Worth visiting near Watkins Glen, NY?

I have nothing new to add regarding the breweries (Rooster Fish is terrific, as is Wagner's and Two Goats) - but I would definitely suggest taking a little detour to Ithaca. It's a very adorable, VERY vegan-friendly town that your girlfriend would love. The Moosewood restaurant is good enough that even any nonvegan would be happy there, and just by wandering around you can find lots of fun things to do/look at/etc. 30 minutes isn't that bad!

 

Another vote for Wagner! Sled dog is fabulous. I don't think I have been disappointed by anything from them. I go every time I go the Glen for a track w/e. Cheers!

 

Wagner's great for when you need to compromise with the ladies. Wine to the left, beer to the right. And the deck can't be beat (though Two Goats brings the deck pretty nicely, too).

Also: the left, right combo of Damiani Wine Cellars and Finger Lakes Distillery (a few miles south). Both wonderful, though the samples at the distillery are DANGEROUS.

 

Two Goats for sure

 

Check out Starkeys Winery and brewing located a short drive North of Watkins Glen on the west side of Seneca lake- Spectacular place. starkeyslookout.com Miles wine cellar has craft beer as does White Springs winery with their new Glass Factory Bay brewing. Both on Rt 14 North of Watkins Glen

 

I got to taste some Two Goats brews when I performed there on Saturday. The new Hefeweisen is solid, and the Wick'd Nugget was very good. Don't know if they're still brewing their Red Beard, but that was also a good option.

 

I've been there years ago (2003?) but I recall they had a pretty nice pilsener.