The best things to do in Finger Lakes

“Silver Creek Golf Club is a public 18 in the Finger Lakes region, right here in Waterloo, that’s easygoing for casual rounds yet keeps things interesting when you’re feeling competitive. Cap it off at their famous Dungeon Pub for a post-round bite or beverage, where staff and regulars make you feel like family.”

“Seneca County Fair is Waterloo’s hometown hangout where agriculture takes center stage, kids stay busy with daily entertainment, and you can wander from craft and project displays to live music before catching the demolition derby and local animal shows. It’s low-key wholesome, the good kind.”

From the Waterloo newsletter, September 21, 2026

“Smith Opera House is the kind of hometown venue that keeps Geneva interesting, mixing touring concerts, dance, community events and big-screen movie nights in a lovingly preserved 1894 theater. Go for the star-lit ceiling and Moorish flair, stay because the calendar never runs dry.”

“Mac's Dairy Bar Mini Golf is an 18-hole course that leans tricky in the best way, with playful obstacles and greens that keep the trash talk honest. Settle your rivalry, then celebrate or console with ice cream afterward, local-style bragging rights included.”

“Lilac City Tournament brings over 50 years of amateur bowling competition to Roseland Bowl, running team, doubles, and singles squads with a track record of paying out millions in prize money. If you’ve got a league bag in the trunk, keep tabs for the next schedule and take a run at the money.”

“Sometimes you just need a night where the scoreboard decides things and dinner comes sliced. Brock's Bowl & Pizzeria is the easy local call for lane time plus hot pies, a place to rally the crew, burn off energy, and still make it home before the group chat spirals.”

“Big Oak Golf Course delivers a scenic 18-hole round in the heart of the Finger Lakes, with a layout for all, a front nine and a back nine with a different feel that fits it well. Carts and club rentals, course improvements, plus a casual bar and kitchen with course views.”

“The Cracker Factory is a renovated early-1900s industrial space with original hardwood floors, whitewashed columns and big windows that make art shows, concerts and weddings feel extra special.”

“Veteran theater hosting cherished black & white films & modern works, plus an outdoor summer series.”

“Local cinema with 10 digital-projection screens, surround sound & 3D capability.”

“If your weekend routine could use a little upgrade, Elmira Country Club pairs a classic, 1897-rooted course with racquet courts, a pool, and a legit spot to refuel afterward. Member-owned means familiar faces, steady events, and spaces that feel like home right here in the Twin Tiers.”

From the Chemung County newsletter, September 6, 2026

“DJ's Golf Center / Bethies Place is the low-key combo we all need: a friendly driving range to shake off the rust, then burgers, pizza, wings, and soft-serve that hit the spot. Easy place to unwind with friends after work or sneak in a bucket between errands.”

From the Finger Lakes newsletter, September 3, 2026

“Box Office is your easy way to lock in a spot at Elmira Drive-In, with Coyote vs. Acme paired with Super Troopers 3 on deck. Pack blankets, hit the snack bar, and enjoy that Chemung County rite of passage under the stars.”

From the Chemung County newsletter, September 2, 2026

“Roseland Mini Golf in Canandaigua packs 18 quirky holes, playful obstacles, and scenic vibes for an easy weeknight win. Grab the crew this week for friendly smack talk, then celebrate or stress-eat with Seneca Farms ice cream on-site for simple, silly fun that never gets old.”

From the Finger Lakes newsletter, August 4, 2026

“Elmira Drive-In Theatre is the right call for an easy, two-flick night with a snack bar that keeps the intermission cravings happy. This week Screen 1 is rolling Spider-Man: Brand New Day with Young Washington, so scoop your crew and make an evening of it under the stars.”

From the Chemung County newsletter, September 10, 2026

“Ravenwood Golf Club brings that "heaven in the heart of the Finger Lakes" energy with an award-winning 18 that feels both fair and feisty, plus a practice facility, golf simulators for rainy days, and the 929 Bar & Grill when you need a victory burger this week.”

From the Finger Lakes newsletter, August 19, 2026

“From kid-size rides to zippy go-karts, a legit 18-hole mini-golf course, batting cages, an arcade, and even a driving range, Harris Hill Amusement Park is the low-stress, high-smiles spot to rally the crew this week, burn energy, and make a few inside jokes.”

From the Chemung County newsletter, August 26, 2026

“Hillendale Golf Course is the local, public 18-hole track in the Finger Lakes with a proper driving range to get loose and a pavilion for post-round hangs. Online tee times, leagues, lessons, a pro shop and an on-site restaurant make it easy to play, practice, then linger like you meant to.”

“Squeeze in a satisfying loop at Newman Municipal Golf Course, a classic 9-hole par 36 built in 1935 right along Cayuga Lake. Flat, walkable fairways, four sets of tees, smooth greens, and sailboat-and-hill panoramas... it’s the kind of after-work golf that keeps your swing happy.”

From the Finger Lakes newsletter, August 14, 2026

“Craving smart indies, festival finds, and the occasional local filmmaker premiere your friends keep whispering about? Cinemapolis reliably programs the good stuff, the weird stuff, and the conversation-starters, making it an easy yes when you're dodging franchises and want something that actually sticks with you.”

From the Finger Lakes newsletter, September 17, 2026

“Mark Twain Golf Course is the kind of local layout that rewards patient swings and keeps the short game honest. Call a friend, chase a couple birdies, and let a walk between shots clear your head before the rest of the week ramps back up.”

From the Chemung County newsletter, August 22, 2026