Wine, Water and Wonders

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 past 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 to Geneva. Located at the north end of Seneca Lake, Geneva has a charming old town square and a “main street” that exudes local flavor. 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.

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.