The last time we visited Taughannock Falls, it was dry. What a difference a season makes. It was our first stop on the journey home, and we were treated to the full volume of spring runoff. Taughannock Falls features a breathtaking 215-foot plunge, making it the tallest single-drop waterfall east of the Rocky Mountains. Next, to break up the drive, we stopped at Howe Caverns, the largest show cave in the Northeastern United States. It was disappointing compared to almost every other cave we have visited, as it had almost no interesting geological formations. To be fair, the narrow, snaking Winding Way passage at the end was a lot of fun.

Our first stop when we reached my hometown of Schenectady was Civitello’s. Featuring the best Italian lemon ice in the world, I was a frequent visitor as a youth and throughout my life anytime I found myself within a hundred miles. Sadly, the original owners have retired and sold the business. You cannot imagine my disappointment when I took my first taste of this cherished treat. It was not the same. I asked the new owner if he had changed the recipe. He said that it was the same, except he had added a “stabilizer” to prevent it from freezing. Why would you buy a business and alter its most popular offering? Unfortunately, this will be my last visit.

Located on the same block as my childhood home, the Unitarian Church I attended growing up was our nest stop.

Located behind the church is a memorial tree we planted in honor of my mother. I am happy to report that it is thriving and has more than doubled in size since we planted it.

Our final stop in Schenectady was Union College, where I earned my degree in electrical engineering. The campus continues to evolve with several new buildings and gardens.

My sister Alissa prepared a veritable feast for us as we dined together on her lovely patio before relaxing to watch a “drive-in-style movie” on an outdoor projector. The perfect way to spend the last evening of our short road trip.