Meet our writers

 







Travel Logs April 2017

Compulsive Traveler

Exploring Watkins Glen: A Treasure Trove of Everything from Fast Racing to Slow Hikes and Lots More in Between

By Sandra Scott

The purpose‑built Watkins Glen International is a mecca for racing enthusiasts hosting a variety of events from Can‑Am, Trans‑Am, INDYCAR Grand Prix, and even concerts. “Drive The Glen” allows people to drive their personal vehicle two laps around the 3.4‑mile Grand Prix circuit behind a pace vehicle.

Watkins Glen in New York State has been listed as one of the most beautiful destinations in the world, the third best state park in the USA, and the best NASCAR track in the country.

  1. The Glen: Watkins Glen State Park is a two‑mile gorge that descends 400 feet past 200‑foot cliffs and 19 waterfalls. The park placed third on the USA Today Reader’s Choice Poll for Best State Parks in the U.S. There are informative storyboards along the Gorge Trail. The Gorge Trail is closed in the winter, but visitors can still walk the Rim Trail. At the top is a campground with an Olympic‑size pool.

  2. The Lake: The village of Watkins Glen is located at the south end of Seneca Lake, the largest of the Finger Lakes and the deepest lake in the state. For those without a watercraft, there are kayak, canoe and pontoon rentals. The fishing is great, especially for trout. Captain Bill’s has sightseeing cruises as well as a do‑not‑miss dinner cruise.

  3. The Race: The purpose‑built Watkins Glen International is a mecca for racing enthusiasts hosting a variety of events from Can‑Am, Trans‑Am, INDYCAR Grand Prix, and even concerts. “Drive The Glen” allows people to drive their personal vehicle two laps around the 3.4‑mile Grand Prix circuit behind a pace vehicle.

  4. History: The historic Brick Tavern Museum in Montour Falls is home of the Historical Society and has many exhibits relating to Schuyler County’s history. There are exhibits dealing with Native Americans, the Victorian Era, musical instruments and textiles. The Glorious T is a National Historic District in Montour Falls with many 19th century structures.

  5. Arts: The arts are alive and well. There are several galleries including the Franklin Street Gallery and Quintus Gallery which features innovative artworks and offers workshops. The Old Havana Courthouse Theater in Montour Falls offers several original plays each season.

  6. Nature: Other than Watkins Glen there are many other falls including the 449‑foot Montour Falls which is right in the village. Havana Glen Park is home to Eagle Falls, accessed by a short hiking trail. The 9085‑acre Sugar Hill State Forest is home to the 40‑mile Six Nations Recreational Trail System. Hiking is popular on the 7.5‑mile Queen Catherine Marsh Loop Trail; it is part of the Finger Lakes Trail System.

  7. Imbibing: Schuyler County is part of the Seneca Lake Wine Trail and the Finger Lakes Beer Trail. Check out Castel Grisch Winery, Silver Spring Winery and Lakewood Vineyards. Finger Lakes Distilling is a NYS Farm Distillery that makes handcrafted whiskey, gin and other spirits.. Grist Iron Brewing Company makes a variety of craft beers.

  8. Shopping: O’Shaughnessy Antiques has estate jewelry and does appraisals. T.J Antiques also has handcrafted furniture. Every piece of Colonial Pottery is unique and stamped by the artist. Skyland Art Barn in Burdett displays an amazing variety of unique items created by 300 different artists. A must for the fishermen is a stop in Montour Falls at the Rod & Reel where they custom make fishing rods.

  9. Events: The Watkins Glen Waterfront is the place for a variety of festivals year round including the Cardboard Boat Regatta. There are farm tours, craft shows, Cheese Festival, and First Fridays. Watkins Glen International hosts a variety of races and concerts.

  10. Unique: Farm Sanctuary is the only farm sanctuary on the East Coast where injured farm animals are taken care of. There is a short video explaining their point of view, some of which is quite graphic. They offer guided tours and have reasonable accommodations for two or four people.

 

Sandra Scott travels the globe recording the top attractions at every destination.

Meet Sandra