SWEET BUZZINGS OF THE FINGERLAKES BLOG

This week we’re taking a little journey through time as we explore the history of baking, just in time for the third Sunday in May—also known as World Baking Day. From the earliest flatbreads cooked over open fires to the modern ovens we rely on today, baking has been a part of human life for thousands of years, bringing comfort, creativity, and connection to every generation.

There was a time when the first day of May meant something quietly magical. On the morning of May 1st, neighbors would open their doors to find a small surprise hanging from the doorknob—a basket of flowers left in secret, often by a friend, a child, or even an admirer who didn’t want to be seen. No notifications. No labels. No expectation of anything in return. Just a simple act of kindness: a May Day basket.

As we celebrate our planet, it is the perfect time to shine a light on the tiny, winged wonders that keep our ecosystems humming. While Earth Day 2026 focuses on the theme "Our Power, Our Planet," there is perhaps no better example of "power in numbers" than the honey bee.

We thought it would be fun to give you a peek behind the scenes at what it really takes to prepare for a craft fair here at Fingerlakes Honey Company. Over the years, we’ve developed a system that works for us (with a few bumps along the way), and we’d love to share not just what we do—but how you can do it too.

If you’ve watched Stranger Things, you’ve heard the term “hive mind” more than a few times. In the show, it refers to a dark, interconnected intelligence controlling creatures from the Upside Down — one brain, many bodies, total domination.It’s dramatic. It’s eerie. It’s fantastic storytelling. But what about real honey bee hives?

In the quiet village of Dresden, NY—where bees buzzed, honey flowed, and everyone knew everyone—something strange was brewing in February of when William Keefer awoke to find eight of his honeybee colonies missing. Stolen. Vanished into the cold, still air.

Whether you’re here to read, reminisce, or try a recipe for your own holiday table, I invite you to linger a little, step inside, and share in a wonderful lifetime of Christmas mornings- a celebration of the past, the present, and the promise of all the holidays yet to bee, a celebration of the past, the present, and the promise of all the holidays yet to come.

Make your holiday gatherings unforgettable with Fingerlakes Honey Company’s sweet, savory, and crowd-pleasing appetizers. Whether you’re hosting a big Christmas Eve party, a cozy night with family, or a casual get-together with friends, the right snacks can turn any table into the heart of the celebration.

We are celebrating a birthday this week here at Fingerlakes Honey Company. Happy Birthday November 13th to Beekeeper Stacie! As we get ready to celebrate, we've been thinking about time- how it passes, how quickly seasons change, and what we can learn from the bees that share our world. Every member of the hive has its own life span, rhythm, and purpose. Together, they keep the colony thriving year after year, season after season. So let's celebrate by learning about the lif

What a month it’s been in the Finger Lakes! Between golden leaves, cozy kitchens, and busy bees preparing for the colder days ahead, October brought plenty of sweetness our way. From new recipes and fall favorites to updates around the hive, we’ve wrapped up the month with lots to share. Here’s a peek at what’s been happening.

In celebration of National Chemistry Week, we’re thrilled to feature a special post from our very own Dr. Felix Janeway- scientist, teacher, and proud member of our family (aka Bailey’s husband!).

So, what does space have to do with honey? As it turns out… quite a lot! Because floating in the night sky is a glittering reminder that the universe has its own kind of hive. In honor of World Space Week, we’re thrilled to feature a special post by our daughter, Bailey Filer, a second-year Ph.D. candidate in Astrophysical Sciences and Technology at the Rochester Institute of Technology. She is advised by Dr. Jason Nordhaus, who guides her research in the dynamics of common

It’s National Dog Week, and around here at Fingerlakes Honey Company, we think our four-legged friends deserve a little celebration too! Naturally, when we think of treats, honey comes to mind—but is honey safe for dogs?

Yes, we know we are extremely late with this update. So sorry. The months are just flying by so fast. If you would like more up-to-date goings on, like and follow our Facebook or Instagram pages. Whether you stopped by the farm, browsed online, or just love staying in the loop, here’s your monthly dose of buzzworthy updates you won’t want to miss.

Did you know honey bees had beards? Well, it's not exactly what you might be thinking, Coinciding with World Beard Day this Saturday, it’s the perfect time to explore this fascinating behavior, celebrate fuzz, on both bees and humans, and maybe give your own beard some TLC with our Fuzzy Bee Bee-rd Oil.

Every once in a while, you come across someone in history who didn’t just leave behind a legacy—they left behind a way of life. Gilbert M. Doolittle, the father of commercial queen-rearing, was one of those extraordinary souls. His methods shaped modern beekeeping. His words sparked thought, laughter, and plenty of lively debate. And his deep devotion to bees and truth—not theory—cemented his place in apicultural history.

July brought the heat—and the honey! From sweet sips to sizzling recipes and a few surprises from the hive, there’s been a lot going on at Fingerlakes Honey Company. Whether you stopped by the farm, browsed online, or just love staying in the loop, here’s your monthly dose of buzzworthy updates you won’t want to miss.

Friendship comes in all shapes, sizes, and sometimes wings! Today on International Day of Friendship, we’re celebrating the powerful connections that make life richer—not just between people, but between humans and the humble honey bee.

Peter Sieling’s journey through time, tracing the lives and legacy of the Cogshall brothers and G.M. Doolittle, is more than just a scenic trip across New York’s backroads. It’s a love letter to the beekeepers who built the foundations we now stand on. These pioneers lived, worked, innovated, and quite literally changed the way honey was harvested, and they did it right here in our neck of the woods.

Imagine walking into a store, a church, or even your friend’s house, only to be hit with a wave of scent that feels like you just got tackled by a flowery linebacker. Your eyes water. Your throat closes up. Your head pounds. And all you want to do is escape. If you are nodding in miserable recognition, you are not alone and there is no better time to talk about it than now. July 8th is National Allergy Day, a moment to acknowledge the countless individuals whose immune system