One of the beautiful blessings of NYS geography is the Finger Lakes region. I just love to visit and drive through it. For our anniversary (celebrated late), we did an overnight in Watkins Glen which is at the bottom side of Seneca Lake, a crazy deep Finger Lake (over 600 feet). It is loaded with wineries dotted all around. I did some research on TripAdvisor and came up with a bed and breakfast in Watkins Glen called Idlwilde- a huge estate house built in 1892. The current owners have had it for 5 years and still have a bunch of work to do. It has a main house, a carriage house, an absolutely gorgeous gazebo, a tremendous view of Seneca Lake and is up a steep hill directly from the center of Watkins Glen. Watkins Glen has a racetrack that used to host the Grand Prix that my husband always attended. Now it holds some NASCAR and classic events. Too bad for the Grand Prix.
We had breakfast on the unbelievable front porch and spent the evening after dinner in the gazebo marveling at the woodwork and view. It was quiet and the architecture outstanding.
When you travel between the Finger Lakes, there is a high ridge between them with beautiful landscapes. Between Canandaigua Lake and Seneca Lake is Penn Yan with a great Mennonite fabric shop called Golden Lane where I stash enhanced with some clearance batiks and others.
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Idlwilde with porch, side view
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Hubby on porch drinking coffee and relaxing
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Gazebo ceiling, original to house
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Gazebo floor, phenomenal octagon
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View from house, Seneca Lake at left middle.
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Since we were at Seneca Lake, we stopped at a few wineries. Lakewood lets you explore their land and look at the vineyards besides offering tastings and a gorgeous landscaped facility. They actually have a decent dry red wine, unlike most of the Finger Lakes wines.
Hopefully, you have enjoyed the tour, especially Alycia who always bowls me over with her Colorado photos.
