What You Need to Know About the Garlic Festival at Fox Run Vineyards

Attention all garlic fans! Experience the most flavorful Finger Lakes event when you come to the glorious Garlic Festival at Fox Run Vineyards. Enjoy live music, cooking demonstrations, and food and wine from around 40 vendors! Before you head out the door, make sure to check out our complimentary Vacation Guide. It’s jam-packed with fantastic restaurants, outdoor recreation, and things to do in the Finger Lakes region of New York.

Experience the Garlic Festival at Fox Run Vineyards

Garlic lovers from all over come to Penn Yann, New York, for this aromatic event. The two-day celebration of flavor usually takes place at the beginning of August and is the perfect way to enjoy the last bits of summer. The festival is free, so you can’t miss it! We hear it’s the best thing since sliced garlic bread.

Live Music

You’ll use all of your senses at this pungent party, and that includes listening to some great, toe-tapping music. The fest features some of the best live music in the Finger Lakes. Bring your dancing shoes because you’ll be doing a happy dance all day long, whether it’s from the catchy tunes or the great food!

Learn How to Cook With Garlic

Become a pro when you attend cooking demonstrations at the Garlic Festival. Talented chefs from all over the Finger Lakes teach you how to master a number of garlic-inspired recipes. You can also explore varieties of freshly harvested garlic and speak with the experts. They’ll show you how to go from novice garlic grower to ace garlic grower in no time!

Then, taste all the different types of garlic before choosing which ones you’d like to take home with you. This powerful herb has fantastic health benefits, so you might as well stock up on the good stuff!

Food and Wine at the Garlic Fest

Indulge all day long with more than 40 local vendors. Some of the vendors specialize in garlic-infused dishes, while other options include local ice cream, cheese, jerky, vegetable, and popcorn businesses!

You can’t indulge in local cuisine without pairing your food with Fox Run wine! Grab a bottle of wine to take home, or experience a Fox Run wine tasting and tour. Their delicious wines are a big deal, and USA Today recognized Fox Run Vineyards as the third-best winery and seventh-best tasting room in the country in 2018!

Stay with Finger Lakes Premier Properties

Enjoy luxurious amenities when you stay with Finger Lakes Premier Properties. Our properties are conveniently spread out across the region so you’ll always be near the best Finger Lakes attractions.

Now that you have fresh garlic and wine, you can cook a delicious meal at our Merlot Bungalow vacation rental. It’s just minutes from Fox Run Vineyards and offers an amazing view of Seneca Lake. This coastal cottage has two bedrooms, a kitchen, and a living room. Enjoy some fresh air when you lounge on the back deck with your family and friends. Just below the deck is a patio with a grill and stone fireplace, the perfect setting for entertaining at the end of a fun day on the lake.

Don’t wait any longer! Check our availability and book your dream vacation on the Finger Lakes today!

Finger Lakes Homemade Ice Cream Stands

After this weekend’s record breaking heat wave, you deserve to cool off with a scoop or twist of delicious Finger Lakes ice cream. And its perfectly timed with National Ice Cream Day! To celebrate, we’ve put together a list of the best ice cream and custard stands near your favorite lake.

Cayuga Lake Creamery

This small-batch ice cream stand in Trumansburg, NY serves up sweet treats from the finest ingredients, coffee, and roadside fare. You can also visit them at all the best Finger Lakes Festivals happening in the Ithaca area.

Cake Batter & Shakespeare in the park at Woodstock 1869 at the Trumansburg Conservatory! Here til 6. Come out & play!
Posted by Cayuga Lake Creamery on Saturday, July 13, 2019

Seneca Farms

Seneca Farms has been a local favorite since the 1950’s, serving up homemade hard ice cream and other parlor favorites. If you’re staying on Keuka to celebrate a birthday or anniversary, be sure to stop in for one of their homemade ice cream cakes!

White Mountain Blueberry…. White Chocolate Ice Cream with White Chocolate Chips and a Blueberry Swirl!
Posted by Seneca Farms on Tuesday, June 25, 2019

Spotted Duck Creamery

This unique frozen treat stand sits right between Keuka and Seneca Lakes. Their one-of-a-kind custard is made from duck eggs, rather than chicken eggs, giving it a richer flavor and it’s signature creamy texture. All of their flavors are derived from local, organic, and in-season ingredients.

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What lovely colors. And the best part, it’s all 100% whole ingredient derived. Just real organic fruit, coffee, mint, chocolate and caramel. Because when you use QUALITY ingredients, there’s no need for anything else. #realflavors #realcolors #nofilterneeded #nothingaddednothingtakenaway #naturalcolors #realfood

A post shared by Spotted Duck (@spotted_duck_flx) on Jul 12, 2019 at 3:01pm PDT

Cheshire Farms Creamery

This Canandaigua Lake creamery serves up premium home churned ice cream, baked goods, locally roasted coffee, AND lunch specials. Their menu changes daily, so may need to make a second trip!

Posted by Cheshire Farms Creamery on Sunday, February 10, 2019

Glen Dairy Bar

There’s no better way to end a day of hiking in Watkins Glen than with a stop into Glen Dairy Bar. While they don’t make their own ice cream, they have everything you’ve ever craved… and air conditioning!

Geneva Gelato

We know this isn’t ice cream, but Geneva Gelato offers the tastiest homemade frozen treats on the north end of Seneca Lake! They have everything from old favorites, like Pistachio to unique flavors, like Root Beer.

Geneva gelato is welcoming a whole new flavor to the family! Try new: "Fruit Medley" with bananas, strawberries, kiwis, lemon and lime! It's the perfect way to feel refreshed and cool off in the summer heat!
Posted by Geneva Gelato on Tuesday, July 2, 2019

Twister’s Ice Cream Shop

Our Conesus Lake guests will love this homemade ice cream shop! Cool off in their Livonia location or catch them at one of their mobile locations around the lake.

Montezuma Winery

How did a winery make this list? Because Montezuma sells wine ice cream flavored with some of their most popular varietals. And if you’re not an ice cream fan, stop in for a wine slushie or some homemade fudge instead!

Looking for more ways to cool off during your stay? Our local vacation planners can help you beat the heat with their knowledge of Finger Lakes attractions. Call them today! (888) 546-5517

5 Things to Do in Watkins Glen, NY, for the Perfect Vacation

The Finger Lakes are full of marvelous views and exciting activities. You’ll want to make it an annual trip once you see our amazing waterfalls and walking trails. Before you lace up your hiking boots and experience the best things to do in Watkins Glen, NY, make sure to request access to our complimentary Vacation Guide. It has everything you need to know to plan your Finger Lakes vacation, including restaurants, local attractions, shopping, and entertainment.

Things to Do in Watkins Glen, NY

Watkins Glen is a beautiful village in Schuyler County packed with a variety of outdoor adventures. Waterfalls flow throughout the area, along numerous walking trails that guide the way. In addition to the beautiful outdoor attractions, you can also visit and drive on the only NASCAR track in the state of New York, explore a wine trail, or go out on a boat. Below are some of the best points of interest and activities to make your lake vacation special.

Watkins Glen State Park Gorge

Watkins Glen State Park Gorge is a must during your visit to the Finger Lakes. It’s one of the most famous state parks in the region, and it is absolutely gorgeous (pun intended!). Hike the 2.5-mile trail and encounter 19 magnificent waterfalls along the way!

If you plan to walk the Gorge Trail, you should come between May and October, but if you want to see the waterfalls at their most powerful flow, visit during the spring. You can also have a picnic in the most serene setting or go for a swim in the Olympic-sized pool. Don’t forget to take your furry companion! Dogs are allowed on the Indian and South Rim Trail as long as they stay by your side on a leash.

Drive the Watkins Glen International

Have you ever dreamed of becoming a professional race car driver? Watkins Glen International is the perfect place to go to get that feeling! It’s the only NASCAR race track in the state of New York, and you can drive it yourself! Bring your personal car and drive around the 3.4-mile Grand Prix Circuit. Drive the Glen is available from April to November. Make sure to bring your driver’s license and your registered and insured vehicle. You must be 18 years old to participate.

The Glen also has events and big races throughout the year. Some of those include Go Bowling at the Glen, a tripleheader weekend which is a top-ranked event on the NASCAR calendar every summer, and the Ticket Galaxy Beer Festival. It’s an October event, featuring 40 breweries, a cornhole tournament, pace car rides, amazing food, and fantastic live music.

Seneca Lake Wine Trail in Watkins Glen

Finger Lakes has the perfect trail for wine lovers — a wine trail, that is! Make your way down the Seneca Lake Wine Trail to taste world-class, local wines. You can schedule a personalized tasting or a private tour from a selection of 31 wineries. Skip around to check out the entire trail that loops around Seneca Lake or stay in Watkins Glen, where Castel Grisch and Lakewood Vineyards are located.

Sunset View Creamery

What goes better with wine than cheese? In between your wine tours, make a stop at Sunset View Creamery. The Hoffman family has been producing the Finger Lakes’ top quality milk and cheese since 1905. Shop at the farm store, which offers 10 varieties of artisan milk cheese, seven varieties of cheese curd, raw milk, locally sourced beef, eggs, fudge, and more!

You can take a tour and meet some of their friendly animals or try their delicious cheese samples! Can’t get enough wine and cheese? Well, you’re in luck because Glen Watkins is part of the Seneca Lake Cheese Trail as well!

Sailing Charters in Watkins Glen

There’s no better way to experience the Finger Lakes than actually going out on one of the lakes. Board the True Love sailboat with Schooner Excursions for a fantastic trip in Seneca Harbor. The boat takes off four times a day, and you can either call ahead or just show up! You can also go on a private charter, completely stocked with food and drinks! Don’t worry if you’re a novice sailor. There is a schooner perfect for your skill level.

Return to Your Luxury Finger Lakes Premier Properties Rental

After a day of exploring Glen Watkins, make your way back to a luxury lakefront vacation home. Stay with Finger Lakes Premier Properties for the ultimate family getaway. Choose from vacation rentals with elegant verandas, relaxing hot tubs, convenient boat docks, or all of the above!
Make yourself at home in the Dean Lake House. This four-bedroom vacation rental accommodates 10 people and is located on the Seneca Lake. This historic home, built in 1850, features upscale, modern amenities. You’ll feel at peace waking up every morning to the gorgeous views of the serene lake as the sun rises. Gather the family to catch up with each other on the patio or head out to the dock and go for a swim or go fishing. If you’re ready for the vacation of a lifetime, check our availability and book your family getaway today!

Fall U-Pick Experiences

We love fall in the Finger Lakes – golden, leafy landscapes, hay rides and corn mazes, the smell of fresh-pressed apples and grapes in the air! It’s the time of year when our lake communities slow down to celebrate the changing seasons and boast fresh produce, new wines, and harvest festivals. However, no autumnal visit to Finger Lakes is complete without a visit to one our region’s many U-pick orchards and farms. Experience the harvest for yourself and pick fresh apples, pumpkins, grapes, and more!

Here are a few of our “picks” for your U-pick experience:

Apple Barrel Orchards – Penn Yan, NY

The perfect fall day is spent just outside Penn Yan among the rows of apple trees and grape vines! Sample tasty ciders or local food truck fare. U-pick season for apples and concord grapes starts in September. Learn more!

Indian Creek Farm – Ithaca, NY

40 acres of fresh picking fun minutes from downtown Ithaca! In addition to hundreds of apples, you’ll find fresh veggies, pears, and pumpkins to pick yourself or pick up at the farm stand. Plus, kids will love the playground! Plan your visit!

Reisinger’s Apple Country – Watkins Glen, NY

This orchard encourages you to taste the apples in the field and pick your favorites to bring home! Homemade cider donuts are made fresh every weekend and the barn store is full of local flavors, like maple syrup and jellies. Learn more!

Jerome’s U-pick Fruit Farm – Naples, NY

This local favorite is one of the best places to pick your own grapes through September and October! Plus, pumpkins are plentiful here in the fall. Check their Facebook page for farm updates and crop conditions.

The Apple Station– Union Springs, NY

There is so much to experience at this vintage country store at the north end of Cayuga Lake! Pick apples in the orchard, sample apple wines and spirits in their tasting room, and watch as cider donuts are made right in front of you. Check it out!

Wickham’s Pick’n Patch & Corn Maze – Stanley, NY

This patch offers the quintessential fall experience! Pick the perfect pumpkin then find your way out of the 8-acre corn maze. There’s also a funhouse, apple blasters, a petting zoo and so much more! Plan your visit!

Grisamore Farms – Locke, NY

This fifth generation family farm sits between Cayuga and Owasco Lakes. Highlights include the massive farm store, acres of U-pick fields, Grisamore Cider Works, and a variety of kids activities. Hayrides are available throughout October and drop you off at the pumpkin patch just in time for Halloween. Learn more!

Popple Ridge Pumpkin Patch – Bradford, NY

This farm is an easy drive from Seneca and Keuka Lakes. In addition to pumpkins they offer hayrides, pedal carts, Corn Nerf, and zip lining. Bring a picnic lunch and spend the day here! Learn more.

Fall in love with the Finger Lakes this year and start planning your getaway! Our local vacation planners can help you design the perfect itinerary, packed with festivals, fall events, and more. Call us today! (888) 231-9470