Watkins Glen State Park is the most famous of the Finger Lakes State Parks, with a reputation for leaving visitors spellbound. It is on the southern tip of Lake Senaca. Within two miles, the glen's stream descends 400 feet past 200-foot cliffs, generating 19 waterfalls along its course. The gorge path winds over and under waterfalls and through the spray of Cavern Cascade. We took 3 hours to walk up the slope and back down including all the phto-op stops. It isn't a difficult hike but do keep water handy.

From Watkins Glen Park we drove to the shores of Lake Seneca and watched as the sun began to set. There is a park on Route 414 that you can stop at. We then drove to Lake Cayuga, and checked in to our hotel. For dinner we headed into Ithaca, to Ithaca Commons and had a Japanese dinner. Ithaca is expensive, maybe because of Cornell. The restaurants will cost $30-$50 for dinner for two.

The next morning we drive into Cornell University and parked near Libe Slope. Parking is free on campus on weekends. Cornell is one of the most "gorges" college campuses. Nestled on a mountain slope, overlooking Lake Cayuga with gorges and waterfalls within its campus. It had a air of English charm with American pride. Perfect. From Cornell we went to the Ithaca Farmer's Market. Every Sunday there is a huge gathering of restaurants, grocers, artists, wineries, craftsmen and musicians on the waterfront of Lake Cayuga and hundreds stop by to taste, listen, eat, relax and have fun.

It was a quick taste of the Finger Lakes area, and we are definitely interested in going back.