Region offers many options for visitors

Region offers many options for visitors

FINGER LAKES--As NASCAR fans converge on Watkins Glen and the Finger Lakes region, visitors will also discover a number of non-racing attractions in the area. Along with good food and good racing, there are museums, wine trails, some of the best state parks in the country, boat rides and more for visitors to check out.
Museums
For racing fans who really want to get in-depth on the history of the sport, there is no better place than the International Motor Racing Research Center located at 610 Decatur St. in Watkins Glen. Along with having extensive historical data and photos on racing in America, there is also an opportunity to learn about racing legends and the long history of Watkins Glen and racing.
For more information visit https://www.racingarchives.org.
Beyond racing, there is the Corning Museum of Glass which is a national attraction dedicated to glass and artisans. There are live glass blowing demonstrations, examples of modern art, along with glass from throughout history from the Egyptians to Louis Tiffany. Located at 1 Museum Way in Corning, more information is available at https://home.cmog.org.
Also in Corning is the Rockwell Museum containing some of the best examples of American spirit by American artists. An affiliate of the Smithsonian Museum, the unique building contains multiple floors of oil paintings. Located at 111 Cedar St.in Corning, more information is at https://rockwellmuseum.org.
If boats and aviation-related artifacts are more your speed, there is the Finger Lakes Boating Museum and the Glenn H. Curtiss Museum. Located in Hammondsport, each museum gives great examples of historical American craftsmanship and innovation.
The Finger Lakes Boating museum has excellent examples of historic and local boats, while visitors to Depot Park can see the museum's vessel, the Pat II, go out on excursions. For more, including boat ride information, visit https://www.flbm.org.
The Glenn H. Curtiss Museum contains vintage aviation and motorcycles perfectly restored and maintained. For more information visit https://glennhcurtissmuseum.org.
Wine Trails
The Finger Lakes wine region is quickly becoming a regional and national go-to for wine lovers. The region produces a variety of red, white, fruit and dessert wines, with environmental conditions that have made the region known worldwide. Along with some of the most crisp and sophisticated wines around, many wineries also added gourmet food options to compliment their tastings.
Choosing any of the three wine trails will take you on a beautiful tour of not only the local wines the region produces but also the region itself. The three prominent wine trails around Watkins Glen include: the Seneca Wine Trail, Keuka Wine Trail and Cayuga Wine Trail.
For more see https://senecalakewine.com, https://www.keukawinetrail.com and https://www.cayugawinetrail.com.
Local Parks
Less than 10 minutes away from Watkins Glen International is Watkins Glen State Park, considered one of the jewels of the New York State Parks System. A variety of hiking trails, amazing vistas and incredible geology help make Watkins Glen State Park one of the most popular in the state. Admission is free, but there is a $10 charge for car parking. The upper campground area of the park also features a large outdoor swimming pool.
For more information visit https://parks.ny.gov/parks/142/.
While Watkins Glen might be the closest, there are plenty of local state parks within an hours drive of WGI including Keuka State Park, Seneca Lake State Park, Sampson State Park, Robert H. Treman State Park and more. Additional information can be seen at https://parks.ny.gov/regions/finger-lakes/default.aspx.
Watkins Glen's own Clute Park can also offer a waterfront experience for visitors. Recent improvements include a popular splash pad for kids.
Boat Rides
Being right on Seneca Lake also allows visitors to stay off the roads and keep on the water with a boat ride at Captain Bill's. For those looking for a sailing adventure, Sail True Love provides a unique and experience. For more information about Captain Bill's visit https://www.senecaharborstation.com and https://sailtruelove.com.