The Best Things to do on a Road Trip from Athens, Pennsylvania to Syracuse, New York
ATHENS, PA - If you're planning a road trip from Athens, Pennsylvania to Syracuse, New York, you're in for a treat. Traveling through the rolling hills of the Southern Tier of New York, you'll find yourself surrounded by beautiful scenery, quaint small towns, and some fantastic places to stop and explore.
The halfway point between Athens and Syracuse is Whitney Point, NY, a small village known for its picturesque lake and state park. But there's plenty to see and do on both sides of this midpoint, making it the perfect place to stretch your legs and explore.
The Top Five Things to Do
The Corning Museum of Glass
Located just a short drive off of I-86, the Corning Museum of Glass is a must-see destination for anyone in the area. With over 50,000 pieces of glass and 3500 years of history on display, you could easily spend an entire day here and still not see everything. The museum's Hot Glass Show is also fantastic, giving visitors a chance to see glassblowers in action. Interesting fact: The museum's collection includes a glass portrait of George Washington created by French artist Jean-Baptiste-Simon Chardin in 1791.
Watkins Glen State Park
Known for its stunning natural beauty, Watkins Glen State Park is home to 19 waterfalls and a series of winding, rocky gorges. Visitors can take a leisurely stroll along the park's trails, or for a more adventurous experience, try the Gorge Trail, which includes over 800 steps and several bridges. Regardless of your level of physical activity, the park is sure to leave you in awe of the power and beauty of nature. Interesting fact: The park's famous Rainbow Falls was featured in the opening scenes of the classic movie "The Last of the Mohicans."
Taughannock Falls State Park
Located just outside of Ithaca, NY, Taughannock Falls State Park is home to the tallest single-drop waterfall east of the Rocky Mountains. At 215 feet tall, the waterfall is an impressive sight, and visitors can take a short hike to get an up-close view of the falls. The park also has numerous picnic areas and is an excellent place for a family-friendly day out. Interesting fact: Taughannock Falls is also the park's namesake and is derived from the Iroquois word for "the great fall in the woods."
Ithaca Farmer's Market
If you're a foodie or looking to sample some of the best locally-sourced food and drink in the area, the Ithaca Farmer's Market is the place to go. Open every Saturday from April through December and on Sundays during the summer, the market boasts over 150 vendors selling everything from fresh produce to wine and beer. Visitors can also take in gorgeous views of Cayuga Lake while enjoying a farm-to-table meal at one of the market's many food stands. Interesting fact: The Ithaca Farmer's Market was founded in 1973 by three Cornell University students who wanted to provide a place for local farmers to sell their products.
Erie Canal Museum
Located in downtown Syracuse, the Erie Canal Museum offers visitors a chance to step back in time and learn about the history of the Erie Canal. The museum's exhibits showcase everything from the canal's early construction to the impact it had on the development of the United States. Kids will love getting their hands on the replica canal boat and flour mill, and adults will appreciate the chance to see artifacts from the canal's heyday. Interesting fact: The Erie Canal was completed in 1825 and is often referred to as the "Eighth Wonder of the World."
Conclusion
Overall, the trip from Athens, Pennsylvania to Syracuse, New York is a journey filled with natural beauty, fascinating history, and delicious local food. With so many fantastic stops along the way, travelers are sure to find something that appeals to their interests. The route takes approximately 3 hours and 45 minutes without stops, but considering all the fun things available along the way, it's definitely worth taking your time and enjoying the journey. So pack your bags and hit the road - an adventure awaits!