Stay & Go
Auto Adventure:
You’d probably agree that one of the best parts of living in the Northeast is the bounty of color that comes with our autumn season. If you’re leaf peepers like us, you’ll love the picturesque drive up north. Cruising along Route 15, you’ll weave though state forests and game lands galore, climbing mountains painted in gorgeous shades of burgundy and gold.
Glass Break:
Right after you cross over the New York state border, you’ll hit the town of Corning. Stop here for lunch and a little learning. Inside the Corning Museum of Glass, there’s something to please history buffs, artists and science fans alike. You might not have given much thought to glass, but here you’ll discover a new appreciation for the material that has formed everything from 3,500-year-old décor to cutting edge fiber optic cables. And if you have a little extra time, plan to stay for a glassblowing class, too.
Corning Museum of Glass
cmog.org
edited.JPG.jpe)
Image courtesy Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel
Calm Waters:
Once you’ve arrived, take up residence at the Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel for a restful few days. Located at the tip of Seneca Lake, Watkins Glen is a central location for everything you’ll want to do in the Finger Lakes region. As for accommodations, the Harbor Hotel provides every amenity you could hope for, including a knowledgeable concierge to help you plan excursions. Their luxury guestrooms and suites offer a gorgeous view of the lake, as does their patio, where you can relax and enjoy a glass of local wine or a bite to eat while you watch the boats come and go.
Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel
watkinsglenharborhotel.com
Sip & Savor
Here’s the Dish:
Seafood lovers, Italian food lovers, any food lovers: Do not miss dinner at Union Block Italian Bistro. Want some spice? Try the Fra Diavolo, loaded with mussels, clams and shrimp in a perfectly piquant sauce. For some comfort food, ask about the Mac Cotto e Formaggio (baked mac and cheese) of the day; you might get chicken and chorizo with spinach, or maybe lobster with zucchini. This cozy eatery has a fantastic vibe, and by the way it’s packed every weekend, you know it’s a local favorite. They don’t take reservations, but it’s worth the wait, plus you can hang out downstairs at The Grotto and enjoy live music.
Union Block Italian Bistro
unionblockitalian.com
Un(wine)d:
The highlight of any trip to the Finger Lakes is really the wine, isn’t it? If you’d like to sit back, relax and let someone else guide you through some fantastic wineries, Experience! The Finger Lakes tours are a great option. Pick from a variety of themes and starting locations, and the tour will handle the rest of your journey.
Experience! The Finger Lakes
experiencefingerlakes.com/wine-tours
Do & See
Talk of the Town:
The Finger Lakes’ village of Hammondsport, NY, joins Lititz, PA, as a winner of the title of “America’s Coolest Small Town,” making this quaint community well worth a visit. Stroll through downtown and around the town square, popping into art galleries, antique stores and gift shops. If you’re a fan of old homes and cozy cottages, wander through the local neighborhoods to check out the architecture on your way to take in the serene view of Keuka Lake.
Fall in Love:
Remember to pack your hiking shoes so you can enjoy the great outdoors at Watkins Glen State Park. This famous natural landmark follows the glen’s stream two miles as it descends 400 feet past 200-foot cliffs, creating 19 waterfalls along the way. Follow the path over and under waterfalls, enjoying the lush greenery and the sound of trickling streams and crashing water. Oh, and bring your camera too; photo opportunities abound.
Watkins Glen State Park
nysparks.com/parks/142
Image courtesy Americana Vineyards Winery
Wine About It
If you prefer a more DIY wine tour, here are a few of our favorite wineries in the vicinity of Hammondsport and Watkins Glen:
Dr. Konstantin Frank Vinifera Wine Cellars
Hammondsport, NY
drfrankwines.com
Bully Hill Vineyards
Hammondsport, NY
bullyhillvineyards.com
Heron Hill Winery
Hammondsport, NY
heronhill.com
Glenora Wine Cellars
Dundee, NY
glenora.com
Hermann J. Wiemer Vineyard
Dundee, NY
wiemer.com
Hazlitt 1852 Vineyards
Hector, NY
hazlitt1852.com
Fox Run Vineyards
Penn Yan, NY
foxrunvineyards.com
Americana Vineyards Winery
Interlaken, NY
americanavineyards.com
