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Plan a Trip to the Finger Lakes With These Itinerary Tips & Ideas

Michelle Khouri — Mon, 24 Feb 2025 23:19:10 +0000

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If you’re planning a trip to the Village of Skaneateles, New York, or the broader Finger Lakes region, I’m here to help. I’m breaking down my Skaneateles trip itinerary to give you inspiration for your own. Pair this with the detailed Skaneateles Destination Guide, and you’ll be set. And if you want to feel expertly prepared, listen to the immersive Globocurious episode about the region. You’ll feel like you’ve been there even before you go.

OK, let’s dive in!

Transportation & Accommodations

If you’re flying in, the closest airport to Skaneateles is Syracuse Hancock International Airport, about a 30-minute drive away. From there, I recommend renting a car. Public transportation in this region is limited, and having your own wheels is the best way to explore the surrounding villages, lakes, and historic sites at your leisure.

Skaneateles offers a range of charming lodging options. If you’re looking for something cozy and historic, try the Sherwood Inn. It’s located right on the lake and dates back to the early 19th century. The inn oozes charm and features an excellent on-site restaurant, which I’ll tell you more about in a bit.

For something more modern, Airbnb offers great options in and around the village. Many rentals are lakefront properties or have stunning views, giving you a taste of the lakeside lifestyle that makes Skaneateles so special. Just know, these rentals can get pricey due to the high demand and often large footprint of the lake houses, but they do come packed with amenities. Lake house rentals are an especially good option for groups of 5 or more.

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Fun in the Finger Lakes

Now, let’s talk about what there is to do. The Finger Lakes region is home to unique attractions that highlight its rich history and natural beauty. Located just 30 minutes south of Skaneateles in Auburn, The Harriet Tubman House is a National Historic Park and an absolute must-visit. Harriet Tubman lived here for decades, and the site offers an intimate look into her extraordinary life and work. Be sure to catch Reverend Paul’s guided tour—he’s one of the most engaging storytellers I’ve encountered. Plus, your visit supports the preservation of this important piece of American history.

Auburn offers another great stop for history buffs: the Willard Memorial Chapel. It’s the only remaining chapel interior entirely designed by Louis Comfort Tiffany, and stepping inside feels like entering a kaleidoscope of color and craftsmanship.

For outdoor lovers, Green Lakes State Park is a gem about 45 minutes from Skaneateles. Its two glacial lakes are famous for their vibrant turquoise waters that look like they belong in the Caribbean – and I am not exaggerating. My family and I – spanning ages one to 76 – did the full loop around the lake, which clocks in at an easy and mostly flat two miles (with plenty of stop for photos along the way). It’s an ideal spot for hiking, picnicking, or simply marveling at nature’s beauty.

For a dive into the region’s industrial past, check out the Salt Museum on the shores of Onondaga Lake. This small but fascinating museum highlights the history of salt production, which played a major role in shaping this part of New York, something you’ll hear more about in the immersive episode.

The Skaneateles Historical Society Museum is another great way to learn about what has shaped Skaneateles over the years. It’s housed in the old Creamery building and showcases the area’s rich history through exhibits on everything from the lake’s role in local commerce to the region’s unique heritage.

And of course, Skaneateles is all about the lake and its surrounding natural beauty. If you’re there during the summer, you can rent a boat, kayak, or paddleboard from Skaneateles Marina to fully enjoy the water. If you do end up with access to a boat, don’t miss Sandy Beach, or “The Cove” as locals call it—a sandbar where locals anchor their boats, swim, and hang out with drinks in hand. Also during the summer, you can book several kinds of lake cruises with Mid-Lakes Navigation for a more structured but equally beautiful way to experience the lake.

Sink Your Teeth In

If you’re looking for casual, Doug’s Fish Fry is a Skaneateles classic. Their fish and chips are a local favorite, and the vibe is no-frills and welcoming.

For something with a view, Blue Water Grill offers a lakeside dining experience with a diverse menu. Their seafood and burgers are standouts, and the view of Skaneateles Lake adds that extra something special.

Then there’s Valentine’s Pizza. This is a true local staple. My sister-in-law’s parents opened it 30 years ago, and though they’ve recently sold it, it remains the go-to spot for delicious pizza, salads, wings, and sandwiches with a classic pizza shop atmosphere.

Finally, I have to mention the historic Sherwood Inn. This place is a destination in its own right, combining farm-to-table flavors with an ambiance that feels like stepping back in time. I ate a local staple there – Chicken Riggies, which they are able to make with gluten-free pasta for any of my fellow GFies out there.

“Relax, You’re in the Village”

The Village of Skaneateles itself is a joy to explore. Its main street is lined with charming shops and cafes, all locally owned. Pretty much everything you buy or eat here supports the regional economy, which makes wandering through the village feel even more meaningful.

If you’re visiting during the holiday season, you’re in for a treat. Skaneateles transforms into a Dickens Christmas village, complete with locals dressed as characters from A Christmas Carol. It’s pure magic.

Skaneateles offers the perfect mix of relaxation, history, and local charm. Whether you’re paddling on the lake, diving into its fascinating history, or indulging in its vibrant food scene, this Finger Lakes village will leave you enchanted.

Dive deeper into Skaneateles and the Finger Lakes with this immersive episode of Globocurious.

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The post Plan a Trip to the Finger Lakes With These Itinerary Tips & Ideas appeared first on Globocurious.

Planning Your Visit to The French Laundry: What You Need to Know

Michelle Khouri — Thu, 26 Dec 2024 15:14:00 +0000

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I hadn’t spent years dreaming aboutThe French Laundry. In fact, I barely knew anything about it before my sister casually mentioned that we’d be going there to celebrate her milestone birthday. I did know that one of my childhood friends,Rafaela Dulanto, was the restaurant’s manager at the time. And that her newlywed husband,David Breeden, had only recently stepped down as The French Laundry’s Chef de Cuisine, a position he’d held for 12 years.�

But it wasn’t until I started doing some research that I realized just how big of a deal this was. A three-Michelin-starred restaurant?Woa. One of the most exclusive dining experiences in the world?Holy cow.�

And the best part for me wasn’t just that I was going to get to experience what many consider a bucket-list meal, it’s that I was about to experience it through the lens of people who had been at its heart for over a decade.

Meet Rafa and David, and join me as I experience a world-famous meal at The French Laundry,only on the Globocurious podcast.

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Scoring a Reservation

Getting a reservation at The French Laundry can feel like trying to win the lottery. Here’s what you need to know and some tips to help make it happen:

Reservations open on the first of each month at 10 a.m. PST for the following month. So if you want a November reservation, be ready to book on October 1.
Everything is booked throughTock, and reservations are non-refundable—which is where the secret trick comes in.

Pro Tip: Since reservations are locked in, people who can no longer go often look for someone to transfer their booking to. There are online forums and Facebook groups where last-minute spots get rehomed. If you’ve been trying for years and keep missing out, this might be your best bet.

Cost: Expect to pay $425 per person, plus add-ons, wine, and a 20% service charge.

What to Expect from the Dining Experience

When people say The French Laundry is a meal you’ll never forget, they mean it. The restaurant, housed in a beautiful stone building that isactually a former French steam laundry, is located in Yountville, a neighborhood in Napa Valley, California. The small area oozes a calm, ethereal charm that only adds to the dining experience.

Menus:Each dinner consists of a 9-course tasting menu, designed with seasonal ingredients, including some produce and garnishes sourced from The French Laundry’s own gardens. There are two menu options, both of which can be tailored to other dietary restrictions (like my gluten allergy): the Chef’s Tasting Menu, which is the traditional menu with seafood and meat courses; and the Tasting of Vegetables, which is a plant-based menu that is just as intricate and luxurious. In fact, my sister-in-law got the vegetarian menu and the table enjoyed some of her dishes even more than the meat-based versions!

Wine Pairings: The French Laundry boasts one of the most impressive wine lists in the world, including the largest half-bottle collection in the U.S. Prepare for Napa-level pricing. A single glass can cost upwards of$75.Pro Tip: If you’re not much of a wino but still want a few sips here and there to add to your experience, just let your service team know and they’ll very likely accommodate you,especially if someone at your table is getting a pairing with their meal.

Behind the Scenes: The Kitchen and Garden Tour

One of the most unexpected highlights of my experience wasn’t just the meal—it was getting a tour of The French Laundry’s kitchen and gardens.

While the garden tour used to be open to the public, a few too many infringements closed the doors on that opportunity.�

Good news! You can experience the private garden tour by listening to this episode of Globocurious.�

That said, a kitchen and back-of-house tour is available to all guests, so make sure to ask your head server about it at the beginning of your meal. At the end of our dinner, we were invited to step inside the kitchen—a gleaming, high-tech space with a live video feed directly linked to Thomas Keller’s New York restaurant,Per Se. This was especially cool to see after watching Season 3 of The Bear, which filmed its finale episode there.

What to Wear to The French Laundry

In true Californian fashion, The French Laundry is surprisingly chill about its dress code. After all, Chef Breeden does say how their goal as a culinary team is to “just make a really good dinner.” My group was made up of women who all love an excuse to dress up, but outfits ranged from khakis and a button-down to cotton maxi dresses. I’d say keep it at least business attire (I’d say business casual but that can mean vastly different things to different people).Pro Tip: If you’re celebrating a special occasion, use this as your excuse to goall out. Part of the fun is leaning into the luxury.

Is The French Laundry Worth the Hype?

The French Laundry is often described as a once-in-a-lifetime dining experience, but the reality is, not everyone walks away feeling like it was worth the price tag. Some diners find the experience flawless, while others feel it doesn’t quite live up to the mythology.

For me, the experience was more about celebration, connection, and witnessing a piece of culinary history in action. And getting to see it through the eyes of those who had dedicated years of their lives to the restaurant added a layer of appreciation I wouldn’t have had otherwise.

That’s exactly what I explore in this Globocurious episode: What makes The French Laundry so revered? Does the reality live up to the legend?

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Would I go again? Probably not—let’s be real, a yearly visit isn’t in my budget. But I am immeasurably grateful for the experience. If The French Laundry is on your bucket list, I hope this guide will help you make the most of it.

Bon appétit!

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The post Planning Your Visit to The French Laundry: What You Need to Know appeared first on Globocurious.

The Language of Wine: Key Terms Every Napa Visitor Should Know

Michelle Khouri — Fri, 13 Dec 2024 06:34:00 +0000

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When I first arrived in Napa Valley, I thought I knew a thing or two about wine. I’d been to wine bars, I could confidently order a glass of Malbec, and I knew that swirling and sniffing your wine…at least made you look like you belonged there. But sitting atPride Mountain Vineyards—straddling Napa Valley and Sonoma, California—I listened to our wine guide Nicole Menetski describe the tannic structure of their latest bottles, and I realized this was a whole different language.

Listen to the Napa episode ofGlobocurious to meet the guides and visit the wineries mentioned in this post.

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Wine has a way of making people feel intimidated. There’s an entire vocabulary around it that can sound esoteric and unapproachable. But the good news? You don’t need to be an expert to enjoy wine in Napa. You just need a few key terms to help you navigate tastings with more confidence.

So, whether you’re heading to your first tasting in Napa or just want to understand wine-speak a little better, here’s your guide to the language.

Tannin: The Texture in Every Sip

I first learned about tannins at Pride Mountain Vineyards, where Nicole Menetski handed us a glass of their signature Cabernet Sauvignon and asked us to pay attention to how it felt in our mouths. “Notice that drying sensation?” she said. I nodded, suddenly hyper-aware of the way the wine gripped my tongue and cheeks. “Those are the tannins.”

Tannins come from grape skins, seeds, and stems, and they create that astringent, slightly bitter, drying sensation in wine—kind of like if you’ve ever overbrewed a cup of black tea. Wines with high tannins, like Cabernet Sauvignon or Nebbiolo, tend to feel bigger, more structured, and age-worthy, while wines with low tannins, like Pinot Noir or Grenache, feel softer and more delicate.

How to use it in context:

This has really firm tannins.

I love the silky tannins on this one.

Brix: The Measure of Ripeness

Nicole continued our wine tasting talking about the Brix level of each bottle she served us. Perplexed, I asked, “What does Brix mean?” Nicole explained that Brix is a measure of sugar levels in grapes, and it helps winemakers determine when to pick them. The higher the Brix, the sweeter the grapes—because sugar is what gets converted into alcohol during fermentation.

A Cabernet Sauvignon harvested at 24-26 Brix will produce a bold, high-alcohol wine, while a Riesling picked at 19-21 Brix will result in something lighter and lower in alcohol. In Napa, where sunshine reigns supreme, Brix levels tend to be higher than in cooler regions like Burgundy, leading to wines that are bigger, richer, and more fruit-forward.

I loved learning this because it gave me a whole new way to think about wine ripeness. Now, when I taste a Napa Cab bursting with dark fruit, I think about those perfectly ripened grapes hanging on the vine, just waiting for the right Brix level to be picked. And by the way, if your mind works like mine, then I’m here to tell you that Brix is named after X Brix and not referring to bricks of sugar. If you didn’t think about that at all, then just forget I said anything. *backs into the bushes awkwardly*

How to use it in context:

I can tell this is from a late-harvest pick—the Brix must have been pretty high.

Ferment to Dryness: When All the Sugar is Gone

Listen to theNapa Wine episode of Globocurious to hear Nicole say “We ferment this to dryness.” Having no idea what that meant or entailed, I asked her to break it down for us.

Fermenting to dryness means allowing all the natural sugars in the grapes to fully convert into alcohol during fermentation. This results in a wine with little to no residual sugar, making it taste dry rather than sweet.

Most Cabernet Sauvignons, Pinot Noirs, and Chardonnays in Napa are fermented to dryness, while some Rieslings, Moscatos, and dessert wines retain a bit of sugar for sweetness. A winemaker’s decision to ferment to dryness affects the wine’s mouthfeel, balance, and overall perception of flavors.

How to use it in context:

I love how dry this wine is—was it fermented to full dryness?

This Riesling still has some residual sugar—was it stopped before reaching full dryness?

Learn about wine through the lens of a three-Michelin-star sommelier on The French Laundry episode ofGlobocurious.

Terroir: The Soul of the Wine

Every winemaker in Napa will tell you: terroir is everything. Terroir (pronounced tehr-WAH) is a French term that describes how a wine is shaped by its environment—the soil, climate, elevation, and geography of where the grapes are grown.

AtSpring Mountain Vineyard, our guide Ben Griffin explained how their high-elevation vines produced grapes with thicker skins and more intense flavors due to the cooler mountain climate and rocky soils. Meanwhile, in the valley floor wineries, where temperatures are warmer, grapes ripen faster, creating wines that are fruitier and softer.

This is why a Cabernet Sauvignon from a mountain vineyard might taste completely different from one grown just a few miles away on the valley floor—even though they’re made from the same grape.

How to use it in context:

I love how the terroir really comes through in this wine.

Final Sip: Enjoy the Wine, Forget the Pressure

If there’s one thing I learned in Napa, it’s that wine should be enjoyed, not overanalyzed. Sure, understanding more wine-speak can make you feel more confident at a tasting, but at the end of the day, it’s all about what you enjoy.

So next time you’re in Napa, swirl your glass, take a sip, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. After all, the best way to learn the language of wine is to drink more of it.

Cheers!

Listen to the Napa episode of Globocurious to meet the guides and visit the wineries mentioned in this post.

Subscribe to the podcast so you don’t miss a beat.

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The post The Language of Wine: Key Terms Every Napa Visitor Should Know appeared first on Globocurious.