July 24, 2008 Western New York: Now here is a part of the country I haven't visited since I was a child. The only time I can remember being close was a visit to Corning NY to see the glass blowing at the Steuben factory back in the 50's. There is still a glass museum in Corning that is worth a visit if you are in the area. I don't know if you can visit the factory to actually see the art of glass blowing anymore, if so do it. I did visit the Waterford Glass factory in Waterford, Ireland and found glass blowing fascinating.
 
My visit to western New York brought me to Letchworth State Park and the Glen Iris Inn located in the park.. The park is located  60 miles from Buffalo, 48 miles from Rochester and 68 miles from Corning, NY.  Click here for a map to see where the park is located. Letchworth State Park, has some of the most magnificent scenery in the United States. It comprises 14,350 acres along the Genesee River. Within the park, the river roars over three major waterfalls, one of which is 107 feet high. The cliffs, created by the river’s path over thousands of years, approach 600 feet. Swimming pools, fishing areas, hiking trails, hot air ballooning, whitewater rafting and canoing are just some of the attractions at Letchworth.

The Glen Iris Inn has a total of 16 recently re-decorated, air-conditioned guest rooms. There are 12 (twelve) standard rooms and 4 (four) luxury suites. Standard rooms are decorated with appointments consistent with the charm of the Glen Iris while William Pryor Letchworth resided here. Rooms have either one double or two twin beds, full private bath, dressing table, and telephone service. The four Luxury Suites have a bedroom area with a queen bed and dressing table. The spacious living area is furnished with period sofa and chairs. Each Suite has a full bath and telephone service. The Cherry Suite features patterned hardwood floors and modern bath with whirlpool tub. French doors lead out to the second floor private porch with a breathtaking view of the Middle Falls and the surrounding gorge.

This is not a B &B. Glen Iris is a true Inn with a restaurant serving 3 meals a day. The Inn is open from Good Friday till early November. Glen Iris has been in operation since 1914 so be forewarned, there are no tvs, radios, or Internet. You might as well turn off your cell phones as well, since neither my Verizon or AT&T phones had any signal. For us “connected” people it is a bit of a cultural shock to become “unconnected” even for a day or two but you will survive. In fact you will be surprised how relaxing it is to know no one will be calling and you don't have to answer any emails.

I suggest two overnights. This will give you plenty of time to hike, bike, ride horses, read, or just do nothing. Book the Cherry suite, the best. I stayed in the Beech Suite, that was OK. I could see and hear the falls from my suite window. There are some people that like the falls here better than Niagara Falls (the locals). I won't go that far, but I will say I am planning a return trip when the fall leaves change if the Cherry Suite is available.

Dining takes place in “Caroline's”, a large room with table cloth tables and numerous windows overlooking the flower gardens in the back of the property. The room was comfortable, and somewhat cozy considering its size. The food is average. I would give it a “C”. They do provide full bar service and an average wine list to go along with the type of restaurant. Don't ask for a drink on the porch if you aren't dining there. That is a No, No. Perhaps there is some law that dictates this, I would hope so and not another rule someone came up with. This didn't happen to me but I saw it happen to others, however you can order an appetizer on the porch with a drink and that is fine. Go figure!

Hear is the local skinny on the Glen Iris Inn. It seems that the property is owned by the New York State Park Service. They put the management of this Inn out for bid each year. The highest bidder gets it for one year. Then the process starts over the following year. The bottom line to this situation is that you are never sure what to expect from one year to the next. This year the Glen Iris Inn is managed by Rich Products a large International frozen food supplier. Rich also operates the Green Turtle Inn Restaurant in the Florida Keys. Somehow I expected a little more from a large company like Rich, but then again they probably but some bean counter in charge.

You won't find a better place to stay than Glen Iris considering the ambiance of the this historic property, it's location in the middle of the State Park and it's proximity to the falls. Remember, Glen Iris is not the Ritz Carlton. Don't expect all the “my pleasures”, valet parking, room or porter service. Glen Iris is real natural and has historic beauty. Letchworth State Park and the Glen Iris is a MrFiveStar recommended 2 day visit during the fall leaves change.