A First Visit That Became a Favorite: Finger Lakes Cider House
Wine tastings are one of our favorite things to do, but there’s no reason to limit tasting in the Finger Lakes to wine alone. Case in point, this video we recorded in 2021 while we were visiting the Finger Lakes Cider House for the very first time.
Back then, hard cider was new to us. At the time, we didn’t realize how often this place would become part of our regular rotation. It’s right down the road from our house on Cayuga Lake, which makes it so easy to stop by.
What hooked us wasn’t just the cider. The food is consistently excellent and always local, the kind that makes you want to linger. There’s also a small shop on site where you can pick up local meats, cheeses, and gifts, which are perfect for impromptu hosting or stocking up for the weekend. Early summer brings berry picking, and on many Friday nights in the warmer months, there’s live music that turns dinner into an event without trying too hard.
When you’re tasting your way along the west side of Cayuga, this stop pairs naturally with a few nearby favorites. For example, Cayuga Creamery is a must. There you’ll find some of the best homemade ice cream you’ll ever have. Our youngest daughter worked there for three summers, so we’re biased, but trust us, it’s well worth the stop!
And just down the road is Trumansburg, a quaint village with lots of great food and shops. On your way there, you’ll see a small farm stand on the right as you turn toward town. It’s one of those places you’re glad you noticed, with fresh coffee, local fruits and vegetables, regional dairy and cheese, and homemade pastries. And, depending on the week, there might be fresh flowers or annuals available. It’s a quiet reminder of how much this area offers if you slow down just a bit.
This video captured a first impression. What it didn’t capture was how places like Finger Lakes Cider House quietly become part of your life here: markers along the seasons, the weekends, and the long, meandering routes we take through the west side of Cayuga Lake.
