One of the east coast USA’s premier wine regions, the Finger Lakes are the perfect 48 hour weekend getaway destination. Only a few hours from both New York City and Philadelphia, the area consists of more than 100 wineries, scenic state parks, waterfalls, breweries and of course the 11 lakes. From wine trails to hiking trails, visit New York’s Finger Lakes region for a relaxing weekend away.
Want to “wine down” for the weekend? Here’s how to spend 48 hours in the Finger Lakes!
Where To Stay In The Finger Lakes
Base yourself in the village of Watkins Glen, situated along Seneca Lake’s southern shore. From this central location you’ll have easy access to all of the area’s attractions, as well as gorgeous views of Seneca Lake.
Watkins Glen Harbor hotel
The Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel is by far the best choice for accommodation in the village. A lakeside resort hotel, it’s beautiful, well-maintained and conveniently positioned in the small downtown area. Other highlights of a stay here are the spacious hotel rooms, outdoor fire pits, an on-site bar and restaurant and complimentary morning coffee.
Day 1
graft wine + Cider Bar
Arrive in Watkins Glen around 4pm, check in to the hotel and drop off your bags. Then, head to Graft Wine + Cider Bar. Only a short walk from the Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel, this cozy farm-to-table restaurant features a limited but one-of-a-kind menu.
Try a local riesling and cheese or charcuterie board to kick off your wine country weekend!
Tip: Graft Wine + Cider Bar doesn’t take reservations so I’d recommend arriving as close to opening as possible to be seated without a wait.
Dinner at coltivare RESTAURANT
In downtown Ithaca, Coltivare offers customers fresh, local dishes in a fun and vibrant atmosphere. In addition to a creative food selection, the menu includes a varied array of regional wines, beers and handcrafted cocktails. Owned and run by the local community college, the space also serves as a culinary center and special event venue.
From burgers and flatbreads to pasta and seafood, Coltivare has something for everyone. The one thing you can’t leave without trying… the Mocha Stout Torte! Trust me, it’s so worth it!
Day 2
Breakfast from Blue Pointe Grille
Grab breakfast to-go from Blue Pointe Grille, the Harbor Hotel’s restaurant, and have an early morning picnic on Seneca Lake Pier. Enjoy the lake views while you fuel up for an eventful day ahead.
take a hike
After you’ve had breakfast, it’s time to hit the trail. The Finger Lakes region is filled with outdoor attractions, including some of the best hiking and the most popular waterfalls in the northeast.
Head to Toughannock Falls State Park for a scenic hike with waterfall views. The Gorge Trail, which is rated as an easy route, and the South Rim Trail and North Rim Trail, which are both moderate hikes, are all great choices.
Glen Mountain Market Bakery & Deli
Return to Watkins Glen after your hike and treat yourself with a coffee and fresh-baked pastry from Glen Mountain Market Bakery & Deli. A cute cafe within walking distance from the hotel, it’s the perfect place to stop for a quick refreshment before an afternoon of wine tasting.
Seneca Lake Wine Trail
After getting cleaned up at your hotel, spend the afternoon wine tasting on the Seneca Lake Wine Trail. Consisting of more than 30 wineries, the Seneca Lake Wine trail is the largest in the state of New York. With so many vineyards to choose from, deciding which ones you’ll actually visit can be difficult. I’d recommend going to no more than 3 in an afternoon for a mellow wine tasting experience.
Note: Although the vineyards aren’t far from each other, driving between them is necessary. Make sure you have a designated driver or book a tasting tour with transportation included.
If you’re looking for the best tasting rooms surrounding Seneca Lake, I’d highly recommend the three I visited during my 48 hours in the Finger Lakes.
Fulkerson Winery
First, visit Fulkerson Winery. A family owned vineyard and farm, Fulkerson is one of the oldest in the region. They offer a wide selection of wines, providing you with a great opportunity to try something new and potentially find a new favorite. My top pick was the Dornfelder, a sweet but not too-sweet red wine that would pair well with a variety of dishes.
Book a spot in the spacious tasting room, take a guided vineyard tour or even pick your own grapes at this lovely vineyard in the heart of the Finger Lakes.
Fox Run Vineyards
Next up is Fox Run Vineyards, my favorite of the three wineries! Grab a table on the deck overlooking Seneca Lake and sit back and relax with a tasting flight and cheeseboard from the cafe. In addition to wine tastings, Fox Run also offers tours of the vineyard and winemaking facilities.
If there’s one winery you don’t want to miss in the Finger Lakes, it’s Fox Run!
Veraisons Restaurant at Glenora Wine Cellars
Have dinner at Veraisons Restaurant at Glenora Wine Cellars. Like Fox Run, Glenora also overlooks Seneca Lake, so try to request a table on the deck for the best views.
After your meal, head back to Watkins Glen for the evening.
Tip: Check the hours at each winery before you visit. We didn’t realize that most of them close around 5 or 6 pm, even on weekends.
Colonial Inn & Creamery
In downtown Watkins Glen, grab an ice cream cone from Colonial Inn & Creamery. Serving house-made ice cream and fresh waffle cones, this adorable spot is a Watkins Glen highlight.
Finally, end the day back at the hotel. Take advantage of the cozy outdoor fire pits and unwind with a glass of local wine on the hotel’s patio area.
Day 3
Breakfast at elf in the oak
Start off the last morning of this 48 hour itinerary with breakfast at Elf In The Oak. A gem of a spot with a fun and quirky ambiance, this laid back cafe instantly became one of my favorite stops in the Finger Lakes. Savory breakfast dishes made from local ingredients, tempting mimosas, delicious coffee and idyllic lake views… this place has everything you need for a breezy Sunday morning brunch!
watkins glen state park
Make the most of your last few hours in the Finger Lakes by heading to Watkins Glen State Park for a hike. Famous for it’s natural beauty and collection of waterfalls, Watkins Glen State Park is located next to the downtown area. Although the park is technically free to enter, the vehicle entry fee was $10 at the time of my visit.
The Gorge Trail, a 1.5 mile long route (one way) that encompasses 19 waterfalls, is the highlight of any trip to Watkins Glen State Park. The most well known and photogenic part of the park, it’s a must see on any visit to the Finger Lakes.
Note: The gorge trail is only open from mid / late May until October. Check opening and closing dates if you plan to visit in spring or fall.
Unfortunately, I visited in late April when the trail was closed. The park is still great for a hike, but waterfall views would’ve made it even better!
F.L.X. Wienery
Wrap up your wine country weekend with a quick lunch at F.L.X. Wienery. Choose your base (sausage, burger, or veggie option), select your toppings and add a side for a completely customizable meal. If you’re in the mood for something different and you don’t have to drive, culminate this 48 hour Finger Lakes itinerary with a boozy milkshake for dessert!
Summary
From wine to waterfalls, the Finger Lakes region has everything you need to spend 48 incredible hours in New York’s wine country. Spend an afternoon wine tasting, unwind by Seneca lake, go hiking and stop by a local farm-to-table restaurant during your relaxing weekend getaway. Don’t forget to grab a bottle of local wine to bring back home!
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Have you visited the Finger Lakes? What’s your favorite winery on the Seneca Lake Wine Trail? Leave a comment below!
