Day Trips From Binghamton: Watkins Glen

A little less than an hour an a half from Binghamton, to the northwest is Watkins Glen. You can get there and back in a day and still get that feeling like you went on a small getaway.

Nature

The Watkins Glen State Park is filled with all kinds of treasure from mother nature; 19 waterfalls, a gorge, cliffs and of course plenty of hiking trails. In Reserve America it was named one of the nation's Top Outdoor Locations. If you aren't in good shape, there is a shuttle to the top of the gorge. If you plan on hiking up the gorge, just beware of all the stairs! If it's warm out, there are also places to go swimming along the way.

Lake Cruise.

There are a variety of cruises offered on Seneca Lake from Watkins Glen. You can go on a lunch, dinner, or sight seeing cruise. Prices range accordingly but all reviews I read so far said it was a great time, very scenic and informative on the history of the area.

Wineries.

Wine tasting is becoming quite synonymous with the Finger Lakes so of course, I had to mention it here. Through my research, I found that if you go to the local wine association offices in Watkins Glen, you can buy a Riesling pass for $12 which allows you to taste wine at 27 different wineries. If you plan on visiting all 27 wineries, I certainly hope you have a designated driver!

I also found they have an annual Fingerlakes Wine Festival the second week of July where over 100 wineries are in attendance to allow for plenty of testing and of course purchasing the wines as well. They also have food, art and entertainment at the festival as well. I know what I'm doing next summer that weekend!

Other Attractions

Watkins Glen International Race track hosts a NASCAR race every year in August! If you are big into racing, chances are you've already been to this race track and if not, you should visit!

Corning Museum of Glass has a huge collection of glass, a live hot glass show and glassblowing on the premises.

For more museum's in the Watkins Glen area click here.

Get out there and visit New York before the snow comes - quick!