A road Trip to the Finger Lakes Region, New York was a lot of driving but full of surprises along the way.
Having made the trip from CT through central New York to Syracuse University many, many times during our son’s four years there, we had always seen the signs for the Finger Lakes Region and put that on our list of things to do some day.
So this year in early June we wanted to get away for a few days of relaxing and started exploring the Finger Lakes. Every search seems to start with a place to stay and we got out our computers and began. As luck would have it, we found something promising and landed on the Chautauqua Harbor Hotel. The photos looked idyllic and it had everything we were looking for; a good restaurant, a state-of-the-art gym in case we wanted to work out, an outdoor pool as well as an indoor pool and hot tub in the event the weather didn’t cooperate. After all, it was early June.
We booked a couple of nights, started planning the trip, and then discovered that technically, Lake Chautauqua and the Chautauqua Harbor Hotel were not acutally in the Finger Lakes Region. We did find, however, that Chautauqua Lake is often referred to as the “Thumb” of the Finger Lakes due to its proximity but it was formed by completely different glacial activity than the Finger Lakes. Still, the hotel was so inviting and since it was close to the Finger Lakes and we could still explore the area, we kept our reservation.
What to see along the way
The drive to Chautauqua Harbor Hotel is 6 1/2 hours from our home. We decided a break in the drive was warranted and since we’d be driving right by the Corning Museum of Glass, a short stop and visit would be a nice break.
The architecture of the building itself is worth seeing. It’s simply stunning. The museum was orginally conceived of as an education institution and not as a showcase for Corning Glass Works. Its mission, as a non-profit institution, is to “preserve and expand the world’s understanding of glass.” They even have a separate building where you can take a class and create your own piece of glass.
After visiting the museum we stopped in the cafe for a quick bite to eat and cup of coffee and got on the road again heading to the hotel.
Chautauqua Harbor Hotel
The hotel, not surprisingly, is situated on the shores of Chautauqua Lake and we made it for the best time to see the sunset over the lake. It seemed like the perfect place to take in the scenic vistas and rolling hills.
We had anticipated a nice summer evening by the pool and a quick swim before dinner. However, the weather didn’t cooperate as it was a bit windy and only 52 degrees. So we settled into our room and made a dinner reservation instead. But after dinner we did make it to the hot tub before we called it a night. it’s a relaxing way to end any evening.
The hotel
The hotel is on the “newish” side as it was built in 2018. It wasn’t crowded, busy but not crowded, and we were lucky enough to get a small suite. There was plently of room and we had a spacious balcony overlooking the the lake. Truly a spectacular view.
The hotel has a full time conciegere who was very helpful in pointing out things to see and do during our visit.
It’s located in the small town of Celeron. The area is most known for the National Comedy Center and the Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz Museum. In fact, the house Lucille Ball grew up in, is just up the road a few blocks from the hotel. Although honestly, it’s not much to see. It’s now a private residence.
At the height of summer months when the weather is warm, I couldn’t help but imagine this would be a great spot and how busy the pool area overlooking the lake would be with families and kids enjoying a fun summer get-away. It’s definitely a great destination vacation spot. There are a lot of outdoor activities and water sports available. You can rent kayaks and even boats if boating is your thing.
The rooms
The room was spacious with all the amenities you’d expect from a really nice hotel. You do have the option of one king bed or two queens.
Each floor had coffee station along with a small corning meeting space with a beautiful of the lake.
The restaurant
The Lake House Tap and Grille is the hotel’s restaurant. And after a long day of driving we had dinner at the hotel. We shared a Ceasar salad to start and then also shared the seared Ahi tuna and the Miso Salmon. The food was delicious and memorable.
On the second night, we started with an arugula salad and then shared the Lobster Ravioli and the chargrilled Frenched Pork Chop. The chef even stopped by to introduce himself which I think is always a nice touch. We saw him do that with the other guests as well.
Finger Lakes Wine Region
The Finger Lakes Region is over 9,000 square miles and includes 11 long slender lakes as well as a part of Lake Ontario and part of the Erie Canal. It might be most well-know for its production of wine. In the Finger Lakes wine country there are over 400 wineries and vineyards that are surrounded by Seneca Lake, Cayuga Lake, Canandaigua Lake, Keuka Lake, Conesus Lake, and Hemlock Lake. It’s the incredible depth of the lakes that create the “lake effect” for the vineyards that are situated along the lakes’ shores. It’s what makes the vineyards so lush and good growing conditions for the grapes.
By far, the largest production of wine is Riesling followed by Chardonnay, Cabernet Franc and Pinot Noir.
Watkins Glen State Park
After a few days of relaxing and exploring it was time to head back home. Many of you responded to one of my IG posts on what I should do and see in the area. The biggest response by far was to stop and see Watkins Glen State Park. It was basically on our way home and and only a two hour drive from the hotel, so we decided to pay it a visit. And, we were not disappointed.
Watkins Glen State Park is full of beautiful gorges and waterfalls. The gorge trail that runs through the park is almost two miles long and winds its way through the gorges and past 19 waterfalls. It’s really quite wonderful to see and hard to imagine that just a few steps away is Main Street and all the modern conveniences in the small village of Watkins Glen.
Tim Hortons Donut Shops
After hiking through Watkins Glen State Park it was time to head home. Another five hour drive ahead of us we decided that a stop at Tim Hortons Donut shop was warranted. Tim Hortons is the Canadian’s version of Dunkin Donuts – only much, much better. Other than Canada, I’ve only seen them in Central and Upstate NY. They’re known for making small batches of donuts throughout the day, in each of their individual shops. The old fashioned glazed is my personal favorite.
The scenic drive through so many small towns almost felt like stepping back in time when life was slower and easier. Some times a car is the best way to experience Americana at its best. I couldn’t help but think the entire region, with all its trails, would be a great place to visit inf the fall and during the winter and experience the solitude of some cross-country skiing or other outdoor recreation activities.
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