Things to do Near Watkins Glen New York in 2022
There is hardly any doubt that with the approaching summers, we are all looking for a vacation getaway at a peaceful, fun place. With all old places getting overcrowded and overbooked, where can you find such a place? Watkins Glen is your ultimate destination.
Why Watkins Glen?
Watkins Glen is a small village in New York that calls out to tourists for its natural spacing and outdoor fun opportunities. We offer a long list of amazing things to do near Watkins Glen, New York, to have the best summer vacation this year. So, if you really need a place to crash this summer, keep on reading!
What to do in Watkins Glen?
Things that you will most certainly enjoy at Watkins Glen are:
Boating
Fond of sea adventures? Cruise into the sunset at Seneca lake. This is one of the finest things you can do at Watkins Glen that will allow you to explore the scenic beauty of the village. With an area spreading over 43000 acres, Seneca lake offers exceptional sailboat rides and cruising.
Multiple parks are present around the lake, which offer services such as allowing visitors to launch their own boats and renting boats out to tourists.
You can always experience the local boats that offer lunch, dinner, everything to make your visit pleasant. Apart from fine dining, you can have sightseeing from the vintage passenger ship and experience the best of what nature has to offer. But if you wake up asking yourself what is there to do in Watkins Glen today, your first answer is sightseeing the sunset on sails, and it is romantic and equally relaxing.
If you are not in the mood for romance or are taking a solo trip, you can have excursion trips full of exciting facts about Watkins Glen. Cruising is, without any doubt, a win-win for everyone.
Visit the farms
Farm visiting or agritourism, whatever you may call it, is one of the best things to do in Watkins Glen, New York. Why?
Well, aside from the fact that the farm sanctuary is filled with shrubbery and cool, green pastures, it has gorgeous farm animals which make your visit worthwhile. You can spend time with these cute little critters and even enjoy their fresh dairy products.
These animals had been rescued by the sanctuary and given a better life. You will be accompanied by a tour guide to make your visit informative. Not only is the information about farm animals' history but also about farming practices. So that agritourism turns into Agri formation!
With your closed rubber boots, you can visit the farm sanctuary gift shop along with other comfort points. The bed and breakfast offered there will make your romantic trip even more magical.
Explore the wineries
What is the use of being in the country when you cannot enjoy a little grapevine at the wineries! Trailing off in the natural beauty of the wineries, you can plan activities around them as they offer one of the finest wines that can blow your mind away. That's why it is one of the most popular things to do around Watkins Glen, New York.
Do you enjoy fancy wines while relaxing your eyes in the soothing natural environment? Well, your wait is over. The member wineries in addition to the Seneca Lake Wine trail, welcome visitors to taste their best wines while falling in love with the beauty of the area.
The wines composed of a variety of grapes include:
Premium hybrids
Chardonnay
Riesling
Pinot noir
Cabernet franc
These different wines allow you to enjoy whichever taste you want the most. It is also a preferable activity for the elderly as it is less taxing than other physical activities at Watkins Glen. You can always hire a guide or driver for a proper trip around the Watkins’ wine trails.
Hiking at State Park
You may ask what to see at Watkins Glen state park? What is so special about it? There are tons of state parks in New York?
Well, the answer is it is the most gorgeous by all standards. Spanning over 778 acres, it has everything: waterfalls, trails, gorges, and daunting camping sites! A real joy for adventure seekers.
Not only is it a honeymooner's paradise but also a desirable space for photography. Hiking is for the Bravehearts. And while one is lost in the snaking hiking trails, you can witness the dreamiest waterfalls.
Gorge trail is the most popular among these trails. It not only carries multiple waterfalls but also jaw-dropping cliffs to add to the scenic beauty. Hiking is an exerting activity so make sure you are loaded with all essential items that you may need. If you are wishing to see the waterfalls, then hiking is your best option. Otherwise, you can find other activities that suit you better. But if summing up what to do at Watkins Glen state park, your answer is hiking!
What to see in Watkins Glen?
Hop on the next train with your friends and family and enjoy long hours of relaxation at the finger lake, simply sunning yourself. You can also visit numerous places that are no less than avenues of adventure. Some of these places are:
Watkins Glen International
If you are into car racing, Watkins Glen International should be your next stop. It is one of the finest racing tracks of international standard and boasts of being the host of several world-famous races for two decades now. Among these, the most famous one is the Formula One United States Grand Prix.
So, you bet and watch great car races and be the visual audience. Aside from racing, the place is famous for concerts and other fun events. So, if you are a fun person and want to know what to do in Watkins Glen, opt for audience-oriented fun events at the racing track! This activity is also extremely feasible for all age groups.
Finger Lake National Forest
National forest of New York state in Watkins Glen? What more surprises does the place hold? Finger Lake National Forest is naturally preserved and maintained for tourism. It's an enormous patch of lush greenery and wildlife. In addition to this, the meadows and ravines offer just too much beauty to be handled on one trip.
The forest trail consists of 30 miles and covers the entire area. So if you are hiking on this trail you will be able to see the entire national forest in one go. Not only does the forest offers scenic beauty but it is also a hub of outdoor activities such as:
Fishing
Skiing
Hiking
Camping
These are only a few of what is offered at the national forest. So, it is a must-visit point on your Watkins Glen trip. It is also favored by youngsters for the adventurous appeal it has.
Waterfalls
Incredible waterfalls are the hallmark of Watkins and Glen. Through the state park, you can definitely enjoy these waterfalls. These include:
Rainbow falls
As mentioned earlier Gorge trail takes you to multiple waterfalls, including Rainbow waterfall. This place definitely takes one over the rainbow.
Excelsior falls
This waterfall is a symbol of all the natural beauty Watkins Glen has to offer. A cascade of 170 feet, it is quick to drive to in no time. This makes it feasible for all, especially those who cannot hike.
Hector falls
Like Excelsior falls, Hector falls also don't require hiking. It is definitely magical to visit and the third largest waterfall in New York. It is a road avenue to visit easily by driving north of Watkins Glen.
Montour falls
This amazing waterfall is three far from Watkins Glen in the south. Its beauty can be witnessed through Watkins Glen Main Street. So, if you don't want to get near, you can always experience it from far.
You will need to hike for a few waterfalls, but every step you take is worth the view in the end. For people who don't wish to hike, Hector and Excelsior falls are the best options. It is definitely one of the best things to do in Watkins Glen.
Franklin street
Enough with the natural beauty and peaceful experiences. If you are more into commercial centers and entertainment outlets, Franklin Street is your go-to place.
Full of life, Franklin Street has an enormous number of restaurants and shopping centers from where you can pick up the souvenirs of your journey. From fine food companies to international brands, it is jam-packed with everything you might want to make your visit a bit fancier.
Furthermore, during the summer months, the place hosts exceptional exhibits of the local products to facilitate the tourists. What more can you ask for? It should be one of the things to do near Watkins Glen, New York.
The Bottom Line!
If you have found out what to do in Watkins Glen, New York, seriously, shouldn't you be booking your ticket to Watkins Glen right now? With all the natural beauty and adrenaline rush, fun opportunities, lose all your worries in the waterfalls of Watkins Glen or go explore the hustle and bustle of this quaint little town.
