Location Scouting for the 2024 Empire State Tour

We’ve just returned from our location scouting mission for the Empire State Tour, and we’re happy to report that we found almost too many great locations for just one tour.

The finger lakes area of New York features a stunning array of natural wonders, historic racing heritage, bucolic scenery and manufacturing legacy, all of which will be on display during this Ithaca-based adventure.

Bully Hil Vineyards overlooking Keuka Lake

First up on our scouting list were a series of waterfalls. Photos simply don’t do them justice, but we guarantee Ithaca Falls and Taughannock Falls will leave you oohing and ahhing. And with the Empire State Tour scheduled for mid-July, Mother Nature will be out in all her summer finery for us to enjoy. Wildflowers, verdant leaves and cool, clear mountain water will abound.

Ithaca Falls

But what’s a Classic Motorsports Road Tour without some exclusive access to motorsports history?

As part of our scouting, we paid a visit to our friends at the International Motor Racing Research Center, an institute dedicated to collecting and preserving motorsports media and history. Their archives are truly impressive, and their location in Watkins Glen hints at other adventures we have planned for you…

A peek inside the International Motor Racing Research Center in Watkins Glen

In terms of exploring the finger lakes area’s manufacturing history, we have a handful of museum visits planned that we’re very excited to share with you. These include the Corning Museum of Glass, a massive complex dedicated to the art, science and craft of glasswork, the Northeast Classic Car Museum, an ode to the region’s proud legacy of car production, and the Curtiss Museum, a tribute to the Wright Brothers’ rival whose story you’ve probably never heard before.

This is just a small taste of everything we have planned for the Empire State Tour next summer - stay tuned for more updates as we announce more exciting additions.

We’re still accepting registrations for the Empire State Tour, but this tour is filling up fast. Claim your spot today to make sure you don’t miss it!