Amanda & Jordan
Things To Do
Watkins Glen State Park*
To our active/adventurous guests, this one is for you. Although a bit further of a drive from the hotel, the hiking trail through the state park is fabulous if you have the time during your stay in the finger lakes area! If you’re looking for that beautiful autumn foliage, the scenic hike will not disappoint. HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
Watkins Glen*
Watkins Glen is located at the southern tip of Seneca Lake. The town itself has plenty of restaurants, shops, and bars to keep you entertained. Watkins Glen also serves as a great starting or ending point for the Seneca Lake Wine Trail. There are also a number of breweries and a few distilleries located in Seneca lake. Some of our favorites include: Restaurants: Nickel’s Pit BBQ Jerlando’s Ristorante & Pizza Co. Graft Wine + Cider Bar Lakeside Resort Bistro Thai Elephants Wineries: Glenora Wine Cellars Wagner’s Three Brother’s Hazlitt 1852 Standing Stone Vineyards Lakewood Vineyards Fox Run Vineyards Lamoreaux Landing Breweries and Distilleries: Wagner’s Grist Iron (also good food!) Scale House Brewery Two Goats Climbing Bines Tin Barn Brewing Finger Lakes Distillery Lucky Hare Seneca Lake Brewing Co.
Ithaca Farmers Market*
Open Saturday 9AM-3PM and Sunday 10AM-3PM. Enjoy on site entrees and beverages as well as local baked goods, fresh produce, eggs, meats, cheeses, and fine arts and crafts from 80+ vendors. The market is located on the Cayuga Lake waterfront in a garden like setting, creating an incredible ambience. I recommend walking or taking an Uber, the parking lot can be a bit of a nightmare.
Ithaca Commons*
The heart of Ithaca. Enjoy shopping or grab a beverage and bite to eat downtown. Take a walk down this pedestrian only section of downtown and you’re sure to find some funky, unique shops- there’s something for everyone! Some places we recommend: Moosewood (good vegetarian food) Ithaca Ale House (casual food and beer) Bar Argos (eclectic bar located at the Argos Inn, worth the visit!) Kilpatrick’s Publick House (for that Irish pub) The Watershed (industrial bar) Angry Mom Records!! (TONS of vinyls) Petrune (for all the fashionistas, vintage and modern finds)
Cayuga Lake and Seneca Lake Wine Trail
You simply cannot say you visited the finger lakes area without going to at least one winery! Ithaca is located on the southern end of Cayuga Lake while Watkins Glen is located at the souther tip of Seneca Lake. Each lake is home to a number of wineries, breweries, restaurants, and a few distilleries. Check out the Seneca Lake and Cayuga Lake wine trail for a full list of places- you can’t go wrong with any.
Ithaca Beer Co.
Get a taste of the area by enjoying a nice pint or two (or more) before the event or sometime during your stay! The brewery is just a short drive from the hotel/downtown Ithaca. And yes, they serve food!
Ithaca Bakery
Delicious!! Wonderful local spot for lunch, what’s better than soup and a sandwich? Not to mention, they also serve alcohol- win win.
Buttermilk Falls State Park
Take a hike! Buttermilk Falls State Park is closer to downtown Ithaca than Watkins Glen and also offers wonderful hiking trails, views, and waterfalls.
Taughannock Falls State Park
Another nearby option for hiking! Multiple trails provide views of the beautiful waterfall within the gorge, one of the tallest in NY state. Certainly worth the visit. Ithaca is gorges! After the hike, you can enjoy a hard earned meal with a view at The Inn at Taughannock Falls.
Cornell University
Where the smart kids go to school. Located in downtown Ithaca. The campus is stunning, nestled within woodlands and waterfalls. Check out the on campus natural areas (Botanic Gardens). PS, the smartest kids go to the University at Albany!!
Honorable Mention Restaurants outside The Commons
Maxie’s Supper Club 635 W State St Ithaca, NY 14850 Mix 205 Elmira Rd Ithaca, NY 14850 New Delhi (Indian Cuisine) 106 W Green St Ithaca, NY 14850