Wine trails, waterfalls, and small-city charm — all within reach of the manor
Woodruff Manor sits at the crossroads of the Seneca and Cayuga Lake Wine Trails in the heart of the Finger Lakes — the Wine Enthusiast 2025 American Wine Region of the Year, with wineries along both lakes immediately at your doorstep.
Geneva and Seneca Falls are each within 15 minutes of the manor. Beyond the wine trails, there are state parks, gorges, waterfalls, farm markets, live music, and some of the most scenic back-road driving in New York. We're always happy to help you plan your days.
A car is essential for exploring the region. Approximate distances and drive times from the manor:
The Seneca Lake Wine Trail is the largest and most celebrated wine trail in the Finger Lakes, stretching along the full length of Seneca Lake from Geneva in the north to Watkins Glen in the south. Known for world-class Riesling, Cabernet Franc, and other cool-climate varietals, the trail draws a mix of boutique, family-run, and estate wineries offering relaxed tastings, lake views, and year-round events. You're on the trail the moment you leave the manor's driveway — the nearest member winery is less than 3 minutes away.
senecalakewine.com →America's oldest wine trail, the Cayuga Lake Wine Trail runs along the western shore of Cayuga Lake with wineries producing Riesling, Gewürztraminer, sparkling wines, and more. Cayuga is the longest of the Finger Lakes at 38 miles, and the drive along Route 89 is one of the most scenic in the region. The trail pairs well with a visit to the Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge just to the north — one of the most important migratory bird stops on the Atlantic Flyway.
cayugawinetrail.com →Both trails publish a list of official member wineries — 28 on the Seneca Lake trail, 10 on the Cayuga Lake trail. The numbers you'll see elsewhere, including on this page, reflect the broader community of wineries along each lake that offer public tastings and participate in regional tourism, whether or not they hold formal trail membership. When planning your visit, the trail websites are the definitive source for member winery hours and events — but some of the most memorable stops may be ones you find just off the beaten path. Ask us for our curated list of favorite stops on both trails.
Geneva sits at the northern tip of Seneca Lake with a walkable downtown, a lively independent restaurant scene, and a lakefront path that makes for a lovely evening stroll. Linden Street is the heart of it — local shops, galleries, and restaurants within easy walking distance of the water.
The Finger Lakes Welcome Center at 35 Lakefront Drive is a natural first stop for any visit to the region — interactive regional exhibits, travel planning resources, a Taste NY Market serving local food alongside New York wines, beers, and ciders, and a lakeside patio with open views of Seneca Lake. The Geneva Farmers Market sets up just outside on the Geneva Lakefront Park every Saturday morning, late April through October.
The Smith Opera House anchors the downtown and draws national touring acts year-round. Check their calendar before you arrive — a show at the Smith is one of the better evenings out in the region.
Seneca Lake State Park sits just at the edge of the city — a sandy beach, picnic pavilions, a marina, and a boat launch, with some of the most stunning views in the Finger Lakes.
Smith Opera House →The birthplace of the American women's rights movement, Seneca Falls is home to the Women's Rights National Historical Park and the National Women's Hall of Fame — a meaningful half-day visit with well-done exhibits that put the 1848 convention in genuine historical context.
Seneca Falls also has a quieter claim to fame: it is widely believed to be the inspiration for Bedford Falls in Frank Capra's It's a Wonderful Life. The bridge, the architecture, and a real-life 1917 rescue story that mirrors the film's pivotal scene are hard to dismiss as coincidence. The It's a Wonderful Life Museum on Fall Street is open year-round and worth a stop any time.
Each December the town transforms for the It's a Wonderful Life Festival — and 2026 marks the film's 80th anniversary, with a special five-day celebration. One of the more genuinely charming small-town events in the region.
Women's Rights National Historical Park →Just down the road from the manor, Deer Haven Park occupies 7,000 acres of the former Seneca Army Depot — a classified US military munitions facility built in 1941 and decommissioned in 2000. For more than 60 years the gates were locked and the land was off-limits. What was left behind is one of the most unusual places in New York State: 519 munitions igloos, the remnants of displaced farming communities, and the world's largest herd of all-white white-tailed deer.
deerhavenpark.org →One of the most important stops on the Atlantic Flyway, the Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge covers more than 10,000 acres of wetlands, grassland, and forest at the northern tip of Cayuga Lake. It is globally recognized for birding and nature photography — bald eagles, osprey, and hundreds of migrating waterfowl species move through seasonally, and many nest here year-round.
The 3-mile Wildlife Drive is the easiest way in — a one-way auto tour with designated pull-offs and viewing areas. Walking trails of varying length include the easy 1-mile Seneca Trail loop from the visitor center, with an observation tower, and the more challenging 4-mile Esker Brook trail system through forest habitat. Binoculars are well worth bringing.
fws.gov/refuge/montezuma →At 215 feet, Taughannock Falls plunges 33 feet higher than Niagara — and the gorge that frames it, with cliffs rising nearly 400 feet on either side, makes the approach as impressive as the falls themselves. The gorge trail is a flat, wide three-quarter mile walk to a viewing area at the base, making it one of the most accessible dramatic hikes in the state. Rim trails offer views from above for those who want more. The park also has a beach and boat launch on Cayuga Lake if you want to linger.
A free overlook with a short paved path is available just off Route 89 without paying park admission — a good option if you just want a quick look.
parks.ny.gov →The gorge trail at Watkins Glen State Park winds past 19 waterfalls in under two miles — one of the most dramatic short hikes in New York State. Arrive early in the morning or on a weekday to beat the crowds; the gorge is popular for good reason.
The village of Watkins Glen sits at the southern tip of Seneca Lake and is worth a walk in its own right — a classic small town with the lake at the end of the main street and a relaxed, unhurried feel.
Watkins Glen International is one of the most storied road courses in North America — the birthplace of American road racing, dating to 1948. The 2.45-mile circuit hosts a full season of events including the NASCAR Cup Series, the Sahlen's Six Hours IMSA sports car endurance race, vintage racing weekends, and more. Even outside of race weekends the circuit has a presence in the village you can feel. Check the schedule at theglen.com before your visit if racing is on your list.
parks.ny.gov →Robert H. Treman State Park is the gorge park that rewards patience. The trail through Enfield Glen follows Enfield Creek past 12 waterfalls over 4.5 miles round-trip, building gradually until the gorge narrows and Lucifer Falls — a 115-foot cascading waterfall — comes into view. The stonework staircases and handsome masonry built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s are part of the experience. It's quieter than Watkins Glen and feels wilder for it.
A natural swimming pool sits at the base of the lower falls and is open in summer — one of the better swimming spots in the region. The 1839 Old Mill near the upper entrance is worth a stop.
parks.ny.gov →A world-class institution with an extraordinary collection spanning 3,500 years of glass art. The glassblowing demonstrations run throughout the day, and the make-your-own experiences book up quickly — reserve in advance if that's on your list. Corning's Gaffer District downtown is worth a walk for galleries, wine bars, and dining.
cmog.org →We keep a short, honest list of current favorites and are happy to make recommendations based on what you're in the mood for — a quiet dinner, something casual, or a special occasion. The dining scene in Geneva and along the trails has some real standouts. Just ask.
Book direct for our best rate — no service fees, no markup.
Book Your Stay