Yates County is located in the heart of the Finger Lakes Region South West of Syracuse and South East of Rochester. While Lake Ontario, and the Lake Effect conditions it can create influences the weather of many of the communities North of Yates County, it has little affect on us. In fact, the Finger Lakes – Canandaigua, Keuka and Seneca all help temper the weather conditions in the County. While cities to the North of here such as Rochester and Syracuse get blasted with Lake Effect snow, Yates County usually receives a nice dusting that creates a picturesque blanket over the countryside. Winter events such as Christmas Festivals, Valentine’s Getaways, skiing and much more invite people to explore the Finger Lakes during such a peaceful, relaxed time of year.

Spring is a welcome relief to the chill of winter, with light rains and the start of something new. Our farmers begin to plant their crops as baby birds and deer can be seen starting their new lives. The Windmill Farm & Craft market re-opens for business, wineries begin to extend their hours with annual wine trail events and the flowers begin to surface. Spring is a great time to visit the Finger Lakes before the large summer crowds begin to arrive.

Summer is absolutely spectacular in the Finger Lakes and Yates County is famous for old-fashioned family vacations. Rent a cottage on the lake, or find a room at one of our great B&B’s or Hotel/Motels and bring the family to enjoy some of natures finest. The lakes are inviting, the hiking trails are everywhere, the history can be seen on the village streets and in the shopping districts, and enjoy the relaxation of a “low –tech” family vacation. The days can be filled with outdoor activities or visit one of our many summer festivals. In the evenings be sure to catch the magnificent sunset while roasting marshmallows by a beach fire.

Gradually the days become shorter and the nights a little colder as we enter the most beautiful time of year in the Finger Lakes – Autumn! The brilliant reds, oranges, greens and other color changes attract visitors from all over for the day or forever. Driving along our countrysides visitors will find produce stands filled with locally grown produce, farmers working their fields, harvest festivals at many of the wineries and much more. Weekends here in Autumn are always full of visitors but the weeks are quiet and visiting during the week is sure to bring less crowds, more personal attention and maybe even lower rates.

As you can see Yates County has something to offer no matter the season. Our diverse weather conditions are what helps the grapes grow and the people unique. For more information on events please take a look at our events page by clicking here.