“Did nobody ever tell you grapes are better in September?“
-James Marriott
Are you looking for the best things to do in Naples, NY? You’re in for a treat…and not just the grape pies for which the town is known.
Naples is a quaint little town in New York’s Finger Lakes region. It’s a beautiful area full of wineries, rolling hills, and long stretches of lakeshore. My partner is from the Finger Lakes, and it’s a place I’ve grown rather fond of visiting over the past few years. Naples is located near the southern end of Canandaigua Lake.
For being a small town, there are lots of things to do in Naples, NY, especially if you like spending time outdoors. Whether you are passing through or making it your base camp, Naples is a great place to spend a day or two as you explore the Finger Lakes.
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Getting There
The closest transportation hubs near Naples are the cities of Rochester and Syracuse, NY. From there, the drive to Naples is about an hour or an hour and a half, respectively.
- By plane: Fly into Frederick Douglass Greater Rochester International Airport or Syracuse Hancock International Airport.
- By train: There are Amtrak train stations in both Rochester (Louise M. Slaughter Rochester Station) and Syracuse (Regional Transportation Center).
- By bus: Both Rochester and Syracuse have Greyhound Bus terminals.
Getting Around
The best way to get around Naples, NY is by car. It is a pretty rural area, so having a car makes it easier to reach things like trailheads and wineries.
However, once you are in Naples, you can walk to many places within the town.
Where to Stay in Naples, NY
- During my first visit to Naples I stayed at the Maxfield Inn, a lovingly restored historic mansion.
- The Naples Hotel has been recently renovated and offers an on-site restaurant and bar with outdoor seating.
Things to Do in Naples, NY
Take a Hike
One of the best things to do in Naples, NY, is go for a hike. Trails around Naples vary from easy to difficult. Its location in a valley offers fun hikes that include views and waterfalls! My two favorite hikes are:
Grimes Glen
The 1.1 mile hike through Grimes Glen is easy enough- as long as you’re wearing waterproof shoes. You’ll be walking along the stream bed, and some of the stepping stones will be a few inches underwater (depending on the season).
It’s worth it, though! The Grimes Glen hike features three cascading waterfalls. The third waterfall is a bit tricky to get to and requires some strenuous rope climbing.
If you enjoy waterfall hikes, check out these other trails to waterfalls in the Finger Lakes.
Conklin Gully
Another area that’s great for hiking in Naples, NY, is Conklin Gully. The trailhead is located just five minutes from downtown, but you’ll feel like you’re in the middle of nowhere (in a good way).
There are several trails to take around Conklin Gully. Most of them start with a steep climb but reward you with awesome views of the gorge. I enjoyed this 2.1-mile loop from All Trails, which is rated as “moderate” and took about an hour to complete.
Eat at a Local Cafe
Naples knows how to start the day off right! Most of the best places to eat in Naples, NY serve excellent breakfasts, brunches, and lunches. There are several cute cafes in town, and the food at each of them is so good.
Old School Cafe
One of my favorite things to do in Naples is eat at Old School Cafe. They have everything from fresh pastries to chicken and waffles. With delicious coffee and a friendly staff, Old School is a great place to fuel up for the day’s adventures.
The building actually was a primary schoolhouse in the 1800s. You can either sit inside, where the decor includes things like the periodic table of elements, or outside at picnic tables. You might even get to enjoy live music!
Caruso’s Cafe
For a retro feeling (not quite as old school as Old School), step into Caruso’s Cafe on Main Street. This neighborhood spot is popular amongst tourists and locals alike. Enjoy a bagel sandwich or a smoothie as you sit in a colorful, friendly atmosphere.
Wander Downtown
A simple, but pleasant, thing to do in Naples is just to walk along the stretch of downtown. There are shops, cafes, bars, and restaurants to explore. It’s about a mile to walk from end to end of the main drag.
Celebrate Grapes
One of the most popular things to do in Naples is to attend the Naples Grape Festival. This annual festival occurs each September and, as the name suggests, celebrates grapes!
The Finger Lakes area is known for its fertile land that is perfect for vineyards. At the Naples Grape Festival, you can enjoy tasting wines and beverages from the region, along with live music.
The main event of the Naples Grape Festival is the Grape Pie Contest. This delicious baked good is specific to the Finger Lakes area and uses purple grapes. Similar to blueberry pie, a grape pie is both sweet and tart.
Even if you can’t make the festival, when you go to Naples, you should try a grape pie. You can purchase them from Cindy’s Pies or Monica’s Pies in town.
Visit a Local Winery
If you prefer your grapes crushed, rather than baked, you should visit a local winery. Finger Lakes grapes are commonly used to make Riesling, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir.
One of the most convenient wineries in Naples, NY is Hazlitt Red Cat Cellars, since they’re right in town! Enjoy a flight of wine samplings with a bowl of fresh popcorn in a chalet-inspired building.
The Hazlitt family (now in its seventh generation of wine-makers) has been growing grapes since 1852. They make red, white, and rosé wines right in Naples. They’re probably most known for their Red Cat Wines, which you can purchase throughout New York State.
Hazlitt also makes one of my favorite ciders, Cider Tree!
Other nearby wineries in Naples include Inspire Moore Winery and Arbor Hill Winery.
Try Some Craft Brews
Of course, you don’t only have to drink wine if you visit Naples. There are several local breweries as well!
Naples Brewing Company
Naples Brewing Company is located right on Main Street and offers small batch craft beers with local ingredients. Try the Grape Pie Sour in honor of the town’s specialty!
Engine 14 Brewing
Located on the Hazlitt property is Engine 14, named for the its fire house theme. (Founder Greg opened up the brewery after retiring from the Rochester Fire Department in 2019.) Try the oatmeal stout or the apricot wheat ale!
See a Show at Bristol Valley Theater
I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention Bristol Valley Theater as one of the best things to do in Naples! The theater was what first brought my partner and me to Naples, since he was performing in a play there.
Bristol Valley Theater is Ontario County’s only professional theater! Each summer they produce plays, musicals, and new works of theater. Actors come from all over the country to perform in Naples, bringing all kinds of talent with them.
(The theater itself was previously a church, and the theater seats are still cushioned pews.)
The staff at Bristol Valley Theater is warm and welcoming. Once you see a show there, you’ll want to return!
Shop Farmers’ Markets
With so many farms around, it’s no wonder that Naples, NY has some fantastic open-air markets that offer fresh produce and homemade goods. (Seriously, I could eat my weight in breads, pastries, and fruit jams.)
In Naples you can find Joseph’s Wayside Market, which sells everything from flowers to fresh berries. They also have a local wine section, of course!
By purchasing goods from these kinds of markets, you’ll be supporting local farmers, bakers, and artisans.
Honorable Mentions
If you have several days in Naples, there are more fun things to explore in the area.
- Canandaigua Lake: Have a lake day! There are beaches and boat rental spots along the lake if you want to get out on the water.
- Hollerhorn Distilling: If neither wine nor beer is your thing, you’re in luck! You could try a local distillery, instead. Hollerhorn Distilling makes unique spirits using maple syrup, in addition to gin, whiskey, and a fruit brandy.
I hope you are able to enjoy the adorable town of Naples, NY! Naples has all of the best things that come to mind when one thinks of the Finger Lakes: wine and waterfalls. I look forward to visiting every summer; maybe one day you will, too.
Planning a trip to the Finger Lakes? Save this post for later!
You should have stopped in at Artizanns, We support over 200 artists from the Finger Lakes. Everything is one-of-a-kind unless it is a book, food or prints. Next time. We welcome everyone.