switt002

We will be driving from Niagara Falls to Ithaca this weekend and would like to know if there are any scenic routes perhaps through the Finger Lakes/Wineries? Any stops along the route worth stopping? We along heard that around Ithaca there are beautiful falls and gorges; are there any along the way or not too far from town? We'll visit Cornell and Ithaca the next day.

Thank you so much in advance!

tomfuller

US 20 east from Depew through Avon to Canandaigua.
There is a big winery in Canandaigua then drive south on 21 to Naples. Widmer is in Naples. I don't know if you can get a grape pie yet in Naples (check).
Take 53 out of Naples and then see if you can find a marked road over to Hammondsport where you can find the Taylor wine museum. Don't buy any Taylor wines! They are owned by CocaCola. I was told this by the last Taylor that makes his own wine (Bully Hill). He is not allowed to put his signature or the word Taylor on his wine labels (decided by the NYS Supreme Court).
Bully Hill is high on the hill overlooking Hannondsport on the west side of Keuka Lake.

switt002

Thank you! Just to update---we have to switch from staying in Ithaca to Corning since all the hotels are full. After researching, Watkins Glen looks beautiful and is on the way and not too far from Corning. Is driving from Niagara to Watkins Glen va Route 14 scenic? From google maps it looks like 14 is near the lake and passes through many wineries or is there a better route in your mind?

garyt22

From Niagara, take the NY State Thruway to the Batavia exit... Follow RT 63 to RT 20E... This is a fun and scenic drive along the top of the Finger Lakes... Then you pick up RT 14 to Watkins Glen... If you have time, stop at Watkins Glen State park for a hike along the trail... You can park at the bottom, bus to the top, and hike back to your car...

Internet search the Finger Lakes Wine trail for a map of stops.

Also consider a stop at the Corning Glass museum...

Fra_Diavolo

The gorge trail in Watkins Glen is very scenic, tends to be very crowded in summer, but probably less so now. The Dr. Konstantin Frank vineyard makes a nice dry riesling. However, if the weather is iffy, I second the recommendation for the Corning Museum of Glass.

tomfuller

I would still try to make it to Naples for one of Monica's pies. http://www.monicaspies.com/
Yes, if you have to stay in Corning, go to see the Museum of Glass.

switt002

Update -- our trip was a success, thanks to all of you guys inputs!

We visited the Watkins Glen and the gorges were absolutely stunning! The grape and chicken potpies from Monica's were delicious- one of the best honestly. Route 14 was also beautiful with the views of the valleys and the hills.

Thanks again for all your help!