The Oddest "Off the Grid" Tour of the Finger Lakes You Can Take!

This is not your Chamber-of-Commerce tour of the Finger Lakes Region!

In this gallery you will find ten "off the grid" highlights to put on your travel list. I found all of these while writing one of my many Upstate travel guides, "Upstate Uncovered: 100 Unique Unusual and Overlooked Destinations in Upstate New York," "; SUNY Press.

These are really places that are not important, or significant, or really destinations for the usual traveler. But, if you are a veteran road warrior like me, all of these will pique your interest and cause your vehicle to "pull in and take a look."

And what a variety to explore.

One of them was a major World war II training camp (400,000 servicemen and women) that is now a fascinating museum located in the only building left from the 1940s...the brig! Another place on this list is the "Gourd Capital of New York." How about the folks who made the "World's Largest Pancake?" It happened in the Finger Lakes on September 271987 and he flapjack weighed two tons. Of course it is long gone now. But...the ten ton pancake griddle is still on display for all the world to see! Have you ever heard of Glenn Curtiss? You should learn about him at his museum in the region. After all, he held Ununited States Pilot's License #1.

These and other quirky and unusual fun places would be (in my mind) an excellent road trip around our beautiful Finger Lakes region.

See them all and then stop for a sip of famous wine. There are wineries everywhere!

An "Off The Grid" Tour Of the Finger Lakes Region! Ten Very Cool Places!

This gallery highlights ten of the, well, little known secrets of the Finger Lakes region. Don't miss any of them. They are fun and very interesting. They include unusual food festivals, a relic from World War II, the "Gourd Capital of New York," a tribute to the man who held U.S. Pilot's License #1, and perhaps the weirdest museum topic you will ever find. Trust me, this "tour" will leave you wanting to know more about all of these ten places!

Gallery Credit: Chuck DImperio

Try These 10 Upstate NY Wineries That Are NOT in the Finger Lakes!

The Finger Lakes Wine Region is now one of the most popular destinations in the United States. With dozens of large and small wineries in the lake region, the wine business has become a major economic engine of western New York. But award-winning wines can be found all around the state. Here is a list of 10 fantastic wineries that are located in ten different counties and are definitely not in the Finger lakes area. Give them a try. We think you will like these.

And if you know of a great winery in Upstate NY that is not in the Finger Lakes wine region, we hope you will visit our Facebook page and give it a shout out.

Gallery Credit: Chuck D'Imperio

Categories: Articles

The Oddest “Off the Grid” Tour of the Finger Lakes You Can Take!

An "Off The Grid" Tour Of the Finger Lakes Region! Ten Very Cool Places!

Try These 10 Upstate NY Wineries That Are NOT in the Finger Lakes!