 |
 |
Cruising
Guide Map: CS-14A
Dean's Cove is a well constructed boat launch off Route 89 on the west
side of Cayuga Lake. This is a great harbor for emergency use,
but it is too small for any more than a few boats. Plus, the
boat docks are for launching only - you cannot tie up for more than a
few minutes. |
 |
 |
| Cruising
Guide Map: CS- 14A
The image on the left is taken from the shore of Dean's Cove looking
out of the breakwater. There are restrooms (shown on the right
above), but nothing else. There are rumors that a full service marina
was to be constructed here but we can't find any up to date
information. |
 |
 |
| Cruising
Guide Map: CS-14A
The next vineyards you come to do not have docks (as of the 2003
boating season).
Thirsty Owl Wine Company and Cayuga
Ridge Estate Vineyard [link] are near the shore (you can see them from
water). They are both close to the Hosmer Vineyard which is just
south on Route 89. Captain's Note: I
have spoken with the Thirsty Owl owners and they plan on putting in a
dock and some form of dock to vineyard transportation - hopefully by
the 2004 season. |
 |
 |
| Cruising
Guide Map: CS-14A
Wyers Point isn't all that noticeable from the water, but it marks the
start of County Road 153 which runs close to the water along the west
side of Cayuga Lake. There are some beautiful homes, bed and
breakfasts (with docks), a vineyard, and a couple of restaurants along the upcoming
stretch. |
 |
 |
| Cruising
Guide Map: CS-15A
First you'll see
The Silver Strand, a
B&B owned and operated by Maura and
Skip Stamberger. They offer excellent food and accommodations
including docking. |
 |
 |
| Cruising
Guide Map: CS-15A
Just across the road on the lakeside is the
Driftwood Inn B&B. |
 |
 |
| Cruising
Guide Map: CS-15A
About 1/10 of a mile south of the bed and breakfasts you will see
Sheldrake Point Vineyard and Cafe.
They have a small dock that is suitable for one larger boat (along
the end of the dock), and possibly a couple smaller boats
perpendicular to shore, although we have not checked the depth so take
care docking. If you do tie up, the vineyard and grounds are
beautiful, with upscale flair in the atmosphere and dining menu. |
 |
 |
| Cruising
Guide Map: CS-15A
About a mile and 1/2 south you reach the
Lighthouse Restaurant.
It's located at Kidder's Landing and was renovated in 2002. There is
plenty of docking for even the largest boats, and the atmosphere is
casual and friendly. This is a very popular restaurant for boaters and
landlubbers alike, so you may want to call ahead for seating.
They have a large covered porch and a large outdoor
deck for smokers (NYS law prohibits smoking indoors). Captain's Note: I was told by the
owner that they have plans to add a gasoline pump for boaters, however
it is not installed as of the end of the 2003 season. |
 |
 |
| Cruising
Guide Map: CS-15A
More Lighthouse Restaurant images are on the left and right above. |
 |
 |
| Cruising
Guide Map: CS-16A
Kingstown Beach. The owners put this gas and finger food stop up for
sale in 2002. We are not sure of the current (03/11/04)
ownership or even if it is open for the 2004 season. We used to
stop here for a convenient fill up so we wouldn't have to go into the
inlet of Ithaca for gas. This place is hard to spot and our map
guidance is a guessimate to its real location since they are not
listed in the NYS Canal Guide. |
 |
 |
| Cruising
Guide Map: CS-16B
Frontenac Point. Farther south you slide by this stand out point
on Cayuga. There are no docking facilities or moorings - it is
strictly a landmark for Cayuga Lake boaters. |
 |
 |
| Cruising
Guide Map: CS-16B
Taughannock Point (pronounced ta-gan-ak). One of the most famous
landmarks on Cayuga Lake is the Taughannock Falls State Park.
Sadly, large boats have no real place to dock (which baffles us!).
This is truly one of the more beautiful spots in the Finger Lakes, but
it only caters to craft less than 24' and with little headroom.
You may be able to dock near the swimming area shown below. |
 |
 |
| Cruising
Guide Map: CS-16B
Taughannock Falls State Park. There are many activities and events
during the summer season at the park, and you can
contact the park service
to find out more information. The park is a standout on Cayuga
Lake, but the deep water dock is small and can only fit one or two
large boats (> 30') at a time. |
 |
 |
| Cruising
Guide Map: CS-16B
Taughannock Falls State Park. If you manage to snag a spot at
the small dock, make your way to the falls - it is quite spectacular,
even when the water flow is at a trickle during the boating season.
One of our favorite places to just "drift" is off the point here, have
some lunch, and maybe head south to Ithaca for dinner at the
Bistro Q or the
Boatyard Grill. |
 |
 |
| Cruising
Guide Map: CS-11A
Ithaca Yacht Club (private). The Yacht Club is a popular sailing club
near Ithaca, but doesn't really cater to power boaters. Since it
is private, it's strictly a "any port in a storm" port of call.
[Captain's Note: It seems a shame to me that
clubs like these don't open their docks more to the eating public -
they lose so much revenue by have a membership-only policy. What
we suggest is a "visitor doc" that lets the public check out the
cuisine and the club (for potential memberships). I have docked at the
club with a friend who knows a member, but without any indication from
lakeside, no one unfamiliar with the lake would venture in. Too bad -
I heard the food was good!] |
