Season: Spring
World Class Wine
The Keuka Lake Wine Trail highlights family-owned and operated wineries that have been a part of the Finger Lakes Wine Country community for generations. Its location, weather patterns, and glacially-deposited soils make Keuka Lake an ideal climate and place for grape cultivation and award-winning winemaking.
There are six member wineries on the Keuka Lake Wine Trail, so visiting all of them is easy to do in a weekend.
The Keuka Lake Wine Trail hosts three Signature Trail Events each year featuring immersive wine and food experiences. Enjoy a unique, specially-prepared experience at each of the member wineries along Keuka Lake. You’ll have a custom itinerary and you’ll be treated to special tastings, wine samples, and light food pairings featuring items curated by a local chef.
Driving around Keuka Lake takes about an hour, not including stops, making it easy to plan a perfect day of exploring the breathtaking views along the way.
Crooked Lake
While all the other Finger Lakes are long and narrow, Keuka Lake is uniquely shaped like a “Y”, lending to its “Crooked Lake” nickname.
Keuka Lake flows into Seneca Lake through the Keuka Lake Outlet, which starts in the small town of Penn Yan. The outlet has more than seven miles of scenic trails, perfect for cycling, running, or leisurely walks. What makes Keuka Lake even more unique is that it is the only lake in the United States that flows both north and south in direction.
Towns of Keuka Lake
In addition to all the breathtaking scenic views, wineries, and other fun stops, are the quaint towns along the lake.
The southern tip of Keuka Lake is home to the Village of Hammondsport – once named The Coolest Small Town in America – where you can find several dining options as well as a beautiful town square and views of the lake. Hammondsport is also home to the Glenn H. Curtiss Museum where you can learn about the “Father of Aviation” and “The Fastest Man on Earth.”
Hammondsport is also a great stop for a bite to eat or to do a little shopping. A trip around Keuka isn’t complete without stopping into Browsers or The Cinnamon Stick, both great for souvenir shopping. Local dining favorites are The Park Inn and Burgers and Beer of Hammondsport for something on the casual, yet equally delicious side.
The Northeastern tip of Keuka Lake is home to the beautiful Village of Penn Yan where you’ll enjoy nostalgic diners, great shops, and taverns along their historic 19th century Main Street. A short drive out of town you will find plenty of food, produce, and handicrafts options, from roadside farm stands and markets, to the popular Windmill Farm & Craft Market, open Saturdays, from April through mid-December.
When in Penn Yan, check out Oak Hill Bulk Foods and the Oak Leaf Café for a quick breakfast of lunch. Another coffee and breakfast spot not-to-be-missed is Amity Coffee Company. This train car turned diner serves locally-roasted coffee, amazing biscuits and gravy, and many other from-scratch favorites. In the mood for dessert? Stop into Seneca Farms for a scoop of their homemade ice cream (A tip from a local: Seneca Farms also has delicious fried chicken! Just don’t forget to save room for an ice cream cone.)
Lake Activities
There is no shortage of lake activities to enjoy at Keuka Lake. Take in the water fun by renting kayaks, canoes, stand-up paddle boards, and boats. Because of its shallow nature, Keuka is one of the warmer water lakes in the region.
Keuka Lake is a haven for fishing, with waters full of yellow perch, bass, and lake trout. Renting boats along the lake is popular and many restaurants located along the lake have docks for boaters to pull up to from the water, tie up, and dine in. Some of the dining options accessible by boat and land are The Switzerland Inn (better known to locals as “The Switz”), not only serves a good selection of casual dishes, but also offers a stunning sunset view from their outdoor deck. The Waterfront, closer to Hammondsport, also serves dockside and their Clammin’ and Jammin’, hosted every Sunday on their dock serves up freshly steamed clams, live music, and plenty of sunshine.
There are several beaches for swimming, including the shores at Keuka Lake State Park in Penn Yan and Champlin Beach in Hammondsport.
Something Every Season
Keuka Lake is much more than just a summer destination, offering seasonal events and activities all year long from fall harvest and special holiday events, to special winter and spring events making it an ideal getaway no matter what time of year.
A selection of the wineries located around the Keuka Lake Wine Trail are open daily throughout the year for wine tasting and you can enjoy special events.
Cozy Accommodations
Keuka Lake is full of charming and cozy inns, bed & breakfasts, hotel options, and rental homes so you can experience local Finger Lakes hospitality along the Wine Trail. A few of the beautiful accommodations located around Keuka Lake include the Keuka Lakeside Inn, Adda Trimmer House Bed & Breakfast, 1819 Red Brick Inn B&B, and Finger Lakes Bed & Breakfast at Hutton Farm.
Also close to the Keuka Lake Wine Trail are two of our newer hotel properties, the Best Western PLUS Hammondsport Hotel and the Hampton Inn Penn Yan. For the perfect home away from home, check out Finger Lakes Premier Properties.
These accommodations are great home bases to stay for easy access to enjoy all the beauty and attractions throughout Finger Lakes Wine Country.
No matter the season, Finger Lakes Wine Country is the perfect setting for a romantic getaway, whether for the weekend or more. Here are some ideas to help you plan a Lover’s Escape to wine country. For more information about our wine trails and all the events they host year-round to add to this experience, click here.
In Corning, NY
Start with our list of lodging, whether you’re looking for a cozy boutique stay or want a more resort-like feel.
The Hilton Garden Inn is steps from all the happenings in Corning, NY. Book one of their spacious rooms, relax in the hotel’s heated pool, or grab a drink and food at the hotel’s in-house restaurant and bar. Take a sunset stroll across the walking bridge into Centerway Square and explore the local shops, bars, and restaurants along Market St.
Reserve a table next to the window or a cozy corner booth at The Cellar for a romantic farm-to-table dinner, cocktails, or wine. Don’t miss out on dessert—it’s always a delightful treat!
Looking for an upscale brunch experience? We highly recommend reserving a Sunday experience at The Quincy Exchange from April through Spring. Beautifully mixed brunch cocktails paired with delicious brunch favorites in a stunning dining room that once was home to an old bank.
For a casual, year-round brunch experience, visit Ella’s Acres Homestead, a popular breakfast spot with its locally sourced menu and espresso drinks. Note: There is often a longer wait time during weekend brunch.
A stroll up and down Market St. will introduce you to many more options for a complete day and night out.
Purchase a combination museum ticket at The Rockwell Museum, and take the free shuttle to the Corning Museum of Glass, just steps from your hotel. Reserve a make-your-own-glass experience for a personalized souvenir of your visit.
Pamper yourself at Safala Medical with a facial and massages. Take an easy hike through Spencer Crest Nature Center (2.3 miles) or Houghton Land Preserve (1.6 miles) for a leisurely outdoor experience for bonding in nature.
For more on what to do in Corning, NY, check out our small-town guide here.
IN ELMIRA, NY
Stay in a cozy vacation rental at Rye Bar and Restaurant. With three different room styles, you will surely find one that fits your vibe. Perk with a stay here is the restaurant and the bar right downstairs, offering big-city style Sunday brunch, jazz night on Thursdays, and Happy Hour every night, Wednesday through Sunday, from 4-6 PM. The Garage, a favorite coffee shop in town, is located right next door and is open every day, Monday through Sunday, to get you started with a perfect cup of jo and freshly baked pastries and breakfast sandwiches.
For a more private and “regal” stay experience, book a stay at the Castle by The Glen. Tucked in a hillside neighborhood in Elmira, NY, it offers all the comfort and aesthetics of a weekend of pampering.
Speaking of pampering, book a Couples Massage at Namaste Spa for a 60- or 90-minute relaxation experience.
Another romantic dining option is Hill Top Inn (opened March through December), which, on warmer days, offers outdoor seating reservations overlooking the Elmira cityscape and Jerusalem Hill’s natural landscape.
Spend an afternoon exploring the Arnot Museum and hiking the trails of the Tanglewood Nature Center.
For more on what to do in Elmira, NY, check out our small-town guide here.
In Owego, NY
The Village of Owego makes for the perfect laidback romantic getaway, starting with a stay at the historic Belva Lockwood Inn. This beautiful bed and breakfast has several beautifully decorated rooms and a delicious continental breakfast, and it is within walking distance of all the main sights in town.
The Cellar Restaurant and Lounge (not affiliated with the above-mentioned Cellar in Corning) is an excellent spot for a romantic dinner and drinks. The dark wood and leather decor create a warm and intimate dining experience, and their globally influenced menu makes for a perfect date night.
Other favorite local spots are Owego Beer and Donuts for the sweet tooth, Riverrow Bookshop for the curious bookworm, or Spellbound for those who prefer a fairytale, fantasy, and folk tale bookstore – that also serves coffee! Carol’s Coffee and Art Bar will surround you with local artists’ paintings (for sale). Try your luck at the nearby Tioga Downs Casino, and then treat yourself to a massage at their Serenity Spa.
For a romantic time outdoors, stroll along the Owego Riverwalk or a more committed hike along the Oakley Corners State Forest trails.
For more on what to do in Owego, NY, check out our small-town guide here.
In Penn Yan, NY
This lake town has so much to offer, from the long drives along scenic plains to afternoons spent on the Keuka Lake shores. It’s no wonder it is a popular spot for vacation travelers. But it also offers many cute, intimate experiences for a little love-fest getaway.
Stay at The Laurentide Inn right in the heart of the Village of Penn Yan. This bed and breakfast has stunning, comfortable rooms and little nooks in the public sitting areas for reading or enjoying a glass of wine after a day of exploring. The food served is top-notch, and the adjacent Laurentide Beer Co. is a great place to enjoy some brews and live music during the warmer months.
Walk along Penn Yan’s Main St. to explore antique stores, cafes like Amity, and cute shops and craft stores. Make a reservation for cocktails and dinner at 18th Amendment, or stop in for wine tasting and bites at Burnt Rose Wine Bar. For dining and drinks with lake views, head over to Main Deck, and for a more casual affair with views of the Keuka Lake Outlet Trail, stop into Outlet 111.
Rent a bike or hike along the Keuka Lake Outlet Trail (7 miles), or take a dip into the lake and set up a romantic picnic at the Keuka Lake State Park. Want to make sure the picnic experience is unique and catered for your visit? Check out Finger Lakes Picnic Co. and FLX Picnic Pop-Up.
For more on what to do in Penn Yan, NY, check out our small-town guide here.
In Hammondsport, NY
Designated the Coolest Small Town in America, Hammondsport is a postcard-perfect destination. With its sweet little gazebo in the park, where bands play live in the summer, and its pedestrian-friendly streets, it is the spot for lake-life lovers in the summer and quiet escape seekers in the colder months.
Stay at the Park Inn, which has snug rooms and a cozy ambiance. Make a reservation for the downstairs restaurant. Have breakfast (or ice cream!) at Crooked Lake Ice Cream, pastries at Vern’s Bakery, and coffee at newly opened (in April of 2025!) Service Station cafe.
Plan leisurely strolls to Depot Park for quiet conversations by the lake. Set up a picnic, swim, or rent a boat to enjoy all Keuka Lake has to offer. Visit the historic and quaint public library, or go antiquing at the many antique shops in town.
For more on what to do in Hammondsport, NY, check out our small-town guide here.
In Watkins Glen, NY
Along the shores of Seneca Lake is the town of Watkins Glen. For many, this is where one comes for high-speed fun and water adventures, but it is also a spot to rest your head before venturing along the Seneca Lake Wine Trail or while taking in the views from Seneca Harbor during sunset hour. During the colder months, the town is especially calm and makes for a wonderful romantic retreat for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle.
Stay at the luxurious Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel, and if you can book a room with a lake view, that would be even better. The hotel offers services from an in-house bar, restaurant, and a newly installed workout facility and often hosts events for the community and visitors.
Or reserve a room at the newly opened Benjamin Hotel for a more intimate stay.
Start your romantic evening with a stroll along Franklin St., with a stop for cocktails at J.R. Dill Wine Bar, downstairs from The Benjamin.
Then, walk further down the street for a romantic dinner at Graft Wine and Cider Bar. Walk-ins are only greeted by a friendly team of servers and a beautiful selection of local ciders and wines. The primarily farm-to-table menu is delightful, often complemented by the spices and flavors of the chef and owner’s Dominican heritage.
While the lower trails in Watkins Glen State Park are closed, the upper trails still provide access to the park and the waterfall views. For more winter fun for two, visit the ice skating rink at Clute Park during the winter months.
For more on what to do in Watkins Glen, NY, check out our small-town guide here.
In Dundee, NY
Dundee, NY, is not far from Watkins Glen but more centered between Seneca Lake and Keuka Lake Wine Trails. It is the perfect spot for those who want to spend their time traveling to the wineries and their surrounding restaurants.
Stay at the historic Victorian Manor that is 1897 Beekman House Bed and Breakfast for a truly intimate and romantic stay. This B&B offers five elegant guest rooms, each with a private bath, to choose from, and your stay comes with a gourmet, three-course breakfast served daily.
If you’d like to do more than explore the nearby wine trails and wineries, check out the Dundee and Himrod, NY Small Town Gude here.
Spring Break is a great reason to escape to Finger Lakes Wine Country. The region is abuzz as the gardens bloom and the vineyards are groomed and pruned. This Finger Lakes Spring Break Adventure Guide has great suggestions for group gatherings and family trips, including maple tastings, waterfall chasing, hot air balloon rides, bird watching, and more.
Finger Lakes Wine Country has much to offer groups of all sizes and people of all ages. Including three distinct Wine Trails that are open year-round but begin to sparkle in the spring. Just don’t forget to pack your rain boots and a few warm layers. April showers bring May flowers and the vegetation in our local farms and vineyards.
Finger Lakes Wine Country has many charming small towns to visit during your trip. Spend your mornings in our local coffee shops and bakeries, visit our museums and galleries, and enjoy the flavors of our region at local restaurants. Find more suggestions in the Spring Travel Guide to Finger Lakes Wine Country.
Activities
Waterfalls
In the spring, ice and snowmelt bring our waterfalls to life! It’s a great time to witness one of the region’s greatest attractions, waterfalls. Driving along the east side of Seneca Lake on Route 414 you’ll see a magical, cascading waterfall called Hector Falls. Hiking the Gorge Trail at Watkins Glen State Park, your group will witness 19 majestic waterfalls along the trail. Use the Finger Lakes Wine Country Waterfall Guide to help you plan your waterfall visits.
Maple Tastings
If you’re visiting in early Spring, you can taste some of nature’s candy during maple syrup season. Many of our region’s farms and orchards produce pure maple syrup, and you get to sample this season’s tasty syrup and bring it back home. Find maple syrup and more local ingredients to take home at some of our Farmer’s Markets and Farm Stores, like Parluski’s Farms in Bath, Chamberlain Acres Farmer’s Market in Elmira, Oak Hill Bulk Foods, and Apple Barrel Orchards in Penn Yan and be sure to visit Tioga County and explore their Maple Trail too!
Museums
Finger Lakes Wine Country has a rich connection to arts, culture, and history. We are proud to have some incredible cultural institutions and museums. Find the world’s most comprehensive collection of glass and glass-blowing demonstrations at the immersive and interactive Corning Museum of Glass, which might look familiar if you watch Netflix’s competition series Blown Away. Your group can observe over 50,000 glass objects representing more than 3,500 years of history or participate in a class or workshop.
The Rockwell Museum in Corning is the only Smithsonian Affiliate museum in upstate New York. Visitors to The Rockwell explore the people, land, and ideas that shape the nation through the eyes of American artists. Visit the KIDS ROCKWELL Art Lab, just around the corner from the Museum on Market Street, for fun, unplugged play if you’re traveling with little ones.
There are even more art galleries and museums that showcase the beauty of our growing community of artists. These are a great rainy day option, but we’re sure they will complement your trip, regardless of the weather.
Tioga Gardens
Stop and take in the spring blooms at one of our local gardens. Stroll through 11 greenhouses at Tioga Gardens in Owego. The Nursery is fully stocked with fruiting trees and shrubs. The “Glasshouse” is home to houseplants from Venus fly traps to 10-foot tall palms, orchids, bonsai, succulents, and more. Spring is a great time to bring home fresh-cut flowers or a new houseplant.
Horseback Riding
One of the most unique ways for your group to see the region is on horseback. Your family can do a small group ride at Painted Bar Stables in Burdett, New York. Children 10 years or older are allowed to do trail rides, while children ages 8 and 9 are required to ride in a Trail Experience Lesson before trail riding.
Painted Bar Stables also offers the only horseback-mounted vineyard tour in the Finger Lakes. The Vineyard Ride takes you on a scenic tour of the orchards and forest peaking with a breathtaking view of Seneca Lake. Upon dismount, enjoy wine tasting and local bites, and walk away with a bottle of wine to drink later. Visit our small-town guide for Watkins Glen for more ideas nearby before or after your horseback riding adventure.
Bird Watching
Finger Lakes Wine Country is a haven for great blue herons, sandhill cranes, osprey, snow geese, wild turkeys, many species of songbirds, and even bald eagles. Some great places to visit for bird watching include Cold Brook Wildlife Management Area in Hammondsport, Urbana State Forest and Italy Hill State Forest off of Keuka Lake, Tanglewood Nature Center in Elmira, Brick Pond wetlands in Owego, Spencer Crest Nature Center in Corning, and the Finger Lakes National Forest between Seneca Lake and Cayuga Lake.
Hot Air Balloon
Create a core memory for your group with a hot air balloon ride! Southern Tier Balloon Tours offers a year-round Owego experience that gives you an aerial view of the region. This adventure is safe for little ones five and above. Prices start at $280 for kids and $340 for adults, and private flights are available.
*Passenger weight limit: 235 pounds each. For individuals over 235 pounds, call for more details.
Looking for more reasons to bring your family? Start with these fun, Kid-Friendly Wineries + Activities in Finger Lakes Wine Country. Then check out this list of Free Things To Do In Finger Lakes Wine Country.
Wineries + Breweries
Finger Lakes Wine Country is the largest wine-producing region on the East Coast, with three wine trails. Spring is a great time to visit our region’s celebrated wineries and tasting rooms offering award-winning aromatic white varietals, like Riesling and Gewürztraminer, and cooler-climate reds, including Pinot Noir and Cabernet Franc.
Our scenic region offers many craft beverage options, including incredible breweries like Wagner Valley Brewing, Two Goats Brewing, Steuben Brewing, and Horseheads Brewing, distilleries like Finger Lakes Distilling and Krooked Tusker Distillery, and even cideries like Eve’s Cidery and Silvan Farm and Cidery – to name a few!
Restaurants
In Corning, you’ll find the bright and modern Quincy Exchange (open seasonal from April to January), an American Bistro bringing fresh and locally sourced fare to the historic Gaffer District. Make a reservation for dinner Wednesday – Sunday, 5 – 8 PM. Or reserve a spot for Weekend Brunch, where you can enjoy delicious brunch bites like Crab Benedict and Bread Pudding French Toast.
The Cellar, nearby, is a local favorite with an everchanging seasonal menu and a beautiful selection of cocktails to choose from. Come for a drink or a fabulous dinner and mingle with visitors and locals in this warm, welcoming spot.
If you’re traveling with a small group, GRAFT Wine + Cider Bar in Watkins Glen has a private room upstairs that’s perfect for you. Chef and owner Orlando Rodriguez highlights local producers and offers a rotating, seasonally focused bar and kitchen menu. GRAFT Wine + Cider Bar is the only wine and cider bar in the area exclusively serving a variety of New York State hand-crafted wines, ciders, and beer.
The people, the food, and the renovated location make Rye Bar and Restaurant in Elmira, New York, the perfect place for friends & family to come together and have a great time. The bar and restaurant have been designed with individual touches unique to the region. The menu has items for all ages to enjoy. The Garage at Rye, a coffee shop next door, is a fun morning and early afternoon hangout (and work-from-home) spot. They offer delicious espresso drinks, freshly baked pastries, sandwiches, and salads. They also have a bar on-site for an afternoon drink with friends after a fun day in the area.
Penn Yan, New York’s hidden gem, is located under the charming bridge on Liberty Street, Outlet 111. Named after its unique spot on the outlet trail connecting Keuka Lake and Seneca Lake, this restaurant takes pride in curating a wine list showcasing the Finger Lakes region and highlighting women producers’ talent. Currently serving an upscale pub fare-style menu, Outlet 111 prides itself on serving only the freshest ingredients for a culinary journey that promises to deliver.
Accommodations
Family Friendly
The Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel in Watkins Glen, New York, was named America’s Most Beautiful Waterfront Hotel by USA Today readers. As the area’s only AAA Four Diamond property, some amenities include spacious guest rooms and suites, an indoor swimming pool and hot tub, and a fully-equipped fitness center. Your family can also enjoy a meal on-site at the Blue Pointe Grille restaurant.
This is the area’s only AAA Four Diamond property and is within walking distance of Watkins Glen State Park, the most famous State Park in the region. It’s home to 19 waterfalls and nine great walking trails.
Farm Sanctuary in Watkins Glen, New York, is a bed, breakfast, and shelter where you can bond with the rescued animals and enjoy a home-cooked vegan breakfast every morning. The 275-acre Watkins Glen farm is home to more than 600 rescued cows, pigs, turkeys, and other farm animals. The accommodations include three tiny houses and cozy cabins with shared bathrooms within walking distance.
There’s no need to leave your fur baby home. Finger Lakes Wine Country is extremely pet-friendly in terms of accommodations and activities. Two pet-friendly properties near the Keuka Lake Wine Trail include the Best Western Plus Vineyard Inn & Suites and the four-bedroom, two-bathroom House of Vines in Penn Yan. The House of Vines is located across the street from the Keuka Outlet Trail, which has a paved path for walking or running with your pup.
Group Stays
If you prefer to rent a family-friendly vacation property, look at the charming Seneca Lake Effect on the eastern shore of Seneca Lake. This more than 4,000 square foot ranch-style house offers six bedrooms, 6.5 bathrooms, and full lake views throughout the common area. The recently renovated basement rec room offers a pool table, ping pong, foosball, and a movie projection theater featuring a 122” screen and Dolby surround sound.
Blue Heron Shores Estate is just minutes from award-winning wineries and lakefront restaurants on the Cayuga Lake Wine Trail. This beautiful 6-bedroom estate features a main house and a boat house. Here, your group will enjoy a hot tub, a pool table, an outdoor stone fireplace, and spectacular views.
Stay + Play
The thirty-room Inn at Glenora offers stunning views and an atmosphere of simple elegance that make your stay a perfect soothing getaway. Beyond wine, you can enjoy regional cuisine featuring seasonal, locally sourced menus at Veraisons Restaurant, located at the Inn.
The Inn at Grist Iron in Burdett, New York, is the only lodging in the region to feature an onsite craft brewery, Grist Iron Brewing Company. Choose from 4 rooms in their traditional-style 1860s Farmhouse or stay in one of 10 spacious suites in The Lodge, which offers rustic yet modern accommodations, including their dog-friendly rooms.
As a reminder, well-behaved and well-supervised children are the norm in most places. The suggested places are family-friendly, but kids can’t explore on their own. Feel free to explore these locations with your child and highlight fun new things, but please don’t let them roam alone.
Your tour continues on land with a short walk from our lake dock takes you to our exclusive natural shale patio that meets the waterfall’s edge. Enjoy a complimentary Finger Lakes beverage while viewing the beauty of the majestic 165 ft. lower Hector Falls from our patio or explore the waterfall just steps away.
Bring your water shoes and get up close walking the flat shale at the base of the falls as the refreshing water rolls over your feet. You can fully experience the tumbling water as it flows over the towering cliff. There is nothing more exhilarating!
Don’t want to get in the water? You can admire the falls from the patio just 40ft away or sit on the side of the falls while admiring its pure beauty and energy. There is nothing more relaxing than watching and listening to the falling water. Daydreaming, you might ask: “Is this heaven?”
What are you waiting for? Bring your camera! The views and experiences here make for a one-of-a-kind excursion you will always remember.