Best Things to do on a Road Trip from Geneva, NY to Waverly, NY
By [anonymous]
The Finger Lakes region of upstate New York offers a wealth of natural beauty, small-town charm, and fascinating history to explore. A road trip from Geneva, NY, to Waverly, NY, will take you through some of the most picturesque countryside in the state, with rolling hills, scenic waterfalls, and quaint villages at every turn. The halfway point of the journey is Watkins Glen, NY, where visitors can take a breathtaking hike through a stunning gorge. Here are the top five things to do along this road trip, each featuring a unique aspect of the region's culture, history, and natural beauty.
Exploring the Cornell Plantations
Located in Ithaca, NY, just a short drive from Geneva, the Cornell Plantations offer visitors over 4,000 acres of beautiful gardens, natural areas, and arboreta to explore. With over 30 distinct gardens, including the famous Herb Garden and the stunning Nevin Welcome Center, there's plenty here to keep any nature lover busy for hours. Guided tours are available, or you can wander the paths at your leisure, taking in the beauty of the blooming flowers, rolling hills, and tranquil waterways.
Interesting Fact: Established in 1944, the Cornell Plantations is one of the largest botanical gardens in the world, with over 50,000 plants representing over 6,000 species.
Boating on Seneca Lake
Seneca Lake is one of the largest and deepest of the Finger Lakes, and offers a stunning backdrop for boating enthusiasts. Rent a motorboat, kayak, or canoe and spend a day gliding along the clear blue waters, taking in the scenery and watching for wildlife. You can stop on the shores to have a picnic, or even take a swim in the pristine lake.
Interesting Fact: Seneca Lake is the second deepest of the Finger Lakes, reaching a depth of over 600 feet.
Visiting Mark Twain's Study
Mark Twain, the renowned American author, spent several summers in Elmira, NY, where he wrote some of his most famous works. Visitors can tour the study where Twain worked, which has been preserved just as he left it. View manuscripts, furniture, and other personal effects, and learn more about the life of this iconic writer.
Interesting Fact: Mark Twain's real name was Samuel Clemens, and his time in Elmira was instrumental in shaping his later literary work.
Sampling the Wines of the Finger Lakes
No visit to the region would be complete without a tour of some of the Finger Lakes wineries. With over 100 wineries throughout the area, there's something for every palate. Take a guided tour of a winery, or venture out on your own to sample the award-winning wines and enjoy the stunning vistas of the lakes and surrounding hills.
Interesting Fact: The Finger Lakes region is one of the top wine-producing areas in the United States, with a climate and soil composition that is ideal for growing certain grape varietals.
Hiking at Letchworth State Park
Known as the "Grand Canyon of the East," Letchworth State Park encompasses over 14,000 acres of stunning natural beauty and offers some of the best hiking in the region. Follow trails that wind along the gorge, taking in the breathtaking waterfalls, rolling hills, and stunning vistas along the way. Whether you're an experienced hiker or just looking for a leisurely stroll, the hiking here is not to be missed.
Interesting Fact: The Genesee River flows through Letchworth State Park, creating a series of waterfalls that are among the most beautiful in the region.
Conclusion
This road trip from Geneva, NY, to Waverly, NY, offers a wealth of opportunity for exploring the natural beauty, history, and charm of the Finger Lakes region. With stops at the Cornell Plantations, Seneca Lake, Mark Twain's Study, Finger Lakes wineries, and Letchworth State Park, visitors can experience some of the best the area has to offer. Whether you take a day or a week to complete the journey, one thing is certain: you won't be disappointed by the vast array of experiences offered along the way.