Advice: Syracuse Trip Next Fall

[steve deberg]

With the schedule released this week, I am now in the early planning phases of tricking seven of my friends into joining me for either the Cal game on September 12th or Louisville game on October 17th (never too early to start getting organized!).

They have committed (not under duress) to a golf and casino weekend in Central New York from Friday to Monday on either of those weekends. Early preferences are for the October game.

I did Turning Stone (stayed at the resort, played Kaluhyat & Shenandoah, came to the tailgate + dome) two years ago with some of this crew, and we had an absolute blast (which is how I have grown the crew from four to eight for next season).

My early thoughts for the trip are:

• Renting a big cottage (do you guys call these lake houses?) on Cayuga or one of the Finger Lakes for Friday - Monday
• Playing a couple of the courses west of Syracuse
• Taking del Lago Casino for all they’ve got
• And of course attending the tailgate + game

Trip started last time with me paying the Cuse tax and buying something orange for everyone at Destiny, followed by lunch at Dinosaur. Will probably do that again before settling in to our accommodations.

Since it’s the offseason, I thought I’d check here for some sage advice from the local population.

• Does this sound like a reasonable plan?
• How does del Lago stack up to Turning Stone as a casino (we are table game people - not slots)?
• Any advice on the best Finger Lakes for us to try to rent a place on?
• What would be the 2-3 best courses to target playing west of Syracuse?
• Would renting a place on Oneida and getting rich at Point Place be a good option?
  • If so, what would be some courses out that way to play?
  • Atunyote (last of the big three at Turning Stone) might be an option regardless.
• Any other thoughts or considerations I should be taking into account?

Thanks in advance for anyone who chimes in. Looking forward to the trip already!

 

[IthacaMatt]

With the schedule released this week, I am now in the early planning phases of tricking seven of my friends into joining me for either the Cal game on September 12th or Louisville game on October 17th (never too early to start getting organized!).

They have committed (not under duress) to a golf and casino weekend in Central New York from Friday to Monday on either of those weekends. Early preferences are for the October game.

I did Turning Stone (stayed at the resort, played Kaluhyat & Shenandoah, came to the tailgate + dome) two years ago with some of this crew, and we had an absolute blast (which is how I have grown the crew from four to eight for next season).

My early thoughts for the trip are:

• Renting a big cottage (do you guys call these lake houses?) on Cayuga or one of the Finger Lakes for Friday - Monday
• Playing a couple of the courses west of Syracuse
• Taking del Lago Casino for all they’ve got
• And of course attending the tailgate + game

Trip started last time with me paying the Cuse tax and buying something orange for everyone at Destiny, followed by lunch at Dinosaur. Will probably do that again before settling in to our accommodations.

Since it’s the offseason, I thought I’d check here for some sage advice from the local population.

• Does this sound like a reasonable plan?
• How does del Lago stack up to Turning Stone as a casino (we are table game people - not slots)?
• Any advice on the best Finger Lakes for us to try to rent a place on?
• What would be the 2-3 best courses to target playing west of Syracuse?
• Would renting a place on Oneida and getting rich at Point Place be a good option?
  • If so, what would be some courses out that way to play?
  • Atunyote (last of the big three at Turning Stone) might be an option regardless.
• Any other thoughts or considerations I should be taking into account?

Thanks in advance for anyone who chimes in. Looking forward to the trip already!

Turning Stone is much better than del Lago, especially in terms of dining options.

If you're staying out by the Finger Lakes, you should plan a half day or whole day to visiting the wineries. The drive down the West Side of Cayuga Lake is spectacular. There road is right on the water for several miles, with wineries all along the way.

Seneca Lake is a bit more spectacular, because the highway is a bit higher up the hillside, giving a more panoramic view, but Cayuga Lake is pretty great, too, and saves you 30-40 minutes on the drive to the game.

If you reconsider your options and want to be back near Turning Stone, last summer we rented a cabin at The Cove, in Sylvan Beach on Oneida Lake.

It's a great set up. A little expensive, but really not bad, and you get a free pontoon boat with your rental. The cabins are brand new, all have fire pits and a separate dock for your boat. The kitchen is already stocked with pots, pans, dishes and such.

There is a restaurant with patio view of the channel, where you see lots of boats coming and going from their private docks. General Store for your firewood, cooking ingredients and miscellaneous goods.

And you'll still be near the Turning Stone, if gambling is going to be a bigger part of your trip.

 

[IthacaMatt]

With the schedule released this week, I am now in the early planning phases of tricking seven of my friends into joining me for either the Cal game on September 12th or Louisville game on October 17th (never too early to start getting organized!).

They have committed (not under duress) to a golf and casino weekend in Central New York from Friday to Monday on either of those weekends. Early preferences are for the October game.

I did Turning Stone (stayed at the resort, played Kaluhyat & Shenandoah, came to the tailgate + dome) two years ago with some of this crew, and we had an absolute blast (which is how I have grown the crew from four to eight for next season).

My early thoughts for the trip are:

• Renting a big cottage (do you guys call these lake houses?) on Cayuga or one of the Finger Lakes for Friday - Monday
• Playing a couple of the courses west of Syracuse
• Taking del Lago Casino for all they’ve got
• And of course attending the tailgate + game

Trip started last time with me paying the Cuse tax and buying something orange for everyone at Destiny, followed by lunch at Dinosaur. Will probably do that again before settling in to our accommodations.

Since it’s the offseason, I thought I’d check here for some sage advice from the local population.

• Does this sound like a reasonable plan?
• How does del Lago stack up to Turning Stone as a casino (we are table game people - not slots)?
• Any advice on the best Finger Lakes for us to try to rent a place on?
• What would be the 2-3 best courses to target playing west of Syracuse?
• Would renting a place on Oneida and getting rich at Point Place be a good option?
  • If so, what would be some courses out that way to play?
  • Atunyote (last of the big three at Turning Stone) might be an option regardless.
• Any other thoughts or considerations I should be taking into account?

Thanks in advance for anyone who chimes in. Looking forward to the trip already!

One more thought; if you do stay out near del Lago and try some new golf courses, you might consider Glenora winery on Seneca Lake, not too far outside of Watkins Glen.

They have cabins and hotel rooms with outdoor patios overlooking the lake (great view with Adirondack chairs on the patios). They also have a restaurant on premises, and of course the winery itself. It's a great option.

 

[steve deberg]

Turning Stone is much better than del Lago, especially in terms of dining options.

If you're staying out by the Finger Lakes, you should plan a half day or whole day to visiting the wineries. The drive down the West Side of Cayuga Lake is spectacular. There road is right on the water for several miles, with wineries all along the way.

Seneca Lake is a bit more spectacular, because the highway is a bit higher up the hillside, giving a more panoramic view, but Cayuga Lake is pretty great, too, and saves you 30-40 minutes on the drive to the game.

If you reconsider your options and want to be back near Turning Stone, last summer we rented a cabin at The Cove, in Sylvan Beach on Oneida Lake.

It's a great set up. A little expensive, but really not bad, and you get a free pontoon boat with your rental. The cabins are brand new, all have fire pits and a separate dock for your boat. The kitchen is already stocked with pots, pans, dishes and such.

There is a restaurant with patio view of the channel, where you see lots of boats coming and going from their private docks. General Store for your firewood, cooking ingredients and miscellaneous goods.

And you'll still be near the Turning Stone, if gambling is going to be a bigger part of your trip.

Appreciate your input, Matt!

I do have a couple hobby sommeliers in the group, so a half-day for wineries could be a great addition to the itinerary.

 

[IthacaMatt]

Appreciate your input, Matt!

I do have a couple hobby sommeliers in the group, so a half-day for wineries could be a great addition to the itinerary.

There are maps of all the wineries on each of the Finger Lakes. You can find them online. One of our favorites (usual 1st stop on our tour) is Knapp, which is the first good one you come to as you drive down the western side of Cayuga Lake. I forget if it's Route 89 or Route 96, but you'll see it on the map.

 

[buffalorange]

There are maps of all the wineries on each of the Finger Lakes. You can find them online. One of our favorites (usual 1st stop on our tour) is Knapp, which is the first good one you come to as you drive down the western side of Cayuga Lake. I forget if it's Route 89 or Route 96, but you'll see it on the map.

And no shortage of breweries either.

 

[Faegan]

Dinosaur BBQ

 

[IthacaMatt]

Dinosaur BBQ

I love Dinosaur, but they have slipped these last couple years.
Other quality BBQ joints are appearing around the area.

 

[sutomcat]

If you decide to play golf west of Syracuse, I would consider Bristol Harbor, Ravenwood, Wayne Hills (I believe JAB’s dad was a founding member) and Greystone.

 

[Acesn8s]

Ravenwood
Depending on how much u want to drive and what lake you stay on could go to Conklin and Enjoi by Binghamton,
Trumansburg is a relatively unknown nice public course near Cayuga lake recently stumbled upon and of course
Any Turing Stone course.

 

[TexanMark]

Do Cal for golf...it appears Cal will be a night game so that helps with getting an extra golf round

Mid October is such a crapshoot for weather if golf is a huge priority.

Not in the Finger Lakes but over by Turning Stone is this place. Only a couple years old. Each rental includes a complimentary poonton boat. I'd double check to make sure if they think the lake level will be ok in mid September.

The Cove at Sylvan Beach | Cottages & Vacation Rentals The Cove at Sylvan Beach | Cottages & Vacation Rentals

If you stay there... sutomcat can fill your in on other golf courses beside Turning Stone. I'd imagine Green Lakes State Park would be recommended.

Green Lakes State Park Golf Course - NYS Parks, Recreation & Historic Preservation https://share.google/DosUVFX8FWIrQHLU0

Finally for tailgating...get with me or JeremyCuse and reserve your spot at our tailgate.