New York State of Mind...Upstate, That Is!

This morning we left Erie, Pennsylvania and headed towards New York. It was a short drive to the New York stateline. I told Mike that whenever anyone says "New York" I automatically think of skyscrapers, cabbies blowing their horns, busy streets,  and people too harried to smile. What I saw instead were old ivy-covered barns, vineyards everywhere, white farm houses with clothes hanging on a line blowing in the breeze, and a Menonite couple in their buggy. It was idyllic, peaceful, refreshing...it was beautiful!

Driving though this serene countryside made the time fly and soon we were in Seneca Falls. A stop to take pictures and we were on our way to Auburn. Mike took me on a quick tour that included a couple of his favorite diners, the house where his mother was born, his grandparent's homes (and the middle of the street where one use to stand), the town of Skaneateles, and of course the Finger Lakes.

We found a quaint little motel called Sleepy Hollow - the yellow and white exterior beckoned us. It was check-in, change clothes, and off to dinner at the Oak & Vine. After a meal of great food, great wine, and great service; Mike finished the tour with a drive around Lake Owasco for the sunset and a stop at Tom Thumb's for ice cream and more great scenery.

Back at the Sleepy Hollow, we realized that we were the only guests...it was a little creepy...kind of like one of those horror movies where the couple ends up being chased by a guy with an ax. I like adventure (and we have had many), but that would be one that I could pass on...we will see! If we make it to the morning, we plan on a visit to the Owasco Lake Park, more site-seeing, and lunch at one of Mike's diners.