Summary
The Finger Lakes region in upstate New York is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, exquisite wineries, and quaint small towns. Situated on the southern tip of Seneca Lake—the largest Finger Lake by volume—Watkins Glen is an ideal destination for those wishing to engage with the outdoors.
Visitors often flock to Watkins Glen State Park, celebrated for its 19 stunning waterfalls that cascade into a winding gorge. Additionally, this area is famous for its wine production, with the Seneca Lake Wine Trail featuring 25 wineries and offering a unique world of flavors and experiences.
Bruce Murray, owner of Boundary Breaks Vineyard, emphasizes the community spirit that enriches the visitor experience. He states, “Part of what makes coming to places like this feel different is that you can see the owner pouring wine themselves. You can tell that people are committed, and they really care.”
Whether you’re seeking a peaceful escape or a thrilling adventure, Watkins Glen serves as a fantastic hub for your Finger Lakes exploration.
Best Hotels
For a luxurious stay, the Idlwilde Inn boasts 18 elegantly appointed rooms in a historic Victorian house dating back to 1892. Meanwhile, the Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel, located just half a mile away, offers waterfront accommodations with picturesque balcony views.
For those interested in a farm stay, Farm Sanctuary features six refurbished cabins and tiny houses set on 275 acres where guests can learn about ethical farming practices.
A distinctive option is the Grist Iron Brewery, which offers an on-site guest house, the Farmhouse. Accommodating up to 16 guests, it features a spacious deck for enjoying sunset views over the lake.
For wine aficionados, Glenora Wine Cellars offers inn-style accommodations with breathtaking vineyard views and convenient winery access.
Things to Do
While Watkins Glen is relatively small, the surrounding natural beauty provides ample opportunities for exploration. Watkins Glen State Park is ideal for various activities, with an Olympic-sized pool, gorge tours during summer, picnic and camping areas, and more. Travelers can take the two-mile Gorge Trail to experience stunning waterfalls and scenic vistas.
For fishing enthusiasts or those wishing to swim, Seneca Lake offers popular spots, including the lakefront Watkins Glen Beach and Sampson State Park Beach.
Exploring wineries is a central activity for many visitors. Following the wine trail allows an opportunity to savor some of the finest wines while basking in stunning views. The region has a rich winemaking history dating back to the mid-1800s. Notable wineries to visit include Wagner, J.R. Dill, and Damiani.
Murray encourages visitors to try beyond just the renowned riesling wines: “If you’re on a wine tour, you should definitely explore cabernet franc, which is gaining recognition in the region.”
Moreover, the area is not only about wine; craft beer and distilled spirits are also available. Within an hour of Watkins Glen, visitors can discover around 100 varied choices.
If racing is your passion, don’t miss the opportunity to visit Watkins Glen International, a historic racetrack known for hosting major national and international events.
The nearby Corning Museum of Glass is another must-see destination, featuring mesmerizing glass-making demonstrations and exhibitions that appeal to guests of all ages.
Best Restaurants
For those seeking a top-notch dining experience, the Blue Pointe Grill serves fresh seafood and steak dishes with stunning views of Seneca Lake. Another local favorite is Elf In The Oak, offering delicious sandwiches in a charming setting.
Many local wineries and breweries also provide tasting menus and regional snacks. Visitors should not miss F.L.X. Wienery for gourmet hot dogs, or venture to Ithaca for outstanding restaurants like Moosewood, renowned for its vegetarian offerings.
Best Time to Visit
Watkins Glen offers attractions year-round. Summer is ideal for enjoying nature trails, though it may attract larger crowds. Fall is harvest season, while spring breathes life into the waterfalls following the winter thaw. Despite winter’s cold, it also offers scenic beauty with frozen lakes and cozy cideries.
The annual Finger Lakes Wine Festival happens every July, featuring tastings from nearly 100 New York wineries.
How to Get There
The Watkins Glen area is accessible via several airports, including Elmira/Corning Regional Airport and Ithaca Tompkins International Airport, both approximately 30 minutes away by car. The nearest major airport is Syracuse Hancock International Airport, which offers more frequent flights and is about a 1.5-hour drive from Watkins Glen.
Traveling from New York City takes around 4.5 hours. Amtrak and Greyhound provide service to larger cities, with train stops in Syracuse and Rochester, and buses making stops in Corning and Ithaca.
How to Get Around
A car is the most convenient means of exploring the Finger Lakes region, particularly for reaching Watkins Glen. While rideshare options are available, rural service may be limited.
Although rental car services are not directly available in Watkins Glen, major companies like Avis, Budget, and Hertz are easy to find at the nearby airports.
Larger groups interested in traveling along the Finger Lakes wine trail can find several bus and shuttle companies that offer safe transport. It’s essential to review each winery’s group policy in advance. Recommended service providers can be found through the Finger Lakes Wine Country Tourism Association, the Seneca Lake Wine Trail, or the Finger Lakes Tourism Alliance.
