The gorgeous Finger Lakes region of New York is home to Watkins Glen. This area is well known for its natural beauty. People come far and wide to visit the Watkins Glen State Park. But it’s also known for Watkins Glen International, a 2.45 mile racetrack.
“The Glen,” as it’s nicknamed, is host to the upcoming Zippo 200 race, which is sure to be a blast. If you’ll be in town for the big race, you should definitely make time for these five hot spots near the track.
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Corning Museum of Glass
Corning, New York
At the Corning Museum of Glass, you’ll find some of the most beautifully crafted blown glass creations around. You’ll get to discover both ancient and contemporary works of art, as well as watch the pros demonstrate the process of glass blowing. If you’re really into the art of blown glass, you can spring for a 20-40 minute class, during which you’ll get to make your own piece of glass artwork to take home. Because all the pieces are so delicate, this is not the place for young children. However, if you’re looking for a quiet place to cool off after the race, you should definitely check out the Corning Museum of Glass.
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The Windmill Farm and Craft Market
Penn Yan, New York
The Windmill is filled to the hilt with fun shops to explore. You can spend hours just trying to visit them all! If you’ve got time to kill before the race, grab a quick breakfast of Amish baked goods and check out one of the many buildings on the property. You can find fresh produce and flowers, antiques, crafts, and so much more. You’re sure to find treasure at this place, and we guarantee you’ll want to make a special trip just to come back.
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Rooster Fish Brewing
Watkins Glen, New York
The Finger Lakes region is known for its wine trail, but don’t make the mistake of overlooking their beer scene because of all the hype! Using locally sourced ingredients, Rooster Fish Brewing was a welcome addition to Watkins Glen. They have a strong following in the community because of their delicious selection of carefully crafted beers as well as their friendly service. Past patrons of the brew pub love the Scotch Ale and the Hop Warrior IPA, but all of their beers are delicious. If you’re hungry, order a gourmet grilled cheese and soup, made by Cheesy Rider. Rooster Fish really is a great place to unwind with friends after cheering on your favorite driver all weekend!
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Atwater Estate Vineyards
Burdett, New York
This winery is part of the famous Seneca Lake Wine Trail, and is at the top of our must-visit list. You’ll want to carve out a good chunk of time to visit this place. Before you even step foot in their tasting room, take a moment to soak in the serene views of the surrounding lake. Then, work with their talented staff to sample their many wines or split a bottle of your favorite variety with a loved one. The vineyard itself is another sight to behold. Currently, they’re growing eighteen varieties of grapes, but the vineyard is continually growing in size and scope. Between the lake, vineyard, and tasting room, the entire atmosphere of this winery is incredibly peaceful. So this weekend, in between all the excitement, don’t forget to enjoy the beauty in life.
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Schooner Excursions
Watkins Glen, New York
You may not be familiar with Schooner Excursions, but you may have heard of their famous boat – True Love. The boat, featured in the movie, “Philadelphia Story,” and the later remake “High Society,” is a cultural icon, and a popular tourist attraction. They offer public and private sail times, so if you’re looking for the ideal romantic setting to spend time with your significant other, Schooner Excursions provides the perfect opportunity. For a more casual experience, book an Eco/History tour or a Winery, Brewery & Distillery tour on the Remedy. A tour on one of Schooner Excursion’s boats is the perfect opportunity to experience the glories of Seneca Lake firsthand.
Come cheer on Blake in the Zippo 200 at the Glen race, and don’t forget to check out these awesome local businesses while you’re in the area!
What are your favorite places to visit around Watkins Glen International? Let us know in the comments below! We’d love to hear from you!
