This Small Town In The Finger Lakes Has The Best Downtown
New York’s magnificent Finger Lakes region has many wonderful waterside communities worth bragging about. But there’s one that consistently gets more attention than most. Located on the southern tip of Keuka Lake, Hammondsport is a tiny town of less than 600 full-time residents and has been called many things, from the coolest town in America to the prettiest towns in the state, and now… home to the best downtown in the Finger Lakes. Built up around the charming, tree-lined Pulteney Square Historic District and Keuka Lake, Hammondsport’s appeal stems from its rich history, its winemaking traditions, and a downtown that’s worth exploring.
Hammondsport’s Early History
Considered more of a “village” than a town (remember, its population is small), Hammondsport’s origins date back to the 1790s when the first settlers arrived in what was then known as Cold Spring Valley. It was named in 1827 after Lazarus Hammond, its founder, and by the mid-1800s, the village started to see vineyards springing up on its hillsides.
Before long, Hammondsport had become the epicenter of New York’s grape-growing industry. That legacy lives on and, combined with its aviation history (it’s the hometown of the pioneering aviator, Glenn Curtiss), its world-class boating museum, and an immensely walkable downtown, Hammondsport deserves its reputation as one of the best places to visit in Upstate New York.
Downtown Hammondsport Today
Hammondsport’s downtown fans outward from Pulteney Square, a quaint public park with a photo-worthy white gazebo, and has been the center of the village since the early 1800s. An easy stroll from here and you’ll find yourself browsing independently owned businesses within just a few blocks of the lake, all of them worth a visit.
Highlights include The Cinnamon Stick, a gift boutique that’s been around since 1983 and now sells everything from gourmet chocolates to locally made candles. Opera House Antiques occupies the town’s old performance hall and is a popular spot for collectors of old china, vintage jewelry, and period furniture. The downtown food and drink scene in Hammondsport is also fun to explore. The Park Inn is the go-to for farm-to-table fare, an experience that’s even better if you add an overnight stay. The Village Tavern Restaurant & Inn offers an eclectic menu and is a local favorite, especially for its brunch.
Other Fun Stuff to Do in Downtown Hammondsport
As well as its stellar food and drink scene and unique shopping experiences, Hammondsport offers plenty of other fun stuff to do. A two-minute walk from the square along Lake Street and you’ll wind up at Depot Park, a lovely lakeside green space with a swimming area, free public docks, superlative sunset views, and the town’s much-photographed old train station. Just a tad further along the shoreline, and you’ll come to Champlin Beach Park, another popular swimming spot.
If you’re there in July and August, the village puts on several free live music events in its parks. These usually take place on weeknights, while summer weekends are dedicated to boat shows and art exhibitions along the waterfront and in Pulteney Square.
The Fun Part… Finger Lakes Wine
Hammondsport’s two-century connection to winemaking makes it a must-visit for enthusiasts of classic vintages. It all began in 1830 when Reverend William Bostwick planted the first grapevines in his rectory garden. The surrounding hillsides above Keuka Lake proved ideal for viticulture, and by 1870, more than 3,000 acres of vineyards had been planted.
Fast forward 20 years, and this number had grown to 14,500, cementing the village’s reputation as the grape-growing capital of New York. Of the original wineries, the Pleasant Valley Wine Company is still around. Founded in 1860 and designated as U.S. Bonded Winery No. 1, some of its original stone buildings can still be seen, including its cellars just south of the village (guided tours and tastings available).
A few miles along the western shore of Keuka Lake, Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery represents the next chapter in the region’s winemaking story. Established in 1962 with the planting of European grape varieties and now run by the fourth generation of the family, it’s a must-do Finger Lakes attraction.
Aviation and Boating Heritage
Known as the “Cradle of Aviation,” Hammondsport was where the legendary Glenn Hammond Curtiss was born in 1878. Starting off as a bicycle racer, Curtiss moved into motorcycles before turning his attention to aircraft, piloting his “June Bug” in 1908 in what was to be the first officially witnessed, pre-announced flight in North America.
He soon made the first long-distance flight in the United States, flying from Albany to New York City in 1910. He also tested some of the world’s first seaplanes on Keuka Lake, earning him the nickname “Father of Naval Aviation.”
His legacy lives on at the Glenn H. Curtiss Museum just outside the village. Here, you can see an impressive collection of aircraft, vintage motorcycles, early automobiles, and regional historic artifacts. Just down the road, the Finger Lakes Boating Museum houses more than 100 locally built boats, including canoes, rowboats, sailboats, and vintage speedboats crafted by more than 40 regional builders over the past century.
Hammondsport: Small Town, Big Character
What makes Hammondsport’s downtown the best in the Finger Lakes? Well, it isn’t any single attraction. Rather, it’s a combination of many factors. Like the way the historic village square is surrounded by independent shops and restaurants, or how the shoreline is open and accessible to anyone with a towel. And perhaps most importantly, it’s having a winemaking tradition that stretches back to the 1830s. For travelers exploring the Finger Lakes, Hammondsport is a must-do experience.
