Travel Guides Archive | Page 2 of 2 | Finger Lakes Wine Country

Wondering what to do as a non-drinker in Finger Lakes Wine Country? There are many reasons why you might be searching for wine-free activities in the area. The two most common are; you simply want to explore the region or you want to know which wineries have non-alcoholic options when you visit with friends who both are and aren’t partaking. We’ve created your guide for an unforgettable day amongst the vines sans vino.

Sweet Trails

Finger Lakes Wine Country is famous for its wine and the unique wine trails that allow you to explore the beauty of the region while tasting its bounty. However, other not-so-well-known trails are just as fun to explore! After a meal at one of the many farm-to-table establishments the area is renowned for, satisfy your sweet tooth on one of these trails.

While there are many delicious chocolate shops to explore in the region. Corning’s Chocolate Trail is where you can discover delectable chocolate delights like handcrafted chocolates, luxurious chocolate-scented soap, and dark chocolate balsamico.

Some of the places you should visit include Market Street Coffee & Tea. This is the perfect place to begin with some freshly roasted chocolate coffees to take home or enjoy during the 5-block self-guided tour. Be sure to stop at Dimitri’s Confectionary Treats for the homemade Ghirardelli treats they specialize in. Don’t forget to visit Slammin’ Jammin’ BBQ for their chocolate soda ice cream float. Did you know that ice cream sundaes were invented in the late 19th century because selling an ice cream float on Sundays was illegal?

Speaking of ice cream, did you know that there are a few New York Ice Cream Trail destinations in the region? In Corning, you’ll find Dippity Do Dahs, where you can choose between 22 signature flavors, fun seasonal quality homemade ice creams along with sorbets, vegan and, no sugar added options made in shop. They also offer other frozen novelties such as ice cream cookie sandwiches, ice cream cakes, ice cream cookie pizzas, and holiday ice cream pies.

Over in Owego, visit Ice Cream Works to enjoy their delicious homemade ice cream. They also offer specialty sundaes, ice cream cakes and ice cream sandwiches, along with traditional favorites like shakes and floats.

Since the 1950’s Finger Lakes locals have been getting scoops of happiness from Seneca Farms in Penn Yan. With over 50 homemade ice cream flavors and a custard calendar, it’s no surprise this retro ice cream shop has been the jewel of this quaint town for so long.

In Watkins Glen, you’ll find Colonial Pottery & Creamery where you can shop for pottery while you enjoy your double scoop of homemade gourmet dairy or vegan ice cream.

Engage in the Elements

By land, air, or lake in Finger Lakes Wine Country you can engage in the elements easily. If you’re looking to keep your feet on the ground there are plenty of activities to do inside and outside. Explore the Finger Lakes Trail System which offers 1,000 miles of hiking from the Pennsylvania-New York border in Allegany State Park to the Long Path in the Catskill Forest Preserve. Be sure to visit a trail that ends at one of the many spectacular waterfalls or other hidden gems.

If you’re an artist at heart there are some great museums in the area to get lost in. Vintage shopping is an ideal activity for the shopper or collector in your life. Finally, every foodie needs to make their way to one of the many Farmers Markets in the area.

For the best views of the region go for a Scenic Drive or see Finger Lakes Wine Country from 4,000 feet above sea level on an ASK-21 High-Performance Glider at Harris Hill Soaring Corporation. Open 7 days a week during the summer, don’t miss your chance to soar over the Chemung Valley at a complex that Amelia Earhart proclaimed to be the “finest gliding and soaring facilities in the country”. *Passenger weight limit: 245 pounds

Rent paddleboards, kayaks, pontoon boats, or jet skis for the day at Keuka Watersports for a low-key and casual daytime activity on Keuka Lake. Find something similar on Seneca Lake at Anchor Inn & Marina and Summit to Stream Adventures, both located in Watkins Glen.

Best Wineries for Non-Drinkers

As you can see there are plenty of activities for non-drinkers to enjoy in Finger Lakes Wine Country. However, there are those circumstances when there is a non-drinker at a winery or wine tasting. That person could be pregnant and open to enjoying the adventure without imbibing. Sober or simply the designated driver, the following wineries have non-alcoholic options that make it worth the visit for non-drinkers.

Swedish Hill Winery in Romulus on the Cayuga Lake Wine Trail makes two grape juices. The Concord Grape juice is thick, sweet, tart and similar to Welch’s. Their Diamond Grape Juice is sweet but a bit drier than the red.

Wagner Vineyards Estate Winery is in Lodi on the Seneca Lake Wine Trail. Founded in 1979 by Bill Wagner, this winery was the first on the east side of Seneca Lake. Wagner has been winning awards for their estate-grown Riesling, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Cabernet Franc wines ever since.

They have a winery and brewery along with a restaurant with a stunning lakeside view. You’ll find smooth and creamy root beer on the brewery end of Wagner. While the winery produces a Blush Grape Juice that is sweet and a tad dry.

The Three Brothers Wineries and Estates located in Geneva includes three different wineries, a cafe, and the War Horse microbrewery on site. The walls of the War Horse are adorned with photos and memorabilia of friends and families who serve in the military. Here you will find four different Iron Heart Craft Soda flavors; Root Beer, Orange Cream, Black Cherry, Lemon Lime, and Orange Cream Soda

Keuka Lake is known as the “Crooked Lake” because it’s in the shape of a letter “Y”. At Finger Lakes Beer Company in Hammondsport you can try M&W Root Beer which has a distinct taste, it’s not as sweet as others on this list.

You’ll also find Heron Hill Winery in Hammondsport on the Keuka Lake Wine Trail. Where you can enjoy their Heron Hill Concord Grape Juice which is mixed with a touch of NY apple cider.

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.

The beautiful town of Owego features great independently and locally owned shops, restaurants, and cafés, as well as some of the best antique shops and impressive bookstores in the region. It is surrounded by stately Victorian homes and 19th-century architecture. Curiosity seekers can’t miss the Early Owego Antique Center or Bostwick Antique Mall & Auctions for great treasure finds. Grab a sandwich or soup at The Owego Kitchen, or satisfy your sweet tooth at Owego Donut and Beer. Grab a drink at Lucky Hare and enjoy coffee and art at Carol’s Coffee and Art Bar.

Book and Art Lovers

Explore the many books and collectible finds at Riverow Bookshop, or indulge in a good reed and coffee at Spellbound Books. Hoping to watch a performance? Check out the events calendar from the Tioga Arts Council, or explore the local galleries, such as Gallery 41 and Black Cat Gallery.

Riverwalk Park

Stroll the serene manicured pathway along the Susquehanna River that connects Draper and Ahwaga Parks located just below the unique eateries and antique shops perched in turn-of-the-century storefronts above the Riverwalk on Front Street.

Hometown Heroine

Learn about the 19th-century local heroine, Belva Lockwood, who fought for equal rights from the age of 14, ran for president of the United States in both 1884 & 1888 and is recognized for other incredible accomplishments for a woman of her time. Her legacy continues at the Belva Lockwood Inn, her beautifully restored home, which is now a B&B, where you can stay and channel this remarkable woman’s spirit.

Tioga Downs Casino Resort

Play and stay at Tioga Downs Casino Resort, which is not only a 5/8-mile harness racetrack but also a full gaming casino and resort just a short drive from Owego. You can bet on the horses from May through September or enjoy the casino year-round and eat at nine different on-site cafés and restaurants, including the famous NY steakhouse, P.J. Clarke’s.

Local Farms

Surrounding Owego and throughout Tioga County are several multi-generational, family-owned, and operated farms that offer U-Pick experiences, farm visits, and shops, featuring locally sourced products and fresh produce from the farms throughout Finger Lakes Wine Country. Check out Iron Kettle Farms in nearby Candor for their greenhouse, Grandma’s Barn gift shop, and the many farm animals, including mini horses, goats, cows, pigs, and more.

Explore the Past

Learn about local history, not only in Owego but throughout all of Tioga County, at the Tioga County Historical Society in downtown Owego. Along with a permanent exhibit of over 80,000 pieces, rotating educational exhibits are also regularly on display.

Mark Twain Country

One of the most famous figures in American literature, Samuel Clemens, better known by his pen name Mark Twain, spent his summers in Elmira for more than 20 years. Learn more when you visit the Mark Twain Study and Exhibit on the beautiful campus of Elmira College. Twain spent his summers in Elmira and where he penned some of his most famous pieces of literature in the octagonal study, including The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, Life on the Mississippi, and A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court.

Elmira’s Storied Past

Learn more about Twain’s time in Elmira and the area’s history when you visit the Chemung Valley History Museum. Just down the road is the Elmira Civil War Prison Camp. Dubbed “Hellmira” for its high death rate, the Confederate prison camp has been reconstructed, along with barracks that were created with the aid of original drawings and photos. The prisons were buried by a formerly enslaved man named John W. Jones. As sexton for Woodlawn Cemetery, one of John W. Jones’ primary roles was to bury each deceased Confederate soldier from the Elmira Prison Camp. Of the 2,973 prisoners who Jones buried, only seven are listed as unknown. Jones kept such precise records that on December 7, 1877, the federal government declared the burial site a national cemetery. Jones was an active agent in the Underground Railroad and aided in the escape of 800 freedom seekers. Learn more when you visit the John W. Jones Museum.

Arnot Art Museum

The Arnot Art Museum houses a permanent collection of 17th-19th century European paintings, 20th-century American art, and contemporary art from the 21st century. Located in a historic Greek-Revival mansion from 1833, the Arnot Art Museum was founded by local banker Matthias Hallenback Arnot, who gifted his collection, home, and endowment to Elmira in 1910. The Arnot Art Museum opened to the public in 1913, and since that time, the Museum has grown to become one of the leading cultural institutions in the region.

Broadway Features at the Clemens Center

Just because you love vacationing in small towns does not mean you must forego the Broadway hits and performances of the big city. Not only does the Clemens Center (recognize that Clemens name?) host celebrated orchestras, comedy shows, and dance performances, but it also features award-winning and highly coveted theatrical performances through their Broadway Series collection. In the heart of downtown Elmira, set the stage for a beautiful night with dinner or drinks in town, followed by an unforgettable show in the Clemens Center’s historic and breathtaking performance space.

The Serene Chemung Rivers

Take in the breathtaking views of the Chemung River, a tributary of the Susquehanna River that was used as a famous trade route between Native Americans and settlers. During warmer months, the river is perfect for a day of kayaking.

Tanglewood Nature Center

Tanglewood Nature Center and Museum offers visitors free access to over 10 miles of hiking trails, exhibits, and environmental education programs. The center also houses over 40 live animals, both native and exotic. The Center is committed to local preservation efforts.

Soaring in the Sky

Witness the beauty of the Chemung Valley from a bird’s eye view while riding as a passenger in a motorless glider plane with Harris Hill Soaring Corporation. Be sure to stop at the National Soaring Museum to view the beautiful, finely crafted sailplanes that trace the history of motorless flight from its founding in the 1930s on Harris Hill to the present-day gliding, along with many other aviation artifacts.

Views and Great Food at the Hill Top Inn

Take in a glorious sunset over the Chemung Valley from this historic restaurant and inn. Established in 1933 on the top of Jerusalem Hill, Hill Top Inn is situated on the knoll where Samuel Clemens visualized many of his most famous works. Today, the perspective from Hill Top Inn is often referred to as “the view that inspired Mark Twain.”

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 Mezcal, Union 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.

We’ve created guides for almost every type of traveler; Ice Cream Lover’s, Glampers, Cheese Enthusiasts, The Sober Curious, and now, the Art Lovers Guide. Finger Lakes Wine Country offers plenty of opportunities to captivate your creativity at art museums, and galleries. In classes and workshops and at art festivals and events. Often you’ll find local art displayed at wineries and breweries. Many local shops and small businesses feature locally-crafted items in their gift shops.

This guide is ideal for art lovers and DIYers, and most of these activities are great options for a rainy day. Use the suggestion below to build the perfect itinerary for your group. Then pack your bags and don’t forget to bring a padded wine bag or two, and prepare for a fantastic trip in Finger Lakes Wine Country!

Two women work together on flameworking a glass bead — Flameworking at The Corning Museum of Glass

Where to Stay

Are you wondering where to stay? These accommodations have an artsy angle that you’ll love.

Belva Lockwood Inn

In the Village of Owego, New York you’ll find the Belva Lockwood Inn. This charming adults-only historic hotel is steeped in history and luxury. Belva Lockwood is the local 19th-century heroine who fought for equal rights from the age of 14. You’ll find striking artwork of her all over her beautifully restored home, which is now a B&B.

Belhurst Castle

The Belhurst Castle in Geneva, New York is a living piece of art and was named a World’s Best Wine Hotel by Wine Enthusiast. The historic rooms in the 1800s castle hotel are perfect for relaxing after an artful weekend. Ask for a room with a soaking tub, a fireplace, and a view of Seneca Lake.

Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel

At the Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel, in Watkins Glen, New York guests are Many of the spacious guest rooms and suites have panoramic lake views and balconies. Guests have access to an indoor swimming pool and hot tub and a fully-equipped fitness center where they’ll find an art gallery for car lovers.

Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel 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 9 great walking trails.

Art Organizations

Tioga Arts Council

Tioga Arts Council (TAC) is on a mission to enrich the cultural lives of Tioga County residents and visitors by initiating and facilitating creative opportunities and collaborations. From galleries to workshops and concerts in the park. For over forty years TAC has provided a central platform for a creative community and is a great starting point to explore the past, present, and future of Tioga Country.

Community Arts of Elmira

Located on the Elmira Creative Corridor, the Community Arts of Elmira is more than a community center, it’s a center for creative expression. Connect with the history and community of Elmira through events, workshops, satellite galleries, and educational classes as well as with the public art program Elmira Infinite Canvas. Community Arts of Elmira is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and the National Park Service Network to Freedom Underground Railroad.

Mural on downtown parking garage, a part of Elmira's Infinite Canvas — An example of the Elmira Infinite Canvas on the downtown Elmira parking garage

171 Cedar Arts Center

For more than five decades, 171 Cedar Arts Center has been the artistic and cultural hub for the greater Corning area. Enriching lives by providing accessible arts education, collaborative outreach programming, free exhibitions of regional artists, and live performances. Here you’ll find representation of music, dance, theater, culinary arts, ceramics, visual arts, and more!

The Arts Council of the Southern Finger Lakes

The Arts Council of the Southern Finger Lakes supports regional artists, making the Southern Finger Lakes an arts haven filled with talented and creative people, inspiring a vibrant and accessible multi-county arts scene. This regional organization empowers artists and encourages arts advocacy, fosters creativity and economic vitality, creates diverse connections and collaborations, and champions innovation and equity within the arts to cultivate a dynamic community.

Arts Center of Yates County

The Arts Center of Yates County is a nonprofit community arts center with a mission to enrich the lives of Yates County residents, artists, and visitors by providing opportunities to actively participate in the arts. The Arts Center includes the Flick Gallery, the Rosenfeld Studio upstairs—where the bulk of the Center’s workshops are held—and Sunny Point, a seasonal facility on the east side of Keuka Lake that includes housing for visiting instructors and artist residencies, a studio barn for workshops and events, and a lakeside pottery studio.

Museums

Arnot Art Museum

Located in Elmira, New York in a historic Greek-Revival mansion from 1833, is the Arnot Art Museum. Founded by local banker Matthais Hallenback Arnot who gifted the museum to the city of Elmira. The museum houses a permanent collection of 17th-19th century European paintings, 20th-century American art, and contemporary art from the 21st century. In addition to the permanent and original art collection, you can also experience their temporary exhibitions featuring artwork from all over the world.

The Rockwell Museum

The Rockwell Museum is an official Smithsonian Affiliate, the first in the state of New York outside of New York City. Here you’ll find a mix of contemporary Native American art from landscape paintings to bronze sculptures to modernist pieces that represent the people, land, and ideas that shaped America through the work of American artists housed in a 19th-century historic Old City Hall building.

Visit The Rockwell Museum Store and take home some incredible artisan-made pieces. Including artful USA-made, Native-made, and fair-trade products. The pieces in the Museum Store reflect the art on the walls. With one-of-a-kind turquoise, silver, and precious stone jewelry, artisan-made pottery, and sculptures by award-winning artists.

Corning Museum of Glass

Dive into over 3,500 years of glass-making history at the Corning Museum of Glass. Explore the history, art, and science behind glass through the museum’s collection of nearly 50,000 objects related to glass. Enjoy live narrated glass-making demonstrations, or try your hand at making your own glass in the Innovation Center. A typical museum visit requires 3 to 4 hours but could easily be longer.

After visiting the museum, stop in The Shops at The Corning Museum of Glass to see the beautiful original works of art by more than 200 emerging and established artists. From jewelry and accessories to home decor, the Shops’ selection of 15,000 items offers a piece at every price point.

Glenn H. Curtiss Museum

Those who consider motorcycles, bicycles, boats, and aircraft art, must visit the Glenn H. Curtiss Museum in Hammondsport, New York. Here, you’ll experience a priceless collection of artifacts and learn the history of the “Father of Naval Aviation,” and the “Fastest Man on Earth,” local legend Glenn H. Curtiss.

Art Galleries

If you want to take some art home visit one of these art galleries.

West End Gallery

On Market Street in Corning, New York you’ll find the West End Gallery. For over 40 years this family-owned and operated gallery has featured a diverse selection of fine art created by more than 50 exceptional professional artists, primarily residing in the beautiful Finger Lakes region!

Aroma Coffee Art Gallery

At Aroma Coffee Art Gallery in Hammondsport, New York their vision is to create an environment to feed the mind, body, and soul. This art gallery accomplishes this by serving breakfast, lunch, and early dinner to guests six days a week.

Sommerville Pottery

If you’re looking for hand-made pottery head to Sommerville Pottery in Pulteney, New York. From bowls and plates to lamps and toothbrush holders, you’ll find pieces that are both beautiful and practical. Classes in pottery can also be arranged. With more than 25 years of experience, pieces from Sommerville Pottery are designed, hand-thrown, glazed, and fired in their studio on the West side of Keuka Lake.

Carol’s Coffee and Art Bar

Upon entering Carol’s Coffee and Art Bar in Owego, New York a few things are apparent, they love food, they love coffee and they love art! Every month you can be inspired and discover new local talent as they update the gallery. You’ll even be able to see some of Carol’s personal work.

Do It Yourself

We’ve mentioned the pottery-making classes at Sommerville Pottery and glass-making workshops at Corning Museum of Glass. If getting your hands dirty sounds like a good time, here are a few more DIY classes and workshops to choose from.

Hands-On Glass Studio

Corning, New York is known as x so it should come as no surprise that Corning has lots of glassy places to visit, shop, and create custom glass art. At the Hands-On Glass Studio, your girl gang can experience glass-blowing creating keepsake ornaments and paperweights.

KIDS ROCKWELL Art Lab

Get crafty at the KIDS ROCKWELL Art Lab, an interactive family studio just around the corner from The Rockwell Museum. All activities at the Art Lab are inspired by the art and themes of The Rockwell Museum!

Vitrix Hot Glass Studio

If you’d rather shop, visit the Vitrix Hot Glass Studio located in the historic Hawkes Crystal building. Unlike many studios, you’re invited to watch these artists at work. Then head to the gallery and shop for items like vases, ornaments, and perfume bottles.

Pop & Paint

For over a decade Pop & Paint has offered a special space where creative types. From wooden signs and décor to more, this mobile paint studio offers public and private paint parties for all ages on-site or at Ill Eagle Taphouse in Elmira, New York.

Art Festivals & Events

Elmira Street Painting Festival

The Elmira Street Painting Festival is a family fun festival hosted by Elmira Downtown Development every July to celebrate the rich local arts community. Stroll through our historic downtown and masterpieces evolving right before your eyes as artists take to the streets with chalk in hand. Local and regional artists use the pavement as a canvas to transform downtown Elmira streets. The streets become a living art gallery.

Browse the fine regional crafts and artwork of numerous vendors. Sample the varied tastes of local restaurants, step into a pop-up gallery, move to the rhythm of live music. Personal squares are also available for those who are interested in creating a masterpiece.

There’s also a Kid’s Kanvas area where aspiring young artists can be creative. In addition, there will be face-painting, ice cream, popcorn, and many other kid’s activities for them to enjoy. Come for the day or the weekend!

Keuka Art Festival

The Keuka Arts Festival is a fine art and skilled craft show held annually on the second weekend in June, in Penn Yan, New York. The mission is to foster community in the Keuka Lake area and promote the nurturing and financial support of the local Arts. By presenting an event of high quality, original artwork, and entertainment for the enjoyment of Keuka Lake area residents and visitors.

Palettes of Keuka

Since 2007 Palettes of Keuka (PKAT) scholarship has celebrated the beauty of Keuka Lake through the talented work of local artists. This Chamber-funded event raises funds to donate to a student of Hammondsport High School who is pursuing art education.

When traveling around Seneca Lake and toward neighboring Keuka Lake, you will surely come upon the Village of Dundee, NY, and the nearby hamlet of Himrod, NY. Here are a few interesting facts about Dundee, a worthy stop during your travels around Finger Lakes Wine Country:

Formerly known as Harpending’s Corners, the Village held a contest in the mid-1800s in search of a new name. Dundee, the name of a Scottish hymn and a much larger city in Scotland, won out.
While Seneca Lake is often the main attraction, Big Stream, a stream flowing through the village, is a popular spot for seasonal fishing.
The Village of Dundee was named to the National Register of Historic Places in 2007 and is home to over 78 contributing buildings and six contributing objects in the historic core of Dundee.

Stays that Call Back to Old New York

1897 Beekman House Bed & Breakfast is a beautifully restored Victorian manor in the heart of Dundee. The house retains many of its original features, from the pocket doors to stained glass windows and grand staircase, transporting guests back to the beauty of the Victorian age.

Back-Achers Campsite is a private campground facility located on beautiful Seneca Lake with private lake frontage. They offer cottage rentals, RV hookups, and tent camping. In addition, they provide boat hoist rentals and three of their cottages feature a dock for personal use.

The historic Inn at Miles Wine Cellars is a Greek Revival mansion located along the shores of Seneca Lake. Guests can choose from two newly furnished rooms, William Miles Suite and Drake’s Landing, making this the perfect getaway for a romantic retreat or relaxing vacation. Don’t miss out on the wine and signature cocktail experience offered by Miles, which can be enjoyed, space and weather permitting, on their dock, which is also accessible by boat.

For a quintessential Wine Country experience, book your stay at the Inn at Glenora Wine Cellars. Wake up to a beautiful sunrise overlooking lush vineyards and sparkling Seneca Lake. Dine at Veraisons Restaurant right on premise, and no stay at Glenora is complete without a visit to their tasting room to enjoy their award-winning wines.

Experience Wine Country Farm-to-Table

Dean Lane is a three-generation family farm operated by Chef Michael and Lisa Dean. The Dean Lane dining experience consists of an intimate, prix-fixed, four-course farm dinner of seasonal, locally-sourced menu items served with the best local wine, beer, and cider. Guests can extend their experience with a stay at their B&B, located on the family farm.

Sapalta offers a wonderful locally-sourced menu that changes with the seasons and is paired with local wine from local winemakers and tastemakers. Weather permitting, reserve a table outside to enjoy beautiful views of Seneca Lake. Guests can also book a stay at the newly-renovated Plum Point Lodge on the same lakeside property.

Driving through hungry or planning a lakeside picnic? Make sure to stop at Dutch Kuntry Store. What started in 1999 as a small, family-run bulk food store offering discount and bulk grocery items is now a market with a full-service deli, fresh meat market, fresh produce, and all your grocery needs for your stay in Finger Lakes Wine Country.

Stop by and enjoy a bite to eat at FLX Wienery right on State Route 14 in Dundee. We guarantee you’ll have a great time and be satisfied with the quality of food and drink they offer. Their pet-friendly patio is the perfect place to relax and enjoy a cold drink and their upscale fair food, featuring an array of gourmet burgers, hot dogs, sausages, and french fries. Don’t forget to check out their large selection of beer and wine.

Start Your Winery Tours Here

Tabora Farm and Winery offers a wine portfolio focusing on native and hybrid varieties and, more recently, has expanded on Vinifera plantings in their beautiful, welcoming tasting room. Their winemaker’s approach consists of minimal intervention and pristine, traditional winemaking practices. All of Tabora’s wines are 100% estate grown, harvested, and produced from 200+ acres of vines. Tabora is also a popular destination for home-crafted baked goods and delicious fresh salads, sandwiches, and more.

World-class wines await you at Hermann J. Wiemer Vineyard. The team at Wiemer offers wine by the glass and bottle, as well as the option to design your own flight and mix and match carafes of wine with your friends and family. Choose from Wiemer’s full menu of wines and enhance your wine knowledge as their Wine Educators guide you through your tasting experience.

McGregor Vineyards is one of the oldest wineries in the Finger Lakes, featuring estate-grown and bottled Vinifera wines. The ambiance is friendly and experienced. Enjoy a selected series of wine pairings with a seated tasting and a small plate of cheese, pesto, and chocolate. Dogs are welcome at McGregor Vineyards.

More Fun Activities

Enjoy seasonal fruits and vegetables and some zen time surrounded by flowers at LaBarr Farms. Shop their small roadside farmstand, or, when in season, hand-pick your favorite blooms or select the perfect produce to enjoy back home.

Sweet Farm was founded in Half Moon Bay, CA in 2015. After the California wildfires and drought became too real of a threat to the farm, they became the next in a growing community of climate refugees and relocated their 120+ farm animals to climate-stable Finger Lakes Wine Country. Their new farm is over 50 acres, and has allowed them to expand their programs and reach, while providing a safe and loving home to their Sweet Farm Animal Ambassadors. Visit their website for tour information.

Tin Barn Brewing was founded in 2015 in the Hudson Valley of New York as a farm brewery with a focus on some of the juiciest Hazy IPA’s in the northeast. In 2022, Tin Barn’s Finger Lakes location opened in Dundee. A perfect stop for good food, great beer, and a stunning view. Tin Barn is proudly female owned and operated.

Have the need for speed? Check out Outlaw Speedway for a fast-paced, unpredictable, dirt track racing experience. Enjoy Friday night racing from April through October, perfect for the whole family.

Visiting during fall harvest season? Make sure to visit Fulkerson Winery for their U-pick experience! Guests can pick grapes and apples, and, when in season, there are also cherries, asparagus, and more. Complete your visit in their tasting room with a glass of wine (or non-alcoholic grape juice made right at the farm).

As one of the best wine regions in the nation, there’s an unlimited amount of fun activities to enjoy in Finger Lakes Wine Country.

That’s why we’re focusing on the ones that won’t break the bank. This list of free things to do in Finger Lakes Wine Country includes activities for the entire family and is a great starting point for visitors and residents building an itinerary.

What Can You Do For Free in FLWC?

Go For a Hike

The Tanglewood Nature Center and Museum in Elmira, New York offers free access to over 10 miles of hiking trails, exhibits, and programs on environmental education. It houses over 40 live animals, both native and exotic. Tanglewood Nature Center is committed to local preservation efforts. The trails here offer hiking year-round and winter activities including cross-country skiing which allow you to experience the natural beauty of the Chemung Valley.

The Keuka Outlet Trail starts in the small town of Penn Yan and has more than seven miles of scenic trails, perfect for cycling, running, or leisurely walks. Along the way you’ll find Seneca Mills Falls and the Cascade Mills Falls In the winter snowmobiling and cross-country skiing are very popular here.

For scenic, wooded hiking trails head to Italy Hill State Forest in Branchport, New York, or trek along an abandoned railroad path from Montour Falls to Horseheads on the Catharine Valley Trail. The Finger Lakes National Forest in Hector, New York has over 30 miles of interconnecting trails that traverse gorges, ravines, pastures, and woodlands. It’s the only National Forest in New York State and is another great location for snowshoeing, snowmobiling, and cross-country skiing during the winter.

Stroll through one of our charming Small Towns

Finger Lakes Wine Country has many charming small towns to visit during your trip. You’ll find antique centers and vintage stores everywhere, which is great for window shoppers, vintage lovers, and collectors. Be sure to read some of our guides to a few of our featured small towns, including Corning, Owego, Hammondsport, Watkins Glen, Penn Yan, and Elmira.

Go Bird Watching

Our natural landscapes are a haven for wildlife and natural habitats, including great bird-watching opportunities. In the spring, birders can find great blue heron, sandhill crane, 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.

Visit Farmer’s Markets

Finger Lakes Wine Country boasts some of the best farmland in the state, so finding the freshest produce of the season, handicrafts, baked goods, local ingredients, pantry items, and seasonings is easy to do at a local Farmers Market.

From season markets to year-round farm stores here you’ll find something for every season. For over 35 years Windmill Farm & Craft Market in Penn Yan, New York has been offering food, produce, and handicrafts on Saturdays, from April through mid-December. With over 200 vendors Windmill Farm & Craft Market is the largest of the farmers markets in Finger Lakes Wine Country.

Go For a Drive

One of the best ways to see the sweeping views the region is famous for is a scenic drive. The most well-known scenic drive in Finger Lakes Wine Country is the Seneca Lake Scenic Byway running along the east side of Seneca Lake. You’ll be passing wineries, cideries, distilleries, breweries, restaurants, and farms. Most of which are great places to catch one of our stunning Finger Lakes sunsets overlooking Seneca Lake. Learn more about our local scenic drives.

Take a Dip

During the warmer months of summer, the best way to cool off is to enjoy a day at the lake swimming, paddling, or kayaking. There are several beaches for swimming in the region, including Champlin Beach in Hammondsport, New York, and the shores at Keuka Lake State Park in Penn Yan. Along with hiking trails and picnic areas, there is no shortage of lake activities to enjoy at Keuka Lake State Park. Keuka Lake is one of the warmer water lakes in the region.

Clute Memorial Park in Watkins Glen has a scenic swimming beach on Seneca Lake. Seneca Lake is not only the largest of the Finger Lakes it’s also the deepest lake within New York State.

Chase Waterfalls

Visiting the region’s iconic waterfalls is a quintessential part of the Finger Lakes Wine Country experience. Our region has a reputation for having over 50 waterfalls which are a visual delight waiting to be explored. Walking through Watkins Glen State Park you can enjoy an enchanting hike through the two-mile Gorge Trail, which boasts 19 cascading waterfalls.

Let our Finger Lakes Wine Country Waterfall Guide lead you to the gorgeous waterscapes of Finger Lakes Wine Country.

The Non-Drinkers Guide

A Finger Lakes Wine Country Travel Guide