Things to do in Watkins Glen in February

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Overview

February is a less popular time to visit Watkins Glen. The weather is usually really cold and breezy, with temperatures ranging from 17—32°F (-8—0°C). There are plenty of events to check out and activities to try in Watkins Glen during this time. Some of our top recommendations: attend the Fire and Ice Celebration at Wagner Vineyards, go snow tubing at Greek Peak Mountain Resort, take a winter hike at Watkins Glen State Park, and more!

Watkins Glen has plenty to offer for visitors of all ages and interests. In this article, we tell you the top things to see and do for your February trip to Watkins Glen. Get inspired by the events, activities, attractions, and experiences unique to February. We’ll let you know where to explore events based on your interests, whether that’s food, culture, art, music, sport or others.

We’ll let you know everything you need to prepare for the weather in Watkins Glen in February. Learn about what to wear and pack for your trip, the average temperatures throughout February, temperature changes from morning to evening and much more.

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Best events and things to do in Watkins Glen in February

Top experiences in February
Attend the Fire and Ice Celebration at Wagner Vineyards
Wagner Vineyards hosts an annual Fire and Ice Celebration in February, featuring a variety of activities such as ice carving demonstrations, bonfires, wine tastings, and live music. The event offers a unique and festive atmosphere, allowing guests to enjoy the beauty of the winery and vineyard while participating in a range of winter-themed activities. It's a great way to embrace the winter season and indulge in the Finger Lakes region's renowned wine scene.
Go snow tubing at Greek Peak Mountain Resort
Greek Peak Mountain Resort offers a thrilling and family-friendly snow tubing experience during the winter months. The resort's tubing park features multiple lanes and a conveyor lift, allowing visitors to enjoy the excitement of sliding down the snow-covered hills without the need for any special skills or equipment. It's a fun and exhilarating way to embrace the winter season and enjoy the snowy landscape.
Take a winter hike at Watkins Glen State Park
While Watkins Glen State Park is known for its stunning waterfalls and lush greenery in the warmer months, it also offers a unique and beautiful experience in the winter. The park's trails are open year-round, allowing visitors to explore the snow-covered landscape and frozen waterfalls. It's a peaceful and serene way to connect with nature and experience the park in a different light.
Go ice skating at Clute Park
Clute Park in Watkins Glen offers a picturesque setting for outdoor ice skating during the winter months. The park features a large outdoor rink where visitors can lace up their skates and glide across the ice surrounded by stunning views of Seneca Lake. It's a great way to enjoy the beauty of the Finger Lakes region while engaging in a classic winter activity.
Go cross-country skiing at Sugar Hill State Forest
Sugar Hill State Forest offers a scenic and peaceful setting for cross-country skiing during the winter months. The forest's trails are open for skiing, allowing visitors to explore the snowy landscape and enjoy the tranquility of the natural surroundings. It's a great way to get some exercise and take in the beauty of the region in a unique and immersive way.
Go snowshoeing at Finger Lakes National Forest
Finger Lakes National Forest offers a beautiful and tranquil setting for snowshoeing during the winter months. The forest's trails are open for snowshoeing, allowing visitors to explore the snowy landscape and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. It's a great way to get some exercise and take in the natural beauty of the region in a unique and immersive way.
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Holidays in Watkins Glen in February
February
  • Lincoln's Birthday (February 12)
  • Valentine's Day (February 14)
  • Presidents' Day (February 16)
  • Presidents' Day (February 16)
Other notable holidays
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Weather in Watkins Glen in February

Temperatures on an average day in Watkins Glen in February

The average temperature in Watkins Glen in February for a typical day ranges from a high of 32°F (0°C) to a low of 17°F (-8°C). Some would describe the temperature to be really cold. The general area may also feel breezy.

For comparison, the hottest month in Watkins Glen, July, has days with highs of 84°F (29°C) and lows of 62°F (17°C). The coldest month, January has days with highs of 30°F (-1°C) and lows of 16°F (-9°C). This graph shows how an average day looks like in Watkins Glen in February based on historical data.

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Historical temperature average in February
32°F
highs
17°F
lows

General weather summary

Really cold, breezy
Feels like
35%
Chance of rain
0.124 in
Amount
13.9 mph
Wind speed
94%
Humidity
10.5 hrs
Daylight length
7:05 AM
Sunrise
5:37 PM
Sunset
31%
Cloud cover
Thick winter coat with gloves
What to wear
What to wear in February
With an average high of 32°F (0°C) and a low of 17°F (-8°C), it generally feels really cold and breezy. There might also be a small chance of rain. With that in mind, most people would dress in something toasty like a thick winter coat with gloves
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Best attractions for Watkins Glen in February

Besides the array of exciting events and activities Watkins Glen has to offer for travelers in February, we want to remind you of the classic attractions in Watkins Glen that are great to visit at this time of the year as well! You can’t miss these iconic landmarks, local favorites, and places rich with cultural heritage. We hope to give you insights and inspiration into the best things to see and do to make the most of your visit. Here is a list of our top attractions in Watkins Glen for February.
Watkins Glen State Park
1. Watkins Glen State Park
4.8
(22694)
State park
Nature & Parks
Rocky cliffs, cascading waterfalls & scenic views from rim trails, plus lakes for trout fishing.
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Such a beautiful hike. Being in a gorge like this is a one of a kind experience. Trails are excellently maintained and marked clearly. Staff at the visitor center were very helpful. The entire thing is under 1.5 miles, so you can explore all the trails and see everything this place has to offer in 1 day. Also seems to have a shuttle maybe just on weekends and it's a very accessible hike/ sights for all ages.
Great views, fall colors at its peak. And no matter when you hike the gorge trail, it’s always wet and muddy so dress appropriately with hiking shoes. We ended up doing the gorge trail 3 times back and forth coz it’s so pretty. And then did the rim trail too taking the Jacob ladder 150-180 steps down to gorge trail again. Visiting here 10 years we felt there is a new construction happening. Infact the start of the gorge trail is blocked and there is a detour on the rim trail to get to the gorge trail currently. Parking lot is $10 day parking, which can be used in any other finger lakes state parks.
I traveled all the way from Canada just to see Watkins Glen State Park, and it was truly worth every mile. Visiting during the fall made it even more magical the vibrant colors of the leaves against the dark stone walls and cascading waterfalls created a scene straight out of a painting. Walking through the Gorge Trail felt peaceful and unreal at the same time. The crisp autumn air, the golden light, and the gentle sound of rushing water made it an experience I’ll never forget. Every corner was picture-perfect, yet no photo could capture how it felt to be there. Watkins Glen in fall is pure perfection calm, colorful, and full of life. I left with a heart full of gratitude and a deep wish to return again.
Start-to-end stunning views and modest trail length on the 1.5 mile Gorge Trail make this a perfect family hike with younger kids. We brought a group of eight with four children under 10 and everyone loved the experience. It took about an hour-and-a-half with plenty of photo and snack breaks. The Gorge Trail is mostly stone and well-maintained. We took the North Rim Trail back and it was a lot less crowded than the popular Gorge Trail. Lots of steps make for a vigorous climb at times, but it was all manageable for our 6-year-old and 7-year-old. The many waterfalls keep everyone motivated to push forward, and the rock walls make for incredible scenery throughout. One of the best hikes I’ve ever taken.
This place doesn’t disappoint! Beautiful waterfalls/foliage and well-maintained. I would recommend hiking shoes because it does get a bit wet/slippery on some spots. Lots of steps, but still pretty easy. Takes 1-2 hours done leisurely. Many spots to take a breather or to relax and enjoy the scenery. I’d recommend doing early and a day after it rains is best.
Visited Watkins Glen State Park during peak fall season, and it was one of the most breathtaking experiences I’ve had. The gorge trail is simply magical , waterfalls flowing through layered rock walls, colorful leaves carpeting the paths, and mist rising from the falls made it feel straight out of a postcard. The park was fairly busy, but completely worth it. The trails are well-maintained and easy to follow, though be ready for stairs (lots of them!). Every turn offers another photo-worthy spot. Parking was easy to find near the main entrance, and restrooms and picnic areas were clean. If you can, go early in the morning to beat the crowds and catch the sunlight filtering through the gorge, it’s unforgettable. A must-visit, especially during fall foliage season! 🍂🌊
Breathtaking views! The waterfalls, stone stairs, misty atmosphere, and light rain — what more could you ask for in an outdoorsy adventure? It does get busy, but it’s absolutely worth it. If you have balance issues like I do, I highly recommend bringing a walking stick. And if you’re not super physically fit, I’d suggest starting from the upper entrance and going down the stairs rather than climbing up — there are over 800 steps, and I know I couldn’t have managed them going the other way! We spent about three hours on the Gorge Trail, between walking, climbing stairs, and stopping often to soak in the scenery and take photos. The entire place feels almost magical — fairy-like, if you believe in that kind of thing. There’s even a spot that looks like a doorway; I called it the “door to the fairy realm.” This was truly an unforgettable experience and a must-do hiking adventure! And before you leave town, make sure to snap a photo at the phone booth — it’s a must-pic moment!
Watkins Glen State Park is one of the most stunning natural spots in New York State. The park is famous for its **19 waterfalls** carved into a dramatic gorge, with stone bridges, tunnels, and winding trails that make the walk feel magical. There are two main trails: - **Gorge Trail** → The most popular one. Medium difficulty with many stairs, but it takes you right beside and even behind the waterfalls. You’ll pass highlights like **Cavern Cascade**, **Central Cascade**, and **Rainbow Falls** — the most photographed spot in the park. - **Indian Trail** → Runs above the gorge. It’s less crowded but doesn’t get you as close to the waterfalls. Accessibility: The Gorge Trail has many steps and narrow passages, so it’s **not suitable for wheelchairs or strollers**. Families with young kids might find the lower sections manageable, but completing the whole trail is tough with a stroller. Tips: - For the **best photos**, come early in the morning or on weekdays. Weekends get very crowded. - There are several parking lots across the street from the main entrance, and the fee is affordable. - Bring good walking shoes — the stone paths can be slippery near the waterfalls. - Plan at least 2–3 hours if you want to walk the entire gorge and really enjoy the scenery.
Seneca Lake Wine Trail
2. Seneca Lake Wine Trail
4.7
(543)
Outdoor Activities
Scenic Drives
In the heart of Finger Lakes Wine Country, 31 wineries sample & produce cool-climate wines.
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Awesome variety of wine and beer with a dash of other spirits available as well. The scenery is absolutely beautiful and everyone at each place we went was very friendly. Most places even allowed us to bring our dog inside or to keep her on the patio with us .
Wonderful place to relax. Beautiful views, very good wines for every taste and every budget. We come here every year and always enjoy it a lot.
Absolutely love this lake. Would recommend taking the family here. There's near by restaurants.
Nice little pier to sit and have dinner and drinks while overlooking Seneca lake. Visited this during LDW 2020 after finishing Watkins Glen State Park trail. This place is beautiful.
Beautiful Seneca lake in Wakin's Glen! Lots to do in quaint town or nearby with little shops, resturants, state park with waterfalls, hiking, boating, cruises, antiques, wineries, and race track!
A beautiful bike ride up Hwy 14. The hills were gradual and the wineries were about 2 miles apart.
Absolute beauty and serene place to be. A reasonable place to taste wine and take tours if you want. There are lots of wineries so you might end up getting confused which one to choose.
Really quiet awaiting summer racetrack traffic. Pretty & quaint 700ft lake has tourboats, kayak rentals, patio dining, nearby hotel, & Cardboard Regatta entries by June 10. Marina & Bar/restraunt and nearby wine tour pick ups.
Nice place to sit and relax on a beautiful day! Plenty of restaurants to choose from within walking distance. Nice little town with tons of history.
Great place to see Seneca Lake and take pictures in the afternoon as the sun sets over the water. there's a ferry ride you can take as well as several restaurants within walking distance. Watkins Glen State Park which is amazing is only about a mile away. Well worth the visit.
Watkins Glen International
3. Watkins Glen International
4.7
(3144)
Car racing venue
Sights & Landmarks
Road-racing institution with a 3.4-mi. course hosts NASCAR events & offers 3-lap tours to fans.
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A Rocky Start Turned into an Unforgettable Weekend at The Glen! Don't let our initial troubles deter you from visiting Watkins Glen for a NASCAR weekend—it was an absolutely fantastic experience! Our trip started with a significant hiccup: we arrived to find another group had mistakenly set up in our reserved camping spot. The situation was complicated, as resolving it would have meant asking twelve other campers to pack up and shift their sites. Just when we thought our weekend was off to a terrible start, the track staff stepped in and demonstrated what true customer service is all about. They were incredible. While it took about two hours to sort everything out, they went above and beyond, ultimately setting us up with an amazing track-side camping spot that was even better than our original one. Once we were settled, the weekend was perfect. The event itself, the iconic track, the energy of the fans, and all the surrounding festivities were simply amazing. If you're a NASCAR fan, I can't recommend this trip enough. Mark your calendar for the Watkins Glen race weekend—you're guaranteed to have a great time.
"The Glen" is the best. The staff is friendly and helpful. I was camping and found the toilets and showers well maintained and supplied. Free pump-out is an added bonus. Grounds are well kept and I smiled when I saw more than one attendant pick up litter instead of walking by it. Shows pride of place. There's a new convenience store that had all my camping needs. I was there 4 days. I dropped one star because, being my first visit I was unfamiliar with the camping spot numbering system, but figured it out. Also, the maps that are placed throughout the venue don't show, "You are here." Still, I feel I will be returning yearly. Great venue, great time.
This was my first time at the Glen & I was very pleased with my visit for the IMSA 6 hour race. They allow dogs in certain areas so it was nice to bring my pups with me along the ride. The whole place was clean and everyone was very kind. You have access to so many areas of the track which is surprising considering many other places require pit passes to see certain things, but it was all included with GA tickets. Overall wonderful time & awesome track to watch the races!
Fantastic track to drive. I wish the paddock and facility otherwise was nicer like some other tracks I frequent.
It's been a while since I been here.. I noticed some upgrades!! They were nice to see.. bathrooms were kept clean....I was however disappointed in the fact that the seats my wife and I had were sticky from soda or beer from the race before.. we had to go spend $15 each for two seat cushions so we could sit. There was trash all over the stands aswell.. maybe they were short staffed and couldn't clean it all... also Nascar's rules definitely has changed the sport.. but still overall was an enjoyable day
Watkins Glen is awesome! NASCAR weekend is great but there's much more to it. You can drive your personal car around the track on certain weekends. They host vintage weekend, Ferrari challenge, Transam, vintage and many more! It has racing for all types of fans. Beautifully taken care of, friendly staff, it is one of the best tracks in North America to attend. Located near many other attractions such as the gorges, waterfalls,and wineries even non racing friends will find a place to enjoy in this area. What are you waiting for?
Great raceway! I recommend bringing headphones to listen to the race. You’ll only see your turn and it helps to keep up. We were very close to the cars so never missed a pass. We got right in, showed up 2 hours early. They have a lot to keep you entertained. Expect about an hour to get out though.
Watkins Glen International Raceway was an amazing track to go to. I had never been to a road course race before, and I was excited to see what it had to offer in person. The merch haulers had many wristband free autograph sessions for the fans to get. I bought the pre race pass thinking I would be able to get into the red carpet walk, but I was not allowed. I was able to stand on the track during driver intros near the stage and got 15 autographs that way. Sat in turn 1, and got to see some good action with the pair of spins from Larson and Hocevar, to contact not even shown on TV. It all wrapped up nice after the short race with a Shane Van Gisbergen burnout right in front of me. Highly recommend buying the pre race pass and standing right off the stage steps during driver intros. You have to get there pretty early to keep your spot. Unlike Martinsville, it wasn’t crowded and most of the drivers took their time to sign merchandise (until the rope broke then it got crazy). Food there was pretty nice too, definitely a track that’s worth the drive.
Lakewood Vineyards
4. Lakewood Vineyards
4.7
(565)
Winery
Food & Drink
Established, family-owned winery producing wine, with a tasting room, picnic area & shop.
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Wow! Had a great first time experience! Hands down the best winery I've ever been to. The Staff were very welcoming and pleasant. The VIEW is spectacular, photos don't do it justice. This winery has a Very good Vibe, and they even have a nice Trail if you want to go for a nice walk. After the tasting, it was very hard to choose just 1 bottle, so I got 5 lol ! (1 bottle didn't make the photo shoot) #Cheers🍷🍾
Lakewood Vineyards is a must-visit in the Finger Lakes! The wines are excellent — a great mix of classic varietals and unique local favorites, all crafted with real care and quality. The staff is warm, welcoming, and very knowledgeable, making the tasting experience both fun and educational. The setting is absolutely beautiful, with gorgeous vineyard views that make it easy to relax and enjoy. Whether you’re a wine lover or just exploring the area, Lakewood is the perfect stop. Highly recommended!
This place is absolutely amazing! The staff was incredibly friendly and welcoming. Although the official tour wasn’t available at the time, we ended up with the best guide for free—he didn’t speak, but somehow we understood everything about the vineyard perfectly. 🍇 The wine tasting was outstanding—I tried the dry wine and loved every sip. 🍷✨ 100% recommended for anyone looking for a unique and unforgettable experience!
Lakewood Vineyards was a disappointing stop for our group. We heard great things about them online and from the locals. We ended up having a couple of non drinkers in our reservation and they were fantastic about refunding me in advance. Appreciate that customer service! But the tasting felt rushed and didn’t feel personal or fun. The wines were good and the views were beautiful, but as a group, we didn’t enjoy ourselves.
My husband and I visited the area for our 10th Anniversary. Neither of us had ever been to a vineyard so we decided to take a tour. We showed up to the vineyard it was so beautiful! We didn’t have tickets prior and they were sold out, but they had a couple not show up so luckily we got to go on a tour after all. Our tour guide Tracy was so fun! He made our tour full of a lot of laughs…. We really enjoyed our day at the vineyard! Another highlight is Fizzy the Aussie who runs around and wants you to play fetch with her piece of grapevine. She is the Sweetest pup. We sat and enjoyed cheese and wine we bought there and played fetch for probably a good half hour. I definitely recommend visiting… you won’t regret it. We left with 4 bottles of wine and hope to come back again soon!
Unfortunately this wasn't our favorite winery in the area for a couple of reasons. The seating layout wasn't ideal because there wasn't much space to enjoy a glass of wine, besides for two small couches inside and a few metal tables outside. The wine tasting counters seemed fine. Other than that, the main issue we had was with our dog. She's very well behaved and chill overall, but unfortunately, the premises had two dogs running around free and one kept coming up to our girl. We usually don't mind our dog socializing, but it wasn't clear if she had to be leashed at all times or could be unleashed. This made relaxing quite difficult, because it's not ideal to try and drink wine while you have another dog wanting to play with yours. We tried walking outside to get her away from the other dog, but he kept following and barking at her, making it difficult to enjoy the premises. When we asked if our dog could be unleashed as well, they made it sound like that was possible, but if anything at all happened it would be our dog's fault. Considering that our dog wasn't the one barking or going towards the other dog, we didn't feel safe doing so. We understand that the owner's dogs take precedence and as dog owners, we love seeing pups enjoying their best lives, but it just didn't make it an enjoyable experience for us as guests, as we were constantly worried about our dog activity. She typically can just lay near us and relax and this wasn't possible here.
A highlight of our Friend’s Weekend in Watkins Glen was our tour and tasting at Lakewood Vineyards! Liz Stamp spent time with our group, giving us super tour, followed by a great tasting experience. We learned a lot, tasted a lot, bought a lot to enjoy a lot 😊🍷
The vineyard walk/tasting was a great way to enjoy the wine and scenery. Tour guide was great! And it was a lovely setting for a picnic lunch afterward.
Castel Grisch Winery
5. Castel Grisch Winery
4.5
(431)
Winery
Food & Drink
Winery & tasting room pouring wines from dry to sweet, also offering a wedding & event venue.
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Had an amazing experience at this winery in Watkins Glen! The atmosphere was beautiful and the wines were rich in flavor. A special thanks to Christine, our server, who was incredibly warm and knowledgeable. She patiently explained the winemaking process and the unique characteristics of each wine, making the tasting both enjoyable and educational. Every sip was memorable — highly recommend visiting! 🍷✨
I had such a great experience at this winery. It is great fun to come look at all the models and statues they have on display, but aside from that the wine and staff were very kind and knowledgeable. I greatly recommend the French 75 and I can't remember the name but I had a bourbon cocktail as well. That was lovely. Dog, friendly and family friendly Will return
We visited Castel Grisch Winery this weekend for a planned wine tasting, and to our surprise, it coincided with a hot air balloon event! The atmosphere was lively with live music, delicious food, and fun local vendors. We had the pleasure of meeting Christine, who was so friendly and generous in sharing their famous Riesling. We loved it so much we brought a few bottles home. The winery itself is in a beautiful setting overlooking the lake — truly picture-perfect. Between the wine, the views, and the festive event, we couldn’t have asked for a better day. If you’re in the Finger Lakes area, this is a wonderful spot to relax and enjoy a glass (or two) of their amazing Riesling.
Beautiful winery! Gorgeous outdoor deck with amazing views of the foliage in October. They have interesting decor which is so fun, and plenty of indoor and outdoor seating. We got the sweet wine flight and mixed wine flight for $15 each, which was wonderful. My favorite was the Vivacious Riesling, Seneca Dream Red, and Seneca Dream White (literally tastes like grapes from the vine). The owners and staff are really friendly and warm as well! Also very convenient to get to from Watkins Glen. Highly recommend coming here if you’re anywhere around the area!
Quirky entrance with a great view! The service was okay, and the seating was comfortable. I ordered a drink with elderberry in it — it tasted wonderful. I also got to walk around the vineyard and see the beautiful grapevines, which was a nice touch. Overall, a lovely quick stop and worth checking out.
If you’re spending a weekend or vacation around Watkins Glen State Park or the Finger Lakes region, this spot is a wonderful place to stop by for half a day. Nestled among scenic views of the lake, vineyards, and rolling mountains, it offers the perfect setting to relax and recharge. Sipping on private-label wines from CG Winery while listening to gentle classical music creates a peaceful and refreshing experience. The ambiance is calm and elegant, ideal for unwinding after a hike or sightseeing. For families, the lanterns park at the entrance is a delightful touch—an inviting space where kids can explore and enjoy themselves while adults savor the atmosphere. Whether you’re a wine lover, nature enthusiast, or just looking for a beautiful place to relax, this destination is well worth your time.
Castel Grisch Winery delivered one of the most memorable wine experiences I’ve ever had. From the moment we arrived, we were greeted with warm hospitality and stunning views of Seneca Lake. The atmosphere strikes the perfect balance between relaxed and elegant — it immediately made us want to slow down and savor every moment. We loved sampling their unique wine flight - especially their Riesling. Each pour felt thoughtfully crafted, showcasing the region’s best qualities. The staff was incredibly knowledgeable, offering great recommendations and sharing fun insights about the winery’s history. The outdoor seating area and charming architecture made our visit feel like a mini getaway. We even picked up a few bottles to take home because we couldn’t bear to leave empty-handed! Whether you’re a seasoned wine taster or just looking for a delightful weekend outing, Castel Grisch is a must-visit. We’re already excited to come back! 🍷
This was the only winery we visited during our trip, so I cannot speak to how it compares to others in the area. Our primary reason for visiting Watkins Glen was to explore the hikes and waterfalls. Traveling with a young child, we chose this winery because it appeared to be more family-friendly—particularly due to its dinosaur-themed display. We had a wonderful experience and would gladly recommend it. The atmosphere was relaxed and not overly crowded, and the staff were both welcoming and attentive. When our child grew a bit restless, we were able to enjoy the open field nearby, which provided a great space to run and play. While she was initially hesitant around the dinosaurs, her curiosity quickly took over. As for the wine, the sparkling varieties stood out as my personal favorites. Overall, it was a pleasant and accommodating stop that added a unique touch to our visit to the region.
Farm Sanctuary
6. Farm Sanctuary
4.8
(434)
Animal protection organization
Sights & Landmarks
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I’ve been a proud member of Farm Sanctuary since I went vegan a year ago, and they have been such a huge motivator, not only in helping me go vegan but in staying committed to it. Their work is truly inspiring. Visiting the sanctuary yesterday was an absolute dream come true. It was such an emotional experience, hearing the stories of the rescued animals, seeing them finally safe and loved, brought tears to my eyes. Petting the animals and looking into their eyes and them looking back at me, it was such an emotional moment. Our tour guide, Scott, was incredibly kind, compassionate, and informed, which made the tour even more special. After the visit, we were recommended Green Elephant Vegan Thai—and wow, it was DELICIOUS! The perfect way to end such a meaningful day. I’m forever grateful for Farm Sanctuary and all that they do. I’ll continue to support them always and am already looking forward to visiting again very soon!
I've wanted to go for a few years & we finally made the trip (2 1/2 hrs) on my birthday, it was well worth it. The setup was great & organized, the animals are so happy and healthy, living their best lives!! The tour was Fantastic & our tour guide was so knowledgeable & Wonderful. We stopped at the cafe on the way out. The food omgosh I had loaded home fries and WOW!! My partner had sliders and was also very pleased. Looking forward to going again!
It was a great experience. Coming from a farming community and having a daughter and friends very much involved in 4-H we did seem to hear some misinformation on some animals and the farming experience. We thought we were coming to hear about animals that have been rescued and their story. Which we did get. But our guide seemed to like to push the vegan aspect of the sanctuary. Nothing against it and we understand that yes there are horrible places. But please make sure your guides have the correct information and not slander smaller farms. We do respect what you are doing and understand the message but we felt that we got more of a lecture and not an experience with the animals themselves.
We had a really nice tour. You definitely hear a lot of pretty rough stories but it's a joy to see the life these animals live. You get very close to the animals. Turns out that if you let cows and pigs grow up that they are very large. I get why some people can be put off by the vegan approach that comes along with this kind of activism but I do think it's a binary question - you either think these animals are feeling creatures deserving of a full life or you eat them. That said, I didn't find our tour particularly focused on veganism but rather on issues with factory farming.
I can’t say enough about how wonderful this farm is. We stayed in the tiny house and everything was so peaceful and beautiful. The food was absolutely incredible and the entire staff was amazing. My son and I are not vegan but truly love animals and we learned so much during our stay about the importance of advocating for these beautiful creatures. They are not a “pushy” organization by any means, they simply speak the truth about what is not spoken about enough, and you will leave wanting to be much more thoughtful in your consumption of choose to omit animal products from your life. They treat the animals on this farm with so much respect and love - it’s so clear when you see the size of these animals who are given a chance to grow and thrive, and the individual personalities of all of them. The entire farm is so beautifully maintained. I wish all animals could be lucky enough to end up in a place like this. It’s how it should be. Julia was our guide for our tours and she was so kind and knowledgeable and answered all of my 8 year olds many questions. The weekend stay was a gift for my sons birthday and he wants to return every year now and we do plan to do so. I wish we could do so much more to support this place. It truly is a sanctuary. Thank you for such a wonderful weekend, and for everything you do. One of the best experiences I’ve had in my 35 years.
We really loved our visit to the farm! They are doing some really good job and their whole mission of spreading awareness touched me. We just came with a simple mission of getting out 3yr old some exposure to farm animals and it was a very beautiful experience for her too. They have a very amazing vegan cafe, that you shouldnt miss. The jackfruit salad was my absolute favourite 😀😀 Would like to come again.. 😀
While the Sanctuary's mission is very worthwhile, a heads up to parents looking to bring their children- the subject matter spoken about and shown has the potential to be graphic and upsetting. The opening video displayed a pile of dead sheep alongside other dark imagery and many of the animals stories on the tour emphasized repeatedly the brutal treatment farm animals receive while giving specific details on how they're abused or slaughtered. It's good to be aware of the horrific nature of the meat industry but what we thought would be an uplifting experience with rescued animals left us desperately trying to distract the 5 year old with us who was extremely sensitive to topics involving death or suffering. Perhaps a content warning on the tours about subject matter would be helpful, or children-specific tours with an adjusted way of speaking about the positive outcomes and impact of positive action. This would help visitors and children leave feeling empowered to learn more if they wished. Even just going to the gardens on the tour and talking about types of food substitutes, home gardening, sustainability, or living peacefully with animals could leave a better impression. At the least, some information on the content of the tours would allow visitors to prepare for the subject matter spoken about ahead of time. Would not bring children to this experience again despite the worthwhile cause, though as adults with a proper heads up, we would have gladly come to hear about the mission of the Sanctuary. It's a beautiful place and the animals are well cared for, just keep in mind that it's strongly pro-vegan and openly displays the brutalities of the food industry even in settings where children may be involved.
Everything was great, the tour was a highlight our guide Scott was excellent and seeing all the animals was amazing, the tiny cabin was perfect for a weekend and the breakfast was a highlight for us too. Overall we had a great trip and would recommend to others.
Clute Memorial Park & Recreation
7. Clute Memorial Park & Recreation
4.4
(417)
Campground
Nature & Parks
Public park & RV/tent campground, open seasonally, featuring a boat launch & sports facilities.
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An awesome gem in the middle of Watkins Glen and wine country. Skip the KOA prices and distance and come to clute memorial! Craig at the front desk was incredibly helpful. Everyone that worked there was delightful. They kept the bathrooms clean which was great. There were some small spiders and mosquitos but that’s expected. My only issue was the doors lock on the inside of the family/accessible bathrooms but when you leave you can open them while locked and easily forget and pull it shut and lock it. That happened while we were there that someone locked it and we had one less bathroom. The campgrounds were level. You are right across the street from playgrounds and walking trails and Seneca lake. About a mile from town and can walk to it easily. Walmart is right next door, too, so easy access if you forgot something. The prices can’t be beat and being that this is also a seasonal campground people take great pride in it and care for the area.
I appreciate the online registration, but the camping is small, the lots have little to no trees, the facilities are full of spiders and bugs- clearly not cleaned or dusted regularly. For $100 a night, I expect more from the amenities- and facilities. However we did very much enjoy the level parking and gravel for our pull through.
RV and some tent camping with access to boat docking, swimming, softball park, playground , splash pad park and beautiful views of Seneca lake! Price to tent camp is more expensive than your local state park with less trees for shade.
Clute memorial Park is a spot I come back to frequently. They have tent and RV spots, and plenty of parking. They cater to boaters as well. If you camp with dogs, this area is super friendly for your canine. Even the Walmart, not far away, allowed dogs inside, as do most of the wineries and distilleries. This park is a short walk from Watkins, Glen State Park, many restaurants and boat rides. The office is always very friendly, and there is good, clean facilities for showering.
Campground is convenient to Watkins Glenn SP, but the sites are gravel and weeds, no laundry facilities , and the bathrooms are disgusting!!! They leave the doors to the bathroom open all day & night, vagrants use the bathrooms, they are not ADA compliant (there’s no wheelchair stall), a wheelchair cannot fit into the shower area, there’s hundreds of bugs all over the toilets, floors, sinks, etc.. The sanitary napkin disposal boxes have not been emptied, and there are spiderwebs covering the ceilings, windows and in every corner. The lights are filled with 1,000’s of bugs! The majority of sites are permanent residents, and they’ll tell you that their rent keep going up, but no improvements are being made. For almost $100/night, you don’t get your monies worth!
Nice park on the lake plenty of parking and it had a fast charger for my EV got lunch ate at park while car charged .i like hiking at Hector National Forest and the chargers simple to use
Lovely way to spend a couple of hours to cool off from the afternoon summer sun. Water was shallow enough to easily walk in and enjoy the lake views. Family friendly area. Wear water shoes!
I love coming here, it's great for kids and algo for family gathering. The beach is great and clean. The Cafe's food is very good and prices are affordable. The views are amazing. It's also a good place to play basketball, do some walking and running.
Rooster Fish Brewing Tasting Room & Beer Garden
8. Rooster Fish Brewing Tasting Room & Beer Garden
4.6
(45)
Permanently Closed
Brewery
Food & Drink
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Rooster Fish sets the bar high for breweries and tap rooms. The space is awesome with an interesting vibe owed to the shuffleboard table, skeeball, and classic pinball and antique style fans that are pulley powered. It’s quite unique. The beer is fantastic and you can get nearly 30 different types here. The beer is delicious from the blonde ales over to the porters. Playing a game of shuffleboard with one of them is the perfect way to spend a day. You can even get charcuterie or sandwiches here. Come for the beer, stay for the shuffleboard.
One of the best if not the best, of the upstate brewing revolution. They are one of the first into the scene and haven't turned back since. From having 6 beers on tap at the most to now over 15. Highly recommend as a pitstop when you're up in Watkins glen.
OMG, great beer and staff. They are moving, we got there the 2nd last day and so glad we did. The original space is amazing. This is a must try for Walkins Glen!
I have only been here twice, and the first time was almost 2 years ago, but both have been great experiences. On the most recent visit I had the special which was a maple glazed burger cooked rare with jalapenos and breaded onion bits (I requested only one slice of cheese) and it may have been the best thing I have eaten. Definitely in the top 5 eating experiences I've had. I really hope this is on the menu next time I'm in NY. My girlfriend ordered the black bean burger and she really enjoyed her meal as well.
Soft pretzels and beer cheese are amazing!! Had the pulled pork with Nickels sauce on beer bread-definitly would have again. Young man at the beer counter was very knowledgeable. Staff super friendly. Great atmosphere. Loved the woodbeams and the brick wall. Only thing I would change is it was 94 outside and it wasn't air conditioned. Will be back!
4 out of 5 because its a good stop to make if you're in the mood but not a destination "must stop." Beers and food are always subjective and both were good not great. Yes the atmosphere is old industrial down to the very cool fans, but this style has to be 10 years out of date by now, but it's Watkins Glen it might be very hip here still. I love shuffleboard tables and anyone else who does will appreciate the price of American history they have here, a 22 foot American shuffleboard table!
We could've stayed all day! The beers were fantastic and the atmosphere was fun and inviting. The outdoor patio was spacious with games that kept us laughing and occupied AND they allowed our dog to sit with us. Very accommodating, we will definitely be back again.
The beers are great and they atmosphere is awesome. The beer garden is huge and there is a great view of Downtown Watkins Glen. Close to the Gorge, and not far from Corning, Elmira, and Ithaca. I highly recommend this place!!
International Motor Racing Research Center
9. International Motor Racing Research Center
4.9
(21)
Archive
Museums
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The museum was really neat with staff that are incredibly knowledgeable and helpful. They had a really awesome 20 minute video on the history of the grand prix that I really liked. I didn't know much about it so it was really cool to learn the basic history in that short period of time.
What a neat little place! There is so much knowledge from the individuals who passionately work at this center to the books/articles/archives that it holds too! You could get lost for hours looking at all the books and information they have in this building! We were greeted by Chip who was so kind and provided us with information about the original track and the history of the Watkins Glen International! He also put on a movie for us about the history of the track which was really cool! He also answered a bunch of questions we had and encouraged us to walk around town to find Hall of Famer plagues and to also drive the original race track through town (which we did both! there is information about both things on their website)! We even got to meet a local legend here, Robert Gillespie, who does a lot of the artwork around time! Such a nice gentleman and we were even inspired to buy some of his work at the Watkins Glen Gallery downtown! Would definitely recommend taking some time and visiting this little gem!
I had a fantastic time here today! I’ve always wandered by, but decided to stop in and was treated to a literal museum of sorts. Relics of antiquated beauty to new high octane models, this is a motor racing haven of heaven for race car enthusiasts. The museum was a beautifully tailored what’s what and who’s who of all things in the collective and very comprehensive sport of motor racing. The vibrant enthusiasm for this sport spans countries and cultures and is a perfect opportunity for unity in its most precious element. My host, the very gracious Duke Argetsinger, is a true blue legend in the motor racing world, as was his father. Humble and kind, he walked me through an encyclopedic perspective about racing in our brief time together and there’s still so much surface left to explore in those halcyon days of racing’s golden age to its limelight and spotlighted present. Every era and decade was fitfully represented through a mode of mediums, including but not limited to models, archival footage, video presentations, posters, trophies, hard to find artifacts and yes...incredible race cars in the institute’s main room! This was an absolute one if a kind experience and I look forward to visiting again. A very special highly recommended! Really worth a visit!
Terrific place for any motor head, car lover to spend a bit of time. The staff is amazing, friendly and knowledgeable.
Smaller than expected but very friendly and knowledgeable staff and interesting artifacts
Awesome little place. Very nice and knowledgable staff, really nice displays and of course, beautiful cars.
Great little museum and library for motor racing enthusiasts. They have a great video of how motor racing started in Watkins Glen.
If you are in Watkins Glen and are a racing enthusiast, I think you would enjoy a visit here. A Rich racing history archive.
Watkins Glen Area Chamber of Commerce
10. Watkins Glen Area Chamber of Commerce
4.7
(49)
Chamber of Commerce
Visitor center
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The Watkins Glen Area Chamber of Commerce is a fantastic resource for us and a true asset to our community! As a local business owner (Watkins Glen Photography), I've experienced firsthand their dedication to supporting local businesses (even mine!) and promoting the area. They're incredibly helpful, providing valuable resources, networking opportunities, and marketing support to throw a few things out. If you're a local business, the Chamber can be like an invaluable partner, if you're a resident they are a great source of information for what's happening in the Village, and if you're just visiting the area they're a great first stop for information and recommendations. Highly recommend!
While Watkins Glen in itself is a beautiful place and the Chamber does a great job I was very very disappointed in the attitude of the area restaurants regarding service animals. We were turned away by two different locations because we had a service dog. Their attitude was "if you don't like it don't eat here". They didn't care about the law and the waitstaff at Chubby's actualy told us that.
A huge shout out and thank you to the staff of the Visitor Center. It was one of our first stops when we arrived in the area, and the woman working provided us with so much useful information on everything from what to do - where to eat - and where to go next. We had a fantastic visit to the area and are very appreciative of her guidance and recommendations.
It seems everyone left in this organization conducts themselves very unprofessionaly, much like children. There are many better ways to find something to do or to connect your business to the community.
Great stop. Very informative. Donna is just the best resource for 70s info.
Lovely staff and a new mural by Filomena Jack!
In the middle of town but the worker was very helpful and knew the attractions. Grabbed up a lot of info to use during our visit. Thanks
Here we go.... who wants to do this road trip June the 9th thru the 14th if you want go text Anita Davis for more info. Going to Watkins Glen the see the breathtaking views of Gods Creation then on over to Niagara Falls spend a day in then make my way back 2 Shenandoah Valley and come back to Blue Ridge Parkway alright get your saddle soap out let's ride let me know I've already got eight rooms reserved first come first serve. Your bucket or guide lol
Apples & Moore
11. Apples & Moore
4.8
(312)
Orchard
Sights & Landmarks
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Went during a recent trip to Watkins Glen and we shopped on their first day of apple picking. The staff was friendly and very helpful. The products they offer are delicious.
Wonderful family run business. Everyone is so polite and helpful. Check them out online also. They are very good at updating the public about what is available, what kind of fruit is ripe for picking, in store specials, etc. They have you pick flowers, produce, honey, candles and several other things in the gift shop. They make fresh donuts several days a week. Lots of parking here and they will even have someone in the lots to direct traffic on really busy days. Check out the giant chair they have for photo opportunities. Many people make this a yearly trip and enjoy pictures in the chair as they change the year on it. There are port-a-potties for your bathroom needs. Tables and chairs to sit and relax or wait for others in your party.
Really great experience. All the apple trees were centrally located. Even the “far away” section was an easy walk of less than 5 minutes. They had wagons freely available and lots of bags to pick into. I went on the first day of SnapDragon picking. They were outstanding. Definitely my favorite. The raspberries were very plentiful and easy to pick. I highly recommend the apple cider slushy with ice cream. The canned sparkling cider was great, too
Great place to go pick apples. This was our first time ever, the gentleman gave us a thorough explanation of how the farm is setup and where different apples are located. The setup is very easy to navigate and the apples are amazing!
It is the best time ever! Saturday was just cool enough for picking apples! Besides picking apples we bought a couple of gallons of cider and also give dozen of the best ever apple cider donuts! Took them to a picnic after. Plenty of parking, very friendly and someone to guide you where to pick the apples of your choice. Great family fun and with friends! Also have handicap parking. Drinks. Honey. Apples galore. Enjoy!!!
Reisinger's Apple Country is a lovely autumn visit to pick apples or pears and enjoy the outdoors. We were there while Macintosh was in season and they are absolutely delicious! Make sure to wash your apples before eating, as they are not organic. The business also has a small store where you can buy and taste cider and donuts, or grab a bag of apples if you don't want to pick. We also picked some flowers (have to pay a small fee). Around the entrance there is a big chair that is always updated with the year for grabbing some pictures. A few other fun photographic opportunities are available as well.
It is a lovely place. You pick the apples from rows of apple trees. If you do not want to pick, you can buy at the reception. Coffee and donuts are exceptional. I recommend this place. After you eat a donut here, you will not like any donuts purchased anywhere else, especially from Dunkin Donuts. I come here every September and it is better each year.
Totally worth the drive. Enough apples to choose from. Employees were kind and helpful.
Quintus Gallery LLC
12. Quintus Gallery LLC
5.0
(1)
Art studio
Shopping
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Beautiful art work in an interesting setting. A bit expensive (for us) but some really nice pieces on display.

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