Q&As
Where should I stay?
While we don’t have a hotel block, we’ve created a list of our most recommended places to stay in and around Watkins Glen. (Check out the TRAVEL tab). We suggest booking accommodations sooner rather than later. Our wedding is on a long weekend during peak leaf-peeping season. Places are booking fast.
What should I wear?
Cocktail/semi-formal dress is recommended, but wear whatever makes you feel most confident and ready to party. In early October on Seneca Lake, you can expect some cool but comfortable weather. The average high temperature is around 62°F, while the average low temperature drops to 44°F. The ceremony and reception will be outdoors, with a tent and heaters available if needed, so make sure to pack layers just in case and avoid stilettos since the ceremony will be held in the grassy lawn.
What will we be eating?
After having to sneak food into most of the weddings we’ve been to in recent years, we can’t wait to be able to eat everything on our wedding day: everything we serve will be vegan! We’re excited for our friends and family to come with an open mind and a big appetite. We can’t wait to show you how delicious being vegan can be.
All food will be served buffet/station style immediately after the ceremony during an extended cocktail hour. There will not be a separate dinner served, so make sure you eat up!
What events are planned for the wedding weekend?
In addition to our wedding ceremony ceremony and reception, you’re invited to welcome drinks on Friday and hangover recovery brunch on Sunday. For information on timing, location, and transportation, click the EVENTS tab above.
Will there be transportation available?
On our wedding weekend, all we want you to have to do is show up and have a blast with us! We’ve arranged transportation to and from events on Saturday & Sunday. Keep in mind that there are very rarely ride shared available in this rural part of the world, so don’t expect to be able to take any Ubers or Lyfts.
Where should I eat while in and around Watkins Glen?
For breakfast, we recommend Glen Mountain Market (200 N Franklin St, Watkins Glen) for Sasha’s favorite - a Gleamin’ Vegan and an oat milk latte - and The Blackberry Inn Kitchen (309 N Franklin St, Watkins Glen) for Pat’s favorite - an everything bagel, a cold brew, and the daily vegan pastry. Both are order-at-the-counter places and you can expect a bit of a wait on Saturdays & Sundays.
If you’re just looking for coffee, head to Seneca Sunrise Coffee (closed Sundays; 806 N Decatur St, Watkins Glen).
For lunch, try Green Elephants Thai Vegan Restaurant (507 N Franklin St, Watkins Glen). We’re obsessed with the entire menu and guarantee even non-vegans will enjoy it. Sasha’s favorite: Penang curry with extra tofu; Pat’s favorite: pineapple fried rice with mock duck.
We also love the tofu bowl and local wines at Graft Wine & Cider Bar (closed Sundays; 204 N Franklin St, Watkins Glen).
If you’re willing to drive about 30 minutes north, our absolute favorite food is at Sans Dumplings, located at Kemmeter Winery (closed Sundays; 1030 Larzelere Rd, Penn Yan). The made-to-order tofu dumplings and veggie bao are always worth the trip.
What other fun things can I do in the Finger Lakes?
We love the Finger Lakes and we’re so excited to share our new home with all of our favorite people. We encourage you to stick around for as long as possible to enjoy all the Finger Lakes offer. Here are some of our favorite things to do in the area.
Chasing Waterfalls
Drive by and admire Shequaga Falls, Aunt Sarah’s Falls, and Hector Falls. These three waterfalls are all located right off the road and can even be enjoyed from the comfort of your car. Or, if you’re like Pat, you can get out and dunk your head right into the “refreshing” (read: ice cold) water if it’s safe to do so.
Hiking
We are fortunate to live in a beautiful part of the country with amazing nature and hikes for all experience levels. Our favorite hike is Rim Trail & Gorge Trail at Robert H. Treman State Park. It’s $11 per car to enter the park. This moderately challenging 4.5 mile loop takes you past some of the most spectacular waterfall views. For shorter, but similarly spectacular hikes, check out the Gorge Trails at Taughannock Falls or Watkins Glen State Park (this one has lots of stairs). These hikes also cost $9-11/car to park.
Wineries, Breweries, & Other Local Watering Holes
This area has countless options for great local beer, wine, and spirits. What we’ve listed below are just some of our favorites around Watkins Glen but feel free to explore the other options around Lake Seneca and the rest of the Finger Lakes.
Damiani, our OG wine BFFs - lots of tasty dry reds
Finger Lakes Distilling to enjoy a craft cocktail or flight of locally made spirits
Two Goats Brewing for great beer, live music, and the best sunset views
Atwater (right next door to Two Goats) has delicious wines, a kickass vegan cheese plate, and a great patio for catching the sunset
Solera for a cozy bar with a diverse beer list and good eats
Scale House is a nice place to enjoy pizza and local craft beers in a family-friendly environment
Hector Wine Company makes yummy wine and has a small market of locally produced goods
Main Street Drivers is a service that will provide safe, friendly drivers to shuttle you around in your own vehicle and is a perfect option for wine and brewery tours of the Finger Lakes. Ask for James and tell him we sent you!
Other Activities
Take a tour of Farm Sanctuary - where Sasha works! If you do, say hello to some of her friends: Hayes the cow, Ash the sheep, and Halbert the goat. You can also kayak to the bottom of Hector Falls (about 2.5 hours round trip), go bowling and enjoy some delicious vegan food at Atlas Bowl, visit the incredible Corning Museum of Glass, or walk around Cornell Campus and explore Ithaca.
Will Sasha be taking Pat’s last name?
Nope! Sasha loves the Shreckengast name and uses a hyphenated last name (Prasad-Shreckengast) at work. But because of the family history associated with the Prasad name and the fact that she only has sisters and her dad only has sisters, she will be keeping her last name for all other purposes.