No matter where you hail from, you're apt to have ties to the Finger Lakes Region. That's the well-supported message of a new book, A Spirited Trip Through the Finger Lakes & Upstate New York, in which the author ties the Upstate to places all over the world. A Spirited Trip Through the Finger Lakes & Upstate New York borrows the persona of early pioneers to personalize the rich history of the region and answer the question: How did things got to be the way they are? Why should someone from Massachusetts feel right at home when visiting upstate New York? Why do the ancestors of Winston Churchill reside in the cemeteries of Palmyra and Macedon? How did an English lord wind up owning millions of acres of Upstate property after his country lost it in the Revolutionary War? Why did a Canandaigua family become a major benefactor of the New York Metropolitan Museum?

Craft distilling has exploded in the United States in recent years, and this in-depth look at the intrepid characters at the forefront of the liquid revolution will have you rethinking whats in your liquor cabinet—and possibly your career choice. James Rodewald, a veteran journalist who spent more than a decade at Gourmet magazine, most of that time as Drinks Editor, traveled the country talking to the men and women at the heart of this remarkable industry about the challenges they face, the rewards of their hard work, and the delicious spirits they make. Along the way, myths are shattered, phonies are unmasked, and drinks-as well as a few tears-are spilled.

Written by a parent, for parents, this opinionated, personal, and easy-to-use guide has hundreds of ideas to keep the kids entertained for an hour, a day, or a weekend! Fun with the Family Upstate New York leads the way to amusement parks, historical attractions, children’s museums, wildlife habitats, festivals, parks, and many other exciting places to go. The whole family will enjoy . . . Flume zooming at the Catskills’ largest water park, fly-fishing on the Willowemoc, or hiking to Huckleberry Point Immersing themselves in the wonderful world of America’s pastime at the National Baseball Hall of Fame & Museum in Cooperstown Exploring Ithaca’s nationally acclaimed Sciencenter, or traveling through a huge heart and brain at the Rubenstein Museum in Syracuse Standing in awe before Taughannock Falls or Niagara Falls

New York State’s Finger Lakes region attracts over 25 million visitors every year, making it the state’s second-largest tourist destination behind New York City. Besides its beautiful lakes, stunning foliage, and welcoming people, the Finger Lakes has long been known as one of the country’s – let alone world’s – greatest winemaking regions. And, beyond Rieslings and Chardonnays, IPAs, ciders, gins, and whiskeys have risen the ranks in central New York. The Finger Lakes Drinking Guide is a comprehensive guidebook to every major winery, brewery, cidery, and distillery in New York State’s Finger Lakes region. At the heart of this book are true pioneers – friends and neighbors, many of whom author Michael Turback has come to know during his nearly three decades as a restaurateur in Ithaca, NY. The book features almost 200 establishments, including detailed maps and photos, lively profiles on purveyors, addresses and contract information for each location, focusing on each producer's specialties, with personal interviews that highlight the identity and personality of each winery, brewery, cidery, and distillery within. Whether you are a local or a visitor to the FLX region – or a reader with a reverence for artisanal wines, beers, ciders, and spirits – this guide will enlighten and entertain even the most seasoned drinker.

Describes essential places to see throughout the United States and Canada, offering information on what to find at each spot, the best time to visit, things to see and do, local accommodations and eateries, and other important information.