If you're going to be in the Finger Lakes area this weekend, or if you need an excuse to be there, I can give you two - the Hill Cumorah Pageant and the Finger Lakes Wine Festival.

The Hill Cumorah Pageant is a well-known theatrical production about the life of Jesus, presented by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.It takes place on a hillside on Highway 21, near Palmyra, and admission and parking is free.

Although I've never attended the pageant, I know people who have gone and enjoyed it, and I'm planning to go this weekend. I understand that the special effects are awesome. Shows begin at 9 pm July 13 through 17.

I have visited the Hill Cumorah Visitor's Center, and it was incredibly interesting. They have interactive displays and a state-of-the-art auditorium for movie showings.

The Finger Lakes Wine Festival will be held July 16-18 in Watkins Glen. The event kicks off Friday with a Launch of the Lakes Celebration from 6 pm to 9:30 pm. There will be a Toga Parade, wine tastings, music, fireworks and demostrations by Corning Museum of Glass, one of the event supporters. (Tickets are $15 per person at the gate.) Saturday and Sunday will feature wine tastings, seminars (like the Wine and Chocolate seminar!) and cooking demostrations. Tickets go on sale at 9 am Saturday and Sunday. Special discount tickets are available for Designated Drivers, entitling them to grape juice and soda instead of wine tasting.

The Finger Lakes is a beautiful region, especially this time of year. Even if you don't make it down for one of these events, you'll find other excuses to visit here: Friends of the Finger Lakes

The Hill Cumorah Pageant is handicap accessible. For more information on the pageant, call 315.597.5851 or visit Hill Cumorah.

For more information on the Finger Lakes Wine Festival, call 607.535.2481 or visit Finger Lakes Wine Festival