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Old 08-15-2015, 11:06 AM
UglyStick's Avatar
UglyStick UglyStick is offline
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Default Re: Finger Lakes Info Wanted!

The wife and I go up there for a few days almost every year and it's fantastic. I personally have been going up there for over 20 years. The others gave you solid info on the fishing so I'll give you some other info.

The fall, when the leaves are changing and the grape harvest is going on, is the best time to go up there, I suggest the first half of October.

Wine tasting:

A driver isn't a bad idea but you will notice almost no police presence since they understand where the tourist dollars come from. You can drive the wine trail, just be safe and responsible

Do NOT attempt to go wine tasting on the weekends and do NOT be there on Columbus day weekend as it is way too crowded and completely un-enjoyable with tons of drunken fools (literally multiple big bus loads at each winery).

For Seneca, you can cover 1 side of the lake in a day for tastings if you make it a long day. The wineries on the east side of the lake are better than the west side. Many aren't very good but make sure to hit Finger Lakes Distilling, Damiani, Atwater Vinyards, Hector Wine Co., Shalestone and Lamoreaux Landing. Look for ones that aren't on the "official" wine trail map either since not all of them pay to be on that marketing. Don't sample everything they have to offer, try a few at each winery sticking to the varietals you like the best or you'll be hammered in no time. Make sure to stop and eat lunch.

For Keuka Lake, make sure to hit Dr. Konstantin Frank Vinifera, they are the best winery in the finger lakes. The rest of the wineries on Keuka are mediocre at best.

Restaurants - the best restaurant in the area is Ports Cafe @ 4432 West Lake Road (State Route 14), Geneva NY. Have the daily specials, they are worth the drive up the west side of the lake. Stone Cat cafe on the east side of Seneca is good also. Dano's Heuriger on the east side of Seneca has decent food too but check the menu in case Viennese style isn't your thing (their service sucks too). The Red Newt restaurant used to be better but has some interesting theme nights with live music and wine specials so check them out too. Other than that, most places are mediocre. The one place I will tell you to absolutely stay away from the food is The Wildflower Cafe & The Crooked Rooster Brewpub in Watkins Glen. I personally don't think there is any restaurant in the town of Watkins Glen worth going to. Also, depending on when you are going, check in advance when each restaurant is open since many are only open a few days a week, especially after labor day.

Other to do - The Corning Glass Museum (as mentioned) is very cool to see and a good stop on the way home. As Wilson stated, check out the Glen itself in Watkins Glen. It is one of the prettiest hikes you will ever take.

If you have any specific questions on wineries, restaurants, where to stay, etc. just pm me.

Last edited by UglyStick; 08-15-2015 at 11:35 AM..
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