One Day in Wine Country, Part 1: Romantic Relaxation
Guests often ask us for recommendations when they’re in the tasting room, which I love to make because I love the Finger Lakes region! Especially our little Southeast section of Seneca Lake.
With that in mind, this is the first part in a series of suggested SE Seneca day trips. Today’s theme: couples’ day out!
Silver Thread co-owner Shannon leading a vineyard tour.
Up and At ‘Em
Start at 9am with a delightful, caffeinated bevvie from Overlook Coffee in Burdett. Then pop right across the street to The Burdett Exchange and grab a pack of locally-made cinnamon rolls or a couple of pastries. Overlook Coffee has outdoor seating with a view of a lovely little waterfall, which always makes me think of Disney’s 1973 “Robin Hood.” Peak romance.
After that, you’re probably ready for a walk. Maybe through a vineyard? Our Vineyard Tour & Estate Tasting experience can be booked for 11am on Fridays and Saturdays, mid-May through October. It’s a great way to learn more about what truly sustainable agriculture looks like. Plus, you get to taste the benefits of organic farming by sipping wines made with estate-grown grapes along the way.
A unique European menu is available at the Winegarden.
Mid-Day Meal
At this point, you’ll be ready for some lunch. Good thing you added the Winegarden Lunch to your experience when you booked the Vineyard Tour! Drive just a mile back up the one-lane stone road to Route 414 and make a right. In but a minute you’ll be at the Silver Thread Winegarden, our spacious tasting room with an unbeatable view of Seneca Lake. Enjoy an Austrian-inspired lunch that includes creamy spreads, fresh baguette, cold salads made with local ingredients, and savory sausages. All paired with a glass (or flight) of more premium Silver Thread wine. Take a seat inside the casually elegant space or relax at a table on the covered patio. Either way, you’re welcome to take your time!
You definitely have time for a couple more wineries. If you’re looking for intimate, casual spots like us we suggest Atwater, Boundary Breaks, Forge, or Leidenfrost. If you’re ready for a cocktail instead, stop in at Finger Lakes Distilling. All of these businesses are run by engaged community members that live here and love it!
Dinner For Two
The view from Stonecat Cafe.
As the evening approaches, you’ve got some great dinner options! Stonecat Cafe is a reputable, local favorite that features a farm-to-table menu, casual counter service, and a wine list focused on the Finger Lakes. If you’re ready for beer and pizza after all the wine you’ve had, the bustling Scale House Brewery is a staff favorite. Lucky Hare Brewing Company is another popular spot, and features two locations. Their Hector location is just down the road from us and features Babe’s Burgers (Wednesday – Sunday). Their Watkins Glen location is right on the water at the south end of Seneca Lake and has a vast menu that includes salads, burgers, sandwiches, and more.
For dessert? You’ve got your pick of ice cream shops! If you opted to stick to the east side of the lake, Johnny’s Kitchen is a local favorite. If you’ve chosen to end your day in Watkins, the Glen Dairy Bar is your place for a great strawberry milkshake.
We get to experience the joy of living here year-round, and we don’t take it for granted. The gorgeous waterfalls, the leafy vineyards, the small businesses with involved owners… we’re sure you’ll grow to love South East Seneca Lake just as much as we do!
