Official Site of Livingston County New York Tourism - Western Gateway to the Finger Lakes

Article from The Wall Street Journal - August 17, 2004

Desktop Traveler/New York's Finger Lakes

Native American lore holds that the Finger Lakes were formed when the Great Spirit left his handprints on the most beautiful land he created. The handprint comprises 11 lakes, and the area - a few hours drive north of New York City - is ow known for its wineries, Golden Age Castle, European-style Chateaux, child-friendly museums and outdoor pursuits. Both George Eastman, of the Eastman Kodak Co., and Elizabeth Cady Stanton, an abolitionist and early architect of the women's suffrage movement, called the area home. Mark Twain spent his summers in nearby Elmira and is buried there. He wrote many of his most famous novels here, including Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn. Here are some sites that offer guidance about the region.

-Hannah Kate Kinnersley

SITE	DESCRIPTION	EASE OF USE	COMMENT
Livingston County, Western Gateway to the Finger Lakes fingerlakeswest.com	Official site of the Livingston County Chamber of Commerce Tourism Committee	Rollover menus list attractions by type (Family Fun, Wineries, etc.) Restaurants are listed alphabetically and by town	Top Choice: Special interest maps include walking tours and wineries, as well as information on unexpected activities.
The George Eastman House Museum eastmanhouse.org	George Eastman's home and a museum of photography with a substantial film archive.	An interactive map will help you locate the restrooms even before arrival. Exhibits include a collection of cameras and images by actor and photographer, Jeff Bridges.	If you need to know the difference between a daguerreotype and an ambrotype check out the FAQ. There is a discovery room where children can make their own animations and sunprints.
Naples Valley Arts and Crafts Market Village naplesartsandcrafts.com	An arts and crafts market offering the work of local Finger Lakes artisans.	Sidebar navigation lets users jump from vendors to entertainment in one click.	Kids activities include 'panning for gold, catching their own goldfish in two stocked fish ponds.
Belhurst Castle belhurstcastle.com	Finger Lakes Hotel and Winery set in a castle on Seneca Lake.	Accepts online reservations. Menus make you wish where was online room service.	Virtual room tours reveal beautiful window views. Recently voted the most romantic Finger Lakes getaway.
Finger Lakes Trail Conference fingerlakestrail.org	An umbrella organization for groups who maintain and protect the Finger Lakes hiking trails.	Trail condition information is up-to-date and there is an extensive list of links to help people planning a trip.	For hiking enthusiasts, there is an Adobe Acrobat form to help you keep track of your mileage and an interactive map to get you there.