Watkins Glen and Taughannock State Parks, 2024
Watkins Glen offers a serene escape into nature, with its picturesque trails, cascading waterfalls, and lush greenery providing a perfect backdrop for outdoor enthusiasts. After hiking and exploring the stunning gorge, you can unwind by visiting the nearby Finger Lakes vineyards. These vineyards offer a delightful experience of scenic views of rolling vineyards, tasting local wines, and learning about the wine-making process.
Taughannock State Park provides a tranquil retreat with its majestic 215-foot waterfall, stunning gorges, and scenic hiking trails. After exploring the park, a short drive takes you to Ithaca, NY, a vibrant town known for its charming downtown, eclectic shops, and renowned culinary scene.
The Adventure - Music, wine, and waterfalls.
The Ordeal - We had several severe thunderstorms hit our campground causing quit a lot of damage
Tips - Stay informed about your local weather. Know where you can go for shelter and secure belongings.
Our Itinerary
Corning Museum of Glass
Creating a Glass Sculptor
Watkins Glen State Park
Day 1 - Corning NY
The Corning Museum of Glass offers a fascinating exploration of the art, history, and science of glass making. The museum boasts an extensive collection of glass artifacts from around the world and throughout history, showcasing glass's incredible versatility and beauty. Engaging demonstrations and interactive exhibits provide a hands-on experience that captivates visitors. We signed up for a Make Your Blown Glass Sculptor activity. We walked into town and had lunch at Hand + Foot. We browsed the storefronts and stopped in the CD cafe which has a huge selection of old vinyl. The Rockwell Museum didn't disappoint and had an exhibit of Weimaraners by William Wegman. We finished the day back at the Corning Museum of Glass.
Gorge Trail
Sentry Bridge
Watkins Glen State Park
Day 2 - Gorge Tail
We walked the famous Gorge Tail in Watkins Glen. The Trail is an unforgettable experience, taking you through a stunning gorge carved by streams and glaciers with 19 waterfalls. The trail features stone staircases, bridges, and tunnels that offer breathtaking views of the cascading water and lush surroundings.
Vineyards
Wine Tasting - Yum
Watkins Glen State Park
Day 3 - Wine tasting
We toured the vineyards of Dr. Konstantin Frank, Hermann j Wiemer, and Lakewood.
Dr. Franks offered the most interesting story behind how wine-making became successful in the Finger Lakes region. Dr Franks and Wiemer offered the best in wine while Lakewood vineyards had a trail that led through the vineyard.
North Rim View
Bottom of the falls trail
Day 4 - Hiking
We moved our camper to Taughannock State Park. We hiked the north and south rim trails and hiked to the tallest water fall in NY.
Moosewood
Lake Caygue
Day 5 - Ithaca, NY
Spent the afternoon in downtown Ithaca, NY. The downtown offers a charming and vibrant experience with its eclectic mix of shops, restaurants, and cafes. We had lunch at the famous Moosewood Restaurant. We finished the day sitting and relaxing by Lake Caygue.
Grass Roots Music Festival
Dancing in the infield stage
Day 6 - Grass Roots Music Festival
We went to our first music festival, the Grass Roots Festival in Trumansburg, NY. The Festival is a vibrant celebration of music, community, and culture. This four-day event features an eclectic mix of performances, spanning genres from folk and bluegrass to world music and rock, creating an unforgettable experience for attendees. Alongside the diverse musical acts, the festival offers a variety of activities, including dance workshops, artisan crafts, and local food vendors, all set in a welcoming and family-friendly atmosphere.