It’s smokin’! Truer words have never been spoken than by Jim Carrey in his titular role from 1994’s The Mask. And when you visit Smokin’ Pete’s Barbecue along the western side of Seneca Lake, you might find yourself exclaiming that it’s party time, spelled “P”-“A”-“R”-“T”-Why? Because you gotta.

’90s comedy references aside, Smokin’ Pete’s sits conveniently on the side of West Lake Road in the town of Geneva, its big boxy building and red-white-and-blue lettering both signs of no-frills, no-nonsense barbecue and atmosphere. There is plenty of outside seating behind the restaurant, where guests can play a round of cornhole, get cozy around a fire pit, or simply lounge while enjoying a craft cocktail and beef brisket. Inside, the cozy wooden decor, wrap-around bar, and ample seating distract from the long line to order — which only goes to show it’s worth the wait.

A couple of beers and a full tray of Texas-style barbecue with all the trimmings, and you want to scream “Somebody stop me!” No need to limit yourself. Because if you were staying on the southern shores of Seneca Lake, home would only be a half-hour away. So why not book a long summer stay with the Villa at Watkins Glen? Just steps from downtown Watkins Glen, the Villa features direct water access, modern amenities such as heated floors, a rooftop lounge, and reserved parking. At the end of a long day of exploring wineries, waterfalls, and smokin’ barbecue, it’s nice to know you can take off the Mask and relax.