If you're anything like us, a fantastic trip involves not just stunning scenery and great conversation, but also seriously satisfying food—and that includes finding fabulous vegan options. We're delighted to report that the Finger Lakes region of New York is quickly becoming a surprisingly fantastic destination for plant-based travelers! While this area is famed for its wineries, dairy farms, and lakeside resorts, the culinary scene is evolving beautifully, moving far beyond the sad side salad and embracing exciting, plant-forward cuisine.

The good news is that you don't have to look hard to find thoughtful, diverse vegan dining, especially around the major hubs. Take the Watkins Glen and Seneca Lake area, for instance. You can grab lunch at places like Green Elephants Thai Vegan Restaurant (a personal favorite - just a wonderful place and we recommend the Red Curry with tofu), which, as the name suggests, is entirely plant-based and offers up wonderfully vibrant curries and noodle dishes.Or, for a more casual bite, you can swing by a brewery like Grist Iron Brewing (their Tater Tots are delicious!), which often features vegan cheese for pizzas and other labeled options! Even places focusing on local, seasonal cuisine, like Veraisons Restaurant at Glenora Wine Cellars, often offer vegan dishes that beautifully highlight regional ingredients, proving that farm-to-table can absolutely mean plant-to-plate.

• Did You Know? The word "vegan" was first coined in 1944 in the UK, created from the first and last letters of "vegetarian."

Venture toward the northern lakes and you'll find more gems. Geneva boasts spots like Kindred Fare, which is known for its seasonal menus and accommodating staff.Head south toward Ithaca, and you enter what many consider a vegan paradise, home to the legendary Moosewood Restaurant (a collective that helped popularize vegetarian dining in the US for decades) and dedicated spots like Angel Hearts Diner, offering up comforting, 100% vegan American diner fare. Even beyond dedicated restaurants, many local coffee shops (like the wonderful Babes & Buds!) and ice cream parlors are now proudly featuring vegan pastries, non-dairy milks, and frozen desserts.

• Did You Know? Switching to a vegan diet is considered "the single biggest measure" an individual can take to reduce their environmental impact, primarily by drastically reducing their carbon and water footprints.

So, whether you're looking for a quick and casual Beyond Burger at a pub, a savory tofu scramble for breakfast, or an elegant, multi-course meal paired with a naturally vegan Finger Lakes wine (yes, many are!), the options are there. We think this growing availability reflects the innovative spirit of the region's chefs and restaurateurs who are embracing new, sustainable, and inclusive ways to feed their guests. Gone are the days of having to pack a bag full of snacks—you can truly explore the Finger Lakes culinary scene with confidence and excitement!

• Did You Know? Many alcoholic beverages, including some wines and beers, traditionally use animal products like isinglass (fish bladder) or gelatin in their filtration process, so look for "vegan-friendly" labels if you want to be sure!

A special mention must go to Roots Cafe in Naples NY.  We love to eat there!