The Finger Lakes region represents a beautiful place that many visitors enjoy year-round. As our communities grow, welcoming people from around the country and the world who have decided to call Finger Lakes Wine Country home has helped us to become even more representative of who we are as a region. This is especially noticeable in how we continue to expand the spaces and places that embrace the LGBTQ+ community. At only a 5-hour average drive from many major cities (NYC, Boston, Philadelphia, DC, and Toronto) and several Pride celebrations worthy of the trip in June, we are excited to share this Queer in the Finger Lakes Travel Guide. This guide features tips and highlights from several LGBTQ+ locals who live and love it here.

OWEGO, NY

When driving from cities like New York or Philadelphia, take the time to stop in Owego (only 40 minutes from Corning, N Y). A stay at Belva Lockwood Inn is the epitome of B&B luxury. Beautiful rooms and a delicious breakfast, all in the former home of a radical feminist who dared to push the envelope and even became the first woman to be admitted to the Bar. Belva later became the first woman to argue a case in front of the Supreme Court and went on to run for President of the United States in 1884 & 1888. 

Book lovers will enjoy the experience that is Riverow Books and all the cozy little nooks one can get lost reading a book in. Don’t leave town without a stop at Carol’s Coffee and Art Bar for an eclectic collection of local art and good coffee.

TIP: See Owego from its historic Riverwalk. The trail stretches about a quarter mile from Draper Park to Ahwaga Park beneath the bridge and along the backside of the historic buildings known as Riverow.

CORNING, NY
Corning, NY, has a pedestrian-friendly Market St. full of locations to dine, shop, and connect with the community, and it is a fun place to spend time when not in the lake or at the wineries. Hannah Jones, one of the founders of Southern Finger Lakes Pride, which hosts the local Pride celebrations in town, recommends, “Walk into Liquid Shoes Brewing for a cold beer or The Cellar for a lovely meal. If you want to go off Market Street and enjoy the arts, the Corning Museum of Glass and The Rockwell Museum sponsor and collaborate with SoFLx Pride regularly. In addition, they both strive for diverse art, with Rockwell being a regional leader in this effort.”

Mark Schmidt, a choreographer and dancer born in the area but only recently moved back from NYC after 20 years away, is rediscovering a new Finger Lakes region. “The increased visibility of the LGBTQ+ community is a huge change,” he’s noticed. His favorite jaunts? “I’m more into the local towny bars and restaurants. Market St is cute, but I like the blue-collar, working-class vibe. He recommends, “Brick Corning is very blue collar and queer-friendly. I like it because they open at 3 pm for drinks and food. They also frequently host live music.” Another favorite for beer-lover Mark is Seneca Lodge for its rustic vibe with a great mix of locals and tourists. “They make their own beer and have a great selection of IPAs.” Mark also recommends queer-owned Frans Landing in nearby Painted Post for its small-town feel and welcoming vibes. 

If you have a sweet tooth or are just looking for a sweet lunch spot, then head over to Laurabelle’s A Scratch Bakery. This queer-owned bakery has everything from freshly baked cookies, cookies, and cakes to order, as well as sandwiches and other lunch bites. Our favorite treat there? Afternoon tea!

TIP: Looking for a good read? Pick up a book at the queer-owned, independent bookshop Card Carrying and check out one of the many queer-focused events they often host. 

ELMIRA, NY
A short 15-minute drive from Corning is Elmira. Stop in for coffee at the queer-owned The Garage at Rye, a coffee shop offering some of your favorite java and tea beverages, breakfast, lunch, and freshly baked goods. Charlie Hunter owns the coffee shop and the next-door Rye Bar and Restaurant, where you can enjoy a great selection of cocktails, mocktails, jazz night Thursday, and the occasional Drag Bingo. You can stay overnight at one of their Airbnbs located above the restaurant.

Other fun spots to visit, that are also queer-owned, are the Chamberlain Acres Garden Center and Florist, which regularly hosts a farmer’s market and local food trucks, and Bell’s Coffee & Dry Bar. Want to further connect with the community? Check out Park Church’s Rainbow Room game night (see their schedule of events here). 

TIP:  Elmira also hosts an annual Pride festival at the beginning of June. We also highly recommend stopping into the Arnot Museum

WATKINS GLEN, NY & MONTOUR FALLS

“As a local, I spend much of my time in Watkins Glen and Hector, around Seneca Lake, “Hannah said. “Friends of mine like Terri (she/her) and Orlando (he/him) run queer inclusive spaces.” Terri owns a vintage shop, Sales by Terri on Main Street in Montour Falls, NY, and is known for gathering community and opening spaces for others. A great gathering spot for great food, cider, and community Graft Wine + Cider Bar on Franklin St. in Watkins Glen. “Orlando Rodriguez will cook you the best Dominican meal you’ll get in the Finger Lakes,” Hannah said, adding, “Fun fact, most of the staff is queer too!” North New York, a coffee shop in the heart of Montour Falls, has become a favorite gathering place for the growing artsy and queer community there and features items from local farmers and artisans, as well as freshly baked goods and delicious brew.

Nature lovers will be safe and enjoy camping at Clute Memorial Park or the Finger Lakes National Forest (with first-come, first-serve tent set-up spots). The welcoming crew at Elf in the Oak will help pack a lunch, or the nearby Lucky Hare Brewing is a great place to relax with a drink and the occasional live music. 

TIP: Lake life is a way of life here in the Finger Lakes, so be sure to stop by Seneca Lake Kayak for a daily kayak rental to explore Seneca Lake the right way! 

PENN YAN, NY
Bonnie Stinson, a freelance writer and creative, moved to the area with their partner a little over a year ago, and while they are still exploring and getting to know the region, there is at least one spot they have already marked as a favorite. “I loved the vibe in Amity Coffee,” Bonnie said. “From the sticker-laden laptops to the flat-brim panel hats, it’s obvious that this is a place where young queer folks feel comfortable spending time.” They added, “Friendliness exudes from everyone here, from the guest vendors to the baristas. Plus, it’s as close to city brunch food as you can get in a local coffee shop in this area, and that’s a queer win for me.”

Locals also enjoy shopping at the antique and gift shops along Penn Yan’s Main St., such as The Staving Artists, for gifts featuring local artisans and in-house handcrafted wooden items, or The Potter’s Gallery, which also features local pottery makers. Enjoy dinner and a mocktail or cocktail at 18th Amendment or Outlet 111, right on the water at Keuka Outlet Trail.

TIP: Rent a bike (electric ones are available too!) from Shore Rentals and bike 7 miles of the Keuka Outlet Trail, and see waterfalls, old mills, and forestry landscape. Make it to the end, and you’ll see where the outlet connects to Seneca Lake!

THE WINE TRAILS
There are so many beautiful wine trail experiences along the way. We encourage you to check out our wine trail itineraries for Seneca, Keuka, and Cayuga. However, Ryan Anderson, chef and culinary teacher, calls out favorites such as Ryan Williams Vineyard along Seneca Lakes “for their great atmosphere, views, food, and wine. It’s a great brunch spot for groups of friends or a relaxing lake-view lunch.” He also includes Weis Vineyards, along Keuka Lake,“ for their friendly and relaxing atmosphere, great wine, and lots of spaces to gather and enjoy wine and company.”

Other mentions are Knapp Winery along Cayuga Lake; we especially love pairing their wines at their Field and Vine Restaurant and Dr. Konstantin Frank’s 1889 Wine Tasting Experience. Another experience to add to your wine trail days is a stop wherever cidermakers and food truck owners Charlie Treichler and Josh Jenkins may be serving their Yummy Burgers and Sylvan Cider (often near Hammondsport and Keuka Lake)! 

TIP: Even if you don’t drink alcohol, you will find lots to do along the wine trails, including several sober-friendly experiences!

DON’T FORGET THE ART SCENE
Finger Lakes Wine Country thrives because of the queer local artists that reside and share their work throughout our small towns. Artists who call Corning, Elmira, Watkins Glen, Hector, and all of the Finger Lakes home, consistently invite queer culture into every space. SoFLX Pride festivals in Corning and Elmira Pride, both in June, feature a series of local artisans and live performers to enjoy. Also, in Corning, art lovers can view exhibitions at the ARTS Council of the Southern Finger Lakes or go to one of the local Drag Brunches held around the region. Pride coincides with the annual Elmira Street Painting Festival, a fun event showcasing local artists as well as the creations of community members throughout the day.

We can’t wait for you to plan your visit to Finger Lakes Wine Country soon and experience all the LGBTQ+-friendly and welcoming spaces. We hope you will support the small businesses and organizations ready to embrace you and show you the best of our community and all it offers. We look forward to your visit!