FAQs

Lively Run Goat Dairy in Interlaken (goats) and Cabin View Alpacas in Trumansburg (alpacas).

Seneca County is one of the top ten producing counties statewide for several agricultural products including hogs and pigs, cattle and calves, grains and dry beans and products related to sheep and goats.

The Finger Lakes is home to thriving Amish and Mennonite communities - most of which have migrated from Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. Their presence has had a significant influence on the local farming industry. Several markets and farm stands throughout the community offer the ability to experience their authentic contributions.

Creator of "The Twilight Zone," Rod Serling cherished time spent at his Seneca County summer home. Following his death in 1975, the television icon was laid to rest in Lake View Cemetery near Interlaken, NY.

In 1830, Joseph Smith translated the Book of Mormon and organized the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints at the Whitmer Farm in the Town of Fayette (Seneca County). A reconstructed log home and a visitors' center are open to the public and commemorate events associated with the organization of the Church. The visitors' center includes artifacts, a film, and interactive displays about the translation of the Book of Mormon and the founding and growth of the Church.

Listed on the State and National Registers of Historic Places, the Three Bears refer to three brick structures that are the nation's only set of existing, adjacent public buildings in the Greek Revival style of architecture. They were built between 1845 and 1859 and served among other things as a municipal county courthouse, jail and library. It is open to the public for tours and photos.

Seneca County is home to the Northeast College of Health Sciences. The college has been at the forefront of chiropractic education for more than 100 years. From their state-of-the-art facilities (overlooking Cayuga Lake), students receive extensive clinical training and are empowered to tailor their education with special interests like nutrition and wellness. Many of the school's alumni have opened chiropractic and wellness clinics throughout the region.

With miles of forested hillsides and rolling terrain, Seneca County offers the perfect destination for hiking and biking. The Finger Lakes National Forest (Lodi) is a multi-use area with over 30 miles of interconnecting trails that traverse gorges, ravines, pastures and woodlands, while the seven-mile Cayuga-Seneca Canal Trail connects the city of Geneva to the Village of Waterloo. Among the best biking options, the nearly 70 miles of scenic byways and local roadways that parallel the lakes and shorelines offer pure scenic beauty. Each July, hundreds of cyclists converge on the area as part of the Cycle the Erie Canal event.

Seneca County is home to three of the region's most popular golf courses - with each venue open to the public and featuring 18-hole layouts. Seneca Falls Country Club (Seneca Falls) and Bonavista State Park Golf Course (Ovid) offer picturesque views of Cayuga Lake and Seneca Lake respectively, while Silver Creek Golf Course (Waterloo) is known for its excellent rolling greens and full-length driving range.

Eleven lakes make up the Finger Lakes: Conesus, Hemlock, Canadice, Honeoye, Canandaigua, Keuka, Seneca, Cayuga, Owasco, Skaneateles, and Otisco.

Seneca Lake has a maximum depth of just over 618 feet. It is not only the deepest lake in the region, but also one of the deepest (wholly contained) bodies of water in the country. For this reason, the U.S. Navy tests the sonars used on America's submarines from barges located on Seneca Lake.

Cayuga Lake is the longest of all the Finger Lakes - stretching nearly 40 miles and measuring approximately three and a half miles wide at its peak.

Between October 1942 and April 1946, over 411,000 sailors were trained for World War II at the Sampson Naval Base -- a 2,500-acre facility on the eastern shores of Seneca Lake.

Within six months of the attack on Pearl Harbor, construction began on the base, and it was completed in 270 days at a cost of just over $56 million. It was described as a "city within a city" by observers, as the base was divided into five units. Each was set up to train 5,000 recruits, and each contained a 14-acre parade ground and drill field, a drill hall with a 2-acre indoor drill area, a gymnasium, a swimming pool, a movable stage and motion-picture equipment. Living and administrative areas included a mess hall; 22 barracks, each of which housed 228 men; two barracks for chief petty officers; two dispensaries; a ship-service building for recreation; an administrative building; a rifle range; a small-arms magazine; and a large storehouse. There was also a 2,700-seat auditorium; a reception and visitors building; a 400-seat chapel; a post office; a brig; disciplinary barracks; and guard barracks.

Today the property serves as the Sampson State Park -- with much of the original layout and buildings visible to the public.

Planned by General George Washington and led by General John Sullivan, the expedition was a Revolutionary War campaign against the Iroquois Confederacy (who were allied with the British). Markers throughout the Finger Lakes Region identify important sites involved in military confrontations.

Until it was decommissioned in 2000, the former Seneca Army Depot was a major munitions supply base for every military conflict from World War II to the Persian Gulf War. Built in 1941 on more than 10,000 acres, the depot stored bombs in reinforced concrete structures (known as "igloos") with arched sides and semi-circular roofs that still stand to this day. During the Cold War, nuclear weaponry was rumored to be stored on the site - making the depot and the Finger Lakes a prime target for foreign missile attacks.

Many of the area's wineries offer live music on weekends from May through October. Some (like Ventosa Vineyards) also offer live music during the winter months on select days. Among the most prominent are Americana Vineyards (Interlaken), Buttonwood Grove (Romulus), Wagner Vineyards (Lodi), Zugibe Vineyards (Geneva).

As the top-rated casino in the Finger Lakes Region, del Lago offers over 1,000 slots, 66 table games (including up to 14 poker tables), the DraftKings Sportsbook with 24/7 live betting kiosks and more than 1,000 square feet of LED Video Screens - perfect for watching live sports games.

Sunset Bowl in Waterloo offers an "Unreal Bowling" experience that makes the lanes come to life through high-end graphics and audio. Amazing Acres Adventure Playland (hector) offers plenty of space for social distances and activities that will keep the kids busy all day long - including the 7,000 square foot hedge maze.

A diverse array of public lands including a national wildlife refuge (Montezuma, Seneca Falls), the state's only national forest (Finger Lakes National Forest, Lodi/Hector), six state parks and several state-owned wildlife management areas protect and provide public access to the county's natural resources. Parklands include Cayuga Lake State Park (Seneca Falls), Seneca Lake State Park (Waterloo/Geneva), Sampson State Park (Romulus), Bonavista State Park/Golf Course (Romulus), Lodi Point State Marine Park (Lodi), Dean's Cove State Marine Park (Romulus).

Seneca County has three designated "Important Bird Areas" - which are distinct areas that provide essential habitat for one or more species of birds in breeding, wintering, or migration. Each of these three areas make excellent choices for birdwatching: Montezuma National Wildlife Preserve (Seneca Falls), Seneca Meadows Wetlands Preserve (Seneca Falls) and the former Seneca Army Depot (Varick).

Buttonwood Falls is located on the grounds of Buttonwood Grove Winery (Romulus) and contains a moderately tall (20-30' waterfall), Groves Creek Falls is located on the west side of Cayuga Lake and features a roadside, moderately tall (20-30' waterfall), Oak Tree Falls is a creek-walk up Groves Creek and leads to a large (60') waterfall.

Taughannock Falls is located in nearby Tompkins County and features one of the most impressive waterfalls in the entire region. It features a picturesque 215 ft plunge down the middle of a colossal amphitheater.

*For more details on these or other waterfalls, visit NYFalls.com

Among the most unique shopping experiences in the region, Sauders is more than a traditional grocery store. Founded in 1978 by a Mennonite family from Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, Sauders is a popular destination for both visitors and residents alike. With a huge selection of items ranging from furniture to fresh baked goods to bulk candy to deli items and a lunch cafe, Sauders is akin to another local favorite...Wegmans.

With over a hundred stores in a beautifully designed open-air mall setting, Finger Lakes Premium Outlets is conveniently located off the New York State Thruway (I-90). Visitors from around the world come to the premier Finger Lakes shopping experience in search of bargains on a variety of goods from clothing to footwear to houseware and more.

Given the variety of antique stores and markets in the area, it's no wonder why some of television's most popular antique shows routinely feature the Finger Lakes. These shops offer an amazing array of products looking for a new beginning to treasure hunters of all ages.

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Riesling is a grape that prefers a cool climate which helps it develop a strong acidic backbone (necessary to maintain wine complexity and balance). Rich, well-drained soil is an essential element for this grape to succeed. Fortunately, large shale deposits left behind by glacial activity some 10,000 years ago provides the perfect conditions for growing Riesling in the Finger Lakes.

New York ranks as the sixth largest beer-producing state in the nation with more than 860,000 barrels of production annually. Nearly 30% of the state's breweries are found in the Finger Lakes region, where they enjoy access to abundant fresh water, locally grown hops, malted barley and other ingredients.

Held on July 19-20, 1848, the event marked the world's first organized convention dedicated to women's rights. It was held at the Wesleyan Chapel in Seneca Falls and thrust both the local community and Elizabeth Cady Stanton into the forefront of the women's suffrage movement.

They are a lasting symbol of the women's rights movement and serve as the basis for the National Women's Party Flag. Purple stood for dignity, white for purity and gold (yellow) for enlightenment. The National Women's Party added a star to its flag for each state that passed the 19th amendment. The addition of the 36th star meant the amendment was fully ratified in the U.S. Constitution - an event that occurred in 1920 after the state of Tennessee adopted the measure.

Every two years. Inductions for 2021 were postponed until 2022 due to the Covid pandemic. Since the first Induction Ceremony, in 1973, the National Women’s Hall of Fame in Seneca Falls has been inducting distinguished American women, both living and deceased, through a rigorous selection process. These ceremonies raise awareness of the contributions of Inductees, and women in general, to our nation’s history. The honored women have made invaluable contributions to American society in the areas of Science, Government, Humanities, the Arts, Athletics, and Education.

The main advantage of a Bed and Breakfast over other lodging options is the intimacy associated with the stay. Guests of a Bed and Breakfast can expect to have regular interaction with other travelers as well as forging new friendships with other patrons. Hosts of these establishments often offer in depth knowledge of the surrounding area and can provide directions and suggestions that cater to your specific needs.

Many B&B's serve breakfast during a regimented time to allow for quick turnover of rooms, but the owners of Tillinghast Manor believe that when you are on vacation, sleeping in is a much-needed pleasure. To accommodate late risers , they serve a four-course Brunch at your convenience (either in your room, in one of our two dining areas or on our patio). They serve fresh seasonal ingredients as owner Jean is a Master Gardener, and they have their own gardens. They also source Amish and Mennonite products.

If you are not familiar with the local cuisine or things to do in the area, just ask the B&B manager. They are some of the most knowledgeable people in the tourism industry and should be able to tell you more about what to expect and maybe recommend a few must-try specialties in the area. It is likely you could get some information that is not available online or in a visitor guide.

Seneca County has six State Parks, a National Forest and more than 72 miles of shoreline. There is an abundance of hiking and biking trails and lots of scenic vistas.

For the peak of camping season, you can expect the following conditions:

Cayuga Lake State Park (Seneca Falls), Seneca Lake State Park (Geneva) and Sampson State Park (Romulus) offer the best public swimming spots -- but there are plenty of others found throughout the region's two biggest lakes in addition to the Cayuga-Seneca Canal.

Hampton Inn (Seneca Falls), Quality Inn (Waterloo)

Hampton Inn (Seneca Falls), del Lago Hotel (Waterloo/Tyre), Microtel Inn & Suites (Seneca Falls)

del Lago Hotel (Waterloo/Tyre), Quality inn (Waterloo), Gould Hotel (Seneca Falls)

Airbnb and VRBO are certainly two of the most common options, along with a regional service called Finger Lakes Premier Properties.

Depending on the time of year, you'll find vacation rentals on both Cayuga Lake and Seneca Lake that can be rented by the week, by the month or for just a few days.

Some of the most important questions to ask when choosing a vacation rental are:

1. What is the cancellation policy and where can I read it?
2. What supplies are included in the rental?
3. What cleanup is expected with the rental?
4. What are the total fees for the rental?
5. How, when and where do I pick up the keys?

• Junius Ponds Cabins and Campground
• Finger Lakes Cabins and Campgrounds
• Seneca Lake Resorts
• Cabins at Buttonwood Grove
• Cayuga Lake Cabins
• D&K Ranch
• Lakeshore Winery Cottage
• Mill Creek Cabins
• The Spotted Sandpiper
• Rivers Crossing Campground
• Send Acres Family Campground
• Sunset on Seneca Campsites

• Seneca Lake Resorts
• Cayuga Lake Cabins
• Mill Creek Cabins

Camping in Seneca County is a great way to get up close and personal with nature and the variety of camping options are wide and varied. Pitch your tent lakeside or book a campsite with full hookups. Perhaps a rustic cabin in the woods is more your style or maybe you prefer a cozy glampsite where stunning natural surroundings meet modern luxury. Whatever your taste, there is a camping experience for you.

Although it is the second-smallest town in Seneca County by population, the Town of Junius has a rich and expansive history. For many years, its boundaries stretched from the Seneca River north to Lake Ontario and included all of the present-day towns of Waterloo, Junius, and Tyre, along with much of Seneca Falls.

The pioneer settler of Junius was Thomas Beadle in 1795. David and Jess Southwick, along with Ebenezer H. Moore, arrived from Springfield, Massachusetts, in 1798. As additional settlers moved into the area, skilled tradesmen became essential to the growing community. Samuel Southwick, who settled in Junius in 1800, worked as a carpenter and quickly became known for constructing framed buildings. Purchase Roberts, who arrived in 1808, established a blacksmith shop east of Dublin. The town’s first sawmill was built and operated by David Southwick in 1805 on Lot No. 29.

Philander Woodworth opened the first store in Junius by at least 1808. Shortly afterward, two men named West and Martin opened another store in Dublin, later succeeded by Joseph Moody in 1821. Moody, an Irish immigrant, sought to create a reminder of Ireland’s capital city and gave the small settlement the name “Dublin.”

Other early businesses included Norris, Root & Co., a tannery and shoe shop established in 1820. Nearby, Severus Swift opened a small distillery in 1812. By 1875, Dublin included one store, one tavern, two blacksmith shops, two wagon shops, 25 houses, and approximately 100 residents.

The first physician in Junius was likely Dr. Welles around 1812, followed by Dr. Lyan Ely, who began practicing in the town in 1814.

The oldest cemetery in Junius is located on Lot No. 29 near the Southwick schoolhouse. The first recorded burial was Mrs. Submit Southwick, who died on May 22, 1802.

The Town of Junius enumeration completed on July 12, 1875, identified 283 dwellings, 296 families, and a population of 1,318 residents. According to the 2020 census, the town’s population was 1,370.

(Excerpts adapted from the written history of Junius by Walter Gable.)

• Thomas Beadle became the first known pioneer settler of the Town of Junius in 1795, helping establish one of Seneca County’s earliest communities.
• David Southwick arrived in Junius in 1798 and later served as a major during the War of 1812 while also helping develop the town’s early industry and sawmills.
• Samuel Southwick settled in Junius in 1800 and became known for constructing some of the community’s earliest framed buildings.
• Joseph Moody operated an early store in Junius and gave the hamlet of Dublin its name as a tribute to Ireland’s capital city.
• Ruby L. Gilbert was associated with the Women’s Christian Temperance Movement and became identified with the nationally recognized White Ribbon movement.
• Emma L. Shaw worked as a tailor and farmer before becoming a juvenile literature editor and associate editor of Good Health magazine.
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• The Town of Junius was established in 1803 and once covered a vast portion of northern Seneca County, including present-day Waterloo, Tyre, and much of Seneca Falls.
• Junius was named by clerk Robert Harpur after either the Roman writer Junius or the Roman patriot Lucius Junius Brutus.
• Pioneer settler Thomas Beadle arrived in Junius in 1795, helping establish one of the earliest communities in the region.
• The hamlet of Dublin received its name from Irish immigrant Joseph Moody, who wanted to create a reminder of Ireland’s capital city in his new home.
• In 1805, David Southwick operated the town’s first sawmill on Lot No. 29, supporting the rapid growth of framed homes and businesses in the area.
• By 1875, the Town of Junius had eight school buildings serving 474 students between the ages of 5 and 21.
• The oldest known burial in Junius was Mrs. Submit Southwick, who was interred in 1802 near the Southwick schoolhouse cemetery.

• Ezekiel Crane is recognized as the first non-Indigenous settler of the Town of Tyre, arriving around 1794 as the region was opening to pioneer settlement.
• Dr. James Magee settled in Tyre in 1811 and became one of the area’s most influential early physicians and community leaders. He also served during the War of 1812.
• Thomas W. Roosevelt, a member of the Roosevelt family of New York, settled in Tyre in the early 1800s, worked as a surveyor, and later served as an officer during the War of 1812 before being killed in action near Erie.
• Samuel Messenger was among the earliest religious leaders in the community, helping establish pioneer-era Baptist congregations in Tyre during the early 1800s.
• Jason Smith was the son of pioneer settler Asa Smith and was noted in local histories as one of the town’s oldest lifelong residents. Local accounts credit the Smith family with helping inspire the town’s name, derived from the ancient Mediterranean city of Tyre.

• The Town of Tyre was officially formed in 1829 from portions of the Town of Junius, continuing the region’s early agricultural heritage and settlement growth.
• Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1938 and became the first national wildlife refuge east of the Mississippi River created specifically for migratory bird conservation.
• Located along the Atlantic Flyway, the Montezuma wetlands attract hundreds of species of birds each year, making Tyre one of the Finger Lakes region’s premier birdwatching destinations.
• Before modern transportation routes, the wetlands and waterways surrounding Tyre played an important role in Native American travel and early trade throughout Central New York.

The Town of Tyre traces its roots to the earliest days of settlement in Seneca County and was officially formed from the Town of Junius in 1829. Though modest in population, Tyre has long served as an important crossroads community, shaped by agriculture, transportation, and the natural resources of the surrounding landscape.

Early settlers were drawn to the fertile lands and proximity to the Seneca River and expanding canal systems that connected the region to larger markets throughout New York State. Farming quickly became the backbone of the local economy, with generations of families cultivating crops and raising livestock across Tyre’s rich farmland.

The town’s location also placed it near one of the Finger Lakes region’s most significant natural areas — the vast wetlands that today comprise the Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge. Established in 1938 as the first national wildlife refuge in the eastern United States, the refuge became a critical resting and feeding area along the Atlantic Flyway, attracting hundreds of species of migratory birds and wildlife enthusiasts from across the country.

Over time, Tyre evolved from a quiet agricultural community into a destination that blends rural character with modern attractions. The arrival of del Lago Resort & Casino further expanded tourism and entertainment opportunities while maintaining the town’s connection to the natural beauty and open landscapes that define the area today.

According to the 2020 census, the Town of Tyre had a population of 981 residents.

• Waterloo, New York was officially recognized by Congress and President Lyndon B. Johnson in 1966 as the Birthplace of Memorial Day.
• The first community-wide Memorial Day observance in Waterloo was held on May 5, 1866, when residents decorated graves of Civil War soldiers with flowers and patriotic displays.
• Waterloo was once home to the H.C.S. Motor Car Company, makers of the famous Waterloo “Woodie” station wagons (with distinctive wooden body construction and wood-paneled appearance) that became iconic American vehicles during the early automotive era.
• Oak Island, a scenic waterfront destination offering canal views and recreation, hosted a "prize fight" between Jacob Sands (a Civil War veteran) and Henry "Pompey Smash" Douglass (who, at age 50, was 30 years older than his opponent). The two men fought to a draw in a bout that reportedly lasted all day.  

   

• Henry Welles was a Waterloo pharmacist and civic leader who is widely recognized as one of the founders of Memorial Day through his role in organizing the community’s historic 1866 observance honoring fallen Civil War soldiers.
• Nick Serafino earned recognition as a professional golfer whose career brought national attention to Waterloo and the Finger Lakes region through competitive tournament play. 
• Mike "Magic Shoes" McLaughlin gained national recognition as a NASCAR Busch Series driver and one of the Northeast's most respected short-track racers.
• Tom Coughlin was born in Waterloo and went on to become one of the most accomplished coaches in professional football history, leading the New York Giants to victories in Super Bowl XLII and Super Bowl XLVI.

• Seneca Falls was named for a series of waterfalls and rapids along the Seneca River that once powered the town’s early mills and industries.The creation of Van Cleef Lake came at the expense of what had been the falls of Seneca Falls.
• Seneca Falls, New York is internationally recognized as the birthplace of the women’s rights movement following the first Women’s Rights Convention held in 1848 at the Wesleyan Chapel.
• The Silsby Manufacturing Company of Seneca Falls became nationally known for producing innovative steam-powered fire engines during the late 19th century, helping modernize firefighting across the United States. At one point, Seneca Falls was regarded as the "Fire Engine Capital of the World."
• Seneca Falls played an important role in television history when engineers at Sylvania Electric helped develop some of the nation’s earliest color television technology.
• Until 1975, the copper stars and lettering for the famous Hollywood Walk of Fame were manufactured in Seneca Falls by Knight Letter Works.
• Many believe Seneca Falls inspired the fictional town of Bedford Falls in the classic holiday film It's a Wonderful Life, a connection celebrated each year during the town’s annual festival.

• Elizabeth Cady Stanton lived in Seneca Falls and became one of the nation’s most influential advocates for women’s rights and social reform.
• Amelia Bloomer lived in Seneca Falls and became nationally known for promoting women’s rights and practical reform dress that later became known as “bloomers.”
• Ezra Sutton — one of Major League baseball’s early stars is credited with hitting the first home run in professional baseball history on May 8, 1871 for the Cleveland Forest City's.
• Edward Mynderse contributed to the development of Seneca Falls’ early manufacturing economy through investments in mills, waterpower, and industrial expansion.

The Town of Seneca Falls, New York has played a defining role in both New York State and American history. Originally settled in the late 18th century, the community grew rapidly due to its location along the Seneca River and the development of the Cayuga-Seneca Canal, which transformed the area into an important center for manufacturing, commerce, and transportation during the 19th century.

Seneca Falls gained international recognition in 1848 as the birthplace of the women’s rights movement, when the first Women’s Rights Convention was held at the Wesleyan Chapel. Organized by leaders including Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Lucretia Mott, the convention produced the historic Declaration of Sentiments and launched a movement that reshaped the nation’s conversation on equality and civil rights.

Throughout its history, Seneca Falls has remained deeply connected to industry, innovation, and community life while preserving the historic character and landmarks that continue to define the town today.

• The Cayuga-Seneca Canal connects Cayuga Lake and Seneca Lake to the New York State Canal System and ultimately the Hudson River and Atlantic Ocean.
• Originally completed in the early 19th century, the canal transformed communities like Seneca Falls and Waterloo into important transportation and manufacturing centers.
• The canal follows portions of the Seneca River and includes a series of locks that help vessels navigate changes in elevation across the Finger Lakes region.
• Today, the Cayuga-Seneca Canal is part of the larger New York State Canal System, which also includes the Erie, Champlain, and Oswego canals.
• During the canal era, goods including flour, agricultural products, timber, and manufactured equipment were transported through Seneca County to markets across New York State.
• The canal helped fuel the industrial growth of Seneca Falls by providing waterpower and transportation access for mills and factories.
• Modern visitors enjoy the canal for boating, fishing, kayaking, cycling, and waterfront recreation throughout the Finger Lakes region.

• DeWitt Clinton championed New York’s canal expansion efforts during the early 19th century, helping encourage development of connecting waterways such as the Cayuga-Seneca Canal.
• Benjamin Wright influenced canal engineering practices throughout New York State, including waterway improvements connected to the Cayuga-Seneca Canal system.
• John C. Spencer supported statewide canal development initiatives that expanded transportation and commerce throughout the Finger Lakes region.
• Wilhelmus Mynderse invested in mills, waterpower, and transportation infrastructure that benefited from canal development along the Seneca River corridor.
• Birdsill Holly later utilized the industrial advantages created by the canal system to help expand manufacturing in Seneca Falls.

The Cayuga-Seneca Canal has played a vital role in the development of the Finger Lakes region for more than two centuries. Constructed in the early 19th century as part of New York State’s expanding canal network, the canal was designed to connect Cayuga Lake and Seneca Lake with the Erie Canal system, creating an important transportation route between the Finger Lakes and larger markets across New York State and beyond.

Using portions of the Seneca River and a system of locks and channels, the canal transformed communities such as Seneca Falls and Waterloo into thriving industrial and commercial centers. Agricultural products, lumber, flour, and manufactured goods were transported through the waterway, fueling economic growth throughout the region during the canal era.

Over time, improvements and enlargements modernized the canal to accommodate larger vessels and changing transportation needs. Today, the Cayuga-Seneca Canal remains part of the New York State Canal System and serves as both a recreational waterway and a lasting reminder of the canal system’s impact on the history, economy, and development of the Finger Lakes.

• The Peter Whitmer Farm in Fayette is recognized as a historic religious site connected to the founding of the Latter Day Saint movement.
• John Johnston pioneered the use of agricultural drainage tile systems at Johnston Farm, helping revolutionize farming practices across the United States.
• Rose Hill Mansion is a preserved 19th-century Greek Revival estate overlooking Seneca Lake that offers a glimpse into the lifestyle of prosperous Finger Lakes farming families.
• Ventosa Vineyards won the New York Wine & Food Classic Governor's Cup for their 2011 Estate Grown Lemberger, recognizing it as the best overall wine in the state.

• John Johnston became nationally recognized for pioneering the use of agricultural drainage tile systems that transformed farming practices across the United States.
• Peter Whitmer Sr. hosted the 1830 organization of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at his family farm in Fayette.
• Joseph Smith traveled to Fayette in 1830 for the formal organization of the church at the Peter Whitmer Farm.

• Senior U.S. Army and Department of Defense officials regularly inspected the depot during the Cold War because it reportedly housed one of the nation’s largest stockpiles of nuclear weapons.
• The protected environment inside the former Seneca Army Depot helped the rare white deer population survive and grow over many decades because the fenced military installation limited predators and hunting pressure.
• Most of the deer are considered leucistic, meaning they have a genetic condition that causes reduced pigmentation in their hair and skin, resulting in a white coat while still retaining normal-colored eyes, noses, and hooves.

• The famous Seneca white deer became one of the Finger Lakes region’s most unique wildlife attractions after a rare population of white deer thrived for decades within the protected lands of the former Seneca Army Depot.
• Richard Varick served as the namesake of the Town of Varick following his prominence as an influential American Revolutionary War officer, early New York State Attorney General, and the 46th Mayor of New York City.
• Noted pediatrician and author Dr. Benjamin Spock was a prominent peace activist in October 1983, when he was arrested at the Seneca Army Depot in Romulus, New York. He and over 1,000 other antinuclear demonstrators were detained after participating in civil disobedience by climbing the depot's fences.

• Sampson Naval Training Station trained more than 400,000 sailors during World War II, making it one of the largest naval training facilities in the United States.
• Portions of the former naval base became Sampson State Park, now one of the most visited parks in the New York State Parks system.
• The town was named after Romulus, the legendary founder and first king of Rome in ancient Roman mythology.
• The nearby Seneca Army Depot became nationally known for its rare herd of white deer that thrived within the former military installation.

• Christopher McDonald was born in Romulus and became widely known for portraying the iconic character Shooter McGavin in the comedy film Happy Gilmore.
• Admiral William T. Sampson, for whom Sampson Naval Training Station was named, gained national recognition for commanding American naval forces during the Spanish-American War.
• George J. Walker, served at Seneca Army Depot during his military career before later becoming a brigadier general.

• Ovid, New York has served as one of Seneca County’s two county seats for more than two centuries alongside Waterloo.
• The Three Bears Complex consists of three nearly identical Greek Revival buildings constructed in the 1830s, making it one of the rarest architectural groupings of its kind in the United States.
• According to local legend, the Three Bears buildings earned their nickname because the structures resemble three bears standing side by side — one large, one medium, and one small.
• Ovid was established in 1794 and originally covered a much larger area before several surrounding towns were formed from its territory.
• The town was named after the ancient Roman poet Ovid, continuing a tradition of classical names used throughout the Military Tract of Central New York.

• David Fairchild (1791 – 1866) was an American tradesperson and politician. He created newspapers in New York State before moving to California. He is credited with creating the Ovid Bee.
• Cornelius Humphrey: A Colonel in the Revolutionary War and a delegate to the Second Continental Congress. He served as the first presiding Judge of Seneca County, setting up Ovid's early judicial system in the early 1800s.

• Bill Wagner became one of the region’s early wine industry leaders through the founding of Wagner Vineyards, helping establish the Finger Lakes as a nationally recognized wine destination.

• Rod Serling, creator of the iconic television series The Twilight Zone, is buried at Lake View Cemetery in the village of Interlaken.
• The village of Interlaken received its name because of its location between Cayuga Lake and Seneca Lake, inspired by the famous resort town of Interlaken, Switzerland.
• Covert became an important stop along historic stagecoach and transportation routes connecting communities throughout the Finger Lakes region during the 19th century

• Rod Serling maintained a summer home in Interlaken and often described the area as one of his favorite places, drawing inspiration from the Finger Lakes throughout his career.
• Jacob Covert became one of the town’s prominent early landowners and gave the Town of Covert its name.