A Weekend For Two · Out On The Water
A Few Things Worth Leaving The Dock For.
Honestly, the best thing to do is sit at the end of the dock. The sun sets across the lake from the cottage, and a lot of couples never find a reason to leave.
For the day you do, here is what we would suggest, starting with getting out on the water.
On The Lake
Both leave from the harbor in Watkins Glen, about ten minutes away.
The easy way onto the lake at sunset: an hour and a half on the water as the light goes down, or a dinner cruise, some nights with music.
- Sunset cruise, about 1.5 hours
- Dinner cruises, some with live music
- Spring through fall
- Cruise reservations: (607) 535-4541
From their own website · source · checked September 17, 2026
A century-old wooden schooner — Bing Crosby sang to Grace Kelly aboard her in High Society. Join a public sail, or charter her for the two of you.
- Public sails and private charters
- Book online or call (607) 535-5253
From their own website · source · checked September 17, 2026
On Land, And For Rain
The gorge is closed from mid-October to early May, so check the dates against your weekend.
Watkins Glen Gorge Trail
Watkins Glen · Under Ten Minutes
Nineteen waterfalls in a one-mile stretch, with the path running through tunnels and under two of the falls. Summer is busy enough that a shuttle runs between the entrances, so go early.
- Gorge Trail open May 9 to mid-October in 2026 — closed the rest of the year
- Park open dawn to dusk, year-round
- Peak-season shuttle runs June 28 to September 7
- No dogs on the Gorge Trail
From the official park or agency page · source · checked September 17, 2026
Make Your Own Glass, Corning Museum Of Glass
Corning · Worth The Drive
The rainy-day answer. Blow, fuse or sandblast a piece of glass with a glassworker beside you, then take a long look around one of the best museums of its kind.
- Experiences run 15 minutes to an hour; no experience needed
- One person per project — book one each
- Spots fill quickly, so book online before you go
- Most hot-glass pieces are ready the next day or shipped; sandblasting can be taken home the same day
From their own website · source · checked September 17, 2026
Before You Drive Anywhere
Every place here was checked, and each one says where the information came from and when. Most come from the business’s own website or the agency that runs the park; where only a third party vouches for a place, we say so. Policies change, especially on busy summer weekends, so a quick call is never wasted. If you find something out of date, tell us and we will fix it.
Then Back To The Dock.
A one-bedroom cottage on the east shore, where the sun goes down over the water in front of your chairs.