Geology tells us that the Finger Lakes, during the last ice age, were formed by the incredible grinding and pressure of the retreating ice gouging out long finger like impressions in the earth’s crust. These became not only the Finger Lakes but the surrounding smaller lakes. The ice age not only created the lakes but all the magnificent geological anomalies throughout the region that includes incredible gorges and over 1,000 waterfalls. The lakes range from 3 to 40 miles in length and from 30 feet to several hundred feet in depth.

The finger lakes allows anyone, with just about any interest, to play, escape, and explore.

 

PLAY in lands of long slender lakes. Keuka Lake, with its long, narrow shape and hilly shoreline is reminiscent to many of the Rhine River Valley. This beautiful, Y-shaped lake, 22 miles long at its farthest points, is a wonderful spot for boating, fishing, sailing or water skiing. It’s steep shoreline helps to shelter it from winds which serve to keep the lake calmer for more dependable boating.

It is a place where you can kick back, relax and enjoy Mother Nature, or indulge your fascination with the sites where historic events took place. Events like the first publicized flight in America by Glenn H Curtiss in 1908 in Hammondsport. At one time the Curtiss Aeroplane Company was the largest in the world.

At the Corning Museum of Glass you can see a glass-blowing demonstration and even participate in making your own glass piece. You may also view one of the most extensive and beautifully dramatic collections of art glass in the world today, with pieces dating from Babylonian times to the present.

Hike the Finger Lakes Trail (part of the Appalachian Trail), walk the gorge at Watkins Glen State Park, or go to the races at Watkins Glen International Raceway. Swim, ski or sail on pristine Keuka Lake or just sit at the beaches at Hammondsport or Keuka State Park and watch the sun set with an array of colors that are pure pleasure. There is even a water park nearby (approx 30 minutes) when the kids need to burn off some of their youthful energy.

Taste award-winning wines at any of the Keuka Lake wineries. Pleasant Valley Wine Company, America’s first bonded winery, was established over 140 years ago. Our hillsides flourish with vines overlooking the picturesque lake. After an afternoon tasting wines at Dr Frank’s or Bully Hill, the patio is a relaxing respite with your favorite wine from the day.

 

ESCAPE with your loved ones, friends, or by yourself to some wonderful annual festivals such as the Keuka Lake Art Show, the longest running art show in the state. The Hammondsport Craft Show is also a favorite, bringing participants from all over New York and Pennsylvania. At the Wine Country Classic Boat Show, owners from all over the country come to show off their beautifully restored, antique and classic, mahogany cruisers and runabouts.

The Genundowa Festival, the Native American ‘Festival of Lights’ is not just a festival but an educational experience as well. It is a compendium of Native American artisans, craftsmen, dancers, musicians and storytellers who endeavor to teach festival goers about Iroquois tradition as well as entertain. One of the highlights is an enormous bonfire, the signal for local residents to light fires and flares around the lakefront, signifying the Iroquois tradition of hunting parties signaling each other at the end of a successful hunt. Iroquois musicians and dancers encourage festival goers to participate in the celebration.

 

EXPLORE the numerous restaurants and night spots of our area. From casual to gourmet, the area abounds with a varied array of cuisines at village and waterfront restaurants.

For shoppers looking for something a bit off the beaten path from the local mall, the Hammondsport area boasts several shops with unique, handcrafted items. If your interest is antiques you’ve come to the right place. There are many interesting shops here in which to browse.

 

The Hammondsport area is a multi-faceted area with something for practically every interest or ‘level of enthusiasm‘. Come visit, and let us at the Vinehurst Inn show you around.