The Finger Lakes region is one of New York’s most beautiful areas, packed with beautiful scenery and tons of things to do. Idlewilde inn in Watkins Glen is a fantastic place to base yourself during your Finger Lakes vacation and offers a romantic reprieve from day-to-day life. So, whether you’re looking for a solo getaway, a romantic retreat or a vacation for the whole family, check out this beautiful historic bed and breakfast.
A Dream Come True
Purchasing the Idlwilde Inn was a long-time dream of innkeepers Elin and Marcus Dowd who spent many summers vacationing in the Finger Lakes. After 30 years of living and working in California, they are living out their dream and welcoming guests to their beautiful historic property on Seneca Lake.
Historic Charm and Romance on Seneca Lake
The Idlwilde Inn occupies an 18-room Victorian mansion. Built in 1892, and originally used as a summer house for the wealthy, the property has been converted to a romantic bed and breakfast. The charming home has many nods to the past throughout and an exquisite attention to detail in the craftsmanship. There are 15 well-appointed guest rooms to choose from, each featuring Victorian antiques, modern amenities and comfortable seating areas. The inn’s common areas display a similar attention to detail with the wraparound front porch as a highlight. It’s the perfect place to enjoy a glass of wine as you wind down in the evening and enjoy views of the lake.
Delicious Daily Breakfast
Breakfast at the Idlwilde Inn varies seasonally but there’s always a delicious spread of sweet and savory dishes crafted from local ingredients. Sink into a plate of Elin’s French toast casserole, the savory breakfast casserole or a plate of shrimp & grits as you enjoy the decorative charm of the beautiful dining room. If you need to head out before the normal breakfast hours, they’ll even pack your breakfast for the road.
Things to do
The Finger Lakes region offers seemingly endless activities and attractions. The Idlwilde Inn sits at the southern tip of Lake Seneca just a short walk away from downtown Watkins Glen and a short drive away from Watkins Glen International Raceway and Watkins Glen State Park. The area is known for its wine production, so planning a visit to one of the area’s wineries is a good way to spend a day. You can also get out and enjoy the gorgeous natural scenery by visiting waterfalls, hiking the gorge trails at Watkins Glen State Park or spending time on one of the lakes. Other things to do in the area include visiting a local museum such as the Women’s Rights National Historical Park or the Corning Glass Museum.
Intimate Elopements in the Finger Lakes
Romance is at every corner in the Idlewilde Inn. Perhaps that’s why couples frequently choose the property for their elopement. You can book just one room or all 15 guestrooms for your group. Your ceremony can be held in the garden, on the wrap around porch or inside in the front parlor. Find out more about their Elopement Package and everything that’s included here.
More Info: Idlwilde Inn | Watkins Glen Bed and Breakfast | Book Direct
Idlwilde Inn is a member of the bnbfinder Diamond Collection and accepts bnbfinder bed and breakfast Gift Cards. The bnbfinder Diamond Collection is an exclusive group of professionally inspected and/or highly rated luxury bed and breakfasts and inns. Each member of the bnbfinder Diamond Collection is required to have passed a professional inspection from a third-party industry-recognized inspection agency or achieved a high traveler review rating consecutively for each of the past three years.
Members of this program offer guests exceptional experiences and levels of service in line with today’s discerning travelers’ highest expectations. bnbfinder invites you to peruse each of our Diamond Collection members. Remember to be sure and tell the innkeeper you found them via the bnbfinder Diamond Collection!
