A Delightful Day in Watkins Glen

Coming to the Finger Lakes region is usually about the wine and beer of the region, but if you’d rather spend time off the trail and experience the magic of Watkins Glen, we’ve got some great recommendations of how to make the most of your trip. These are great stops if you’d like variety in your trip or if you’d prefer to take a break from the wineries while on your Finger Lakes vacation. 

If you’ve never been to Watkins Glen before, you’ll be charmed by the history and the beauty of this Seneca Lake community the moment you arrive. Just minutes away from our Seneca Lake vacation rentals, Watkins Glen offers something to every kind of traveler. If you love the outdoors, are a foodie, or simply need a place to get away from the ordinary, then you’ll fall in love with Watkins Glen as much as we have! 

 

Start off your day with donuts at Tobey’s, a local hot-spot that is known for serving up sweet treats that are to die for. We recommend pairing one with a cup at Seneca Sunrise Coffee -- make sure to try the FLX Morning Blend! It’s one we created with Mindi, the roaster, and we serve it up in all of our rentals. It’s a must try. Not much for sweets? The Blackberry Inn Kitchen has amazing NY boiled bagels or you could stop at Classic Chef’s in Montour Falls -- just minutes from Watkins Glen -- for a fabulous full breakfast. 

Watkins Glen State Park

Once you’ve fueled up for the day, it’s time to get outdoors and explore. Hiking is one of the best things to do when you visit the Finger Lakes and Watkins Glen offers exceptional trails. If you’re up for the challenge, take the Gorge Trail at Watkins Glen State Park and see 19 waterfalls along the way. Need something more laid back? Eagle Cliff Falls at Havana Glen is an easier hike with room to swim under a waterfall. 

After your hike, take a drive down to the quaint town of Montour Falls to see SheQuaGa Falls -- the photos will be so worth it. Afterwards, grab a latte at North New York, a tea at Montour Falls Tea Company or a beer at Diversion Brewing. You’ll be refreshed and ready to keep exploring!

For lunch, Jerlando’s or Grandma’s Kitchen are great picks. Both are delish! Or, if you’d rather, you can check out Prisebox for roadside BBQ or snag a hoagie with yummy sides at Holy Cow Deli. Want to sneak in a tasting or sip and snack on charcuterie? Upstate Brewing offers fabulous tastings and Seneca Lake Cheese is a perfect stop to grab cheese plates, wine, beer, or other essentials. Both have outdoor seating if you want to stage an impromptu picnic!

With full bellies, the rest of the day is yours to explore. Take another hike, retire to your rental for a nap, or head out onto the water. Water adventures can be active, like swimming in the lake at Clute Park or renting a kayak or SUP at Seneca Lake Kayak -- or they can be more relaxed, like taking a sailboat ride or boat cruise with Captain Bill. It’s up to you!

Once dinner time rolls around, you’ve got plenty of options to choose from in the Watkins Glen region. Get fancy at Graft Cider and Wine Bar, go casual or Nickel’s Pit BBQ, indulge in seafood and outdoor dining at Kookaloroc’s Bar and Grill, or try authentic Thai at Thai Elephants. Vegan diners will love Green Elephants for plant-based eats. Maybe you’re feeling old school. If so, then you won’t want to miss Seneca Lodge. It’s got amazing Dirty Dancing vibes and has a fresh salad bar plus some of the best London broil and fried chicken we’ve ever had. Italian-loving diners will appreciate Jerlandos and if burgers and brews are more your speed, then you’ll crave Landon’s, Maria’s, or Bleechers come suppertime. 

 

After a full day of exploring, amazing meals and local charm, we recommend ending the day with something sweet before you head back to your vacation rental for a good night’s rest. Watkins Glen has a Ben & Jerry’s right in town or you can check out The Great Escape for Hershey’s ice cream. Prefer soft serve? Glen Dairy Bar is a hometown favorite!

As you can see, Watkins Glen is FULL of things to explore outside the Seneca Wine Trail. Be sure to add these stops to your list when you come to visit -- you won’t regret the sights, tastes, and experiences of this incredible region of the Finger Lakes.