The older we get the more spread out my closest friends get. From New York City to Boston to Buffalo, it’s hard to all get in the same location unless it’s for a major life event. This year we somehow pulled off a three day weekend together in the Finger Lakes Wine Country and while we did bring our boyfriends (& dogs) I couldn’t help but realize what a great spot it would be for a super fun, and lowkey bachelorette party.
We stayed on Seneca Lake Wine Trail, because we had read that it has the most options, but the other lakes are just as desirable (Keuka and Cayuga are also gorgeous.) We found an Airbnb in Rock Stream, New York that accommodated all of us and the pups, but if you go in the warmer months (which I recommend) you can easily find lakefront properties with amenities like kayaks or paddleboats. There were a ton of places online with picturesque views, Adirondack chairs and outdoor seating – if you are going from June through September I would find a lakefront spot. We went in April, and if you know upstate New York, you know it was still snowing.
Restaurants:
· Kindred Fare: The first night our large group made a reservation at Kindred Fare and it did not disappoint. The cocktails and food menu had such a variety that we had to order sides to split. Highlights on the menu included the pork belly fried rice bowl, the brussels sprouts and the roasted cauliflower salad. Our waiter was hilarious and the prices are very moderate.
· F.L.X. Table: We did not go here, but it wasn’t for lack of trying! This would be a great evening out if the guest of honor is a foodie. They do two seatings a night for no more than 14 guests and the wine pairing accompanying the foodie experience is downright hilarious. You can choose from three pricing options: fun, baller or big P.I.M.P.’n.
· F.L.X. Wienery: A passion project from the F.L.X. group – this restaurant is far more casual and is all about the hot dogs!
· The Elf in the Oak: We loved this place so much we went there twice. Once on the first day and once on our way out of town – it was that good!! Menu included sandwiches, breakfast foods, salads, burgers, great coffee and more. Every single one of us loved our meal. A favorite was the chicken schnitzel sandwich.
Wineries: If you’re bringing your dogs find a list of dog-friendly wineries here.
· Hermann J. Wiemer: Very upscale, beautiful setting. I’d recommend visiting this one earlier in the day and calling ahead. The vibe is very classy and it is worth a visit.
· Silver Springs Winery: This place was amazing – definitely had a great variety of reds and whites and a great theme – Bob Marley and peace signs! This was possibly my favorite.
· Damiani Wine Cellars: This gorgeous winery specialized in reds (my favorite) and was next to a distillery called Finger Lakes Distilling for those that aren’t as in to wine. (Pro Tip: Get a bloody mary) I loved the views from Damiani and I loved the tour guides! They were so knowledgeable and funny.
· Atwater Vineyards: This was a great stop – gorgeous deck and great variety of wines. I bought a bottle of red here and enjoyed it this past weekend – prices were very reasonable and the deck is reason enough to enjoy this spot.
· Shaw Vineyard: We spent the least time at Shaw as it was a quick stop on our way back to the Airbnb, but I will share that they had orange wine, which is a personal favorite of mine!
Other Tips:
· Watkins Glen State Park: This such a fun, beautiful, easy hike! There are so many waterfalls. We did this on our way out of town and it was the perfect way to end the weekend. Full of great photo ops, and a great way to get in some exercise after an indulgent weekend.
· Get a driver: I am very against/terrified of drinking and driving and ubers aren’t as common in the Finger Lakes so a driver was a non-negotiable. We had a great driver from Grapevine Country Tours named Bob who was absolutely hilarious. For someone who doesn’t drink Bob was so knowledgeable about the region and made some great recommendations for us so that we could hit the most wineries in the time allotted for the tour. (Note: This tour company doesn’t allow dogs, but if you want one that does I spoke with Stompin’ Good Times that does allow small dogs, but was more expensive)
· Wegmans: If you are familiar with this grocery store, you know it’s amazing. If you’re not, I recommend it for stocking up for a bachelorette party weekend. Prices are great, the prepared food is amazing and it’s always great to have extra water bottles, snacks and breakfast foods on hand during a wine-heavy weekend!