Five Unexpected Places to Stop on a Drive from City of Niagara Falls, New York and City of Hornell, New York
If you're looking for a road trip through New York that will expose you to beautiful scenery, unexpected finds, and tasty food, then look no further than the drive from the City of Niagara Falls to the City of Hornell. This drive will take you through rolling hills and small towns, and you'll have the chance to stop at several hidden gems along the way. In this article, we'll highlight five spots that you should definitely make time for on your trip.
The Halfway Point: Strykersville, NY
Before you get started on the rest of the list, let's talk about Strykersville. This small hamlet is situated roughly halfway between Niagara Falls and Hornell, making it an excellent place to stop for a break. There are a handful of small shops here selling everything from antiques to handmade crafts, and a few small restaurants as well. If you're looking for a quick bite to eat, grab a slice of pizza from Strykersville Market and Deli, or if you're more in the mood for something sweet, check out Sarah's Bakery and Cafe.
1. Arcade and Attica Railroad: Arcade, NY
Just a short drive from Strykersville lies the tiny town of Arcade, which is home to one of the oldest short-line railroads in the country: the Arcade and Attica Railroad. This scenic train ride takes you through the beautiful countryside of western New York, and gives you a chance to see everything from farmland to dense forests. There are a few different themed rides to choose from, but the popular one is the Fall Foliage Express. This two-hour journey takes you through the changing autumn colors, and even includes a stop at a pumpkin patch.
Food recommendation: If you're hungry after your train ride, stop by Arcade Diner for some classic comfort food, like burgers, meatloaf, and mac and cheese.
2. Letchworth State Park: Castile, NY
Letchworth State Park is known as the "Grand Canyon of the East" for good reason. This 17-mile long park contains a series of gorges and waterfalls that are not to be missed. There are several vantage points throughout the park where you can stop to take in the stunning views, like the aptly-named Inspiration Point. If you're feeling a little more adventurous, you can also go whitewater rafting on the Genesee River, or take a hot air balloon ride over the park.
Food recommendation: For a truly unique dining experience, make a reservation at The Glen Iris Inn, which is located right inside the park. This historic inn has been restored to its turn-of-the-century glory, and serves up classic American fare like roast beef and mashed potatoes.
3. Wegmans Organic Farm: Canandaigua, NY
You might be surprised to know that one of the country's largest organic farms is situated in the Finger Lakes region of New York. Wegmans Organic Farm is a 50-acre plot of land that produces everything from lettuce to beets to strawberries. Visitors can take a guided tour of the farm, which includes a visit to the greenhouses and a chance to see the farm's resident honeybees at work. There's also a farm stand on-site where you can purchase fresh produce.
Food recommendation: If you're in the mood for a farm-to-table meal, stop by Roots Cafe, which sources many of its ingredients from local farms, including Wegmans Organic Farm. The menu changes seasonally, but you can expect dishes like ricotta gnocchi and grilled pork chops.
4. Corning Museum of Glass: Corning, NY
Even if you're not a huge fan of glass art, the Corning Museum of Glass is worth a visit. This massive museum has everything from ancient Roman glass to contemporary pieces by world-renowned artists. You can watch live glassblowing demonstrations, take a tour of the museum's extensive collection, or even try your hand at glassmaking yourself.
Food recommendation: After a morning at the museum, head over to The Cellar for a hearty sandwich or salad. The restaurant is located in the cellar of a historic building, and has a cozy atmosphere that's perfect for a relaxing lunch.
5. Finger Lakes Boating Museum: Hammondsport, NY
If you're a fan of vintage boats and watercraft, then you won't want to miss the Finger Lakes Boating Museum in Hammondsport. The museum has an impressive collection of restored boats dating back to the early 1900s, as well as interactive exhibits that teach visitors about the history of boating in the Finger Lakes. You can even take a ride on a classic wooden boat if you're so inclined.
Food recommendation: There are several wineries in the Hammondsport area, so why not stop by Heron Hill Winery for a tasting? Their tasting room offers stunning views of Keuka Lake and serves up locally-made cheese and charcuterie plates.
Conclusion
As you can see, there's so much to discover on the drive from Niagara Falls to Hornell. From beautiful parks to fascinating museums to delicious food, this road trip has something for everyone. Whether you're a seasoned New Yorker or a first-time visitor to the state, we highly recommend taking the time to explore these hidden gems along the way. Who knows what other unexpected finds you'll come across?