We’ve shared our Girl's Getaway, so this one’s for the guys. If you’re planning a Bachelor’s Weekend, annual reunion, or just a weekend away with the fellas. We’ve got some suggestions for your guy's getaway to Finger Lakes Wine Country.
Where To Stay:
The first step should be deciding on a place to stay. If you want a luxury hotel experience, the Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel in Watkins Glen was named the “Best Waterfront Hotel in the Nation” by USA Today. All guests have access to their indoor swimming pool and hot tub, a fully-equipped fitness center, and a knowledgeable concierge to help you plan your stay. Too tired to go out to dinner after checking in? Enjoy upscale dining and cocktails at Blue Pointe Grille and Coldwater Bar.
Experience local hospitality with a stay at one of the charming bed & breakfasts in the region. The Scottish Glen Bed & Breakfast in Dundee, NY is a great option. Their Waterfront Cottage/Cabin is a post and beam construction from an 1860s barn, rebuilt on the waterfront. The Cottage sleeps 6 in 2 rustic lofts, has a 50-foot dock for fishing, and swimming, a full kitchen, a wood-burning stone fireplace, and a row boat available.
If you’re traveling with a large group, consider the Seneca Lake Effect. Situated on the eastern shore of Seneca Lake, this ranch-style house offers 6 bedrooms, 6.5 bathrooms, and full lake views throughout the common area. The recently renovated basement or man cave includes a pool table, ping pong, foosball, and a movie projection theater featuring a 122” screen and Dolby surround sound.
The region also has wineries and distilleries that offer lodging, so you can stay where you play. Glenora Wine Cellars in Dundee, New York is a beautiful winery resort located on Seneca Lake. The thirty-room Inn at Glenora offers stunning views and Veraisons Restaurant. The Inn at Grist Iron in Burdett, New York is the only lodging in the region to feature an onsite craft brewery, Grist Iron Brewing Company. Choose from 4 rooms in their traditional-style 1860s Farmhouse or stay in one of 10 spacious suites in The Lodge.
If connecting with nature is part of your plan, consider camping. At Cool-Lea Campground in Odessa, NY your crew can choose between cabins, a cottage, a camper, or classic tent camping. Here you’ll enjoy boating, fishing, or canoeing on Cayuta Lake. A fishing paradise known to have Largemouth Bass, Walleye, Yellow Perch, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, and more flourishing in the crystal clear waters.
Paradise Park Campground in Reading, NY offers 160 acres of wooded and open space. Along with a well-stocked store, clean facilities, and convenient hook-ups. Not to mention volleyball, an arcade, miniature golf, an archery practice range, and even an Olympic-sized heated pool.
Find even more accommodation suggestions here.
Food
The Rye Bar and Restaurant in Elmira, New York is the perfect place for your crew to come together and have a great time. Happy Hour is every night from 4-6 PM. Saturday night is Steak Night where you’ll enjoy a 3-course steak dinner!
On Liberty Street in Penn Yan, New is Outlet 111, New York's hidden gem. Currently serving an upscale pub fare-style menu, this restaurant takes pride in curating a wine list that showcases the Finger Lakes region and highlights the talent of women producers.
Get your BBQ fix at Nickel’s Pit BBQ in downtown Watkins Glen or Corning’s Gaffer District. Where you’ll enjoy locally sourced ingredients, finger-lickin' sauce, and live music.
You can’t miss the famous Beer Battered Fried Chicken prepared daily at Seneca Farms in Penn Yan. Then walk over to the retro ice cream shop next door which has over 50 flavors of homemade ice cream. Seneca Farms is open seasonally from the first Friday in March through the end of October.
If you’re in the mood for “high-end low brow food” enjoy the locally sourced hot dogs, sausages, and hamburgers at FLX Wienery in Dundee, New York. Here you can enjoy homemade milkshakes and get it spiked if you like!
Drinks
Finger Lakes Wine Country has more to offer than just exploring our incredible Wine Trails. Craft brewing has exploded so much in the region in the last decade that there are a variety of breweries offering an array of experiences. The region has many breweries, cideries, and distilleries worth bragging about. There are even plenty of options for Non-Drinkers.
Breweries
Wagner Valley Brewing Company in Lodi, NY provides beer-lovers with a variety of award-winning craft-brewed beers. Wagner Valley Brewing Company has styles rotating often and ranging from light to dark, bitter to sweet. They also produce an all-natural, non-alcoholic, real Draft Root Beer.
Steuben Brewing Company in Hammondsport is a farm brewery. Their outdoor picnic tables and patio seating offer gorgeous farm views on the west side of Keuka Lake.
Iron Flamingo Brewery is Corning’s first brewery to bottle beer for distribution. They support local businesses by allowing food to be ordered in and hosting local food vendors regularly. Iron Flamingo Brewery uses local farmers for their hops and malt, helping to sustain the rich agriculture of the region. They are proud to utilize solar power for the brewing process.
Distilleries
Finger Lakes Distilling is the premier New York craft distillery, creating high-quality whiskey, gin, brandy, grappa, and liqueurs. They hand-craft their products using local grains, farm-fresh fruits, and time-honored techniques to produce artisan spirits.
If you’re looking for a classic whiskey look no further than Dundee’s O'Begley Distillery. Which produces Traditional Irish Style Whiskey, using a small-batch pot still process.
Visit our FLX Breweries, Cideries, and Distilleries Guide for even more suggestions.
Fun
Racing
Watkins Glen International is known as the Birthplace of American Road Racing. Also known as “The Glen,” is a road course racetrack that hosts NASCAR and IMSA, among other auto racing events throughout the year. Watkins Glen International is home to over 60 years of motor sports history and the annual Finger Lakes Wine Festival.
Every April you can experience Watkins Glen International like you have never before with Drive The Glen! Find out what it feels like to drive three escorted laps around this storied road course in your personal vehicle. Don’t miss the Grand Prix Festival in September
Golfing
If your guys are interested in a round of golf you’ll get the finest views of the Susquehanna River Valley at the Tioga Golf Club. You’ll need to use nearly every club in your bag on this Par 71 course.
Hiking
A visit to Finger Lakes Wine Country isn’t complete without exploring the great outdoors. The region boasts miles of trails for hikers and plenty of waterfalls to fill your vacation with adventure. Hike the Gorge Trail for views of the enchanting 19 cascading waterfalls in Watkins Glen State Park. For more scenic, wooded hiking trails head to Italy Hill State Forest in Branchport. Or trek along an abandoned railroad path from Montour Falls to Horseheads on the Catharine Valley Trail.
For an alternative view, enjoy the trails and vineyards on horseback with Painted Bar Stables in Watkins Glen. Which offers small group, guided horseback rides, and lessons.
Kayaking
There is no shortage of lake activities to enjoy here. During the warmer months, the best way to cool off is to enjoy a day at the lake. Take in the water fun by renting kayaks, canoes, stand-up paddle boards, and boats.
Summit to Stream Adventures in Watkins Glen, offers guided kayak tours and chartered fishing trips. Keuka Watersports offers day rentals for pontoon boats or jet skis if you’re looking to spend a day floating with a gentle lake breeze on the sparkling waters of Keuka Lake.
Fishing
Fishing is great all year but winter is one of the best seasons for fishing in the Finger Lakes. When the lakes freeze over, the region becomes a hotspot for various types of trout, smallmouth bass, bluegills, and numerous pickerel. The northern tip of Keuka Lake is a popular area for ice-fishing enthusiasts. Here you can find rentals along the lake so you can easily enjoy ice fishing every day of your winter getaway.
Seasonal Additions
Southern Tier Balloon Tours offers a year-round Owego experience that allows you to get a unique view of the region. However, this aerial adventure is best during the spring, summer, and fall. Prices start at $340 for adults and private flights are available. Passenger weight limit: 235 pounds each. For individuals over 235 pounds call for more details.
Named the #1 pick on Conde Nast Traveler’s list of Best Fall Foliage Adventures in the U.S., Harris Hill Soaring Corporation is open on the weekends after Labor Day until the end of October. Soar 4,000 feet above sea level on an ASK-21 High-Performance Glider and experience Finger Lakes Wine Country from above. The passenger weight limit is 245 pounds.
If you’re looking for some fun in the sun on a Sunday, visit The Waterfront near Hammondsport, New York. They offer dockside service for boats at Clammin’ and Jammin’, with freshly steamed clams and live music.
