Things To Do in Watkins Glen
(besides looking at Lotus cars!!!)
The Watkins Glen area is rich is history, both about motor racing and local events. And the Glen itself is just fantastic!
While you are at LOG 33, you may want to check out the following attractions:
(click on any of the pictures to take you to the website for that attractions)
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The International Motor Racing Research Center at Watkins Glen holds approximately 2500 rare and reference books; hundreds of periodical titles; programs; manuscript collections; historic scrapbooks; posters; historic videos, fine art, and many other items relating to motorsport. Individual guides and lists itemize these holdings. This is
truly a "must see" for any Lotus "nut" while in Watkins. As of this writing, we are working with the center in doing a special tour for the LOG 33 attendees. Check back later for more details and times! |
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Watkins Glen State Park is the most famous of the Finger Lakes State Parks, leaving its visitors spellbound. Within two miles, the glen's stream descends 400 feet past 200-foot cliffs, generating 19 waterfalls along its course. The gorge path winds over and under waterfalls and through the spray of Cavern Cascade. Rim trails overlook the gorge. I last took this hike when I was just a kid, and it has left an impression on me my whole life. Try and make the time to take the hike. |
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Watkins Glen is a RACING town. Make no mistake about it. The old racing circuit used to go through the center of town and North Franklin Street, the main "drag" so to speak, is the the main straight of the old road course. Street racing was banned in New York in 1952 and the current road course was built in 1956 on the outskirts of town. Besides havimg many really cool shops, bistros and taverns, along Franklin Street, if you look down, you will see many of our racing legends imortalized in plaques cemented into the sidewalk. The locals call this the "The Walk of Fame". Take a stroll down Franklin St. You will not be sorry. |
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When you are at LOG, you are right in the middle of the famed wine country of New York State. There are wineries all along both sides of Sencea Lake. If you take North Franklin north out of town, when you get to the end of town, proceed either left or right along the lake and yo will find many fine winerys along those roads. As of the time of this writing, I am working on doing something special in the way of "wine" for the those attending LOG. Check back here. |
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Just south of Watkins Glen are two musuems that will appeal to you if you are into aviation and history of aviation. The National Soaring Musuem and the Winds of Eagles War Plane Musuem are both located near the Elmira Airport and worth a visit when you are in the area. Click on the photos to take you to their respective websites. |
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Glenn H. Curtiss is the "father" of Naval Aviation. A pioneer in aviation second to none, including the Wright brothers, founded the Curtiss aircraft company that later would later become the Curtiss Wright aircraft company. This musuem is one of the favorites of the LOONYs. Located in Hammondsport, with a great back road drive from the Musuem to to Watkins Glen Track and Watkins Glen, the LOONYs often meet up there, take the tour and head over to the Glen. Just a really great Musuem and well worth the time to see it. At of this writing, I am working on getting a special discount for the LOG attendeees. The back road route will be part of one of the incoming rallys.
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If you take Route 14 south out of Watkins Glen, a few miles down the road is Montour Falls. If you are looking for a nice scenic spot to sit for a spell, or if happen to like natural water falls, drive down. While not Niagara Falls, it is a nice drive to a nice desintation. If you really want to see Niagara Falls, it is only about 3 hours northwest along some of the best back roads in America, If you really want to give that a try, send me an email and I will hook you up with directions. |
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