Wine, Water and Wonders of Upstate New York Self-Drive

Highlights:

Visit the Corning Glass Museum
Wine tasting in the Finger Lakes
See the majesty of Niagara Falls
Historic port city of St. John’s
Visit Buffalo

This morning, pick-up your rental car^ and make your way along Route 17/I-86 through the Catskill Mountains to Corning, the Southern gateway to the Finger Lakes region. Corning is home to one of the region’s most popular attractions, the Corning Museum of Glass (admission included). Dedicated to telling the story of a single material – glass, the Corning Museum of Glass cares for and displays the world’s best collection of art and historical glass. See more than 3,500 years of history displayed in the Glass Collection Galleries and watch a live Hot Glass demonstration where you’ll see master glassmakers take glowing gobs of molten glass on the end of a pipe and skillfully shape them into vases, bowls or sculptures. Within a short walk of the museum is a vibrant and interesting collection of shops and restaurants in downtown Corning. If time permits, other worthwhile attractions can be found downtown.

This morning, it’s a short drive north to Watkins Glen located at the south end of picturesque Seneca Lake. In the historic village of Watkins Glen you’ll find delicious places to eat along with unforgettable sailing excursions. Just off Main Street, Watkins Glen State Park – the most famous of the Finger Lakes State Parks – has a reputation for leaving visitors spellbound. Within two miles, the glen’s stream descends 400 feet pass 200-foot cliffs, generating 19 waterfalls along its course. The Gorge Trail winds over and under waterfalls and through the spray of Cavern Cascade while rim trails overlook the gorge. Continue north along the Seneca Lake Wine Trail that surrounds the sapphire waters of the lake of Geneva. Located at the north end of Seneca Lake, Geneva has a charming old town square and a “main street” that exudes local flavour. Continue to Syracuse, home to Destiny USA – the 6th largest shopping and entertainment complex in the US. From here it’s on to the third largest city in New York State, Rochester. Located at the southern edge of Lake Ontario, where the Finger Lakes meet the Great Lakes, Rochester is an iconic American city with interesting architecture, rich cultural gems and a vibrant nightlife.

This morning, play at upstate New York’s ultimate destination for all ages – The Strong National Museum of Play (admission included). The Strong is a highly interactive, collections-based museum devoted to the history and exploration of play. More than 150,000 square feet of extraordinary exhibits invite you to play your way through the entire history of video games and lots more. The museum is also home to the National Toy Hall of Fame and the world’s most comprehensive collection of toys, dolls, games, and other play-related artifacts. Another not-to-miss Rochester attraction is the George Eastman Museum. Located on the estate of George Eastman, founder of KODAK and the pioneer of popular photography and motion picture film, this is the world’s oldest photography museum and one of the oldest film archives that holds unparalleled collections in the fields of photography, cinema and photographically illustrated books. Prior to ending your day in Niagara Falls, New York, enjoy Rochester’s culinary scene, music and cultural attractions, or stroll, bike or cruise between the charming villages that line the historic Erie Canal.

Get ready to be captivated by the sheer beauty and power of Niagara Falls and its multitude of exciting attractions. See this legendary force of nature from every angle imaginable at Niagara Falls State Park, the oldest State Park in the United States. Witness the intensity of the falls from inches away at the Cave of the Winds tour, meet the legends and marvel at the myths at the Niagara Legends of Adventure Theater, cruise the powerful churning waters near the base during a Maid of the Mist boat ride, or photograph both the American and Horseshoe Falls from the 230-foot Observation Tower. The choice is yours. While taking in the sights and sounds of Niagara USA, enjoy lunch adjacent to the falls at the famous music-themed restaurant, Hard Rock Café. Perfectly timed to be your last stop before departing Niagara Falls, the Fashion Outlets of Niagara Falls feature an outstanding selection of outlet retailers offering great savings on designer merchandise (up to 60% off). After a day you’ll never forget, make your way to Buffalo and return your rental car at the airport prior to your departure flight. Not ready to leave? Add an additional night in Niagara Falls, or a night in Corning en route back to New York City.