If you’re searching for things to do in Hammondsport, NY, you’ll soon find that it’s a very cool town. In fact, it was once named America’s “Coolest Small Town” by a popular travel magazine.
There are lots of reasons why Hammondsport, a small village (population 620) in the Finger Lakes region of New York State, is cool. It’s located at the southern tip of Keuka Lake, a distinctive Y-shaped body of water that’s nicknamed the “Crooked Lake.” Keuka Lake is the third largest of the eleven Finger Lakes and is said to be the cleanest and warmest of them all for swimming.
Hammondsport also has an adorable town square called the the Pulteney Square Historic District, which includes several historic buildings and structures that date back to the 1800s. Here’s where you’ll find the greatest concentration of shops, cafés, and restaurants.
Hammondsport is a picturesque village nestled into the shores of a scenic lake. It also happens to make the perfect home base for a wine tasting vacation, especially if you’re visiting wineries on Keuka Lake, which is the site of one of four established wine trails in the Finger Lakes.
Read on to find out the many things to do Hammondsport, NY. If you need lodging, please read about my recommended accommodations in and near Hammondsport.
Things to do in Hammondsport, NY
1. Tour the Oldest Winery in the Finger Lakes
The wineries in Hammondsport, NY are among the most established and well-known in the region. Visiting them gives you a taste of the wine life, but also a sense of local history and culture.
If you have time for only one winery in Hammondsport, the choice is clear. Founded in 1860, Pleasant Valley Wine Company survived the supply chain shortages of the Civil War and then 14 years of Prohibition to emerge today as the oldest winery in the Finger Lakes.
Visitors can learn much more about the winery’s history by scheduling a tour of the property’s eight historic buildings, and/or a tasting that allows you to sample their award-winning wines, including their famous Great Western Champagne.
- Address: 8260 Pleasant Valley Rd., Hammondsport, NY
- Open year-round. Tours are seasonal. Check business hours.
2. Wine and Dine with a View at Bully Hill Vineyards
If you have time for a second Hammondsport winery, and you want a reason (not that you need one!) to drive north up Keuka Lake, I highly recommend Bully Hill Vineyards. In addition to a tasting room offering wines like Love My Goat and Le Goat Blush, there’s also a restaurant, gift shop, and museum about the history of winemaking. Oh, and a few cute goats roam the grounds, too!
Bully Hill offers one of the most scenic restaurants in Hammondsport, NY!
- Address: 8843 Greyton H. Taylor Memorial Dr., Hammondsport, NY
- Open year-round. Check business hours.
3. Do a Wine Tasting at Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery
One of the most iconic Hammondsport wineries is named after Konstantin Frank, a Ukrainian man who immigrated to the U.S. with a Ph.D. in Viticulture and was the first to successfully plant European grape varieties in this region. Visitors today will find a selection of award-winning wines, knowledgeable wine educators, and a variety of wine-tasting experiences to choose from.
- Address: 9749 Middle Rd., Hammondsport, NY
- Open year-round. Check business hours.
4. Jump in the Lake at Depot Park
I have to admit I was a little jealous when I saw a group of teenagers at Depot Park, lounging on the dock, diving into the water, and generally just hanging out by the lake on a warm summer night. I loved how the swimming area was such an integrated part of the village, like you could easily stop for a quick dip on the way home from school or work.
Matt and I headed to Depot Park, located just steps from the Village Square, a few different times during our stay in Hammondsport, once to swim, once to eat breakfast, and once just to hang out and watch the sun set over Keuka Lake.
There’s a pleasant walkway along the water, a grassy area with benches and picnic tables, and a dock and designated swimming area. Please note that swimming is only allowed during the summer, when lifeguards are on duty. Public restrooms and a changing room are also available.
Swimming and relaxing at Depot Park was easily one of our favorite things to do in Hammondsport, NY!
- Address: 7 Water St., Hammondsport, NY
- Hours: Open seasonally for swimming beginning in mid-June, from 11 a.m.-7 p.m.
5. Have a Picnic at Champlin Beach
Another spot for swimming in Keuka Lake is Champlin Beach, which is a mile east of Depot Park. And while it’s not as conveniently located, it is larger, with more space to spread out and swim than at Depot Park. Lifeguards are on duty during the summer to oversee the roped-off swimming area. Benches, picnic tables, and charcoal grills are available.
- Address: NY-54, Hammondsport, NY
- Hours: Open seasonally for swimming beginning in mid-June, from 11 a.m.-7 p.m.
6. Tour Keuka Lake on the Historic Pat II
Looking for fun things to do on Keuka Lake?
Book an hour-long public tour or 90-minute private charter on the Pat II, a 39’ launch boat built in 1924 and restored to its original condition by the pros at the Finger Lakes Boating Museum.
While you’re being wowed by the fabulous scenery surrounding Keuka Lake, you’ll learn more about the Pat II, and about local history and industry.
- Tours run seasonally during the summer through mid-October.
7. Power Your Own Watercraft on Keuka Lake
If you want to zip around on a jet ski, paddle a kayak, or relax on a pontoon boat on Keuka Lake, check out the following businesses to rent your choice of watercraft.
- Keuka Watersports-For boats, jet skis, kayaks, and standup paddleboards. Locations at Depot Park and Champlin Beach.
- Keuka Boat Rentals-Exclusively for renting Pontoon boats.
- Keuka Kayak-Kayaks, paddleboards, and canoes are available to rent and conveniently delivered to you.
8. Embark on a Historical Town Walk
Many homes in Hammondsport were built during the mid-1800s, when wealthy entrepreneurs built elaborate mansions for their families. There’s Champlin House, which was built around 1863 for Charles D. Champlin, a founder of Pleasant Valley Wine Co. Champlin House is now a lovely bed-and-breakfast.
18 Vine & Carriage House was also associated with Pleasant Valley Wine Co. It was built in 1860 for Jules Masson—the winery’s champagne master—and his family. It now operates as a rental property for large groups.
You’ll get to see many beautiful Victorian-era homes and buildings just by strolling around the village. If you’d like something a little more structured, stop in at the Hammondsport Chamber of Commerce Visitor Center (47 Shethar Street) and pick up a Hammondsport Historical Hike brochure. That will take you on a self-guided tour to local historical buildings of interest.
The brochure includes a map. You can also follow the trail markers (pictured above), which consist of purple grape bunches painted onto the village sidewalks.
9. Shop for Local Gifts, Souvenirs, and Antiques
A quick circuit around the Village Square proves that shopping in Hammondsport will be fruitful!
There are a lot of uniquely appealing shops stocked with everything you might need during your stay. Go to Cinnamon Stick for gifts and souvenirs, gourmet food items, jewelry, and so much more (26 Mechanic St.). Browsers is the place for Keuka Lake gifts and apparel, toys and games, and lots of kitschy merchandise to commemorate your trip (33 Shethar St.).
Love antiques? Opera House Antiques (61-63 Shethar St.)features multiple vendors and is housed inside the historic Frey Opera House. For more antiques, hop in the car and head to Crooked Lake Antiques, located a mile south of the village (8428 NY-54).
10. Take a Coffee Break at an Art Gallery Cafe
At Aroma Coffee Art Gallery, you can grab a coffee and baked good in the morning and then return later for lunch or an early dinner. Customers are welcome to dine on the porch or inside surrounded by beautiful works of art. Several vegan meal options are available.
- Address: 60 Shethar St., Hammondsport
11. Dine on the Village Square at Hammondsport Restaurants
A cool small town is only as cool as its local restaurants, and I’d say the Hammondsport, NY restaurants are pretty amazing! Here are some popular restaurants on the Village Square.
- Timber Stone Grill-A selection of hearty favorites like burgers, fish frys, and pulled pork are balanced with lighter fare like grain bowls and salads. The menu is extensive and the full bar includes a selection of local draft beers. 70 Shethar St.
- Village Tavern Restaurant & Inn-A mix of European-style, local, and regional dishes are on the menu, allowing customers to dine on such dishes as escargot, calamari, Low Country Shrimp & Grits, Brie in Puff Pastry, Bruschetta Pasta, and Beef on Weck, a Western New York specialty made of shaved roast beef and served on a roll that’s topped with kosher salt and caraway seeds, all of which gets dipped in a tasty au jus. 30 Mechanic St.
- The Park Inn–An upscale seasonal menu includes dishes like steelhead trout, shrimp risotto, and lamb, plus vegan items like Moroccan Chickpea Stew. The Park Inn is housed in a historic 1861 building, a history that’s reflected in the dining room’s artifacts, décor, and cozy setting. 37 Shethar St.
- Wise Guys of Hammondsport–Get your Fish Fry here on Fridays and your pizza and wings any day of the week! Wise Guys also has a large selection of calzones, subs, salads, soups, and more. 90 Pulteney St.
- Burgers & Beer of Hammondsport–Want a burger topped with jalapenos and cheddar? Or one with bacon and a fried egg, dubbed the Hangover Burger? As suggested by the restaurant’s name, you can get pretty much any style of burger that you want, washed down with whatever beer suits your taste. If you’re not in the burger mood, worry not. There are plenty of sandwiches, salads, and other items on the menu. 47 Shethar St.
12. Dine at Lakeview Restaurants in Hammondsport
Two Keuka Lake restaurants will satisfy your desire for lakefront dining. Customers at the Switzerland Inn can dine on one of two large decks overlooking the lake at a restaurant that has been in continuous operation since 1894. Menu items are casual—think wings, ribs, and nachos.
There’s a jam-packed schedule of live music on the calendar through early October. There’s also a game room to keep the kids entertained. Open seasonally. 14109 Keuka Village Rd., Hammondsport, NY
At Waterfront Restaurant & Bar, diners can sit on a large dock overlooking the lake, sip wine by the firepit, or go for the steamed clams and live music offered every Sunday from Memorial Day to Labor Day, as part of their Clammin’ and Jammin’ summer celebration.
This popular waterfront restaurant has been serving locals and visitors for three decades. In addition to menu items like flatbreads, fish tacos, and burgers, they also serve weekly specials like Friday Fish Fry and weekend Prime Rib. Open seasonally. 12664 West Lake Rd., Hammondsport, NY
13. Indulge in the Best Ice Cream in Town
Stopping at Crooked Lake Ice Cream Company is nearly a requirement for your after-dinner ice cream fix. I’m still dreaming about my two-scoops of creamy chocolate brownie deliciousness!
You can also get your morning coffee here, and a hearty breakfast to go with it. The menu offers omelets, pancakes, French Toast, oatmeal, and more. Dine outside during warmer months, or inside amidst 1950s diner-style décor.
- Address: 35 Shethar St., Hammondsport, NY
- Open year-round. Check business hours.
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14. Check Out the Local Craft Beverage Scene
The wine scene is prominent in this region, but as other Finger Lakes towns like Geneva, Ithaca, and Trumansburg have shown, breweries and distilleries are having a moment, too. Here are a few Hammondsport breweries and distilleries that are less than 10 miles from the Village Square.
- Brewery of Broken Dreams-A New York State Farm brewery with a selection of 12 house brews on tap. Satisfy your craft beer craving with a tasting, flight, pint, or growler. Light snacks are available for purchase and customers are welcome to bring their own. 8319 Pleasant Valley Rd.
- Barrelhouse 6 Distillery–Schedule a tour and tasting at this start-up craft distillery, which consists of a 2400-square-foot tasting room and 108-foot dock overlooking beautiful Keuka Lake. Try their house-made spirits including staples like gin and rye, liqueurs like peppermint or bourbon cream, and—perhaps the one with the most tempting name—Middle Finger Moonshine. 9558 Middle Rd.
- Keuka Brewing Company-This father and son led small-batch craft brewery overlooks Keuka Lake and has been in business since 2008. Visit the tap room for flagship favorites like Local Mocha Stout and Afterburner Habanero Ale, or seasonal beers like Pumpkin Cream Ale and Peach Gose. 8572 Briglin Rd.
- Krooked Tusker Distillery-Small-batch spirits are made from local ingredients and offered to customers as tastings or in cocktails. Indoor and outdoor seating is available. Quirky product names promise a fun, casual experience. After all, how could you take things too seriously when you’re sipping on spirits like A Horse is a Horse Vodka (made with horseradish), Grape Pie Hooch, or ImbuVo Joe Vodka (infused with coffee). 10303 Co. Rd. 76
15. Learn About the “Fastest Man in the World” at the Glenn H. Curtiss Museum
The museums in Hammondsport tell stories about the region’s history and industry, allowing visitors to connect on a deeper level with the local culture.
The Glenn H. Curtiss Museum honors a man who was once named the “Fastest Man in the World” after racing a motorcycle equipped with an engine that he built. Curtiss was born in Hammondsport in 1878 and in his lifetime built a company that manufactured first bicycles, then motorcycles, and finally aircraft.
The museum highlights these accomplishments by featuring dozens of early 20th century motorcycles, aircraft from World War I and II and beyond, and early automobiles and bicycles.
Curtiss’ fascination in the mechanics of transportation began at an early age. When he and his family moved to Rochester, young Glenn would ride his bike back to Hammondsport to visit his grandmother, a trip that likely took nearly seven hours. By the age of 21, he was a champion bicycle racer and bicycle manufacturer. Soon after, he became enamored of motorcycles and developed the engine that earned him the “fastest man” title.
This fascination with mechanics led him to aircraft manufacturing. He is considered an aviation pioneer and an early leader in the aviation manufacturing industry.
- Address: 8419 NY-54, Hammondsport, NY
- Admission: Adults: $13.50. Seniors (65+): $12. Students (7-18): $10. Children (6 and under) and Members: FREE.
- Open year-round. Check business hours.
16. View a Local Boat Collection at the Finger Lakes Boating Museum
The Finger Lakes Boating Museum is housed in a historical building that dates back to 1886, and was formerly the site of the long-gone Taylor Wine Company. Visitors can peruse the museum’s collection of more than 200 boats, including canoes, rowboats, sailboats, hydroplanes, and much more. The museum is devoted to educating the public on the local boating industry and preserving the history of boat building in the Finger Lakes.
- Address: 8231 Pleasant Valley Rd., Hammondsport, NY
- Admission: Adults: $10. Youth and Members: FREE.
- Open daily 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
17. Embrace the History of Wine at the Museum at Bully Hill Vineyards
Bully Hill Vineyards has a wonderful on-site museum that exhibits the history of wine and winemaking in the region. There’s lots of curious-looking antique winemaking tools and equipment, memorabilia from the days of Prohibition, and a collection of wine glasses used by presidents, including Abe Lincoln.
- Address: 8843 Greyton H. Taylor Memorial Dr.
- Museum is open seasonally during the summer. Check business hours.
18. Enjoy Live Music on the Village Square
The annual special events in Hammondsport create a close-knit community. Throughout the year, there are carnivals, community garage sales, and craft festivals. One of the most popular annual events is Music in the Park, when live music is performed weekly at the Village Square bandstand. Music in the Park takes place every Thursday evening from 6-8 p.m. in July and August.
- Location: Hammondsport Village Square Bandstand
19. Attend an Annual Air and Land Show
Seaplanes and classic and exotic cars can be seen around Hammondsport during the popular Wings & Wheels Seaplane and Car Show. The one-day annual event takes over the village, with seaplanes parked at Depot Park and show cars surrounding the Village Square.
Events throughout the day include seaplane take-off and landing contests, a fire boat demonstration, a seaplane salute to Glenn H. Curtiss, and a competition to judge the best classic and exotic cars. The year, Wings & Wheels takes place on September 16, 2023.
- Location: Depot Park and Village Square
20. View an Annual Village-Wide Art Exhibit
On our last summertime visit, we were able to see the annual Palettes of Keuka art exhibit, where area businesses display palette paintings created by local artists. You can pick up a map showing where the palettes are displayed at the Chamber of Commerce Visitor Center, or follow the Facebook page linked above.
Even if you just wander around town without a map, you’re sure to run into many of the palette paintings at local businesses. The palettes are auctioned off to the public at the end of each summer.
Things to do Near Hammondsport
If you have time and want to continue exploring, there’s so much to do in the area! Here are our top picks for things to do near Hammondsport, NY.
21. Hike or Bike on the Keuka Lake Outlet Trail
Drive about 30 minutes north to Penn Yan to pick up the Keuka Lake Outlet Trail, a multi-use, 6.6-mile trail that runs on an old railroad bed and follows the path of the Crooked Lake Canal, which carries the water of Keuka Lake to empty out into Seneca lake.
The Outlet Trail is relatively flat. Along the way are old mill buildings, locks, and overgrown foliage (seasonally) shading the path.
There’s also scenic Seneca Mills Falls, a pretty 40-foot waterfall along the trail. This all makes for an excellent trail in the summer and fall for walking, biking, and horseback riding. During the winter, it’s popular for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.
22. Spend the Day in Watkins Glen
Drive 30 minutes east of Hammondsport to arrive at the village of Watkins Glen, equally famous for both its breathtaking state park and for its race car track. Other than that, it’s another charming Finger Lakes village that offers lots of opportunities for eating, drinking, and shopping. You might also take a scenic narrated boat tour or take a guided kayaking trip.
23. See 3,500 Years of Glass at the Corning Museum of Glass
A 40-minute drive south of Hammondsport will bring you to the Corning Museum of Glass (CMoG). If you’re interested in exquisite pieces of glass art, this is a must-stop and well worth carving out time for a day trip. Exhibits feature the most beautiful works of glass art and represent centuries of glass and glassmaking.
In addition to touring the extensive galleries, you can attend glassblowing and glass-breaking demonstrations, and even make your own glass souvenir to take home with you.
The Corning Museum of Glass has been a popular destination since it opened in 1951, but has seen a boost in celebrity status since its role in Blown Away, Netflix’s glassmaking competition show. The museum assisted in the development of the show, and expert CMoG glassmakers are featured. The competition’s grand prize is a residency at the museum.
- Address: 1 Museum Way, Corning, NY
- Admission: Adults: $22. College students, seniors, AAA, and military: $18.70. Local residents: $11. Members and age 17 and under: FREE.
- Hours: Open daily 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
FAQs About Hammondsport
In 2012, Hammondsport was brought into the limelight when it was named the “Coolest Small Town in America” by Budget Travel magazine. Visitors today will see that Hammondsport still takes pride in that title. The slogan shows up all over town, from storefronts to restaurant menus to the village sign that sits on the edge of town!
Yes! The Finger Lakes is a huge region, so deciding where to visit depends on your vacation goals. The region is famous for being New York State’s wine country. There are also lots of orchards, breweries, and distilleries that offer tastings and other events. Outdoor enthusiasts will love exploring the endless places to go hiking, biking, and kayaking, and history buffs will find many historic homes and museums to keep them busy for days on end. No matter what you do, you’ll find scenic vistas, friendly people, and good food, making the Finger Lakes well worth visiting.
How to Get to Hammondsport, NY
As with many small towns in Upstate New York, driving is the most convenient option for getting to Hammondsport. Approximate driving distances and times from major cities:
- Rochester: 70 miles (113 kilometers). 1 hr, 30 min
- Binghamton: 100 miles (160 kilometers). 1 hr, 45 min
- Buffalo: 120 miles (193 kilometers). 2 hrs, 15 min
- Toronto: 208 miles (336 kilometers). 4 hours
- New York City: 275 miles (442 kilometers). 5 hours
Additional options include:
- By plane: The closest airport is Elmira/Corning Regional Airport (40 miles away; 65 kilometers). Another option is flying into Rochester (ROC). The airport is larger but farther away (70 miles; 113 kilometers).
- By Amtrak: Amtrak services the town of Bath, just seven miles south (11 kilometers) of Hammondsport.
Final Thoughts on Things to do in Hammondsport
There are so many things to do in Hammondsport, NY, a small town with unique charm. There’s tons of history to explore around the Village Square, not to mention the huge selection of fantastic restaurants, cafes, and shops. The village’s location on Keuka Lake also means it’s the perfect home base for your Finger Lakes wine tasting vacation.
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