Hello friends, and welcome back to my summer adventures series of 2020! Despite the situation we found ourselves in last year trying to stay safe during Covid...I managed to still find a way to safely get out and do some exploring in my own back yard. Come along with me today as I take you to the Finger Lakes and the Western regions of New York. Once you see these amazing natural beauties, perhaps you'll add them to your travels this spring and summer.
Finger Lakes - Watkins Glen and The Finger Lakes Wine Trail
Growing up in the Finger Lakes, these trips were a visit home for me. Believe it or not though, some of the trips may be the first time I'm seeing these things. I know, crazy isn't it!!! I hope this blog (and really all of them) inspire you to get out and explore your backyard, because we truly have some great things to do in our own home states.
The first trip I would like to share was the amazing Watkins Glen State Park. Situated at the southern end of Seneca Lake, (the largest of all the Finger Lakes) in Watkins Glen, NY, this park is one of the most beautiful parks in New York state. As you make you way into the park, a park that has been carved and eroded perfectly by nature, you are greeted by one of 19 waterfalls along the trip. Stunning views from both out front and underneath the Cavern Cascade are just a foreshadowing of what is to come along the two mile hike in and around the gorge.
This would be my third trip to the falls and normally I would enter and hike up Indian Trail, however due to Covid, the trails were marked as one way and masks were required while hiking the trail. I highly recommend you go right as the park opens. Of the times I have been before, the park gets busy quickly and very crowded. Going early afforded me the ability to stroll at a slower pace, take in the sights without massive crowds around us, and get some epic photos without people in them. It was absolutely perfect.
As you make your way through the gorge, you can't help but be amazed at this spectacular piece of artwork nature has forged. You climb up and around intricately carved gorges, with sounds of nature all around you. Whether it's the trickling of the water passing through, the wind moving the leaves above, or the sound of birds, you feel as though you've passed through to another realm.
Finishing your trek in at the Mile Point, you then take the Indian trail back out where you see spectacular views from above, pass by a cemetary where you can wander around, and become immersed in the history and scientific explanations of the gorge in a whole new way as you make your way back out of the gorge.
Working up an appetite, we heading into town to the Seneca Harbor Station, located right at the Marina to grab a bite to eat. A perfect day weatherwise, we had an enjoyable lunch out on their covered deck with a view of Seneca Lake. The food was generous and delicious, the service was excellent, and the prices were not too bad. We had the fried fish dinner which was the daily special, and it was huge so we ended up splitting it between two of us. It definitely was enough for two which tells you how generous the portions are! Over all, I loved this restaurant and will definitely return again!
After lunch, we took off for a stroll down the marina walkway for a better view of the lake before leaving and making our way down the Seneca Lake Wine Trail. Stopping in at Lakewood Vineyards, Fox Run Vineyard, and Belhurst Castle, we had a few tastings and took in some of the breathtaking views of the vineyards that overlook the lake. (I promise to spend more time in the near future on a blog to feature the Seneca Lake Wine Trail and the beautiful wineries in and round the Finger Lakes. It truly deserves it's own write up and one I've been wanting to do. For those of you wondering who made the iron gate for Fox Run...it is Sam Castner of Ironvine Studios...check him out..his work is outstanding!)
Finishing out the day, we had to make one final stop in Seneca Falls at Sauders Store. Why would a store be a destination you ask? Well this store is special. Originating in 1978 by John Sauder Sr., a Mennonite from Lancaster, PA, he and his family moved to the area to open a store featuring specialty foods and books. I originally visited the store in 2011. It was a small building chuck full of prepackaged staples and a small deli where I ordered the largest sub I have even had in my life! I knew I had to revisit it again, however was shocked to see a 'Super Sauders' had replaced my little country type store since my last stop! Now featuring all the same items, however on a larger scale, they had taken what I loved most about it and added more onto it, including a woodworking store to feature all their handcrafted items. WOW.. is all I can say. I was in grocery heaven there!!! And as I left, you betcha I took a sub to go for dinner later!!!
On my next summer adventure I once again headed out to the Fingers Lakes region, but this time south to Ithaca, NY. Ithaca is best known as a college community, as it's home to Cornell University, Ithaca College, and Tompkins Community College. Located at the southern tip of Cayuga Lake, Ithaca is also home to several spectacular waterfalls (at least 150); however on this trip we were only able to fit in Taughannock, Ithaca, and Buttermilk Falls.
The one thing we learned very quickly is, time of year is imperative for the best trip. I have featured Taughannock Falls once before in a blog and was anxious for my friends to see it. As we drove in to the park, our friend mentioned how dry the creek bed appeared. Once arriving at the top viewing area we came around and TA-DA....nothing. Hahahaha!! It was bone dry. I felt so very bad as I was so excited to see this one again and share it as it is spectacular. So my suggestion to all reading this...go in the spring time!!! That's when you'll get the best views of all the waterfalls I will be sharing today. After a quick chat with a park employee we learned there were some waterfalls still flowing in the area and off we went; but first...lunch!
The Commons, located in the heart of Ithaca, was built in 1975 as a pedestrian mall. A piece of urban history, the few stores currently within its use is slowly being redefined as office space and apartments. Still the center for events occurring in Ithaca, what is still thriving is the area known as Restaurant Row. This is where we found ourselves, sitting outside of Reds Place on this sunny afternoon.
Our hunt for waterfalls resumed after lunch as we made our way to Ithaca Falls, located right in town. Parking right across the street, we made our way over and along the path to see the spectacular falls.
Our final stop in Ithaca was at Buttermilk State Park. As we social distanced our vehicles and donned our masks, off we went to hike the ridge that follows the gorge in and around Buttermilk Creek. Entering by the public swimming area at the base of Buttermilk Falls, the area was closed due to Covid. However, following the Lake Treman trail up, we came across (and lies at the base of another swimming area,) another swimming hole. Making our way back down the eastern side, we came across yet another swimming hole. Would have loved to jump in to any of them, however wasn't prepared, so note that if you want to try it, wear a suit underneath as it looked refreshing. The hike itself was considered moderate due to the steepness of the incline upward, but not too rocky and the pathway very clear. The park itself had many trails, and many other areas in which to swim, and even camping. Would love to return and spend more time here.
