Aerial view of Boldt Casle in the 1000 Islands region of the Saint Lawrence River
Hart Hotels
Americans emerging from enforced isolation may not yet be ready to get on airplanes, but they are ready to travel and they are certainly ready for a change of scenery. Hence, the summer of 2020 is the summer of the Great American Road Trip.
Residents of the Northeast have a number of great road trip opportunities, with geographical areas in near proximity and within easy driving distance of major cities. The Empire State Road Trip, designed by the Harbor Hotel Collection, showcases three of the New York State’s most popular regions, along with a number fun stops in between.
The waterfalls that give Watkins Glen its name
Hart Hotels
The trip includes outdoor recreation, cultural attractions, alfresco dining, and stays at AAA Four Diamond waterfront hotels: Chautauqua Harbor Hotel on Chautauqua Lake, Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel, located on Seneca Lake within the Finger Lakes, and 1000 Islands Harbor Hotel on the shores of the Saint Lawrence River. All hotels have adopted enhanced cleaning procedures and protocols per CDC guidelines for safety.
Guests who take the Empire State Road Trip and visit two or more Harbor Hotel Collection hotels on consecutive nights will receive a complimentary Road Trip Snack Cooler, filled at each stop with goodies and surprises for the drive, such as bottled water, fresh fruit, energy bars and more.
Antique Boat Museum
Hart Hotels
A three-hour drive separates Chautauqua Lake from Watkins Glen, and Watkins Glen from the 1000 Islands area, with many interesting stops, natural wonders, and historic attractions in between. These include Boldt Castle in the 1000 Islands area of the Saint Lawrence Seaway, the Antique Boat Museum, the Corning Glass Museum, wineries in the Finger Lakes region, an important Frank Lloyd Wright house and the lovely village of Watkins Glen. Just southwest of the village is the Watkins Glen International Race Track, a magnet for car racing buffs and home to NASCAR Cup Series and the WeatherTech SportsCar Championship. And, although programs at the famed Chautauqua Institution are presented on line this summer, visitors can still tour the beautiful historic grounds and walk along the shores of Chautauqua Lake.
Travelers may choose to start their Empire State Road Trip from any of the hotels. The hotel group has drawn up sample itineraries and is happy to help drivers design their own personalized tours.
This summer, gas prices are low and the road has never been so open. Head out on the highway and explore America!