Tag: scenic

Tamarack Ridge Farm: A Tiny Farm Store & Stand in Montour Falls, NY

Tamarack Ridge Farm sits at the end of Dolphsburg Road in Montour Falls — a small working farm that has folded a tidy A-frame shop and a daily self-serve stand into its everyday rhythm. The store is a pine-lined room that is curated rather than crammed: local coffee and tea, handmade soap, candles and tinctures, dog treats, kids’ flannel, and a glass cooler of Finger Lakes sodas and non-alcoholic drinks. Out front, the self-serve stand runs on the honor system, with $5 firewood bundles, $10 flower bouquets, and whatever herbs and produce are in season. It is unfussy by design, and that restraint is the appeal. It sits about a 7-minute drive from Goldenrod Preserve.

Why We Recommend It

What makes Tamarack Ridge worth a stop is how tightly it leans on the people and makers around it. The shelves read like a directory of the region: Overlook Coffee Co. beans, Apolis teas, Fine & Raw chocolate, Sisters George tallow balm out of Ovid, RoRo soaps, Seneca Lake stickers. The selection rotates with what’s available locally, so a return visit rarely looks the same as the last one.

The farm also works as a small hub rather than a closed gate. Owner Ellen has spent years in and around the local food and hospitality scene and regularly hosts other vendors for outdoor events on the property, which is part of why the place feels connected rather than transactional. If you care about where your firewood, flowers, and soap actually come from, this is a straightforward way to put your money close to home.

Set your expectations correctly and it’s an easy win: this is a 15-to-30-minute browse, not a half-day outing. It pairs naturally with a wider Finger Lakes loop — grab a bag of Overlook Coffee here, then carry the morning into the rest of your day. From Goldenrod Preserve it’s roughly 7 minutes, which makes it a reasonable add-on to a Montour Falls itinerary rather than a trip of its own.

What to Know Before You Go

The most important thing to plan around is the schedule. The staffed store is open only three days a week — Saturday, Sunday, and Monday, 10am to 3pm — so it’s easy to drive out on the wrong day. The self-serve stand out front operates daily and runs on the honor system, with firewood, bouquets, and seasonal herbs and produce; bring small bills or Venmo – when the store is open the accept all major credit cards; just so you’re ready. Because a farm stand’s offerings shift with the calendar, treat the season and check before a special trip on their Instagram.

A couple of guest policies are worth flagging up front. Tamarack Ridge does not offer farm tours — it’s a stop, not a guided experience, though it slots nicely into a self-directed farm-stand route through the area. And for the health and safety of the farm, only service dogs are permitted; leave other pets at home. The setting is a working farm with an A-frame structure, so it may be tough if mobility is a consideration.

When in doubt, verify before you go. Hours, season, and what’s in stock can all change, and the most current word tends to land on their Instagram and website first.

Business Name: Tamarack Ridge Farm
Website: tamarackridgeflx.com
Address: 3268 Dolphsburg Road, Montour Falls, NY 14865
Phone: (607) 351-9685
Type/Category: Farm store & self-serve farm stand
Distance from Goldenrod Preserve: ~7-minute drive
Best For: a quick local-goods stop, flowers and firewood, supporting Finger Lakes makers
Price Point: $ (e.g., $5 firewood bundles, $10 bouquets)
Hours/Season: Store Sat–Mon, 10am–3pm; self-serve stand daily — season
Dogs: Service dogs only
Farm Tours: Not offered
Instagram: @tamarackridgefarm_flxrodpreserve.com/lucky-hare-watkins-glen/

June 1, 2026
Shequaga Falls — The Waterfall at the Heart of Montour Falls

Shequaga Falls anchors the south end of Main Street in Montour Falls, where approximately 156 feet of water cascade down layered shale ledges into the pool below. A graceful arched pedestrian bridge spans the crest — visible from the viewing area below — and the surrounding area is wired with seasonal lighting that changes the character of the falls across the calendar year. It is not a hike or a destination you need to plan around; it is simply there, at the edge of town, available any time you pass through. Goldenrod Preserve is about a two-minute drive away, and the falls are large enough to be visible in the distance from the property’s Hector-Odessa Rail Trail.

Why We Recommend It

The falls are the kind of thing that earns a town its identity. Every village in this part of the Finger Lakes has waterways, but few have a 156-foot cascade sitting at street level, steps from restaurants and coffee shops. Shequaga’s scale — combined with its no-effort accessibility — means guests can stand in front of a genuinely dramatic waterfall without committing to a trail. That’s not common in a region where most significant waterfalls require at least some hiking to reach.

What makes it worth returning to is how much it changes. In spring and after heavy rain, the water volume is substantial — the roar carries down Main Street and mist reaches the viewing area. By late summer it quiets to a more measured flow, and in autumn the surrounding foliage turns the entire gorge face into a scene that photographs well across almost any conditions. In a hard winter, the falls partially freeze: icicles form on the shale ledges, the usual curtain of white water narrows to a trickle through ice, and the visual is entirely different from the warm-season version. The village lights the falls at night year-round, and fireworks are shot above them during the fall festival — both worth mentioning when setting guest expectations across seasons.

From Goldenrod Preserve, the falls are about two minutes away — close enough that they fit naturally into a morning in town rather than requiring a dedicated trip. A practical pairing: pick up coffee and grab a slice somewhere on Main Street, then walk down to the falls and spend time at the viewing area before heading back to the property. It’s low-effort and tends to leave a strong impression, particularly on guests who aren’t expecting to encounter something this scale steps from a village center.

What to Know Before You Go

Access is as simple as it gets. Park for free on or near South Genesee Street, walk a short flat paved path, and the falls are right in front of you — no trail, no entry gate, no fee. The walkway is ADA accessible with no steps required. A separate vantage point is available from the pedestrian bridge at the crest: head north on Genesee Street, left on Steuben Street, then left again on Mill Street. The falls are illuminated at night year-round, which makes an after-dark visit worth suggesting to guests who are staying over.

Water volume varies considerably and is worth setting expectations around. After rain or snowmelt — especially in spring — the falls run hard and loud, with mist reaching the viewing area. In a dry summer stretch, the same falls run quieter. Shequaga Creek rarely goes completely dry, but there’s a meaningful difference between a wet spring and a dry August. Guests visiting in winter should know the area below the falls can be icy underfoot; good footwear matters between December and March.

Business/Location Name: Shequaga Falls
Website: villageofmontourfalls.com
Address: 109 S Genesee St, Montour Falls, NY 14865
Phone: (607) 535-9476
Type/Category: Waterfall / Public Park
Distance from Goldenrod Preserve: Approximately 2 minutes by car
Best For: All ages; waterfall viewing; town walks; seasonal and night photography
Price Point: Free; no entry fee; free street parking
Hours/Season: Year-round, open daily; illuminated at night
Accessibility: ADA accessible; flat paved walkway from street to viewing area; no steps required

May 7, 2026
Eagle Cliff Falls at Havana Glen Park: A Short Hike to a Striking Waterfall in Montour Falls

Some places earn their reputation the moment you round the last bend. Eagle Cliff Falls at Havana Glen Park is one of them. A short walk leads through a narrow shale passage, up a flight of metal stairs, and into a natural amphitheater where a clean ribbon of water drops the full height of the cliff face into a shallow, quiet pool. It’s one of the most striking short waterfall walks in the area — and at roughly a minute from Goldenrod Preserve, one of the easiest to fit into any day.

Why We Recommend It

The geometry of the place is what gets you. The trail narrows between two layered shale walls, opens to a short flight of metal stairs, and delivers you into a natural amphitheater where Eagle Cliff Falls drops a single clean line of water into a shallow, gravel-bottom pool. Smaller seeps and drips run down the surrounding rock all summer, so the whole basin feels alive — water on every surface, moss and ferns filling every crack of stone.

What makes it worth recommending isn’t only the falls itself, though it’s a good one. It’s how much scenery you get for how little walking. Short enough that it’s an easy add to any day in the area; striking enough that it doesn’t feel like a consolation prize. On a warm day, the pool is calm and shallow enough to wade or dip your feet, which makes it a natural choice for travelers who want a real Finger Lakes nature moment without committing a half-day to it. From Goldenrod Preserve, it’s roughly a one-minute drive — closer than most morning coffees.

What to Know Before You Go

This is a town park, not a state park, so amenities are simple and the trail is short — but it’s not effortless. To reach the base of Eagle Cliff Falls you’ll cross a shale passage and climb a flight of metal stairs, so think of this as a short walk with some climbing rather than a fully accessible path. Surfaces can be slick after rain, the gravel near the pool is uneven, and closed-toe shoes with grip will serve you better than sandals.

The falls shift with the season — fuller and more dramatic in spring and after rain, slimmer in late summer — so the photo you saw online may not be the version you meet on the day. Plan to verify current park hours, any vehicle or entrance fees, and seasonal access directly with the town before you go. And if you plan to wade, bring a towel — the pool stays cold well into August.

Business Name: Havana Glen Park (Eagle Cliff Falls)
Website: townofmontour.gov/havanaglen
Address: 135 Havana Glen Rd, Montour Falls, NY 14865
Phone: (607) 535-9476
Type / Category: Town park / Waterfall walk
Distance from Goldenrod Preserve: ~1 minute by car
Best For: A quick, scenic nature stop; photographers; families with mobile kids; warm-weather feet-in-the-water moments; pairing with a meal or coffee in Montour Falls
Accessibility: Short walk, but includes stone passages and metal stairs — not wheelchair- or stroller-accessible

May 5, 2026
Watkins Glen State Park: Walking the Gorge in the Finger Lakes

Some places reveal themselves all at once; Watkins Glen State Park reveals itself a little differently every visit. Carved by Glen Creek over thousands of years, the gorge trail threads past nineteen waterfalls, along stone staircases, and behind curtains of falling water — a Finger Lakes landmark worth returning to in every season. For guests at Goldenrod Preserve, it’s a 5min drive to one of the most rewarding walks in the region.

The signature walk-behind-the-falls moment on the gorge trail

The gorge in October

Late-day light through the gorge

Why We Recommend It

Watkins Glen is the kind of landmark that doesn’t get smaller on a second visit. Spring runoff is loud and dramatic; late summer is quieter and greener; October turns the cliffs into a corridor of yellow and burnt orange. Guests who go once almost always tell us they’d go back — and the gorge usually obliges by looking nothing like it did the first time.

The gorge trail itself is the centerpiece — a stone walkway that winds beneath cliffs, over arched bridges, and behind one of the falls. It’s an unusually intimate way to experience a state park; you’re not looking at the landscape from a distance, you’re walking through it. A new entrance bridge has recently been added at the park, designed to blend with the historic stonework rather than compete with it — a quiet investment in keeping this place accessible to the public for another century.

We tell guests to go in the morning. The light through the gorge walls is best early, you’ll be ahead of the summer crowds, and the temperature is friendlier on a hot afternoon. Just 5min drive from Goldenrod Preserve, it makes for an easy half-day plan with time left for a winery stop or lunch on the way home.

What to Know Before You Go

The main gorge trail is a real walk — not a stroll. Expect stone stairs, frequently wet and uneven footing, and spray from the falls even on dry days. Closed-toe shoes with grip are non-negotiable, and a light rain shell is worth carrying. The reward is one of the more memorable hikes in the Finger Lakes; the trade-off is that this isn’t a stop for guests who can’t manage stairs or slick stone.

Timing matters. Mornings are meaningfully quieter than afternoons, especially on weekends in July and August. The gorge trail is also seasonal, so check before a shoulder-season visit if the gorge is the main draw. The upper rim trails generally stay open longer when the lower gorge is closed.

There’s a parking fee at the main entrance and it’s worth confirming current rates and hours directly through the New York State Parks website before you go. You can also call the park office at (607) 535-4511.

Business Name: Watkins Glen State Park
Website: parks.ny.gov
Address: 1009 N Franklin St, Watkins Glen, NY 14891
Phone: (607) 535-4511
Type / Category: State Park / Hiking and waterfalls
Distance from Goldenrod Preserve: 5min Drive
Best For: Morning gorge walks, waterfall photography, repeat visits across seasons, a first-timer’s introduction to the Finger Lakes

May 5, 2026
Hillick & Hobbs Estate Winery

Hillick & Hobbs is one of our favorite winery stops in the area and an easy addition to a Finger Lakes wine day. We recommend it for the complete experience: striking architecture, genuinely warm hospitality, and wines that feel closely tied to this part of the region. Their focus on Riesling makes the visit especially compelling, since Seneca Lake is so well known for it, and the estate setting gives you one of the most memorable views around. The winery’s story is also part of the draw. Founder Paul Hobbs created the estate as a Finger Lakes expression connected to his family’s New York roots, with an emphasis on site-specific Riesling grown on the steep slate slopes above Seneca Lake.

Why We Recommend It

What stands out here is the balance. Hillick & Hobbs feels polished without feeling stiff, and beautiful without losing the sense that people are truly happy to have you there. We especially recommend it to guests who care about both the wine itself and the full setting around it.

Their Riesling focus is a big reason to go. The winery is centered on estate, site-specific Riesling from the Finger Lakes, which makes it an especially strong stop for anyone wanting to taste a wine style that is deeply associated with this region. We also appreciate that they explore variation by block and vintage, which gives repeat visits real appeal. The estate’s own story frames the project as a return to Paul Hobbs’ family roots in upstate New York and a serious effort to express this particular place through Riesling.

The design deserves special mention. This is a winery that feels considered from the moment you arrive. The view over Seneca Lake is exceptional, and the building complements it rather than competing with it. Just as important, the winery presents sustainability not as a marketing add-on, but as a core part of how they farm and make wine. On their sustainability page, Hillick & Hobbs says they farm with care for the land to produce healthier vines and more expressive fruit, encourage native yeast, and work to preserve the vineyard’s natural ecosystem and sense of place.

We also appreciate the practical side of that approach. Hillick & Hobbs says they farm their estate vineyards without herbicides, use natural methods like mowing to manage growth, and aim to support biodiversity in the vineyard, including birds, bees, and soil health. That philosophy fits the overall feel of the property: thoughtful, place-driven, and genuinely connected to the land around it.

Hospitality is another reason this remains high on our list. Maggie, Jessica, Alyssa, and the wider team have always made visits feel warm and personal. That combination of gracious service, a memorable setting, and consistently impressive wine is exactly why this is firmly in our top tier of Finger Lakes wineries.

What to Know Before You Go

Hillick & Hobbs is a great choice for guests who want a more focused, refined tasting-room experience rather than a casual drop-in stop with lots of distractions.

The house specialty is Riesling, so this is the place to lean into what the region does especially well. If you have someone in your group who is not usually a Riesling drinker, this can still be a smart stop because the wines often show range and nuance rather than a one-note style.

The view is part of the experience, so give yourself enough time to slow down and enjoy it rather than rushing through a tasting.

Reservations are available online and we recommend them if you are going on a Friday, Saturday, Sunday in the busy seasons.

Business Name: Hillick & Hobbs Estate Winery
Business URL: https://www.hillickandhobbs.com/
Address: 3539 State Route 79, Burdett, NY 14818
Type/Category: Winery / Tasting Room / Finger Lakes Riesling Producer
Distance from Goldenrod Preserve: about 5min
Best For: Riesling lovers, scenic tastings, design-minded travelers, wine club visitors, couples, and guests building a thoughtful Seneca Lake wine itinerary
Price Point: $$$
Reservations: Recommended / available online.

March 31, 2026
Stonecat cafe

Stonecat Cafe is one of the region’s most memorable dining stops for guests who want a creative meal in a beautiful setting. Known for its seasonal approach, strong relationships with local farmers, and covered deck with lake views, Stonecat offers a more thoughtful restaurant experience that still feels welcoming, relaxed, and fun.

Why We Recommend It

Stonecat Cafe is an easy recommendation for guests who care about where their food comes from and want a meal that feels rooted in the Finger Lakes. The restaurant’s seasonal menu and local sourcing give it a sense of place, and the partnerships with nearby farmers help make the food feel distinctive rather than generic.

We also like that Stonecat manages to be both creative and approachable. The menu changes with the seasons, the specials are often especially strong, and there is enough variety for different kinds of diners, including guests looking for vegan or vegetarian options. That flexibility makes it a good choice for mixed groups without making the experience feel watered down.

The setting is another big part of the draw. The covered deck looking over the lake adds a scenic, special-occasion feel, while the full bar, live events, and friendly staff keep the atmosphere lively rather than formal. It is the kind of place that feels polished but still genuinely fun.

What to Know Before You Go

Stonecat is best for guests who want a more intentional dining experience built around seasonal ingredients rather than a fixed, predictable menu. If you enjoy specials and are open to what is freshest and most in season, this is part of the appeal.

The lake-view deck is a major reason to visit, so it is worth planning ahead if outdoor seating matters to you. Covered seating helps, but availability and weather can still shape the experience.

This is also a good option for groups with different dietary preferences. The mix of vegan, vegetarian, and more traditional choices makes it easier to accommodate a range of diners without sacrificing quality.

Business URL: https://www.stonecatcafe.com/
Address: 5315 NY-414, Hector, NY 14841
Type/Category: Seasonal Restaurant / Farm-to-Table Dining / Full Bar
Distance from Goldenrod Preserve: 15min drive from Goldenrod Preserve
Best For: Seasonal dining, lake views, date night, vegetarian-friendly meals, cocktails, special events
Price Point: $$
Vegetarian Options: Yes
Vegan Options: Yes
Full Bar: Yes
Special Events / Live Music: [CHECK INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/stonecat_cafe/]

March 27, 2026
Lucky Hare Brewing – Watkins Glen
Lucky Hare Brewing in Watkins Glen is an easy, satisfying stop for guests who want a good burger, a well-made beer, and a beautiful place to linger by the water. The lakeside setting gives this newer location a relaxed, scenic feel, and the outdoor seating makes it especially appealing in warmer weather—particularly for guests traveling with a dog.

Why We Recommend It

Lucky Hare Brewing stands out because it delivers both comfort and setting. This is the kind of place that works when you want something unfussy but still memorable: a crisp beer, a really solid cheeseburger, and a seat by the water.

The rotating seasonal and specialty brews keep the menu interesting throughout the year, while the classic Lucky Blonde remains a reliable favorite for guests who want something clean and easy-drinking. It is also one of those rare casual spots that feels equally good for a quick stop or a longer, slower meal outside.

The Watkins Glen location adds a lot to the experience. Sitting along the lake gives it a scenic edge that makes it feel more like an outing than just a meal stop, and the pet-friendly patio is a genuine plus for travelers bringing a dog along. Friendly hospitality also helps set the tone here, with Ian and the team consistently making it feel like a local go-to in the Seneca Lake region.

What to Know Before You Go

Lucky Hare is a strong pick for guests looking for a casual meal rather than a formal dining experience. Come for burgers, beer, and the view—not for anything overly elaborate.

Business Name: Lucky Hare Brewing – Watkins Glen
Business URL: https://www.luckyharebrewing.com/watkins-glen
Address: 2 Seneca Harbor Dr, Watkins Glen, NY 14891
Type/Category: Brewery / Burgers / Casual Dining
Distance from Goldenrod Preserve: Within 5 minutes’ drive of Goldenrod Preserve
Best For: Casual lunch or dinner, lake views, burgers and beer, pet-friendly outdoor seating
Price Point: $
Outdoor Seating: Yes
Pet-Friendly: Outdoor seating is pet-friendly
March 26, 2026
Overlook Coffee Co.

Overlook Coffee Co. is one of those stops that feels considered in all the right ways. In Burdett, this small-batch roaster pairs a polished brand identity with serious coffee craftsmanship, and it is especially convenient for guests staying at Goldenrod Preserve thanks to its quick drive from the campground. The shop also offers a scenic overlook falls beside the café, making it an easy stop to pair with a relaxed morning outing.

Why We Recommend It

We recommend Overlook Coffee Co. because it feels genuinely built with care. Christina and Brandon have created a shop with a clear point of view, from the branding to the roasting to the overall quality guests can expect. Their coffees are not an afterthought: they roast in-house, offer blends and single-origin selections, and describe their process as roast-to-order, with a fluid bed roasting method and a regular roasting schedule.

Just as important, it is a very easy place to enjoy. The baked goods are good, the outdoor seating makes it comfortable to linger, it is pet friendly, and the setting gives you a little more than a standard coffee stop. Being across from Burdette Exchange also makes this a smart pairing with additional local browsing and shopping. The overlook beside the shop adds to the appeal, but the waterfall name should be confirmed before publication rather than guessed here.

What to Know Before You Go

Overlook Coffee Co. is a particularly good fit for guests who care about coffee quality and want somewhere nearby that still feels distinctive. It is an easy morning stop before heading out for the day or a relaxed break after exploring the area.

Business URL: https://overlookcoffeeco.com/
Address: 3825 Main St, Burdett, NY 14818
Distance from Goldenrod Preserve: Less than 5 minutes by car from the campground
Best For: Coffee lovers, casual morning outings, local shopping stops, pet owners, guests looking for a quick nearby treat
Price Point: $
Order Ahead: Available through website
Pet Friendly: Yes
Outdoor Seating: Yes
Parking: Plenty of parking
Notable Detail: Roasts its own beans and offers both blends and single-origin coffees.

March 25, 2026