Day Trip: Watkins Glen/Ithaca/Horseheads

Friday morning was cloudy and cold (down to 65 degrees, ya know!), so we decided to take a day trip through the neighborhood. A quick stop at Camping World in Bath, New York, (yeah, that's right!), we  headed northeast toward Watkins Glen. On the southern end of Seneca Lake, one of the famous Finger Lakes of New York, Watkins Glen is best known for its association with motorsports. Formula One racing from the '60s to the '80s has given way to Can-Am, Trans-Am, NASCAR, and Indy Car series racing. Prior to 1956, city streets were used for racing, ala Monte Carlo, but in 1956 a permanent circuit was built. This original course has been modified a number of times over the years for both safety and "action" reasons, and is currently being totally repaved in anticipation of the 2016 season.

Normally portions of the track facility are open to the public, and on some specified days, visitors can drive their personal vehicles on the track. One at a time; three laps; what a thrill!

But today, due to the construction activity, we were not allowed in the gate.

Taking Kuhl/Winner Road down the backside of the track got us to an unlocked gate and a tunnel under the track.

We were able to snap a few photos of the track and the infield before a gentleman in a red pickup advised us to exit stage left, and then followed us to the gate to make sure we did just that.

The village of Watkins Glen was completely closed off due to a Vintage Race Festival, where old racing cars recreate the early days of racing on the city streets. We chose not to park in the $20 parking lots, and drove on to Watkins Glen State Park, where we got a good look at Seneca Lake, and Sasha had an opportunity to run.

On to Ithaca, NY, about 25 miles away. Our GPS took us on a circuitous route that added about 20 miles to the journey, but we arrived nonetheless. Ithaca is the home of Cornell University, and therefore is a busy, loud, boisterous, over-priced college town. The main historical area has been turned into a pedestrian walkway called "The Commons", and it is lined with shops and restaurants.

Feeling a bit hungry by this time, we stopped into Red's, where we enjoyed a Flatbread Pizza with mushrooms, bleu cheese, and caramelized onions.

I was fortunate to find a burger with NYS cheese, grape jelly, crispy bacon, and creamy peanut butter. A side of sweet potato fries completed the repast!

Our great circle route took us into the village of Horseheads, New York. Strange name, yes? It was named for the abundance of bleached horse head bones found there. There is no explanation for the collection of bones found there, but the story has given rise to an entire village whose schtick is horses!

As with most eastern US villages, there are quite a number of houses dating from the 1800's or earlier. This home in Horseheads has been maintained pretty well, but is missing some of its intricate scrollwork. Very difficult and expensive to replace that!

Our last day in Campbell, NY, is pretty sad, weather-wise. There is a large storm passing through the area, so we're staying indoors for the most part. Since we're leaving tomorrow, there are a few chores to be completed, and a trip to the grocery store is on the schedule as I write this (12 noon). Perhaps a cup of coffee in town and a lazy day. Perfect, huh?