Location: Watkins Glen
Top Things to do in Watkins Glen
Top Restaurants in Watkins Glen
The 10 Best Things to do in Watkins Glen, New York (NY)
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
5.0 based on 4,539 reviews
The cascades of 18 waterfalls are the calling card of this state park.
Reviewed By marvi62 - Lafayette Hill, United States
We went to Watkins Glen (4th visit) on Tuesday, arriving around 11 am. The NY state Covid regulations in effect right now clearly state that masks are required, even outdoors, when passing within 6' of another person. These rules are posted at the entrance of the park, as is the one way direction for walking the Gorge trail right now. However, I would estimate 60% or more of park attendees did not put on masks when passing- and the Gorge trail is 2' - 3' wide in many locations. A number of hikers also ignored the one-way rule, coming back on the narrow Gorge trail instead of taking the designated trail back. It took us about 2-1/2 hours to hike the mile up the Glen, since my husband took a lot of photographs. The hike back down only took about 20 minutes. Bring water and wear sturdy shoes or good sneakers (the soles of your shoes will get muddy, even on a sunny day). There are bathrooms by the entrance, but none on the trail. Admission to the park is $8, payable by cash or credit card in a self-ticketing machine in the two parking lots (main lot plus 2nd lot across the street). Watkins Glen is an absolutely stunning gorge. I just recommend going really early to minimize close encounters with other hikers. The only park ranger I saw in our entire visit was the man in the Information Center near the park entrance.
2. Reisinger's Apple Country
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 13 reviews
Reviewed By brianatherton143 - Kittanning, United States
This place was a little out of the way, but very nice. Smelled great inside. Had some homemade apple cider doughnuts and apple cider. Bought a peck of apples too. Apple cider was very tasty.
3. Farm Sanctuary
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 147 reviews
This farm offers sanctuary and a home for abused farm animals, and helps to educate Americans about treating animals with respect and compassion.
Reviewed By ddallas1969 - Linthicum Heights, United States
Our guide was a guy that had only been there a few months he said, but he was awesome. We loved meeting all the animals and hearing of their journeys. I am hoping this trip may be the push my boyfriend needed to become vegan. So peaceful and such a happy place.....truly happy animals here! I only wish they had a small vegan cafe to show people how tasty vegan food can be.
4. Lakewood Vineyards
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 332 reviews
Lakewood Vineyards is located in the beautiful Finger Lakes region of New York. A working grape farm since 1951, the winery was established in 1988. Almost 2 decades later, with over 675 awards, we continually produce fine wines and mead, and present these wines in the inviting, friendly tasting room. We are family friendly and encourage you to enjoy the view of Seneca Lake while strolling through our vineyards or picnicking in our lawn.
Reviewed By TheSimpleTraveler - Bethlehem, United States
The Lakewood Vineyard Experience is one not to pass up if you're in the area. My wife and I called the night ahead to reserve a 12 noon tasting for the both of us. Our wine tasting host, Tracy, brought to the table enthusiasm, knowledge, humor and a deep appreciation for the wine industry, making for a most enjoyable and enlightening experience for my wife and I. For this we say Thank You Tracy! The store and grounds are well kept and the tasting areas apparently have been modified to keep all safe during this COVID 19 era. It was a relaxing experience for us as we spent several hours on their grounds, in the shade, snacking on cheese and crackers and drinking a bottle (or two) of their wines, which we found to be very, very good. And of course, we couldn't leave without bringing home a few bottles for our family! Although there is a plethora of wineries that I can experience in the Finger Lakes region, I feel as though I experienced the best here at Lakewood.
5. Seneca Lake Wine Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 637 reviews
Seneca Lake is known for its diverse offering of world-class wines. Our wineries are dedicated to increasing quality and serving as exceptional stewards of the land and lake. Seneca Lake Wine Trail members pledge to exceed your expectations when you visit to taste wine and experience the Finger Lakes. You don’t have to travel to far-away places to experience fantastic wines. They are right here on Seneca Lake!
Reviewed By 491cindyr - Harrisburg, United States
You have two options for this excursion. Wing it and stop at wineries at random or look up what they have to offer and plan your trip. We stopped at 6 wineries and bought at all but one so random worked for us. There are so many choices it’s mind boggling! We started at the wine center in Watkins Glen and got a handy map which was definitely worth it. Many of the locations now offer predetermined flights rather than tastings. If you are trying to get in several wineries this can be a lot of wine to drink. At some locations they allowed us to split a flight which we appreciated since we drove ourselves. The drive has great views of the lake. Very pleasant and we will go again.
6. Watkins Glen International
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 347 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 carolab66
Watkins Glen International is a great track--it has lots of turns and elevation changes making the course challenging. Near by you have Lake Seneca and Watkins Glen Park with great hiking.
7. Rooster Fish Brewing Tasting Room & Beer Garden
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 44 reviews
We are New York State's First Farm Brewery! Rooster Fish Brewing offers passionately brewed, uniquely world-class craft ale from locally sourced ingredients in a relaxed, enticing Beer Garden & brewery atmosphere. Enjoy fare from local food trucks or bring your own snacks while taking in the beauty of Watkins Glen.
8. International Motor Racing Research Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 29 reviews
The International Motor Racing Research Center at Watkins Glen is an archival and research library focused on preserving and sharing the history of motorsports.
9. Castel Grisch
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 190 reviews
Located just off the beaten path Castel Grisch has a wonderful panoramic view of Seneca Lake. Wines to suit all tastes.
Reviewed By 704larryh
There is no separate listing for the Wild Vines disc gold course located at the Castel Grisch Winery. It is free and a beautiful course, well maintained. It is a mix of open grounds and heavily wooded holes. You check-in at the winery and although we did not do a tasting there the employees were wonderful and very friendly. Those have tastings seem to be enjoying them very much.
10. Clute Park Campground
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 59 reviews
Reviewed By darwinmoore - Spring, United States
Our site was up front near the office. It was about 1/3 crushed rock and the rest grass. At first I thought the sight was pretty sketchy, but the ground was hard and level and the site was really long. So, I pulled in with ease and had plenty of space from my neighbors and decided I really liked the site. Utilities, wifi and cell reception worked great. But there's more. First, there is a great, big park right across the street right on Lake Seneca that is perfect for strolling and dog walking. The lake was gorgeous one night when a low fog rolled in over the lake. And, the ladies in the front office were some of the best I have met (I should have gotten names, but didn't). There are a ton of brochures, but they will help you find anything and they have great recommendations. In my case, I wanted breweries, dairies, and waterfalls and they hooked me up with maps, directions, must-do's and all that. Did I say they were terrific? There is a nearby marina and main street is about 1/2 mile away, so this is a great base for exploring the area. We visited Watkins Glen State Park, drove around the lake and went to Ithaca and Corning.
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