Location: Watkins Glen
Top Things to do in Watkins Glen
Top Restaurants in Watkins Glen
Countries
What to do and see in Watkins Glen, United States: The Best Places and Tips
Watkins Glen is a village in Schuyler County, New York, United States. The population was 1,859 at the 2010 census. It is the county seat of Schuyler County. The Village of Watkins Glen lies within the towns of Dix and Reading. The current mayor is Samuel Schimizzi. The village is home to well-known race track Watkins Glen International, host of NASCAR Cup Series, IndyCar and a former host of the United States Grand Prix of Formula One.
Restaurants in Watkins Glen
1. Watkins Glen State Park
Overall Ratings
5 based on 3 reviews
The cascades of 18 waterfalls are the calling card of this state park.
Reviewed By bruceb892 - Massachusetts
We visited this attraction while on a motorcycle tour with three other couples and a planned stay in the Watkins Glen area. I had read a article about visiting the park and its trail along the river gorge. We took the article's advice and took a bus from the lower parking lot to the upper parking lot so as to hoof the trail going down in elevation - smart move. This was a scenic and enjoyable walk along the trail with plenty of opportunities for photos of people and/or nature's beauty. This stop and park visit was well worth the time and minimal fees that were associated with it. I plan to take other friends here at some point in the future.
2. Finger Lakes Wine Country
Overall Ratings
5 based on 447 reviews
Reviewed By 110deirdrer - Rochester, New York
I have been to the Finger Lakes wine region many times. Mostly in the Summer months but going in the Fall was also great with the beautiful upstate NY foliage.
In the past I wasn’t a big fan of NYS wines. They have come a long way, and some are outstanding. Ice wine from this region is some of the best I’ve ever had. If you’re not familiar with Ice Wine, the grapes are picked very late after having been frozen from the weather. Not artificially. That is how it gets it’s sweetness. It’s like dessert in a glsss! It’s very concentrated with a high alcohol volume. Don’t drink too muc of this! At least that is my understanding from some of the many winery tours I’ve been on.
If you like to partake in the tastings, I would definitely either have a DD or limo (always a blast)! There are so many wineries in the Finger Lakes that you need several visits to try them all. I live less than an hour away from many of the wineries, yet have still never been to all.
It’s a very fun weekend getaway. I highly recommend visiting if you enjoy wine and beautiful scenery.
3. She-Qua-Ga Falls
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 144 reviews
Reviewed By Billy R - Thurmont, Maryland
My wife and I visit the Finger Lakes every year and have been for years, but this is the first time to ever stop and visit the falls. We have driven past the sign directing back to the falls many times, never paying attention. I'm certainly glad we did this time, the falls was picture postcard perfect, simply beautiful. I'm sure at times when rain fall is off the falls is not the prettiest, this wasn't the case when we visited the first of November. If your in the area, its worth the time to see, again simply beautiful.
4. Silver Springs Winery L.L.C.
Overall Ratings
5 based on 224 reviews
Family owned small winery ... Hippie Attitude with international gold medal winning wines ... Dry red wines to Sweet wines ... we grow all our own grapes utilizing our three properties...Spring 2018 our Solar energy will give us a zero carbon footprint... friendly, inviting, loving, customer service...two of our wines benefit the local shelter... Brickoven pizza and seating for pizza, cheese and wine...in business since 2000 ... father daughter winemaker team ... multi generational family winery with roots in Italy ... #OneLove ... Peace ...
Reviewed By oldgoalie00 - Medford, New Jersey
Stopped by as the first winery of the day and was met by Kimmie and staff. I like dry reds and my wife likes sweeter wines. This stop was recommended by one of my customers who told me I had to stop due to the winemakers expertise in dry reds. I have found that the Fingerlakes region shows lighter dry reds but these wines impressed. I enjoyed the selection of bolder dry reds and ended up purchasing the "Italian" blend which was delicious. My wife enjoyed the sweeter wines and a friend with us enjoyed the dry whites. All in all, a great stop and we will definitely be back!
5. Seneca Lake Wine Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 535 reviews
Reviewed By Sandy P - Rotterdam, New York
So much fun to experience the various wines of Seneca lake. In a two day period we stopped at 11 wineries. The first day we did stopped at four wineries and the second day we stopped at 7 on the East side of the lake. There are so many wineries that it would be best to get a driver. We enjoyed going to the smaller wineries (ie. Anthony Road) than the larger ones (ie. Wagner). Speaking to the wine makers at their establishments were far more interesting.
6. Finger Lakes Distilling
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 152 reviews
Finger Lakes Distilling is a New York State Farm Distillery. We use locally grown fruits and grains to produce a range of high-quality, handmade spirits Including vodka, gin, whiskey, grappa and a variety of liqueurs and brandies. Our tasting room directly overlooks the production area for a tasteful and educational experience!
Reviewed By Jim_Amenta - Berlin, Connecticut
If you like Whiskey, this is the place for you. My wife and I visited on a Saturday and had signed up for the tour. Brian McKenzie, the owner, conducted the tour. It so happened that we were the only ones that had signed up for the tour that day, so it ended up being a private tour which was awesome. Brian showed us all of the distillery, and explained the process behind distilling all of the different items they make. Very impressive.
After the tour we had a tasting of 3 spirits. All of which were excellent. Along with the tour, we received drink coupons so we went into the bar and had a drink. The drinks are not for the faint of heart. The whiskey is strong, as any good whiskey should be. We also purchased some whiskey and vodka before leaving.
I would recommend visiting the distillery if you have the chance, and definitely take the tour.
7. Eagle's Cliff Falls
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 31 reviews
Reviewed By schmutaki - new jersey
We weren't expecting much after visiting Watkins Glen but these falls are a surprisingly nice treat. The walk through Havana Glen is short and pleasant. You climb several sets of short stairs. The rock formations are interesting. The falls themselves were vigorous and pretty. You can get really close which makes it a nice experience. Overall it was a short visit but delightful.
8. Hector Falls, Hector, NY
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 77 reviews
Reviewed By JuneNY
I love waterfalls and I saw this one as I was driving by. There is a parking area available south of the falls on the west side of the road. I don't understand why recent reviewers are saying that there is no place to park. I parked and got out and walked back a bit and spent a few minutes taking pictures...........no problem. I would like to see it when there is more water going over the falls.
9. Barnstormer Winery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 59 reviews
Summer Tasting Room Hours: Mon, Tues, Wed, Thurs 10am-5:30pm Fri, Sat 10am-6pm Sun 10:30am-5:30pm Winter Hours: Mon- 11:00am-5:00pm Tues, Wed CLOSED Thurs-Sun 11am-5pm
Reviewed By Cheritaylor - Treasure Island, Florida
Beautiful winery, great barnstormer theme, nice variety of reds & whites. Do not leave without trying the port, best ever. Very attentive staff!Glad to hear you loved our Nosedive Port! A very popular wine here... hopefully we can improve on your experience next time and continue offering a wide variety of wines as a boutique winery. Cheers!
10. Watkins Glen International
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 282 reviews
Watkins Glen International welcomes guests on a nearly a daily basis April through October to Drive The Glen and experience the Fans R1st Viewing Area. Patrons may take their personal vehicle for three-paced laps around the storied road course for $25 and/or watch the cars on track from the Argetsinger grandstand from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Drive The Glen is available for purchase ($25) at The Shop (located in the village at 2 N. Franklin Street, Watkins Glen, NY 14891) or at the Main Entrance of Watkins Glen International (Gate 2). In addition, The Glen hosts International Motor Sports Association (TUDOR United SportsCar Championship, Continental Tire SportsCar Challenge, Cooper Tires Prototype Lites, Lamborghini Super Trofeo and Porsche GT3 USA) in June, NASCAR (Sprint Cup Series, Xfinity Series, K&N Pro Series) in August and Sportscar Vintage Racing Association for some of the premiere racing events in the country. From racing to tasting, WGI is host to the Finger Lakes Wine Festival presented by Yancey's Fancy New York's Artisan Cheese in July. It is the largest collection of New York State-produced wines in the Northeast. Finally, the spectator season concludes with the Finger Lakes Beer Festival presented by Finger Lakes Beer Trail in October.
Reviewed By Sicarrie - Hitchin, United Kingdom
This was $25 very well spent. As an experienced racer, the thought of trundling around a circuit at 55mph held zero excitement for me, but I couldn’t pass up an opportunity to at least get a feel for this iconic circuit. What I didn’t expect was the rather relaxed attitude to the rule which coupled to a highly inappropriate (rental) car for track-use meant that we thoroughly enjoyed the laps we had… The break at the start/finish line was much longer than expected, giving us ample time to mess around getting the photos we wanted. Capping it off with another couple of laps was an added bonus. All in all it was a much less regimented and enjoyable experience than expected; it really exceeded my expectations. It’s a bargain too. Well done Watkins Glen International.
A word for motorsport enthusiasts visiting from Europe and just hoping to take a look at the circuit: The inability to get near the track (the trackside is well fenced off) will come as a surprise and disappointment, so driving the circuit is the only realistic way to get to see it really. Whilst waiting, there is access to one grandstand, but you can see just one corner from there.
We saw just two members of WG staff that day; both were helpful and friendly. When buying our tickets at the gate, we also got a leaflet that explained the old Watkins Glen street circuit. Brilliantly, this is still driveable and the leaflet acted as a guide so that after our circuit experience, we were able to head down town to find the old start/finish line (still clearly marked on the road) and put in a couple of laps of the old layout too.
Watkins Glen is an attractive town that clearly revels in its motorsport heritage (UK circuits could learn a thing or two from it). I wish we’d had more time to spend here, but it was a brief diversion; one I’d strongly recommend.
TAGS
