Page 33 - DreamScapes Magazine | Spring/Summer 2023

Road trips are meant to take you off the beaten path so head to the quaint town of Burdett along the eastern side of the largest of the Finger Lakes, Seneca Lake. Here you will peer between the ears atop horseback as you soak up the country views with local outfitter Painted Bar Stables. Perfect for riders of all skill levels, gallop along the extraordinary trails past rows of vineyards in the heart of wine country.
Did you know that Upstate New York was where the heroic abolitionist Harriet Tubman lived as a free woman after escaping slavery? Her fearless work as a conductor of the Underground Railroad also helped save hundreds of enslaved individuals in the mid-1800s. Today, around Cayuga County, history buffs can dive deep into the details of her chosen hometown. You will not want to miss the Harriet Tubman National Historical Park where you will learn about the empowered life she built for herself and her family on their three- hectare homestead. Traverse the grounds as you appreciate the dedication she showed to her fellow man in the quest for freedom for all. Then, head to her final resting place to pay your respects at the Fort Hill Cemetery, where she was buried with military honours.
Five kilometres south of downtown Auburn, steps away from the northern shore of Owasco Lake, sits a century-old building. It is a former carousel enclosure that is now named the “Merry-Go-Round Playhouse.” The Playhouse is the home of The REV Theatre Company, one of the premier professional theatre companies in New York State. The Broadway-style theatre season runs from May to October and brings renowned, imaginative, theatrical experiences to the Finger Lakes.
Venture North
It will be hard to pull yourself away from the Finger Lakes but your next destination has just as much natural beauty as it does cultural gems. Tucked along the southern shore of Lake Ontario, St. Lawrence County is surrounded by the magnificence of the Thousand Islands. Leave land behind and board a cruise for Singer Castle, the only complete and fully furnished castle remaining in the area. Your jaw will drop again as you admire the stunning decor of this elegant abode. Take your visit to the next level and feel like a king or queen with an overnight stay in The Royal Suite!
St. Lawrence County is easily the hotspot for those looking to tackle crazy trails. It features almost 200 kilometres of ATV routes that beckon even the biggest of adrenalin enthusiasts. If you would rather keep your feet on the ground for the trails, take it to the next level with one of the region’s new hiking trails, called the Great 8 Challenges. With the Riverside Run, Nature Nuts and Waterfall Crawl categories to choose from, you will enjoy spectacular riverside views, lookouts and waterfalls, respectively.
FUEL YOUR FIRE WITH
THE UPSTATE EATS TRAIL
As you traverse the I-90, there is no better way to stay fuelled than with the quintessential road trip eats of Upstate New York. Dubbed the Upstate Eats Trail, this sinuous 362-kilometre route serves regional specialties only found at mom-and-pop restaurants, unique food stands, and hideaway cafés, many of which graze the roadside edges with great Americana kitsch.
As you pass through Buffalo, grab a meal at the Anchor Bar. This is where the Buffalo wing was born and is still prepared with the exact secret recipe from when they were originally made in 1964! Upon arriving in Rochester, order yourself a garbage plate. The name might surprise you, but this dish is a delicious mix of a protein with two sides. Although hot dogs were the original choice, locals typically order a two-cheeseburger plate with home fries and macaroni salad, topped with the signature hot meat sauce. Last on the docket is Syracuse for some Dinosaur Bar-B-Que, which is said to be one of the best barbecue restaurants in the entire country! Sink your teeth into some of their ribs and you will quickly understand why it is not to be missed. upstateeatstrail.com
SPRING/SUMMER 2023 DREAMSCAPES 33