Happy September, motel lovers!
What a wonderful summer we’ve had together.

For anyone planning an Autumn road trip… 
Please read on, there are several amazing and fun weekend itineraries to check out below.

If you’ve visited us before, you may have guessed that we are fans of birds + birding! Perhaps you perused the books in your room or got some time on the patio to watch the activity at our bird feeders. Either way, we feel so privileged to live in the same town as the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. The folks there are kind, knowledgable and helpful – and of course share our love for fine feathered friends! As you plan your fall getaways, keep this community treasure in mind and make some time in your itinerary for a visit. Even if you just take a stroll through their wooded grounds, you won’t regret it. For an art uplift, stroll on by the Andy Goldsworthy sculpture nestled amongst the wooded paths. And don’t be caught without your binoculars! There are plenty of birds + wildlife around Grayhaven to admire, as well. 

If you haven’t yet joined us in October at our Grayhaven patio for our annual Inlet Valley Jack-O-Lantern Blaze, come through this year! Not only is there a pumpkin carving party, there are also delights such as pumpkin bowling and our medieval-style pumpkin trebuchet for flinging! As the sky darkens, we project a family-friendly, Halloween-y themed movie onto the side of the Carriage House + much popcorn and s’mores. Fun for all! 

A little further afield you’ll find local farms like Little Tree Orchards + Indian Creek Farm offering their own fall-time offerings, events and activities. Besides – what better time of year is there for a road trip than fall? The trees, the brisk breeze, the leaves, the layers. Bring it on! Join us at Grayhaven to enjoy this heavenly crisp season amongst friends.

A fall bucket list Finger Lakes must is an amazing hot-air balloon ride. Our friends at Southern Tier Balloon Tours offer stunning local journeys aloft. Perfect for colorful leaf-peeping excursions! We can’t recommend Dar + his crew strongly enough! 

Do you know about our MidWeek Traveler special? When you stay at least three midweek (Sun-Thurs), non-holiday, non-event weeknights with us you can get one of these midweek (Sun-Thurs) nights for free. Really! This offer is available year-round, just add this package to your cart at booking. 

Keep your eye on our instagram account, there are always fun motel updates to follow.

Last but not least, here’s the list of September events happening here at and around Grayhaven. Hope you’re able to join us for one or all. 

Upcoming Events Near + Far, at the Grayhaven Motel

Friday, September 2nd: Gallery night. Join us from 6pm – 8pm for the opening reception of Eva Capobianco‘s Exploring the Trail, a mixed media collection inspired by the Finger Lakes Trail.

Thursday, September 15th: This season’s last Ithaca Night Bazaar! 5:30 – 11pm at Steamboat Landing (our farmers’ market pavilion). Artisans, fantastic food + bevs, live music + frolicking!

Sundays in September: Music + Mimosas from 1-4pm at Hosmer Winery. Different musicians each week and their wine is fantastic!

Friday – Sunday, 9/30 – 10/2: Ithaca’s annual Apple Fest weekend! Tool around and enjoy delicious snacks, artisan good and of course, all things apple.- $7 suggested donation.

Visit www.grayhavenmotel.com for more information on booking and events!
If you’re looking for a fun weekend away, any weekend is a good one to visit the Finger Lakes. Here are our September suggestions.

Recommended itinerary for September 2nd – 4th / 5th:

FRIDAY: Check in and enjoy the first Friday opening reception in our guest lounge. Head to the Ithaca Beer for dinner and maybe cap the night off with a Gallery Night Ithaca walking tour.  
SATURDAY: You don’t have to come for Apple Fest to enjoy our local orchards’ bounties! Spend some time at Indian Creek Farm any weekend this fall to crunch on gorgeous apples as well as other perfect produce. Bring the kids for a romp through the trees…And discover the delight waiting at the top of the hill! Local hint: Sign up for their newsletter for monthly laughs & farm shenanigans 😉
SUNDAY: Drink coffee and read the Sunday NYTimes in our lounge amidst Eva Capobianco’s art show. Check out at 11am and head to brunch at one of our favorite spots. If you have time (or if you’re staying with us through a Sunday), catch a spot on the Discover Cayuga Lake boat tours for an afternoon Fall Foliage Eco-Cruise!
 Recommended itinerary for September 29th – October 2nd:
THURSDAY: Check in and grab a bite at Shortstop Deli on your way to the opening night of the 5th annual Finger Lakes Comedy Festival! Held between The Kitchen Theater and The Downstairs just off the Ithaca Commons. Nab your tickets in advance and enjoy those [probably] much-needed laughs.
FRIDAY, SATURDAY + SUNDAY: Between the comedy fest and the apple fest, you’ll have plenty to pick from! Click the links to each in this email and plan your own adventure. We know you won’t regret it!

2023 rates and multi night discounts are active on the website. 
See you soon!