“I like to say we keep it simple,” says Brett Brubaker, who, along with his siblings, parents, and uncle, Jack Brubaker, is one of the owners of Seneca Lodge in Watkins Glen. The rustic, rambling log cabin on Walnut Road opposite the south (upper) entrance to Watkins Glen State Park evokes simple, solid, relaxation. But behind the scenes, it houses a hive of activity including the business office, bar, dining rooms with enough space to seat about 200, kitchen, and brewery. Built in 1947—then rebuilt in 1948 after a devastating fire—it has the feel of a comfortable, earlier time.

These days everything has become faster-paced. Brett says many first-timers stay at the Lodge after having located it online as a place to stay for a few nights during a nearby event. Later they’ll return for a longer vacation, using it as a base for exploring the surrounding areas. Ideally, they’ll take some time to “vacation like it used to be—put their feet up and not try to cram everything into a few days,” he says. The last handful of years, he notes, many guests are adding an extra night.

“Maybe we’re re-learning how to relax,” he says.

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Seneca Lodge is a great place. The food is good, the atmosphere is relaxed and they have a great line of beers.

I’ve only ever experienced all of that as the entertainment but I’d like to get up there for dinner as a customer sometime soon.

We have been once or twice. Its OK but honestly nothing that made me in any hurry to go back. Its definitely a cool place to see.

Dave had Prime Rib which he said was just ok. He is always in pursuit of the perfect prime rib and so far only Shoe Inn, Picks Pub and Tomassos keep him going back.

I’m a big one for character and atmosphere.

With a bar like that, it’s definitely got both!