NEWSLETTER
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. Don’t worry about the planning, we’ve done it all for you.
Originally published: 12/26/2022
FRIDAY
4 pm: Stroll About Town
Credit: Marta Zielinska
Now that you've arrived, 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 full on shopping spree. Pop into Specc's for chocolate and gifts, the Watkins Glen International Store, Crystal City Olive Oil, and more or treat yourself to some ice cream at Colonial Inn & Creamery and Ben & Jerry's.
6PM: Set Sail on Seneca Lake
Start off your weekend chasing the sunset during a peaceful sail on Seneca Lake with Schooner Excursions. Even if you’re not familiar with the 1956 movie High Society, in which the Schooner sailing vessel named "True Love" guest stars along with Grace Kelly and Frank Sinatra, you’ll fall truly in love with this area and be assured right away how great your weekend is going to be.
8 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 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: Breakfast at Babes and Buds A Coffee Lounge & Boutique
Fuel up with a signature latte, hearty breakfast sandwich, and a little something sweet at this quaint and kitschy coffee shop generating plenty of buzz in town. Grab a seat or take breakfast to go and walk three blocks north to Seneca Lake to enjoy the morning calm before your busy day.
10 am: 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 WWII was held here and was known as “the Day the Trains Stopped” because rail service was suspended so racers could drive over the train tracks on the course before Watkins Glen International was built. Before experiencing the famous track yourself, learn more about this history at the International Motor Racing Research Center. With free admission for all, visitors can peruse the extensive collection which includes historic photographs, film, oral histories, memorabilia, racing artifacts, and records of famous drivers.
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 during your visit. During summer months, catch racing events such as Sahlen’s Six Hours of The Glen in June, August brings the Hilliard United States Vintage Grand Prix, and Go Bowling at The Glen in September (the only NASCAR race in NYS). On non-racing weekends, you might find a special event like Finger Lakes Wine Festival in July, featuring the best of over 60 wineries in New York State. You can also drive around the racetrack yourself as part of the “Drive The Glen” program. Buy tickets ahead of time.
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 views. Try the sparkling wines and Rieslings of Glenora Wine Cellars, the inspired-by-nature wines of Chateau LaFayette Reneau, or the selections at the family-run (& family-friendly) Lakewood Vineyards.
6 pm: Dinner at Stonecat Cafe
Credit: Erin Faherty
The menu at Stonecat Cafe 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, one of the top state parks in the country, according to readers of USA Today. 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.
HOTEL RECOMMENDATIONS
Luxury: Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel
Mid-Range: Longhouse Lodge
Budget: The Hotel Laurel at Seneca
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