Penn Yan, NY

A Small-Town Travel Guide

Keuka Lake Wine Trail

Penn Yan is located on the north end of the east branch of Y-shaped Keuka Lake, one of the premier locations for exploring the region’s best wine along the Keuka Lake Wine Trail. The family-owned member wineries of the Keuka Lake Wine Trail are dedicated to producing wines of the highest quality and making your visit to our area truly enjoyable and memorable. Before visiting the wineries, call ahead when traveling with larger groups, and though many of the wineries are dog-friendly, it is best to confirm before your visit.

Don’t have much time to visit different wineries but want to taste what wine country has to offer? Visit Once Finger Lakes, a wine bar and tasting room serving some of the region’s best wine selections.

Enjoy the Outdoors

Hike, bike, or run the Keuka Outlet Trail, a 6.8-mile route along a portion of the Keuka Outlet that runs between Keuka Lake and Seneca Lake. Along the way, you’ll discover two beautiful waterfalls, the Seneca Mill Falls and the Cascade Mills Falls, near the Visitor’s Center. Rent a bike or kayak right from the outlet trail at Shoreline Rental.

Apple Barrel Orchards offers season-picking options such as cherries, blueberries, and apples when in season. Enjoy the orchard views at their newly opened cidery, serving hard cider straight from the farm and other local cideries.

Take in Some Local History

Located in the heart of Penn Yan’s Main Street, the former home of the Oliver family, it showcases artifacts from different periods of local history. The collection comprises over 50,000 pieces from the mid-18th century, from the Oliver Family’s items to exhibits from the local Historical Society.

Finger Lakes Rail Riders is the only rail bike company in the country that offers a rolling narrative about the history of the surrounding area and the beautiful Finger Lakes region.

The Village

The quaint and beautiful Village of Penn Yan, named after its early Pennsylvania and Yankee settlers, is where you can find independently- and locally- -owned cafés, shops, restaurants, and taverns along Main Street’s historic early 19th-century buildings. Grab a coffee and bite at Amity Coffee, or gather at Angel’s Family Restaurant. Another popular diner, Penn Yan Diner, experienced a fire recently, but visitors will soon enjoy a food truck while they continue the restoration. There is no shortage of spots to enjoy a meal and drink. Some places to check out are 18th Amendment, which offers a more upscale yet still welcoming cocktail and dining experience. Keuka Restaurant, Parker’s Grill, Casa MezcalUnion Block, and Main Deck, which offer drinks and food with Keuka Lake views/ Outlet 111 is perfect for cocktails and bites with views of the Keuka Outlet.

Shop at the various antique stores on Main St., or pick out a special gift made by local artisans at Staving Artist Woodwork and the Potter’s Gallery. 

Have a sweet tooth? Do not miss the Keuka Candy Emporium! And pick up some freshly baked goods at Blue Heron Bakery!

Other must-visit locations off the main street are Folk Bottle for a beautiful selection of wine from the region and beyond, Seneca Farms (note: they have seasonal hours and are closed late fall and winter) for some of the best friend chicken and frozen custard around, and Indian Pines Market (also with seasonal hours and closed in the winter) for some seasonal fares, produce, and other goods. Oak Hill Foods is a great shop for those looking for bulk foods, breakfast…and donuts!

Rest your head at the nearby Laurentide Inn, a historic residence and carriage house that now serves as a bed and breakfast, brewery, and restaurant.

The Windmill Farm & Craft Market

Over 175 indoor and outdoor shops sell hand-crafted items, great local food, and farm-fresh produce. Sample fresh foods and baked goods, purchase products you can take home with you, or enjoy fresh-made meals while you explore all that the Windmill Farm & Craft Market has to offer.