Watkins Glen, NY — knot so loud

I had one of the best weekends of this entire year (not hard to beat with it being 2020!) on Labor Day weekend. I visited my hometown in Upstate New York to see family. Always a good time seeing my family and friends.

For those who are new to the blog, I grew up in the Elmira/Corning region near the Finger Lakes. I spent some time up at Seneca Lake, which is one of the 11 that make up the Finger Lakes. The story behind the name (Finger Lakes) came from a Native American story, that the great Spirit blessed the land with his hands leaving an imprint of fingers. Cool, huh?

The Finger Lakes (FLX) is also known for many, many vineyards and breweries. I might be biased with growing up here, but I haven’t found any wine to beat FLX wine! I also do realize that this does not fall under the New England travel, but it’s worthwhile to travel to the FLX region. Luckily the FLX is only a 6 hours drive from my side of Connecticut making it the perfect long weekend getaway!

Watkins Glen State Park often comes highly recommended. I can concur with that! Hiking through the gorges with as many as 15+ waterfalls to see. It’s absolutely stunning. There are several trails but the popular trail is the gorge trail, which is 2.5 miles long. It’s also the most scenic route on which you see most of the landmarks often photographed on social media. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes as you will trek up some stairs and some wet/slippery spots. There’s a couple spots where you will walk under a waterfall!

*The Gorge Trail in Watkins Glen State Park.*

*Posing with Rainbow Falls in the background. This is my favorite spot!*

The park is located right in the heart of downtown Watkins Glen. There are many boutique shops, antique shops, restaurants and gift shops. If you walk over to Harbor Hotel there’s a beautiful waterfront park with a pier. The Seneca Lake Station (the red building that sits on the pier often photographed on social media) is located there. The pier is at the mouth of Seneca Lake, beautiful views there!

Eateries are plentiful in Watkins Glen. I haven’t given any other restaurants a fair chance because I grew up religiously going to Jerlandos Pizza. They have the best pizza and garlic knots in FLX region! I think of their garlic knots pretty often… it’s THAT good. I also recommend Village Marina Bar and Grill. They have great burgers and sandwiches. Village Marina is right on the water so they do have the best waterfront views!

A hidden gem in Watkins Glen is Scuteri's Cannoli Connection. Lemme tell you, the BEST cannoli ever. I never knew what they were until my Uncle stopped there on the way to the lake one day. I was hooked since then. I even stopped there on my wedding weekend to get some cannolis.

Talking about Jerlandos and Scuteri’s reminded me that Watkins Glen hosts an Italian Festival every summer at Clute Park. If you travel to FLX region during summer, you should try to attend the weekend of the festival.

*The racing mural in downtown Watkins Glen.*

Watkins Glen is also known for racing. I grew up going to the Watkins Glen International every summer. One year I was lucky enough to get a ride in an IndyCar! One of most memorable times at WGI beside that one other time when I met Patrick Dempsey. Yes, for real! Patrick Dempsey known as Dr. McDreamy from Grey’s Anatomy was there for one of his races. NASCAR also comes to Watkins Glen every year (not this year with COVID-19 unfortunately) so that is typically the busiest week in Watkins Glen.

*My IndyCar experience at Watkins Glen International.*

*Patrick Dempsey and I at Watkins Glen International.*

There’s plenty to do, things to see, lots of choices where to eat and drink in Watkins Glen. I even didn’t get to cover the FLX wineries/breweries that are within half hour to a hour driving distance from Watkins Glen. Stay tuned for the next blog focusing on wineries/breweries and places to stay!

*My husband and I at one of the waterfalls in Watkins Glen circa 2014.*