On The Road: Watkins Glen

By WBNG News

May 30, 2011 Updated Jun 1, 2011 at 4:29 PM EDT

Watkins Glen is a small town with plenty to offer.

Tucked at the base of Seneca Lake is a bustling Main Street with diverse and dramatic landscapes and views.

Whether it's by land or water, Watkins Glen has as much to offer adults as it does children.

It's an area perhaps best known for the International Speedway.

But, there's much more helping to boost the annual $270 million tourism industry.

The Seneca Grand Prix Family Fun Center will open under new ownership in mid-June.

Grand Prix owner Jason Bonsignore is new to the area, but says he immediately felt the Watkins Glen vibe.

"Every time someone brings up Watkins Glen, everybody knows it from the NASCAR history to it, but it's a great region," he said. "The hottest tourist area in NY state it seems like, and we're really excited to be a part of it."

Where Watkins Glen meets Seneca Lake, Action News decided to test their sea legs aboard True Love.

It's the maiden of Schooner Excursions, in business along the lake since 2007.

Lisa Navone and her husband run the 54-foot schooner, offering weddings, corporate events and private charters -- or just a romantic evening.

"The people. The businesses that are here. Everybody works together, everybody looks out for each other," Lisa Navone said. "Watkins Glen is growing. It's expanding, and it's exciting to be a part of it."

Our last stop was burning what gas was left in my tank at the worldclass road track known as Watkins Glen International.

The Glen's 2.3-mile road track is booked solid from mid-April through October with club racing and other competitions.

That's on top of five major events this year, which bring NASCAR and Formula One to the Southern Tier.

If you want more of a first-hand experience, The Glen offers Thunder Road Tours every day at noon and 5 p.m.

Cost is 25 bucks for three (paced) laps.

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