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Regardless of the various years of touring to the Finger Lakes, and even proudly owning a home right here now, I by no means ever tire of touring across the area. All through the seasons this vacation spot modifications dramatically and so what you noticed in winter utterly modifications in summer season and looks as if a completely new place within the fall. When you like highway journeys, however most particularly in the event you love scenic drives, then that is the submit for you.
West Keuka Lake in the direction of Hammondsport, NY
Essentially the most scenic drives alongside Keuka Lake are alongside the West aspect. They’re damaged down into three roads. The Decrease Street (or West Lake Rd – Route 54A, which follows the lake), Center Street, which is a shorter highway that connects with Route 76, also called South Pulteney Rd. There’s additionally the “Higher Street”, or formally Greyton H. Taylor Memorial Drive.
My favourite of the three is Route 76 as a result of it gives a number of the most spectacular views of Lake Keuka and the bluff, regardless of the season. The perfect a part of all of it is that these three roads have probably the most concentrated places of wineries, breweries, and distilleries within the space. Dr. Konstantin Frank (center highway), Level of The Bluff, Krooked Tusker Distilling, Steuben Brewing, and Keuka Brewing (Rt. 76) and Bully Hill, which has some superb meals and likewise a spectacular view of the lake (Higher Rd). After all, a few of my favourite wineries are additionally on the East aspect of the lake, and although the drive itself isn’t very scenic the views from these wineries are – to not point out their wine is spectacular – McGregor Vineyards, Ravines, and Keuka Springs.
Drive all alongside both of those roads and join with 54A, which can take you straight into the lovable city of Hammondsport.
HammonDsport, NY to Watkins Glen, NY
There’s quite a bit I really like about this drive. The highway that takes you straight into Watkins Glen from this path is Route 23. It’s hilly and winding. From a distance the hills appear to be mountains and at a number of the highest factors of what appears like probably the most limitless highway, you may see Waneta Lake.. When in season, there are farm stands alongside the best way and the sundown views from this drive are breathtaking. Drive from Hammondsport by Tyrone, NY to get on to Route 23.
The highway takes you proper into the center of Watkins Glen and simply steps from probably the most Southern tip of Seneca Lake.
East Seneca Lake in the direction of Geneva, NY
The Scenic Drive alongside Seneca Lake is on the East Facet, Route 414. Not solely does this drive take you previous Hector Falls – don’t drive too quick or you’ll miss it – it additionally takes you alongside an unbelievable assortment of wineries, breweries, distilleries, and eating places. At first the journey begins out bordering you with lush bushes (throughout summer season and fall months) and historic shale cliffs. You don’t at all times get a a view of the lake from the highway, however virtually each vineyard and eatery deck has one so that you can take pleasure in.
It’s actually arduous to determine that are the locations that I really like most on this aspect of the lake, however absolute musts (all with exterior seating or to go choices): breakfast or lunch at Elf in The Oak (seasonal), any meal at Stonecat Cafe (reservations really helpful, with a restricted seasonal opening), Damiani Wine Cellars for dry reds, Hector Wines for dry reds, Wagner Winery for dry Riesling or Rosé, Two Goats for beer, Grist Iron for beer and wings, Finger Lake Distilling for kick-ass cocktail inspirations, and far additional down the highway (a bit off it), Boundary Breaks for dry Riesling. However, actually, the place ever you find yourself, whichever spot attracts your consideration, you’ll be good.
You’ll be able to learn extra about our adventures round this drives, and extra particulars on our favourite stops right here.
Seneca Lake East to Cayuga Lake West
Sooner or later 414 modifications to Route 96 in the event you keep alongside the water and takes you all the best way to the Northern level of Seneca Lake. Cross over to Cayuga Lake on Route 20 and drive by historic Seneca Falls and proper onto Route 89, on the Western aspect of the Northern tip of Cayuga Lake. That is solely a part of the Scenic Byway of Cayuga Lake, which takes you throughout the lake. This path passes by wineries (a few of my favorites: Goose Watch, Thirsty Owl, Sheldrake Level, and Americana Vineyards for lunch outside). There are numerous causes to get off the path too. The majestic Taughannock State Park and waterfall is off this path, as is the cool city of Trumansburg, and on the very finish you get the added bonus of ending up in Ithaca the place there may be a lot extra to see and do (highlights: Ithaca Farmers Market, Ithaca Bakery, Buffalo Road Books, Moosewood Restaurant, and the 150 waterfalls throughout the 10 mile radius of the town). Town of Ithaca requires its personal submit, and its personal trip plan.
If you wish to observe these routes, here’s a Google map path information.
Different Favourite Scenic views
Carolabarb Park has spectacular views of Canandaigua Lake (Rt 21) on the best way to a different favourite metropolis of mine, Naples, NY, the Grape Pie Capital of the World. Order pies to go from Cindy’s Pies or Monica’s Pies. Encourage Moore is a daily cease for us for his or her meals, but additionally the outside seating overlooking their winery the place we’ve got loved many glasses of water. You’ll be able to learn extra about different roads journeys we’ve got accomplished in and round Canandaigua and Geneva right here.
Skaneateles is one other particular place requiring its personal trip plan. You’ll be able to examine my romantic winter getaway and to assist plan your escape. Cease into the Skaneateles Bakery for a sandwich to go and head out to the west drive alongside Skaneateles Lake (Route 41A) to Carpenter Falls within the Behar Protect. The Bahar Protect additionally contains 65 ft of Skaneateles lakeshore, which is nice for a canoeing or kayaking earlier than mountaineering up the ridge path.
These are simply the highlights of the drives I’ve most loved on this huge Finger Lakes area, however they’re simply the tip of the iceberg and a very excellent place to start out and discover. Ideally, it’s finest to plan all of those adventures throughout a number of days, if not a number of journeys in an effort to absolutely benefit from the many stops, points of interest, and historic locations alongside the best way.
Due to COVID restrictions many points of interest could be closed, however what’s so pretty about these drives is that probably the most epic sights are all exterior. If trying to cease for wine tastings, please ensure that to name forward and make reservations.
Produce other scenic drives that you simply take pleasure in? Be happy to share them within the feedback!
All pictures is property of the writer and is probably not used with out consent. Courageous World Media, a media company I personal, is contracted to symbolize Finger Lakes Wine Nation. This submit just isn’t a part of that settlement and I’ve obtained no compensation for writing it. All opinions are my very own.
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