Watkins Glen, a charming town at the southern tip of Seneca Lake in New York's Finger Lakes region, is world famous for its beautiful natural scenery, wineries and special role in the history of auto racing. The Finger Lakes region offers something for every visitor, whether it's outdoor sports like hiking, skiing, wildlife viewing or snowmobiling; locally-produced organic foods and wines; or historic landmarks and museums. Watkins Glen provides a perfect starting point for exploring all the area has to offer.
The most famous of the Finger Lakes' state parks, Watkins Glen boasts a 2-mile trail of glacier-carved gorges, spectacular waterfalls and breathtaking views. You can walk the stone steps along the central stream or hike the trails at the top of the ridges on either side of the gorges. Additional features include picnicking areas, snack bars, a swimming pool and comfort stations.
Watkins Glen State Park
Route 14
Watkins Glen, NY 14891
(607) 535-4511
nysparks.com/parks/142/details.aspx
Take a 1-hour narrated cruise aboard the Stroller IV, a vintage 1930s motor vessel, for views of beautiful Seneca Lake (open mid-May through mid-October). See the 165-foot Hector Falls, Native American artifacts and scenic shoreline. Afterward, enjoy lunch or dinner at the nearby Seneca Harbor Station, a renovated 1876 train station featuring a contemporary American seafood menu.
Captain Bill's and the Seneca Harbor Station
1 North Franklin St.
Watkins Glen, NY 14891
(607) 535-4541
senecaharborstation.com
A promotional organization formed by the Seneca Lake Winery Association, the Seneca Lake Wine Trail produces cultural events to highlight the viticulture of the Finger Lakes region. Its 36 member wineries participate in wine and cheese festivals, specialized tastings, wine weekends and the annual "Golden Nose" wine awards. These are just a few of the grape-oriented events that take place throughout the year. An updated schedule of events is available on the organization's website.
Seneca Lake Wine Trail/Seneca Lake Winery Association
2 N. Franklin Street, Suite 320
Watkins Glen, NY 14891
(607) 535-8080
senecalakewine.com
Open seven days a week year round, Atwater Estate invites visitors to sip its vintages in the tasting room or sample a unique dinner pairing seasonal varietals with locally-grown produce. Its charming main building resembles a romantic Provencal farmhouse. Atwater grows 16 varieties of grapes on the estate, which lies about 7 miles north of Watkins Glen on the eastern shore of Seneca Lake.
Atwater Estate Vineyards and Winery
5055 Route 414
PO Box 216
Hector, NY 14841
(607) 546-8463
atwatervineyards.com
"The Glen" was home to the United States Grand Prix auto race from 1961 to 1980. Today it hosts numerous Formula One, Indycar and NASCAR races, as well as vintage auto shows. RV and tent camping accommodations are available onsite. Racing aficionados might want to visit the historic collections at the nearby International Motor Racing Research Center for a true taste of Watkins Glen's racing past.
Watkins Glen International
2790 County Route 16
Watkins Glen, NY 14891
(607) 535-2486
theglen.com
Motor Racing Research Center
610 S. Decatur St.
Watkins Glen, NY 14891
(607) 535-9044
racingarchives.org
