New York State Winery's

[Rod D]

We're planning a trip later this year that in one section has us going from Taughannock Falls near Ithaca, NY up route 89, next to Cayuga Lake, to US 20 on the way to Sackets Harbor, NY. We'll pass over a dozen winery's and have time to visit only one on this trip. Looking for suggestions from the crew here; does anyone have a favorite or "must visit" that we can add into our trip?

[Dail]

My favorite to visit in the Finger Lakes was Bully Hill Vineyards, but they're over on the east side of Keuka Lake.

[Jon Vermilye]

If you go far enough west, Letchworth State park is worth a stop. 3 large waterfalls, lots of campsites with electric.

[David NY]

I second Letchworth...went there years ago on a viewsandbrews hike and local brewery. Travelled all over NY and finally went to I think 35 breweries and got the patch! It's always about the patch.. they have a website by the same name. I wonder if there is a winery trip forum for a patch? Enjoy.

[Jimmy J]

Originally Posted by Jon Vermilye

If you go far enough west, Letchworth State park is worth a stop. 3 large waterfalls, lots of campsites with electric.

Planned to visit Letchworth this year. Problem is we have a small dog, and all the sites that allow pets are booked for all our available time frame. There's plenty of "no pets" sites available, though. It's the first park we've ever encountered that had "no pets" loops. Letchworth has four of their eight loops designated as such.

[alan H]

If you go east hit cooperstown for the baseball gall of fame…. Not far from there is Howe Caverns ( very very cool)

[Rod D]

Thanks everyone for your replies. We're pretty much going to have to go up Rte 89 and as I noted, I count twelve winery's on the way, not counting cider mills etc. We think we'll visit Frontenac Point for a taste after we hike the falls area. Then the next day we'll pass by the Knapp Winery about lunch time and they have a restaurant as well as the wine. Have to be careful about tastings though; still have a couple hours of driving afterwards.
We visited the Gallo company years ago on a California visit and while touring the plant we were asked to do a blind taste test which involved four different whites. Then we had the real tasting and at that time we were able to try several whites, several blends, and several reds. It was a really slow and "long" drive back to our hotel!!

[Kenny in Ohio]

I see your from West Virginia

FYI

If you stop in NY and spend the night at a campground or hotel, you could be in violation of NY law and can be arrested if found with a firearm. You can pass through but not stay.

[Sturdy]

We live 2 miles from Taughannock Falls. Visit Thirsty Owl right along 89 and has room for parking, you will love their wines and the Bistro great food.

[Rod D]

Steven, thank you for the Thirsty Owl suggestion. That was on my radar as the bistro sounded really good. I do believe we'll change our plan and hike earlier at the Falls and then have a late lunch at Thirsty Owl.
We were going to stop at Beak & Skiff 1911 on our way to Sacket's Harbor, so we'll just have a late lunch there instead of another winery. We have always enjoyed US 20 for the apple cider places and 1911 has been a long time favorite. This trip we're going back up into Ontario on our way to Cape Breton Highlands NP, so we really need to "bootleg" some cider and apple cinnamon donuts from the 1911 campus.
Of course we also enjoy the apple sites in the Hudson Valley too. Our granddaughter is studying at the Culinary Institute now so we've been able to visit her as well as enjoy some more of New York State. Sorry folks, but I just do not like big cities like NYC, but the rest of the state is a lot of fun!

[Rod D]

Wow, Kenny, I'm not really sure what being a West Virginian has do with firearms in NY as I suspect that whatever laws there apply to every other state as well. This does bring to mind several things though.
I've camped in many campgrounds in NY and nobody has ever inquired if I have a firearm. My thought on having firearms while camping is one that has been shared on this forum before. I don't tell anyone whether I do or don't; better to keep 'em guessing when I'm in my trailer.
Having said that I can say that except for my time in the Army, I've spent 75 years without ever feeling a definite need to be armed. We try to keep away from any place that our gut says trouble. We have left at least two campgrounds over the years because it didn't feel right! And this trip we're going into Canada and it's hard enough getting our dog across the border never mind a firearm (I think I just told you something I said I wouldn't!).
Anyway, thanks for the good information. I hope none of us ever get arrested in NY for anything, let alone having a weapon.

[Carol Ann in TO]

Originally Posted by Rod D

…………And this trip we're going into Canada and it's hard enough getting our dog across the border never mind a firearm (I think I just told you something I said I wouldn't!).
Anyway, thanks for the good information. I hope none of us ever get arrested in NY for anything, let alone having a weapon.

Bringing the dog should be easy. Bring a vet signed vaccination certificate that shows up-to-date rabies vaccination. It’ll have your name on it so that also provides proof of ownership.
Bring dog food in unopened packaging. Check for banned proteins and don’t bring those. And you’re good to go.