THE MARMALADE CAT BED AND BREAK

Road Trip USA 2002: Watkins Glen, 5-7 February

by M0B1US

My epic overland journey of the US from landing in New York on January 28th 2002 to my departure from Oahu on April 7th 2002 for New Zealand:

Starting out in Toronto, Canada, we spent the day seeing the sights of Toronto before starting the long journey back through Niagara Falls and into the US.

Our first night's stop was spent at a Day's Inn in Batavia just off Interstate 90 about 40 miles east of Buffalo.

Batavia was classic 'small town USA' and actually a place I had stayed at before in my previous trip to Niagara Falls from Boston.

My previous memories included seeing the film 'The Negotiator' at the tiny town cinema and a trip to a local diner where none of the waitresses appeared to understand the meaning of the word 'cutlery'... ;-)

This time we were hungry and decided to hunt out a suitable restaurant and picked several from the hotel literature as possibilities - however as we passed each one they seemed deserted and unappealing.

Finally we ended up at Alex's Place, which is a Steakhouse and Seafood restaurant and judging by appearances - this was where the entire population of Batavia seemed to be hanging out!

We got a few stares of the 'strangers in town' variety, but apart from that we had a lovely meal in a great restaurant!

Apart from this great place, Batavia is not a memorable town, hence no pictures!

The next morning had us up bright and early for the journey to Hershey, PA via Watkins Glen.

To get to the glen we took Route 63 to join I 390 near Geneseo before turning of onto Route 414 at Corning.

Once at Watkins Glen, we took a trip up to the State Park, followed by a drive along the western shore of Seneca Lake as far as the Glenora Winery for a delicious lunch. After lunch we were again on the road, taking Route 14 south out of Watkins Glen, past Elmira and all the way into PA towards Williamsport and through the beautifully picturesque hilly country of the Tladaghton State Forest.

We then took Highway 15 along the mighty Susquehanna river as far as Harrisburg where after getting slightly lost in an interesting one way system for about 10 mins we took Highway 322 to Hershey and a night in a nice Holiday Inn Express.

Farm Sanctuary

by Suzanne123

45 minutes west of the city is an animal rights activist farm. For education regarding the environmental, political, ethical reasons not eat meat here is the place to be. Here you can inform yourself about the other aspects of farming that is not make public. If you or a family member are animal lovers, do visit the rescued animals. Once each year there is a hoe down where you are welcome to hear lectures, camp, and party on pristine New York State property. During warmer weather, there are affordable log cabins that can be rented at the farm sanctuarty. It is very peaceful and you will be sure to get some R&R here.

Watkins Glen - New York Wine Country

by crifl

"If you like Wine, boating or Racing."

Most of you probably know Watkins Glen as a NASCAR town. I personally am not a fan. We started making trips to Watkins Glen about 4 years ago when my brother bought a boat on Seneca Lake. we have been going up there evry summer since. Seneca Lake is just beautiful, and it's surrounded by about 40 wineries. We've had some great weekends up there boating and wine tasting. Some of our favorite wineries are Chateau Lafayette, Atwater Estates, Rock Stream, Fulkersons, and Lakewood Estates. Also, If your going to Watkins Glen, you've got to check out the state park. There's a gorge walk which will simply amaze you.