48 Hours in Watkins Glen, NY

Watkins Glen in the Finger Lakes is a wonderful example of a small town in upstate New York with a big story (other good examples are Seneca Falls and Cooperstown). While there may be fewer than 2,000 year-round residents, Watkins Glen is also home to world-class attractions like gorge-ous Watkins Glen State Park and Watkins Glen International, the only place to watch NASCAR in the state. Add a legendary wine trail, stunning waterfalls, farm-to-table dining, and charming downtown shopping, and you have the perfect upstate escape. Don’t worry about the planning, we’ve done it all for you.

This article was originally published on 12/26/2022 and last updated on 05/12/2026.

FRIDAY

3 pm: Visit the International Motor Racing Research Center

Credit: Anthony Bristol Images

Watkins Glen has a great history of car racing under its belt. The first American road race after World War II was held here on October 2, 1948. It was known as “the Day the Trains Stopped” because rail service was suspended so racers could drive over the train tracks on the course. Today, racing buffs can even drive the original 6.6-mile Grand Prix circuit through the village streets free of charge, following the well-marked route that put Watkins Glen on the international racing map. You can learn more about the village's racing history at the International Motor Racing Research Center. With free admission, visitors can peruse the extensive collection which includes historic photographs, film, oral histories, memorabilia, racing artifacts, and records of famous drivers.

6:30 PM: Set Sail on Seneca Lake 

Chase the sunset on a peaceful sail aboard the historic schooner True Love on Seneca Lake with Schooner Excursions. This legendary vessel, built in 1926 and celebrating its 100th year in 2026, was immortalized in the 1956 film High Society alongside Grace Kelly and Frank Sinatra. The popular Sunset Sail departs at 6:30 p.m. and runs until 8:30 p.m. at $85 per person (other daytime sails are available from $75/person). Advance booking is recommended, especially on weekends.

8:30 pm: Dig in at Nickel’s Pit BBQ

Nickel’s Pit BBQ has some of the best barbecue in the area—from classics like brisket and chicken to fried ribs (aka “pig wings”) and fried pickles. Can’t decide? Try gut-busting combo platters like the Nickel’s Split (pulled pork, brisket, kielbasa, smoked turkey, 1/2 chicken, 1/4 rack, 5 wings, 3 pig wings, 2 sides, and cornbread) or the OG Three (1/3 pound each of pulled pork, sliced brisket, and Schrader Farms kielbasa).

SATURDAY

9 am: Grab Breakfast at a Beloved Local Spot

Credit: @babesandbudscoffeelounge on Instagram

For those who like to multitask, pick up a signature latte, hearty breakfast sandwich, and a little something sweet at Babes and Buds and then walk three blocks north to enjoy your breakfast to-go with a view of sparkling Seneca Lake. Get a taste of the local flavor at Tobey's Donut Shop, a four-generation family institution handcrafting fresh-from-scratch donuts and full breakfasts since 1952.

10 am: Walk About Town

Credit: Marta Zielinska

Take a leisurely stroll in Watkins Glen's charming downtown along Franklin Street, home to the world's smallest diner, to enjoy some window shopping or a full-on shopping spree. Pop into Specc's for chocolate and gifts, browse the Watkins Glen International Store, pick up artisanal olive oils at Crystal City Olive Oil, or treat yourself to some ice cream at Colonial Inn & Creamery and Ben & Jerry's. Keep your eyes open for racing-themed murals that decorate buildings throughout downtown as a colorful nod to the town's legendary motorsports heritage and walk the Watkins Glen Drivers Walk of Fame, honoring the legends who have competed on Watkins Glen's world-famous circuit.

12 pm: Get Your Motor Running at Watkins Glen International

Credit: ISC/Getty Images

Check the schedule at Watkins Glen International to see what events you’ll encounter at this storied road course during your visit. The track roars to life in the summer when you can catch popular racing events such as Sahlen’s Six Hours of The Glen in June, the Hilliard United States Vintage Grand Prix in September, and the annual Go Bowling at The Glen, the only NASCAR race in New York State, which is returning in September 2027. You can also drive around the racetrack yourself as part of the “Drive The Glen” program, just make sure to buy tickets in advance.

4 pm: Sip Your Way Along the Seneca Lake Wine Trail

After all that action, you’ll want to relax, and what better way to do so than with a glass of the Finger Lakes’ famous wine in hand? You’ll find 28 wineries up and down the shores of Seneca Lake, many with tasting rooms offering up spectacular lake views. Try the sparkling wines and Rieslings of Glenora Wine Cellars, the selections at the family-run (& family-friendly) Lakewood Vineyards, and more on the Seneca Lake Wine Trail.

6 pm: Dinner at Stonecat Cafe

Credit: Erin Faherty

The menu at Stonecat Cafe in nearby Hector has changed frequently over the last 20 years, as chef and owner Scott Signori uses local ingredients, delivered daily from area farms. The chef recommends a paired beverage (including local Finger Lakes wines) for each item and lists out which farm each ingredient comes from so there are no surprises—aside from how delicious everything is. Open seasonally, April-November, with seating available on a first come, first serve basis.

8 pm: Bottoms Up at Upstate Brewing Company

Credit: Marta Zielinska

Wrap up your day of adventure with a flight or pint of delicious New York State beer at this popular dog-friendly hangout spot, where you can find a food truck and Bingo (only on Thursdays).

SUNDAY

9 am: Breakfast at Blue Pointe Grille

Credit: Photo Courtesy of Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel

An upscale dining experience with views of Seneca Lake, Blue Pointe Grille serves up classic and affordable American cuisine for the whole family every day of the week. Located within the Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel (pictured), try breakfast favorites like buttermilk pancakes and Belgian waffles, the Harbor Breakfast, or three styles of omelets. Grab some muffins to reward yourself at the end of the day after your final activity.

11 am: Explore Watkins Glen State Park

Before heading back home, get a few more glimpses of the beautiful nature in this area at Watkins Glen State Park, named one of the top state parks in the country in a national poll. Climb up and down and in between rocks that are more than 300 million years old on the easy stone pathways of the 2.4-mile-long Gorge Trail, passing 19 (!) waterfalls along the way, including some you can walk behind or under—like the famous Rainbow Falls. If it’s a hot one, we wouldn’t judge you for hanging out by the waterfalls, but you should also know the park has an Olympic-sized pool.

PLACES TO STAY IN WATKINS GLEN

Luxury
Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel - AAA Four Diamond hotel with a lakefront location, home to Blue Pointe Grille and Coldwater Bar.

Mid-Range
The Hotel Laurel at Seneca - Mid-century modern design hotel, with panoramic views of Seneca Lake from your room's private balcony.

Budget to Mid-Range Options
Seneca Lodge - Sprawling resort with cabins, A-frames, and a motel in the hills overlooking Watkins Glen.

Unique Stay
Farm Sanctuary - 275-acre sanctuary home to hundreds of rescued farm animals and cafe serving plant-based vegan meals. Pitch a tent or book a luxury tiny house or cozy cabin (Farm Sanctuary membership required to book Tiny Houses and Cabins. You can become a member for a full year with a $25 donation).

GETTING THERE

By car:
From Albany: 3 hours, 30 minutes
From Buffalo: 2 hours, 30 minutes
From NYC: 4 hours, 30 minutes

Closest Airports:
Elmira/Corning Regional Airport: 30 minutes
Ithaca Tompkins Regional Airport: 40 minutes
Greater Binghamton Airport: 1 hour, 30 minutes
Syracuse Hancock International Airport: 1 hour, 40 minutes
Frederick Douglass–Greater Rochester International Airport: 1 hour, 40 minutes

By train:
Amtrak to Syracuse or Rochester

By bus:
Greyhound to Ithaca or Geneva

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