Finger Lakes: Counting Upstate New York's Liquid Fingers (and Avoiding a Public Faux Pas)
Ah, the Finger Lakes! A land of cascading waterfalls, award-winning wineries, and enough lakes to make a water enthusiast say "holy hydrology!" But before you pack your swimsuit and dream of becoming a mermaid (or merman, we're inclusive here), a crucial question arises: How many fingers are there on this aquatic hand, exactly?
This, my friends, is a question that could potentially prevent you from becoming the laughingstock of your next Finger Lakes vacation. Imagine the scene: you're relaxing on a Canandaigua cruise, sipping a locally-sourced Riesling, and confidently declare, "There are definitely eight Finger Lakes, easy!" Suddenly, the entire boat erupts in gasps and whispers. You've committed the cardinal sin of Finger Lakes faux pas.
Fear not, fellow traveler! This guide will equip you with the knowledge to navigate the tricky waters of Finger Lakes quantity with grace (and maybe a touch of humor).
Unveiling the Truth: 11 is the Magic Number
Here's the big reveal: there are actually eleven majestic Finger Lakes gracing the upstate New York region. Yes, eleven! These beauties stretch across the landscape like, well, fingers, their long, slender shapes earning them their delightful nickname.
Here's a roll call for the finger-tastically named crew:
- Canadice Lake
- Canandaigua Lake
- Cayuga Lake (the longest of the bunch!)
- Conesus Lake
- Hemlock Lake
- Honeoye Lake
- Keuka Lake
- Otisco Lake
- Owasco Lake
- Seneca Lake
- Skaneateles Lake
Now, you might be wondering, "Why all the confusion? Eleven seems pretty straightforward." Well, there are a few pretenders to the Finger Lakes throne – smaller lakes that sometimes get mistakenly included. But remember, folks, stick to the official eleven, and you'll be a Finger Lakes trivia whiz in no time!
Frequently Asked Finger-tastic Questions:
How to identify a Finger Lake?
Easy! Look for a long, narrow lake oriented north-south. Bonus points for spotting those gorgeous surrounding hills.
How to avoid a Finger Lakes faux pas?
The answer is simple: memorize the magic number – eleven!
How to impress your Finger Lakes tour guide?
Casually drop a fun fact about one of the lakes, like Cayuga being the longest or Canandaigua being nicknamed the "Lake of the Blessed."
How to (safely) become one with the Finger Lakes?
Swimming is fantastic in many of the lakes, but always check local regulations and prioritize safety first.
How to quench your thirst for more Finger Lakes knowledge?
The Finger Lakes Tourism Council website [Finger Lakes Region Official Guide] is your one-stop shop for all things Finger Lakes!
Now, go forth and explore those magnificent Finger Lakes with confidence (and maybe a slight smirk at anyone who gets the count wrong). Remember, with this newfound knowledge, you're well on your way to becoming a true Finger Lakes aficionado!
