Travel Tips: Watkins Glen International

  

Watkins Glen International will be hosting the NASCAR Nationwide (Zippo 200 at the Glen), Rolex GRAND-AM Continental presented Tire 200 by Dunn Tire and Sprint Cup (Finger Lakes 335 at the Glen) Series’ this weekend in Watkins Glen, NY. 

The 2.45-mile, 11 turn racetrack is nestled within Schuyler County and provides a number of sites as well as things to do during the race weekend. Be sure to follow Watkins Glen International on Twitter and Facebook.

For this week’s edition of Travel Tips, I decided to share a few suggestions from the Watkins Glen Chamber of Commerce website.  

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-Local Tracks:

Black Rock Speedway is located approximately 20 minutes from the Glen in Dundee, NY. Matt Dillner, NASCAR.com, will be hosting a Celebrity Night Charity Race to benefit Motor Racing Outreach (MRO) on Friday, August 10. Ticket Prices: Adults $20, Seniors $18, Children (6-12) $5, Children (5 & Under) FREE & Pit Pass $35. Track Schedule, click here.

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-Outdoor Activities:

There are a number of scenic hiking and biking trails located throughout this beautiful county, two of the most popular are:

Watkins Glen State Park has 19 waterfalls that are created by the “glen’s stream that descends 400 feet past 200-foot cliffs.” This sounds like a majestic sight to observe and a peaceful ambience to take a couple’s stroll or family exploratory adventure. There is a gorge path, Olympic-size pool available to campers as well as day visitors, picnic areas and nearby accessible fishing areas in Seneca Lake or Catherine Creek.  

Finger Lakes National Forest is New York's only national forest and it sits on more than 16,000 acres of land nestled between Seneca and Cayuga lakes. There are over 30 miles of trails that interconnect gorges, ravines, pastures and woodlands. Visitors can bird watch, camp, fish, hike, hunt and picnic – just to name a few of the activities.

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-Shopping:

Arnot Mall is located in Horseheads, NY, which is approximately 30 minutes from the racetrack off of Interstate 86 (Exit 51A). Aeropostale, American Eagle Outfitters, Burlington Coat Factory, Macy’s and Victoria’s Secret are a few of the many stores located within this establishment. Map & Directions. Hours of Operation: Monday - Thursday (10:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.), Friday & Saturday (10:00 a.m. - 9:30 p.m.) and Sunday (11:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.)

Famous Brands Outlet is a 25,000 square foot shopping venue located in Watkins Glen. Visitors are offered a one-stop, affordable shopping experience. Some of the brand name clothing that can be found are Columbia, Jansport, Levi, Oakley, The North Face and UGG - just to name a few. Map & Directions. Hours of Operation: Monday - Saturday (9:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.) and Sunday (10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.)

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For local restaurants, click here. 

For additional visitor information to Watkins Glen International, click here.

For weather updates, click here.

Enjoy race fans!
 

Race Broadcast Schedule:

August 11 – NASCAR Nationwide Series: Zippo 200 at the Glen

TV: ABC, 2:00 p.m. ET / Radio: MRN, 1:45 p.m. ET 

August 12 – NASCAR Sprint Cup Series: Finger Lakes 335 at the Glen

TV: ESPN, 12:00 p.m. ET / Radio: MRN, 12:00 p.m. ET

Unique Hiram is an Associate Editor/Contributing Writer/Media Rep for Skirts and Scuffs. Additionally, she is also the author of "Fast Lane Poetry" which was published April 2011. Unique can be contacted via email or through Twitter.