Need Finger Lakes vacation advice

[Patiod]

DUers from the Maine forum were wicked good help with our Maine vacation last year. I'm counting on the DU NY forum to help with this year's Finger Lake vacation

My SO and I take vacation every September, whatever week my work load looks light. We avoid hotels, and instead rent a house from HomeAway/VRBO. I'm taking care of my medically frail Dad, so wherever we go needs to be 1/2 day's drive from Philadelphia in case he gets into trouble. My Dad suggested upstate NY.

We have absolutely no idea what's there. Would love advice from locals and regulars.

Here's what my SO and I like:
* Wineries
* Scenic Hiking (city folk hiking, not Rugged Hiking)
* Reasonably priced restaurants (although we cook in most nights)

Did I mention wineries?

SO's only requirement is a deck with a water view, and a local gym. He has no passport, so Niagra area is out this year (we'll go back when we can visit both sides).

So - any suggestions?

[DinahMoeHum]

1. Try Ithaca, New York as your base.

It's a university town (Ithaca College/Cornell University) at the southernmost tip of Cayuga Lake.
It's a place citied in lots of progressive/green sites as THE place to be.
Lots of wineries nearby. Local brewery, too (Ithaca Beer Company - www.ithacabeer.com)

I skimmed the VRBO site, and it looks like a lot of choices in the Cayuga/Seneca region
Lots to see and do at the southernmost/northernmost points of both lakes, and lots of wineries and farms in-between.

Good luck and good hunting.

[Patiod]

2. Thank you so much!

Oddly enough, I've been there once - but just for a day to look at Ithaca for college. My parents were delighted when I realized how small it was, and that I wanted a BIG school (which was probably about 1/3 of the price).

But I remember how beautiful the area was. Will give that a look....Thanks! I really just needed somewhere to start - it's overwhelming if you're completely unfamiliar with the area.

[Habibi]

3. Ithaca itself isn't all that interesting, imo, but

there are some state parks in the area that are very nice--Buttermilk Falls, Taughannock Falls, Treman. "Ithaca is Gorges"! So I would agree that it makes a good base.

Plus, you can't swing a dead cat in any Finger Lakes area without hitting a winery, or a dozen!