Places to Visit and Things to do in Watkins Glen, NY
My wife Becky and I reside in Watkins Glen, NY. It is a beautiful little village. I fell in love with this place when I first started dating her.
Watkins Glen is what is considered a tourist town. I am going to list places of interest and things to do, should you ever decide to visit!
The COVID-19 pandemic has affected everyone’s daily life as we know it. I fear that tourism this year will not be as robust as it has been in years past. With some optimism and a little hope, perhaps Watkins Glen can be that little tourist town again!
Our little town has many great places to eat. From fast food to great dine-in restaurants, Watkins Glen has quite an assortment!
There are many hotels, big and small, several BnB’s and even some Airbnb’s.
This is a little cottage we stayed at while our house was being built.
As you can see, we had a wonderful view at the AirBnB cottage!
Seneca Lake
Many people who come here take in swimming, boating, sailing, and fishing, as Seneca Lake is noted for its lake trout.
Watkins Glen is at the southern point of Seneca Lake. It is the largest of the glacial Finger Lakes of the U.S. state of New York, and the deepest lake entirely within the state. Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seneca_Lake_(New_York).
Watkins Glen International Speedway
WGI hosts the annual NASCAR and IMSA (International Motor Sports Association) race. The track is what is known as a road course, and there are only five on the circuit: Canadian Tire Motorsport Park in Bowmanville, ON, Charlotte Motor Speedway. Charlotte, NC, Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course, Lexington, OH, Road America, Elkhart Lake, WI, and Watkins Glen International. Source: https://www.nascar.com/tracks.
WGI not only hosts NASCAR. It also has weekend events. Auto clubs from around the country and world use the location to race their cars.
Another popular event at WGI is the Finger Lakes Wine Festival. With over ninety wineries and numerous vendors, the Wine Festival is a three-day celebration that is wine.
The Gorge at Watkins Glen State Park
If you want to have a great outdoor experience, then the Gorge is for you! It’s a little over two miles. It is a very popular attraction in Watkins Glen. It is part of Watkins Glen State Park, which is the most famous park in the Finger Lakes.
The Glen’s stream plummets approximately 400 feet past 200-foot cliffs. There are 19 waterfalls throughout its course. The walking path snakes under and over waterfalls. It is a sight to see!
Walking the gorge is free; however, there is paid parking across the street. If you want to avoid paying to park, your best idea is to park off a side street and walk to the gorge.
Wineries
Watkins Glen is centered around many wineries and hosts a few microbreweries, and they all offer tastings, at a cost. Some wineries also offer tours of their cellar and vineyards.
Free places to check out
There are a few places that are free to the public so I am going to list them below so you do not have to search for them.
Shequagua Falls – Montour Falls
Located in the middle of town, Shequagua Falls is a very popular attraction. The falls fountain down approximately 156 feet.
There is also another waterfall called Aunt Sarah’s Falls, which is located just as you enter Montour Falls from Watkins Glen. There are several walking trails to go on a nature hike with the family.
(https://www.alltrails.com/us/new-york/watkins-glen/)
There are several camping sites, all located within close proximity to the Glen.
Have you ever been to Watkins Glen? If so, did you enjoy your stay? Would you visit again?
I hope you enjoyed reading a little bit about my town! I hope to see you sometime soon!
Pin this for Later…
Pingback: Visiting New York City with Kids | Life With Heidi
Pingback: 3 Reasons Everybody Should Visit New York City. - Night Helper
Never heard of Watkins Glen but the view from the AirBnB looks amazing!! I’ll add it to my travel bucket list.
When my wife and I began dating a couple of decades ago, I too had not heard of it. We were very pleased with our stay at the cottage AirBnB
You’ll be glad you visited!
This is not what comes to mind when I think of New York. It’s so beautiful and serene. Thanks for this. Please stay safe.
I remember when I moved to New York from Germany (in the military), and I always thought all of New York was like NYC!
Pingback: Best Eats When Visiting Watkins Glen - Life as Rog
I have never been, but I’d love to go. It looks like a gorgeous spot! I love waterfalls.
Yes, it is a beautiful location! You should see it in the Fall!
I’ve been to Watkins Glen a few times, and it is lovely!
I am so glad you’ve been here and love our village!
I love places like this. Beautiful, fun, things to do, peace and quiet. It looks like Watkins Glen has it all.
For being a small town, it really does
We went to Watkins Glen last spring – what an amazing place! It is absolutely incredible there. We also visited Farm Sanctuary. I would love to go back and explore some of the other falls.
I hope that you can come back soon!
Wow, that looks like a wonderful place. I bet it is nice to live there, especially when it’s tourist season so you get to meet a lot of different people!
We’ve never been to Watkins Glen. I would love to go visit someday with my husband and son, though and perhaps stay at that place you mentioned. Love the view!
You’ll be glad that you did!
I have never been to Watkins Glen but it looks beautiful! We will have to put it on our places to go list.
I think you would have a good time here 🙂
OMG! This is such a beautiful place! I love nature, I love lakes and Watkins Glen is a piece of heaven!
There is so much to see when it comes to nature! You can see why I fell in love with this little village!
Pingback: Wineries in Watkins Glen to Enjoy - Life as Rog
Watkins sounds like a really nice place.
Thanks for sharing, I love knowing more about different places
I figured it was time to show my little village some love, especially with what’s going on!
Pingback: Best places to stay in Watkins Glen - Life as Rog
Pingback: Stop Letting Your Vacation Time Roll Over - Sincerely Uplifting
I’ve never been there but it’s sounds like so much fun things to do love this informative post