The unique climate is perfect for growing grapes and there are more than 50 wineries in the area, many being family owned farms. The Finger Lakes are home to three distinct wine trails. These are wine and food pairings in tour packages that can include over 30 member wineries and a cidery. The packages can be unique and fun and they help make the Finger Lakes a popular tourist attraction.
Last year, my brother Adam returned to Seneca Lake for the first time since our childhood vacation over 30 years ago. This reignited a spark in the family that ultimately led to a reunion in Hector near Watkins Glen which is located at the base of Seneca Lake (circled in red below).
Along the way, the weather cooperated and the sunshine made the country roads even more beautiful.
I was blown away by the rolling green hills that stretched for miles and the wide open spaces. Upon reaching Hector, we came into view of the home of Gene and Martha, our most generous family members who helped organize and hosted this reunion. Seeing their home was a fabulous view.
Their front porch was so cozy and relaxing. It was the perfect place to congregate and enjoy the view of the vineyards across the street and the expansive front yard that overlooked Seneca Lake in the distance.
Martha's kitchen became a hub of activity, good food and sharing. We gathered there to talk and cook. Martha is an excellent cook and can whip up a whole meal in such a short time. I was amazed.
They have a basement which fascinated this Florida city slicker, who was born and raised at sea level and where there is no such thing as basements. It was a delightful mix of charm and storybook, by having creaky, wooden stairs, stone walls, and some cob webs. This underground room housed an eclectic mix of old and new odds and ends. I actually enjoyed going down there just to look around. It was fun.
Martha and Gene own a John Deere Gator to scoot around their 20 acres of land. Gene took us on a ride and gave us a guided tour of their property and surrounding area.
Gene dug this pond, with an attached center island, at the rear of their property. He and his daughter then welded the structure that became the white arch located on the island. The arch later became the setting for his daughter's nuptials. Lovely.
Gene and Martha's land is surrounded on one side with a densely wooded area. Gene took us to meet Walter, a neighbor who is building a farm in a large clearing in the woods. Walter has sheep, goats, chickens and honeybee hives. Walter's wife is growing vegetables in their garden.
We then drove along a trail through the pines and came upon a deer blind used during hunting season.
Down the road from Gene and Martha was a beautiful red schoolhouse, which was bought by a neighbor and converted into a beautiful summer cottage.
Gene collects old trucks for spare parts, which he sells to happy buyers wanting to refurbish their own trucks.
Rick captured a large bee amongst the seasonal wild flowers that grew all around the farm. Queen Anne's Lace and Baby's Breath were just two of the many varieties.
Gene avidly collects John Deere. One room of the house has been turned into a museum, of sorts, with shelves and shelves of John Deere toys, tractors, etc.
As the afternoon slipped into the evening, the family gathered on the porch in the cool air and caught up on lost time (from left clockwise: brother Adam, dad, mom, Rick and Martha)
We sat down to a beautifully set table and to Martha's delicious lasagna with salad and sides.
Adam rode with Martha as she put the Gator to bed for the night in the garage.
The next morning as we slowly came "alive" from a good night's sleep, we chatted in the kitchen with our coffee mugs and Diet Coke (me). (left to right: dad, mom and Gene)
Martha and Gene showed us the deep well in their backyard that is the constant source of their ice cold, delicious spring water on tap.
When in the Finger Lakes...the first winery we visited was Wagners located on the southeast side of Seneca Lake. We strolled it's gorgeous grounds and participated in a tasting.
Next on the list was Taughannock Falls, a sculpture in stone made by water. The sheer power of water and frost could be seen here. Over 12,000 years of sculpting resulted in this 215 foot waterfall and its spectacular gorge. Taughannock means "in the trees" in Algonquin, a subfamily of Native American languages.
Because rainwater is naturally a little acidic, puddles on the gorge's limestone floor have dissolved the stone leaving pits visible during dry season.
Across the street from Taughannock Falls is the lakeside, all part of Taughannock Falls State Park. (left to right: me, Adam and dad and mom)
This guy dares to be different - I like that. Gorgeous park.
Where would we be without a world of decimals? Answer: some place that could get expensive.
Gene and dad relaxing and having a lively chat before dinner.
This 16 pound boneless ham came from a local butcher...perfectly cooked (kudos Martha!) and absolutely delectable! It wowed everyone. More family stopped by that evening that we hadn't seen in years and some stayed for dinner - it was a real blessing.
After dinner, I was helping with dishes when I looked outside the kitchen window. The lighting from the sunset was SO fantastic that I yelled for my brother and we went outside to take photos. It was a very special moment that Adam and I shared.
The next day Martha and Gene took us on a "food tour" of sorts. We visited the local "mom and pop" butcher and farms where Martha shops for meat, fruits and vegetables, eggs, baked goods and cheese. All very clean and fresh.
I loved the honor system that this Amish baked goods stand relied on. "If you need change, blow your horn" said the sign. A paper tablet and pen allowed you to write down what you bought, tally it up yourself and put the money in the box. Not only was the homemade peach pie and dinner rolls we bought superb, it was refreshing to experience the trust that went into the transaction.
This cottage is owned by Martha's brother Charles and his wife Phyllis. Not only does it have an awesome view of Seneca Lake but it offers three levels of living space that Charles and Phyllis share with their children and grandchildren in the summer. Inside, the walls and wood speak of the lovely age and history of the cottage while blending beautifully with modern, comfortable function.
The cottage has dock space on the lake but it requires a long walk down and back up again. It was worth it. This was the dock I learned to water ski from over 30 years ago during that family vacation. Me and my brothers used to swim from this dock and I remember the icy cold water taking my breath away.
Charles and Phyllis keep their boat here. Great, warm smiles shared by Gene and Martha.
Down the road from the cottage live Martha's two brothers, Peter (left) and David (right).
I remembered seeing this home more than 30 years ago...and it's still there! What magnificent backyard scenery - a waterfall!
A stop at Glenora Wine Cellars rounds out our day.
Helping Martha get dinner ready - shucking the fresh corn Martha bought that day from a local farmer friend.
London broil on the grill.
Gene showed me his "man cave". He has this incredibly creative mind and can make "anything out of nothing". This treasure chest of goodies held all kinds of tools and stuff ranging from rusty, dusty trinkets of the past to pieces of metal and parts from all kinds of machinery. I LOVED this place! He also had an upstairs to his "cave", a back room and another shed out back. After talking with Gene, I learned that he has lent a hand in helping to build, rebuild or repair so many places and things for his neighbors, friends and family. He has a heart of gold and is always willing to help. If Gene is not building/repairing, he's harvesting or mowing for someone else above and beyond his own 20 acres. I enjoyed those chats with Gene.
I thought the Keys had the most beautiful sunsets, but on that night at Gene and Martha's place, I was proved wrong.
Happy me selfie...not sure if it was before or after a Diet Coke.
The collection of John Deere tractors that Gene gets to drive - lucky him. I think I was a farmer in my other life.
Adam picking wildflowers to take back home with him to Westchester for his sweetie Cleo.
Another Gator ride courtesy of Gene.
Amish buggy spotted.
Some of the street names along our country rides in Hector were unusual, like this one named "Picnic Area". Yes, it's a street name, not a sign.
Hector Falls right along Route 414.
Since we spent a few quality hours here, I felt like it should get a mention. Spotless with a friendly attendant.
Pear tree at Atwater Estates Vineyards in Burdett, not far from Hector. The view was incredible with rows and rows of grapes and the backdrop of the lake.
Chicken coop located on the farm of Mark and Carole, friends of Gene and Martha. Carole makes honey right in her home. She slowly drains the honey from the comb atop a stunning antique stove. They also shear their own sheep. Martha sent us home with a jar of fresh honey. YUM!
Martha's brother Peter and his wife Eileen own an ice cream shop in downtown Watkins Glen called The Great Escape. Eileen was behind the counter when we stopped by and spoiled us with samples and ice cream that we gobbled down happily. It was so tasty. Their place has a lot of personality ranging from the collection of ice cream scoops and records hanging from the ceiling to the vibrant colors and wide selection of flavors and options of eats and treats. Outside they share their vintage ice cream pedal cart and an old Ford pickup for photo opportunities. What a place!
Last, but never least, we paid a visit to Gene's brother's farm. Mark was outside mowing when we arrived unannounced but gladly showed us around what he and his wife Diann call "Peeper Valley Farm". Yes, I wanted to know too. Mark said a "Peeper" was a small frog that made a noise like the "peep, peep" of a newly hatched chick. The frogs come out in spring.
Mark (and maybe Diann...unfortunately, we didn't get to meet her) is mad about Pickle Ball and is in a league. Inside that huge white "barn shaped tent" are Pickle Ball courts. Mark plays in tournaments and he can host them on the farm. He even rents a port-a-potty outside for players to use. The white canvas siding allows natural light and breeze to permeate from the outside so it is naturally cooled and lit. It was a marvel really.
Thanks for joining me and my family on this journey together. I dedicate this post to my brother Brad who I choose to believe was with us every step of the way...and smiled from above. I miss you every day.
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