Grapehounds

Taughannock State Park

"ON THE ROAD AGAIN".  

A new greyhound experience awaits

Wines, brews, crystal lakes

Food, fun and relaxation dictates 

Seneca Lake

Stopping at our first winery

In July, we hit the road again with our dogs, and found ourselves in the Finger Lakes Region of New York State. It’s a place of great beauty; rolling green hills, fields filled with vineyards, ample sky, glittering water AND WINE.  We packed up our four legged creatures and made (due to traffic) an eight hour journey.  This latest trip, a chance to take part in an annual greyhound event called (are you ready?) “Grapehounds”. 

Emma and Dad shopping 

In the past, we’ve attended Greyhounds Reach the Beach and Greyhounds in Gettysburg (GIG), but this time we made our way up the highway to New York State.  Living on the Eastern Shore of Virginia made the trip a long one, but we hoped to expand our greyhound world by testing out something new.  Grapehounds has been around for quite awhile.  It attempts to bring people, greyhounds, relaxation, and of course wine together.  Breweries and distilleries join the wineries in showcasing their fine creations.  Amenities at this event include a vendor tent, food, a welcome event, a blessing of the hounds, an ice cream social, a silent auction, music and much camaraderie.  This reunion did not have the educational talks of others we’ve attended, but attained its own unique vibe with its culmination, a group walk through a state park to a magnificent waterfall.

Making new friends

We arrived Thursday evening at our motel in Ithaca, NY, a town at the base of Cayuga Lake.  The event took place around Seneca Lake, about half an hour away, so we had to travel to a host winery/brewery first.  Then we drove around the lake to do tastings.  It was a lot of driving.  Staying in a hotel closer to the action would have been a better choice.  That being said, after arrival we checked into our motel and scooted to the welcome event at the first host winery.  There were appetizers, great wine, relaxed people and greyhounds, a lovely way to begin the weekend.

Yummy ice cream

On Friday, we drove back to Seneca Lake to the host brewery for Friday and Saturday, where the vendor tent and other planned activities would take place.  After checking in, we decided the time had come for some serious wine tasting.  Our registration packets included tasting tickets, and we put them to good use.  All the wineries we visited couldn’t do enough for us or our greyhounds.  They absolutely love the dogs.  The partaking of many biscuits seemed the plan for Emma and Kiowa.  The poor things just couldn’t get enough.  YUM!  Many wine tasters, awed by greyhound beauty and behavior, asked countless questions about the breed.  Another excuse to drink wine (or beer).

Waiting for a walk

The dogs, of course, excited to see each other, introduced themselves in doggy fashion so the sniffing of mouths and butts was in full force. They never seemed to get tired of saying “hi” to each other.  Between sniffing, biscuits, eating ice cream, being blessed, and having people fawn over them all day, they rested extremely well when we returned to the motel.  What a tiring life they lead.  Our Saturday proceeded in the same vein, meeting new greys and people.

Taughannock Falls

Sunday morning, we met at Taughannock State Park for a group walk to the falls.  It was a beautiful day and the walk, easy with a slight incline.  Upon approaching the falls, a bridge is crossed and the falls captivatingly materialize on the left.  What a breathtaking sight!   A minor walk down to a fresh stream of flowing water caught our attention, and the dogs walked right in.  Some greys decided that the time had come to cool off and just laid down in the stream.  What a picture they all made.  The rest of that day passed in a relaxing fog enjoying the welcoming area, and the next morning, we took to the road for home.

Cooling our feet

This Grapehounds experience brought a newness to our greyhound reunion event adventures.  Its laid back qualities of rural living made it restful and unique.  The Finger Lakes region explodes with beauty around each bend, and the vast blue water next to hills and hills of green vineyards takes your breath.  A visit to this July event may just be what you and your greyhounds need.