Finger Lakes, New York

So north upstate New York, isn’t exactly the place that you might first think of for a wine country vacation but they do actually have quite a number of vineyards. Watkins Glen is one of the main town’s off of Seneca Lake. It’s really quaint and cute and if you really like nature, but don’t want to be all the way in the sticks it’s a great spot to disconnect (without losing wifi). I would say the people are reasonably welcoming, not overly warm, but that doesn’t change, or take away from the beauty of the natural Glenn’s caves and forests in the area. You can go hiking in the state park in the morning while it’s still cool out, then drive along the west side of the lake to take photos at Hector falls, then head a little bit farther north up 414 and start hitting the wineries. There are a surprising number of them. A few have signs right along the road where you can not only do tastings, but you can walk through the vineyards and pick your own grapes (in grocery bags no less, but we’re not trying to be fancy, we’re trying to have fun!). They’re actually pretty good off the vine jut be sure to give them a rinse. That’s about the extent of roughing it for the day. Had to Ryan William winery which has a lovely lunch menu and beautiful views so you can soak up some of that wine carbs and take in the views of lake Seneca. Depending on the day, you may need a reservation, so be sure to call ahead or check their website before heading to the tasting room. If that’s day, one, you can spend all of day to looping around the lake west to east along the northside for scenic views, hidden waterfalls, and lots of cool picnic spots along the way. As you come back down the east side of the lake it’s time for wine again. Here you wanna pace yourself, because there are several wineries along the road once again. If you’re feeling froggy (and you have a designated driver), you can pop over to Keuka Lake for their wineries as well. Just remember it’s fairly rural and a bit windy on the roads so be sure to leave yourself plenty of time to get back to your hotel while there’s daylight. In terms of accommodations if you want to rest at a little stay at Seneca Lodge. It’s cute and cozy, but definitely not for the faint of heart if you aren’t a fan of log cabins or the real outdoors. Do you feel a little bit more bougie there are plenty of bed and breakfast locations to choose from all along the lake, but I do like Watkins Glen because it’s a full town where as some of the other spots can be a bit more rural so things like running to Walmart or not gonna be possible. Also, remembering that it is still pretty far out. I like to be anchored to a larger town in case stuff happens. I went on a vacation here and it was lovely. We had a really fun little adventurous weekend. And it was a very easy drive from New York City Area. Enjoy!