Driving through with 10 yr. old on Aug 4. Thinking of a hike in Watkins' Glen. Are there other activities we should do? Has anyone tried Captain Bill's Seneca Lake Cruises? Staying in Auburn.

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We went last summer with our 3 kids. Watkins Glen is great. My kids loved the Corning Museum, which isn't too far away. Do a search for Finger Lakes and you'll see info about different hikes in the area. Sorry, I never did the Lake Cruise.

Definitely do the hike at the Glen -- a fav for all ages. Plan on 1-2 hours for the hike, depending on how often you stop, and how far you go. Great picture taking, awe-insiring views. Then, eat lunch at Mr. Chicken across the street. Cheap and good. Jerlandos (italian) is also great food. All on the main drag.

I've been on the Captain Bill cruise a few times as a teenager...not terribly exciting, as there's nothing to do on board except continue to look at the gorgeous area. I saw some private tours available last time I was there -- just check the long dock...you might find something more interesting.

Good luck, let us know what you decide to do or did!

Thank you! It sounds like such a nice place to take our daughter. I will definitely check out those restaurants. I will also search some more regarding the cruises and the Corning museum. Will Watkin's Glen be busy with car racing on Wednesday? Is there parking etc. available?

Be sure to see Skaneateles, NY just to the east of Auburn.Easy L or D at the Bluewater Grill or Doug's Fish Fry.The Auburn DoubleDays baseball team is baseball at it should be-something to interest everyone and very reasonable $.

lolly -- the NASCAR race isn't until 8/15 -- so you shouldn't have a problem, especially on a Wednesday. During the weekend it gets busy with tourists, but during the week is very manageable. There is a lot of parking at the Glen hike -- you do need to pay a minimal fee since it is a state park. Parking at Captain Bill's is free, and plenty of it.

Other places to eat: The Glen Mountain Market (great coffee/sandwiches) and there is a restaurant right next to Captain Bill's, cannot remember the name of it, but very good for lunch or dinner. All of the restaurants I've given you are on Rt. 14 (the main street in town).

Let us know how it goes!

Ethaete we left last Wednesday and arrived in the region around 2:00. Un fortunately it was pouring rain so we couldn't hike the Glen. We got off I-90 just past Rochester and took 20/5 which was a refreshing change to the interstate. We just poked around through some little towns with the most amazing houses. I liked the ones with the little square tops with windows all around. (widow's walk?) Anyway the Holiday Inn at Auburn has an amazing view of Auburn Prison! We went to an enormous outdoor/camping/fishing store in the Finger Lakes Mall called Bass Pro Shops. My husband was in heaven. We took cheapbutnice's advice and checked out the Bluewater Grill in Skaneateles. Had a great meal, steak Santorini, swordfish and UBU ale. Went for a walk out on the pier. I would go back to Skaneateles just for the little shops etc. We had a great time and headed for boston the next day.

Glad you had a nice time! I know the type of houses you described -- there are a lot of cool looking houses.

The Finger Lakes outlet mall is great -- glad you found it.

I have never been to Auburn -- should check it out myself.

Thanks for posting your trip!