Nestled in a pleasant valley at the southern tip of Keuka Lake, Hammondsport offers a charming getaway brimming with scenic beauty, delicious dining, unique shopping, and exceptional wines. Just 90 minutes from Rochester, this walkable village seamlessly blends outdoor activities, rich history, and local flavor for a complete day-trip experience.
Plan Your Day Trip to Hammondsport
Breakfast
Stop at TJ’s Coffee & Bagels or Vern’s Bakery for a quick pick-me-up, or sit down to a hearty breakfast at Crooked Lake Ice Cream Company. Despite the name, they serve more than ice cream inside this classic American diner on the village square! Or plan to indulge in the Village Tavern Restaurant & Inn‘s Sunday brunch.
Morning
No visit would be complete without learning about Hammondsport’s hometown hero. The Glenn H. Curtiss Museum showcases, preserves, and brings to life the pioneering work of one of America’s early aviation legends. Curtiss is credited with several aviation firsts in the early 1900s, including the first publicly announced flight in America and the development of the first seaplane. Try to catch the seaplane show at their annual September Wings & Wheels event. The museum’s 60,000-square-foot facility houses an extensive collection of early aviation artifacts, vintage motorcycles, automobiles, aircraft engines, and more. Participating in the self-guided scavenger hunt creates an educational and entertaining experience for visitors of all ages.
Enjoy a quiet moment or a swim at Depot Park and Champlin Beach, two of Urbana’s town parks on either side of the Keuka Inlet. Keuka Watersports and OnKeuka! have multiple options for those looking to get onto the water.
Book a Pat II boat ride with the Finger Lakes Boating Museum for a narrated tour of Keuka Lake. From June to mid-October, one-hour public tours depart in the morning from Depot Park. The vessel has bench seating and can accommodate up to 16 passengers. For a comprehensive experience, consider visiting the boating museum before or after your tour.
Discover unique treasures in specialty stores around Pulteney Square to take a piece of Hammondsport’s charm home with you. The village’s creative arts culture is evident in its shops, where you can appreciate works by local artisans that capture the essence of the Finger Lakes region. Visit shops like The Wine Barrel Furniture Company, The Cinnamon Stick Gourmet and Gift Shop, Opera House Antiques, Browsers, Park Pharmacy, and Patina.
Lunch
Sit down to a casual lunch at Burgers & Beer of Hammondsport, Village Tavern Restaurant & Inn, Aroma Coffee Art Gallery, or Timber Stone Grill, or head up NY-54 to The Switzerland Inn, which is locally referred to as The Switz and overlooks the east side of Keuka Lake. You can also stop by Hammondsport Grocery to gather all the fixings for a picnic at Depot Park.
Afternoon
The Finger Lakes Boating Museum (FLBM) pays homage to Hammondsport’s 19th-century steamboat era and the region’s diverse boat-building traditions. The museum’s collection includes nearly 200 boats, with 40 on display, representing various types, such as canoes, rowboats, luxury vessels, hydroplanes, and sailboats. After visiting FLBM, take advantage of the museum’s proximity to the 1860 Pleasant Valley Wine Company, the oldest winery in the Finger Lakes region. At the Great Western Visitor Center, you can participate in wine tastings and an informative guided tour of eight historic buildings. Tour reservations are required during the summer and fall.
Hammondsport is home to numerous wineries, offering a diverse and enriching experience that mirrors the region’s rich winemaking history and innovative ethos. Whether you are a casual taster or a dedicated wine aficionado, each winery offers something unique and memorable. Plan your tour with a combination of these wineries: Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery, Bully Hill Vineyards, Keuka Lake Vineyards, Pleasant Valley Wine Company, Point of the Bluff Vineyards, Ravines Wine Cellars, Heron Hill Winery, Domaine Leseurre Winery, Weis Vineyards, and, one of the newest, Living Roots Winery.* Find regional breweries and distilleries along the way, such as the Krooked Tusker Distillery, Keuka Brewing Company, The Brewery of Broken Dreams, and Finger Lakes Beer Company.
*Check out Living Roots’ urban winery in Rochester on University Avenue.
Dinner
Stop into Maloney’s Pub for a drink, then walk over to The Park Inn for a savory meal. Or, head north on West Lake Road/NY-54A to Snug Harbor or the Lakeside Restaurant & Tavern for outdoor dining with views of Keuka Lake.
Evening
Take an evening stroll from the square to Depot Park to watch the sunset over Keuka Lake, stopping first at Crooked Lake Ice Cream. Along Shelthar Street, you’ll pass the Historic Champlin House, now a bed and breakfast. Charles D. Champlin was a founding member of the Pleasant Valley Winery.
You could also check out Keuka Creamery, which serves Hershey’s ice cream flavors. If you happen to be there in the morning, grab a quick pick-me-up from TJ’s Coffee & Bagels, which is under the same roof as the creamery. There’s also a car wash and a dog wash. Yes, you read that right. After a full day of playing outdoors with your pup, a dog washing station is available for your use.
Alternatively, as you’re heading home, consider attending a weekend concert or the Thursday evening farmers’ market at Point of the Bluff Vineyards.
Signature Events
Wine Country Classic Boat Show & Regatta
late July
This free boat show showcases vintage and classic boats. Boating enthusiasts will appreciate the picturesque view of historic watercraft on Keuka Lake. You can witness a judged boat show, a boat parade, and a Poker Run Regatta.
Hammondsport Festival of Crafts
mid-August
The delightful festival, sponsored by the Hammondsport Chamber of Commerce, showcases the creativity and skill of local artisans. You can park at the Glenn H. Curtiss Museum and take advantage of the convenient, free, and frequent shuttle service to the festival site in the Village Square.
Wings and Wheels in Hammondsport
late September
The annual Wings and Wheels event takes place at Depot Park and the Village Square. Experience a blend of aviation and automotive history with seaplane demonstrations, classic car shows, family activities, local food, and live entertainment.
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Where are your favorite places to visit in Hammondsport?
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