Here are three of my favorite drives that will guarantee beautiful fall colors:
#1 Elmira and the Chemung River. Elmira is famous for its Mark Twain connection and in the fall the city and its surrounding countryside is simply breathtaking. Much of the panoramic foliage can be viewed easily from Route 17/I-86 with wide open landscapes and miles of unobstructed leaf peeping. Get off the highway at exit 56 (Elmira) to drive along Water Street to marvel at one of the largest collections of historic Victorian homes in New York state and enjoy the foliage views along the Chemung River.
#2 Keuka Lake and Route 54A. Keuka Lake is known as the “crooked lake” and the views along Route 54A on the west side of the lake are some of the most beautiful anywhere in the country. Begin your drive in the charming village of Hammondsport and continue North past the lush vineyards of Bully Hill Vineyards, Dr. Frank’s Wine Cellars, and Heron Hill Winery. Your drive will continue into the larger town of Penn Yan where it is recommended that you stop for a bite to eat at Esperanza Mansion. The view from the Mansion’s stone patio of the foliage is stunning.
#3 Seneca Lake and Route 414. Seneca Lake is the largest of the Finger Lakes and is home to the region's largest wine trail (35 members). It also provides a fall foliage drive that is beautiful and diverse. Begin your travels in Watkins Glen with a breakfast at the Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel. Their beautiful outdoor patio is a perfect location to grab a croissant and coffee before enjoying a day of fall foliage. Continue on the east side of Seneca Lake North along Route 414 past a cluster of favorite wineries like Hazlitt 1852 Vineyards, through the small village of Ovid to Swedish Hill Winery (2008 winner of New York Winery of the Year). Along the way you will pass by meticulous Mennonite farms and wide-open views.
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