Plan Your Early Season Finger Lakes Stay

Written By Brendan Benson

There’s a window in the Finger Lakes that feels a little different from the rest of the year.

Late spring—mid-May into early June—is when everything starts to open up. The landscape turns green almost overnight, the waterfalls are at their strongest, and the pace is still a little quieter before summer fully arrives.

At Two Bees Escape, we open for the season on May 14, right at the start of it.

Why Visit Early Season

This is one of the best times to experience the Finger Lakes without the crowds.

Days are comfortable, nights are cool enough for a fire, and there’s space to move at your own pace—whether you’re out exploring or keeping things simple at your site.

It’s an easy time to settle in.

What to Do While You’re Here

Early season in the Finger Lakes is all about getting outside and enjoying the region before the summer crowds arrive. It’s a great time to explore at your own pace and take advantage of everything just coming into season.

Chase Waterfalls
Spring runoff makes this one of the best times to visit the area’s waterfalls.

  • Walk the gorge trails at Watkins Glen State Park, where stone paths wind past a series of cascading falls

  • Head to Taughannock Falls State Park to see one of the tallest waterfalls east of the Mississippi at full strength

Get Out on the Trails
Hiking in early season means cooler temps and quieter paths.

  • Explore nearby state parks and wooded trails

  • Take in lake views without peak-season traffic

  • Enjoy the fresh green landscape as everything comes back to life

Visit Wineries & Breweries
Tasting rooms are more relaxed this time of year, making it easier to linger and explore.

  • Spend an afternoon along the Seneca Lake Wine Trail

  • Discover smaller wineries and breweries without the wait

  • Take your time with tastings and enjoy the views

Explore Local Food & Farm Stands
Early season brings the start of fresh, local offerings—and some of the best stops are the simplest ones.

  • Visit Lively Run Dairy for goat and sheep milk cheeses and a relaxed farm setting

  • Stop by Muranda Cheese Company for cave-aged cheddar and tastings

  • Pick up ingredients for a simple meal back at your site

  • Pair local finds with an evening by the fire

Slow It Down
You don’t need a full itinerary to enjoy your stay.

  • Start the morning with coffee outside your tent

  • Spend time reading, relaxing, or walking the property

  • End the day around your private fire pit

It’s a flexible kind of trip—you can fill your days, or leave them wide open.

Staying at Two Bees Escape

We keep things simple: just three tents, each thoughtfully set up for a comfortable, easy stay.

  • Fully furnished bell tents

  • Private fire pits at each site

  • A shared bathhouse with two full, private bathrooms

  • A welcome trailer with kitchen access and essentials

It’s everything you need to enjoy your time here, without overcomplicating it.

Plan Ahead

We’re now booking stays starting May 14, and early season weekends tend to fill quickly.

If you’ve been thinking about a trip to the Finger Lakes, this is a great time to plan it—before the summer rush, when everything still feels a bit more open.

Check availability and book your stay

See You Soon

We’re looking forward to opening back up and welcoming guests for another season.

— Eliza & Brendan

Brendan Benson