- This event has passed.
Finger Lakes Hangout (SOLD OUT/Waiting List)
September 27, 2022 - October 4, 2022
Waterloo Finger Lakes KOA • Waterloo, NY • September 27-October 4, 2022
This Hangout is currently sold out, but join the waiting list and we’ll let you know if a spot opens up!
This Hangout is currently sold out, but join the waiting list and we’ll let you know if a spot opens up!
Experience the nature, life and culture of Upstate New York
The Finger Lakes region of west-central New York is an outdoor recreation wonderland of deep gorges, dozens of cascading waterfalls, 11 sparkling glacial lakes with miles of spectacular shoreline, and acres of forests, farms, and vineyards. While the area is known for its more than 100 wineries (which produce some of the world’s best Rieslings), the region also boasts a number of breweries, distilleries, and cideries. You’ll explore all of these and more–just as Mother Nature is dressing the area in the brilliant colors of fall–during the Finger Lakes Hangout, September 27-October 4, 2022, hosted by Theresé and Peter Julo, SKP #139199.
You’ll get to experience two of the stunning trails that crisscross the Finger Lakes region as we hike through two of the area’s most dramatic gorges: the 1.4 mile Watkins Glen Gorge Trail–which takes you up and down stone staircases, over idyllic bridges, and around (and behind!) 19 beautiful waterfalls–and the 1.8 mile Gorge Trail to Taughannock Falls, which takes you through the 400-foot-deep gorge to the base of a 215-foot-tall waterfall.
At Three Brothers Winery, which offers three unique wine tasting rooms and a microbrewery, all on one lakeshore estate, you’ll have the option to sample traditional vinifera style wines from Stony Lonesome Wine Cellars, boutique semi-dry to sweet wines at Passion Feet Wine Barn, sweet wines from Bagg Dare Wine Company, and craft beers, hard ciders and craft sodas at War Horse Brewing Company. Do a five-tasting flight at one location, or indulge yourself with a pass to all four tasting rooms!
You’ll discover beautiful Cayuga Lake, the longest of the 11 Finger Lakes, aboard our private charter of the 70-passenger M/V Teal. During our 1 1/2 hour lake cruise, we’ll enjoy wine and nibbles while we learn about the history and ecology of the lake and view the beautiful fall foliage around the shore.
You’ll tour the nation’s first and oldest museum dedicated to honoring and celebrating the achievements of distinguished American women: the National Women’s Hall of Fame in historic Seneca Falls, the birthplace of the American Women’s Rights Movement. In pursuit of its mission, “Showcasing great women… Inspiring all!”, the NWHF honors the women of the past and present, relates the history of women’s struggles, prepares the women of the future, and serves as the voice celebrating the value of women.
Culinary experiences are a highlight of the Finger Lakes. You’ll sample the region’s produce, meats and cheeses, specialty foods, and fine art and crafts at the Ithaca Farmers Market, whose members grow or produce their wares within 30 miles of the market’s pavilion on the Cayuga Lake waterfront. You’ll also get to pick your own apples from The Apple Station‘s orchard and taste a flight of their apple ciders, try artisan cheeses at Muranda Cheese Company, delight in farm-fresh small-batch frozen custards made with rich duck eggs at Spotted Duck Creamery, and more.
And if all that isn’t enough, you’ll also have the opportunity to explore the towns of Geneva, Watkins Glen and Seneca Falls, enjoy potluck and grill-out dinners in camp, compete for prizes (and help raise funds for Escapees C.A.R.E.) in our Apple Dessert Throwdown, kayak, fish or bike, and play a Woodstock-themed music trivia contest, all while making new Escapees friends!
Optional activity
“Endless Summer” dinner cruise on Seneca Lake ($87/person)
Dining in the Finger Lakes would not be complete without experiencing the splendor of a three-hour dinner cruise aboard the casually elegant Seneca Legacy.
Your dinner menu will include:
- Seafood bisque
- Fresh garden salad with choice of dressing
- Basket of freshly-baked breads
- Your choice of entrees (all served with new potatoes and sautéed vegetables): prime rib of beef au jus, chicken parmesan, surf & turf (scallops served with a petite cut of prime rib), jambalaya, or eggplant rollatini
- New York cheesecake for dessert
Your ticket includes the three-hour scenic cruise on Seneca Lake, seated full-course dining, soft drinks, music and dancing, tax and gratuities, all at a discounted group rate. A full-service cash bar is also available on board.
Due to limited space, you must purchase this optional activity in advance along with your Hangout registration. Tickets will not be available at the time of the cruise.
Hangout location
Is this event right for me?
Every member is welcome at all Escapees RV Club events. With that said, the Finger Lakes Hangout is best suited for members who:
- enjoy walking, hiking and similar outdoor activities
- can comfortably climb steps and walk moderate distances (up to 2 miles) on uneven/rocky surfaces
- can participate in activities during weekdays (traditional working/business hours)
- are willing to drive their own vehicles to offsite activities (or carpool with other attendees)
For events designed specifically for working-age RVers, with most activities in the evenings and on weekends, try an Xscapers Convergence. Or for more of an all-inclusive, guided-tour experience, you may prefer one of our Head-Out Programs (HOPs).
COVID-19 precautions
Although Escapees recommends that attendees be up to date on their COVID-19 vaccinations before attending this Hangout, proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test is no longer required.
Please see the club’s current COVID-19 Event Policy for our current health and safety recommendations and practices, as well as situations under which you may not attend this Hangout if you’ve had recent symptoms of or a positive test for COVID-19.
Schedule
Activities and schedule are subject to change. Activities marked with an *asterisk are not included in your Hangout fee.
Tuesday 9/27
Arrival and check-in at Waterloo Finger Lakes KOA
Evening welcome gathering & introductions
Wednesday 9/28
Watkins Glen Gorge Trail hike
Group lunch at Jerlando’s Ristorante & Pizza*
Touring Village of Watkins Glen
Game night
Thursday 9/29
Sunrise yoga
National Women’s Hall of Fame Museum
Touring town of Seneca Falls
Picnic lunch
Apple picking* and cider tasting at The Apple Station Orchard
Potluck dinner
Friday 9/30
Tasting at Muranda Cheese Company
Lunch at Iron Heart Cafe*
Wine and beer tastings at Three Brothers Winery*
Touring town of Geneva
Saturday 10/1
Sunrise yoga
Kayaking, fishing or biking from park, or explore more wineries and breweries on your own*
“Endless Summer” dinner cruise on Seneca Lake (optional activity)
Sunday 10/2
Ithaca’s Farmers Market
Cayuga Lake boat tour
Apple Dessert Throwdown (CARE fundraiser)
Monday 10/3
Taughannock Falls Gorge hike
Picnic lunch
Ice cream at Spotted Duck Creamery*
Farewell grill-out dinner and Woodstock music trivia contest
Tuesday 10/4
Sunrise yoga – travel day stretches
GTHO breakfast
Departure
Your registration includes:
- 7 nights RV camping in a 30/50A full hookup site
- 1.5 hour Cayuga Lake boat tour
- Admission to Watkins Glen State Park
- Admission to Taughannock Falls State Park
- Admission to National Women’s Hall of Fame
- Cider tasting at The Apple Station
- Cheese tasting at Muranda Cheese Company
- Yoga classes
- Social activities
- GTHO departure day breakfast
- Hangout hosts
Optional activity: “Endless Summer” dinner cruise on Seneca Lake ($87/person)
Additional costs to consider: wine & beer tastings at Three Brothers Winery ($15-40), optional apple picking (about $2/pound), meals out
Hangout price
-
RV site, 2 people $699
All sites have 30/50A electric, water & sewer.
-
Deduct for only 1 person -$30
-
Each additional person $60
For more than 2 people in same rig
-
OPTIONAL ACTIVITY:
Advance purchase required. Price is per person.
-
Seneca Lake Dinner Cruise $87
Includes 3-hour scenic cruise on Seneca Lake, seated full-course dining, soft drinks, music and dancing, tax and gratuities.
You must be an Escapees RV Club member to attend this event. If you are not currently a member, you will be able to add a new membership during the registration process.
By registering for this event, you are representing and agreeing to the following:
- You understand the event’s intent, and for yourself, your heirs, executors, administrators and representatives, you absolve and hold harmless Escapees, Inc. and its affiliates, and any other parties connected with this event in any way, together with their respective successors and assigns (the “Sponsors”), singly and collectively, from and against any blame and liability for any injury, harm, inconvenience, or any other damage of any kind whatsoever, which may result from or be connected in any way to your participation in the event.
- You are physically capable of participating in this event, and your recreational vehicle, other vehicles, and any other equipment you may use to participate in the event will be in working condition. You will observe all applicable laws (including obtaining relevant licenses) and event rules and will generally conduct yourself in a safe and prudent manner while participating in the event. You absolve and hold harmless the Sponsors from any damage you may sustain because of any breach of these representations.
- You consent to and permit emergency treatment of yourself in the event of an injury or illness while participating in this event.
- You give permission to the Sponsors to use your name and any pictures/videos taken of you during the Event in any promotional materials, publications, or on the Internet.
- As an attendee, you assume all risk and danger relating to your personal property, RV and attendance at the Hangout, whether occurring prior to, during or after the event. In the event of loss or theft, no claim will be made upon Escapees, its volunteers, employees or agents.
- Volunteers may be directing and assisting you in your parking areas. However, it is the driver of the vehicle who is ultimately responsible for avoiding obstacles or dangerous situations and is solely responsible for any damage to one’s property or the property of others.
- By registering, you will also receive occasional email notifications of future Hangouts; however, you can opt-out of these notifications at any time.
- If COVID-19 protocols are still required at the time of the Hangout, you will help provide a safe environment for everyone by complying with our health and safety rules. If requested, you will sign a written agreement releasing Escapees from liability should you become ill during or after the event.
How to register
There are two ways to register and pay: by phone or online.
- To register online (highly recommended), click the button below and follow the instructions on your screen.
- To register by phone, call Escapees Event Registration at (936) 755-1060.
Registration opens Wednesday, April 13, 2022
at 10:00 a.m. Central Daylight Time.
We’re sorry, but this Hangout is currently sold out. If you’d still like to attend, please join the waiting list below. We’ll notify you if a spot opens up.
We’re sorry, but this Hangout is currently sold out. If you’d still like to attend, please join the waiting list. We’ll notify you if a spot opens up.
After you register
Watch for an email from registration@escapees.com for a confirmation of your registration. If you don’t receive it, call Escapees Event Registration at (936) 755-1060 to be sure that your registration was processed correctly.
After you register, please join the Hangout group on Facebook (a link to this group will be in your confirmation email). We will use this group to communicate with Hangout attendees before and during the event. You will also receive one or more emails before the Hangout with more information as needed.
Cancellations & travel insurance
If you cancel your Hangout registration on or before Friday, August 26, 2022, you will receive a refund of your registration fees minus a $50 cancellation fee.
There will be no refunds for cancellations received after August 26, 2022.
We recommend that you purchase travel insurance after registering to protect your investment in the Hangout if you must cancel due to unexpected illness, death, or certain other contingencies. Travel insurance can also help to cover medical and trip interruption expenses for emergencies that occur during the Hangout. Pre-existing medical conditions are waived as long as you purchased your insurance within 15 days after your Hangout registration fee payment. Get a personalized online travel insurance quote now.
Waiting list
If this Hangout is sold out when you try to register, please join the waiting list by completing the form below. There are usually several cancellations before a Hangout…so if a spot opens up and you’re the next one on the waiting list, you’ll get another shot at registration! (Note: please don’t join the waiting list unless and until the Hangout sells out. Entries received before that time will be ignored.)
