, and New York agriculture. This year’s Great New York State Fair will showcase numerous animals, hundreds of commercial attractions, midway rides, and big-name entertainers. Admission includes access to the fair's concerts and grounds entertainment.

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Central NY Fairs & Festivals
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H. Lee White Maritime Museum

As the only maritime museum on the U.S. side of Lake Ontario, the H. Lee White Maritime Museum offers unique maritime and waterfront experiences. Highlights include the National Historic Landmark WWII tug LT-5, the National Register canal barge Derrick Boat 8, and the last U.S. commercial fishing boat, Eleanor D. The museum features a collection of paintings, models and shipwreck artifacts telling the story of more than 400 years of history. Additionally, the museum serves as the steward of the National Register Oswego West Pierhead Lighthouse, offering boat tours in the summer. Visitors can also learn about the refitting progress of the schooner, Ontario. Visit the website to find out more about programming and events.

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Central NY Tours & Recreation
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Munson

Munson is an internationally recognized fine arts center in Utica, New York, engaging diverse audiences through its renowned Museum of Art, live performances and events, community art classes, and Pratt Munson, the upstate extension campus of the Pratt Institute. The special exhibition Watercolor Stories: Art of Charles E. Burchfield will be on view from June 12 through Sept. 13, 2026. A full list of exhibitions and Pratt Munson programs is available on the Munson website.

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Central NY Arts & Culture
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Murdock's Sports

At Murdock's Sports, the mission is to help customers discover a bike that captures their heart and ignites a desire to ride. The team aims to inspire enthusiasm for biking and serves as custodians for the bicycles customers already adore. Knowledgeable staff members are dedicated to ensuring every bike brings joy. By prioritizing safety and optimizing performance, Murdock's Sports aspires to empower customers to embark on countless miles of exhilarating rides, achieve new milestones and cultivate a deep love for cycling.

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Central NY Shopping
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Old Forge

Old Forge is your nearby gateway to the Adirondacks. Whether you are relaxing by a lakeshore campfire, hiking family-friendly woodland and mountain trails, paddling lakes and rivers, or exploring by mountain bike, rail bike or horseback, Old Forge has your adventure. Old Forge is also home to View, the largest arts center in the Adirondacks, along with many unique galleries, shops and restaurants.

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Adirondacks Nature & Gardens Tourism Info
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Oswego County Tourism

Oswego County offers year-round fun and recreation for everyone! History, festivals, fishing and outdoor activities highlight each season. Centrally located in New York state, Oswego County provides a vast number of attractions within driving distance. Download their visitors guide online or browse their calendar of events.

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Central NY Tourism Information
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Oswego Tours

The Oswego Food & History Tour offers a three-hour walking experience through the city’s historic downtown and scenic Franklin Square. The tour features stops at eight local businesses for food and beverage tastings paired with local storytelling. Tours run most Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays through October, with a "short-cut" version available for those preferring a shorter walking route. For those interested in the paranormal, Haunted Oswego Tours depart at nightfall for a 1-mile walk through Franklin Square most Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday evenings. A "Just the History" walking tour is also offered on Wednesdays or by appointment. Reservations must be booked by 4 p.m. the day prior to ensure restaurant availability.

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Central NY Tours & Recreation Historical
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Reeves Farms

Reeves Farms is dedicated to producing fresh berries and vegetables using sustainable farming practices. The Reeves family has been growing vegetables for more than a century in Baldwinsville. Reeves Farms is a proud member of the New York Grown and Certified program. Visit Reeves Farms in Baldwinsville to pick your own strawberries and organic blueberries and purchase their homegrown vegetables.

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Central NY Food & Dining
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The REV Theatre Company

Headquartered in Auburn, NY, The REV Theatre Company is an award-winning arts organization committed to creating theatrical experiences at the highest levels of artistic integrity. Since its inception in 1958, The REV has leveraged the power of the arts as a tool for entertainment, education, social awareness and cultural development in our community and in the Finger Lakes region. The REV presents large-scale Broadway spectacles with high-caliber talent from Broadway and across the country at its flagship venue, the Merry-Go-Round Playhouse, and is one of the nation's leaders in in-school arts integration with The REV On Tour, which visits over 60 school districts across central NY each year.

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Finger Lakes Performing Arts
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The Ridge

The Ridge is a beautifully unique venue for events of all types, including weddings, showers, reunions and other private celebrations. Known also for its collaborative live music events in its open-air, one-of-a-kind natural stone amphitheater, The Ridge’s spectacular, secluded setting makes everyone feel as if they’ve discovered a well-kept secret. Its relaxed and inviting indoor and outdoor spaces set it apart and welcome guests in a way that feels just like home. Plan your next event at The Ridge in Chittenango.

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Central NY Performing Arts
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Robert Green Ingersoll Birthplace Museum

The Robert Green Ingersoll Birthplace Museum in Dresden celebrates the life of one of the most remarkable Americans of the 19th century. Born in 1833 in Dresden, Ingersoll was a lawyer, Civil War veteran, and orator who was perhaps the most widely heard speaker before the invention of radio. The museum highlights his legacy in civil rights, women’s rights, abolition, and freethought, housing many personal items, manuscripts, and artifacts. Open from Memorial Day weekend through October, the museum welcomes visitors Saturdays and Sundays from 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. with a suggested donation of $8 per person.

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Finger Lakes Historical
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Rochester International Jazz Festival

The Rochester International Jazz Festival is the largest jazz festival in New York state and one of the top five in the U.S., transforming downtown Rochester each June into a walkable celebration of world-class live music. Over nine days, more than 1,750 artists perform in 300-plus concerts across 19 venues, ranging from iconic concert halls and intimate clubs to free outdoor stages. With legendary performers, rising stars, and global talent, the festival delivers an unmatched mix of jazz and creative music in a lively festival setting. Experience 18 to 20 shows each night, and more than 100 free shows, jam sessions, and jazz workshops at one of the most immersive and musically diverse jazz festival experiences in North America. The 2026 edition runs June 19–27. The complete schedule of performances, venues, workshops, and jam sessions is available on the festival website.

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Finger Lakes Fairs & Festivals
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Rudy's Lakeside

Rudy's Lakeside celebrates 80 years of serving Oswego and the surrounding communities since 1946, continuously providing fresh seafood and much more, cooked to order as you watch. Open from April through Columbus Day in October, Rudy's offers both indoor and outdoor seating on the shore of Lake Ontario. The drive-in is a perfect spot for fresh fish and casual family fun. Come for the food, stay for the view!

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Central NY Food & Dining
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Save Our Sodus | Rose Lummis

Come ride the restored riverboat, Rose Lummis, on Sodus Bay! Save Our Sodus offers 90-minute and two-hour cruises between May 8 and Sept. 27. The Rose Lummis departs from Oak Park Marina in North Rose. Whether you are taking the kids on an eco-tour, getting a guided history and wildlife cruise, or simply soaking up the sunset with local music, food, and wine—we invite you to experience Sodus Bay on board the Rose Lummis. Book your tickets today on the Save Our Sodus website!

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Finger Lakes Tours & Recreation
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Seward House Museum

Visit the historic home of William Henry Seward and his family. Serving as a state senator, governor of New York, U.S. senator and secretary of state during the Lincoln and Johnson administrations, Seward was one of the foremost politicians of 19th-century America. The museum provides guided tours to help visitors navigate the many fascinating aspects of this beautifully preserved home, which also houses one of the largest original collections in the United States. More information is available on the website.

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Finger Lakes Historical
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Skaneateles Antique & Classic Boat Show

The 48th annual Antique & Classic Boat Show, hosted by the Skaneateles Foundation and the Finger Lakes Chapter of the Antique and Classic Boating Society, is scheduled for July 24–26. The show features water and land displays along with three concerts, a boat parade at 3:15 p.m. Saturday, and a spectator cruise featuring an aerial photoshoot at 10 a.m. Sunday aboard the Judge Ben Wiles. The event also includes demonstrations, shopping, raffles and more. Set against the backdrop of Skaneateles’ fine boutiques, galleries and restaurants, the show offers nonstop splendor and a welcoming atmosphere. More information is available on the website.

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Finger Lakes Fairs & Festivals
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Skaneateles Chamber of Commerce

Skaneateles is hosting an array of unique events throughout the summer season, including the Curbstone Festival and Sidewalk Sales. The event features outdoor shopping, bargains and balloon art from July 9 through 11. More information is available on the website.

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Finger Lakes Tourism Info
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Skaneateles Festival | World Class Music By The Lake

The Skaneateles Festival is a dynamic four-week summer music festival providing intimate access to the world's best music in the heart of the Finger Lakes region. For 47 years, the festival has brought some of the world's most talented musicians to perform on its stage with the hope to build community and enduring friendships through music. The Skaneateles Festival presents live classical, jazz, opera and bluegrass music.

The 2026 season features Broadway star Norm Lewis, pianist Garrick Ohlsson, fiddlers Jason Carter and Michael Cleveland, Silkroad Ensemble with Rhiannon Giddens, singer Cécile McLorin Salvant, and more! What started as small chamber concerts in the Skaneateles Library, soon moved to community members' homes and backyards due to growing popularity and community involvement. Today, the festival has expanded and built the Robinson Pavilion at Anyela's Vineyards, which holds up to 1,400 patrons for Saturday night concerts. Thursday and Friday night concerts are held at the First Presbyterian Church in the village of Skaneateles. Come experience brilliance with a night at the festival in the vineyard, under the stars, by the lake or in the warm glow of the sanctuary.

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Finger Lakes Fairs & Festivals Performing Arts
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Sollecito Landscaping Nursery

Sollecito Landscaping Nursery is a family-owned and operated business that has been serving the central New York region for over 50 years. As a full-service landscaping and nursery company, Sollecito offers a wide range of services to help customers enhance the beauty and functionality of their outdoor spaces. Their knowledgeable staff can assist with everything from designing and installing landscapes to providing guidance on plant selection and care. The nursery offers a diverse selection of trees, shrubs and perennials. With their extensive experience and commitment to quality, Sollecito Landscaping Nursery is a go-to destination for anyone looking to elevate their outdoor living experience.

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Central NY Nature & Gardens
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The Stickley Museum

The Stickley Museum is housed on the top floor of the original L. & J.G. Stickley factory. From 1900 to 1985, this building was used to produce Stickley furniture. In the former finishing room is an exhibition space that tells the story of America’s most legendary furniture companies. The display spans over a century of Stickley history: beginning with the Mission aesthetic of the early 1900s, to the Cherry Valley Collection debuting in the 1920s and culminating with modern Stickley. The museum also boasts a display of Gustav Stickley’s own bedroom set as well as pieces of Stickley Mission that were once owned by Barbra Streisand. The museum is free and open to the public on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from May 1 through October 1.

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Central NY Historical
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Stone Quarry Art Park

Looking for adventure? Want to break out of your routine? Stone Quarry Art Park in Cazenovia, located just 20 miles southeast of Syracuse, is a contemporary outdoor art space that provides public access to four miles of trails, outdoor art, and a mid-century modern artist home. An ever-changing outdoor art gallery, Stone Quarry works with visiting artists to shape and reshape the landscape of Stone Quarry Hill through a variety of interdisciplinary art practices. Stone Quarry is open every day of the year from dawn to dusk. Admission is pay-what-you-wish with a suggested donation of $5 per person; everybody is welcome. A current list of visiting artists and happenings is available on the park’s website.

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Central NY Arts & Culture
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Sycamore Hill Gardens

Once a dairy farm, Sycamore Hill Gardens has transformed into 35 acres of botanical beauty in the Finger Lakes region. Guests can ramble through 30 acres of flowering trees, shrubs, and perennials, visit 25-year-old koi, and enjoy large open spaces perfect for frolicking and cartwheels. The gardens feature unique collections including rare conifers and plenty of spots for daydreaming or napping.

"Immerse yourself in the enchanting landscapes of Sycamore Hill Gardens, featuring Asian and European statues, serene koi ponds, exquisite stonework, a charming formal garden, and a captivating hedge maze," said Debi Bower, author of "Day Trips Around Rochester, New York."

Serious gardeners appreciate the thoughtful use of texture, color, and plant species, while everyone enjoys picnicking in the 1830s post-and-beam barn or at shaded outdoor seating areas. Activities include cairn building and photography. Open seven days a week by reservation, spring through fall. With only six parking spaces, visits remain exclusive and peaceful. Self-guided tours, picnicking, carpooling, and photography are encouraged. No pets or smoking, please.

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Finger Lakes Nature & Gardens
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Syracuse Arts & Crafts Festival

The 55th Annual Syracuse Arts & Crafts Festival is an exciting three-day event celebrating the incredible talents of artists and craftspeople from across the country. This festival invites visitors to immerse themselves in the vibrant atmosphere of Downtown Syracuse, showcasing a rich array of visual and performing arts that demonstrate diverse art forms and cultures. Enjoy live performances, fun arts activities, and refreshing summer treats. The festival runs July 24-26, 2026, and is presented by M&T Bank and the Downtown Committee of Syracuse.

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Central NY Fairs & Festivals
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Tour Cayuga

Nestled in the heart of the Finger Lakes, Cayuga County offers something for everyone this summer. Enjoy the beach at Fair Haven Beach State Park, explore the outdoors at Fillmore Glen State Park, and delve into history in Auburn at the Harriet Tubman National Historical Park and the Seward House Museum. Those with a sweet tooth will want to pick up a Sweet Treat Trail brochure or visit the website to enjoy all the farm stands, orchards, ice cream shops, and more throughout Cayuga County.

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Finger Lakes Tourism Info
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View Center for Arts and Culture

View is a dynamic arts center based in the Adirondack region. Throughout the year, four galleries host dozens of exhibitions ranging from local artists to international shows such as View’s signature exhibit, the "Adirondacks National Exhibition of American Watercolors." Gould Hall is a "jewel" of a performance space, with excellent acoustics and retractable stadium seats, making it ideal for concerts and theatrical productions while also accommodating major events, conferences, and weddings. In the workshop and pottery studio, skilled artisans teach a variety of classes and pass on their knowledge to everyone from experienced artists to people who just want to learn a new hobby. During the summer, View hosts "Family Drop-ins" Tuesday through Friday, where everyone can make a memory by working on quick artistic projects together. With year-round exhibitions, events, performances, and workshops, View has something for everyone to love.

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Adirondacks Arts & Culture
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