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Summary

This Finger Lakes road trip itinerary offers a blend of historical sites, natural beauty, and culinary delights across Hammondsport, Yates County, Watkins Glen, Corning, and Elmira. From the first bonded winery in the US to the largest glass museum in the world, each day is filled with unique experiences that showcase the region's rich history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant culture.

🍇 Day 1: Hammondsport and Keuka Lake

Begin your Finger Lakes journey with a historic wine tour at Pleasant Valley Wine Co., explore aviation at the Glenn H Curtiss Museum, and enjoy Keuka Lake Wineries.

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🏞️ Pleasant Valley Wine Co.

The first bonded winery in the US, offering historic walking tours, and tastings. Pleasant Valley Wine Co. has a rich history dating back to 1860 and is renowned for its American Champagne and Sparkling Burgundy.

Tips

During the summer and fall, embark on a fascinating historic walking tour that covers the winery's 150+ years of history, including visits to historical buildings and wine caves. Don't miss the opportunity to indulge in a wine tasting experience for a nominal fee of $10, featuring their renowned American Champagne and Great Western Sparkling Burgundy.

Travel Information
📞   Phone: (607) 569-6111
🌐   Website: http://pleasantvalleywine.com/
🕒   Hours: See hours
📍   Address: 8260 Pleasant Valley Rd, Hammondsport, NY 14840
🔗   Profiles:

✈️ Glenn H Curtiss Museum

Celebrates local inventor Glenn Curtiss with a collection of aircraft and motorcycles. The museum is a treasure trove of aviation history, spanning 60,000 square feet and housing an impressive array of aircraft and motorcycles.

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<div class="-md-ext-youtube-widget"> { "title": "A Visit to the Curtiss Museum", "link": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PxsOkI6F9ek", "channel": { "name": "AVweb"}, "published_date": "Sep 23, 2013", "length": "6:54" }</div>

Tips

Allocate at least an hour to fully appreciate the exhibits and immerse yourself in the legacy of Glenn Curtiss, a pioneer in aviation and a significant figure in the Finger Lakes region.

Travel Information
📞   Phone: (607) 569-2160
🌐   Website: https://glennhcurtissmuseum.org/
🕒   Hours: See hours
⏳   Typical duration: 2.5 hours
📍   Address: 8419 NY-54, Hammondsport, NY 14840
🔗   Profiles:

🍷 Keuka Lake Wineries

Known for dry whites and European-style wines, with several wineries to explore. Keuka Lake's elevation and soil composition make it ideal for growing a variety of wine grapes, and the region is renowned for its Rieslings and ice wines.

Tips

Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery, Heron Hill Winery, and Hunt Country Vineyards are highly recommended. Dr. Frank's is integral in the success of European grapes being grown in the Finger Lakes, while Heron Hill Winery boasts a Greco-Roman tasting room. Hunt Country Vineyards, focusing on sustainable winemaking, offers a delightful tasting room experience amidst picturesque surroundings.

🗺️ Day 2: Yates County and Seneca Lake

Explore the charm of Penn Yan, visit Garrett Memorial Chapel, and enjoy rail bike tours and wineries around Seneca Lake.

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🏞️ Garrett Memorial Chapel

Nestled on a bluff overlooking Keuka Lake, Garrett Memorial Chapel is a picturesque stone chapel with fairytale-like views. The chapel, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, offers a serene setting for visitors to immerse themselves in its tranquil ambiance.

Tips

Open to the public on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons from May to October, allowing visitors to experience the ethereal beauty of the chapel and its surroundings.

Travel Information
🌐   Website: https://www.garrettchapel.org/
📍   Address: Garrett Memorial Chapel, Penn Yan, New York 14527, United States, Penn Yan, NY 14527

🚴 Finger Lakes Rail Riders

Embark on a guided rail bike tour through the breathtaking farmland north of Penn Yan with Finger Lakes Rail Riders. The custom, recumbent-style rail bikes offer a unique way to explore the region's natural beauty, while the narrated tour provides insights into the area's rich history.

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Tips

Suitable for all ages and skill levels, the leisurely tour lasts up to 2 hours, allowing ample time to soak in the scenic landscapes and learn about the region's heritage.

Travel Information
📞   Phone: (315) 279-4330
🌐   Website: https://www.flrailriders.com/
📍   Address: 2039 Havens Corners Rd, Penn Yan, NY 14527
🔗   Profiles:

🍇 Seneca Lake Wineries

Boasting 35 wineries, Seneca Lake is a haven for wine enthusiasts, offering a diverse selection of wines against the backdrop of the stunning lake. Miles Wine Cellars, Hermann J. Wiemer Vineyard, Glenora Wine Cellars, and Barnstormer Winery are just a few of the renowned establishments that promise delightful tastings and captivating experiences.

Tips

Consider visiting Miles Wine Cellars for its unique ambiance and the intriguing Ghost Wine, while Hermann J. Wiemer Vineyard is celebrated for its pioneering role in cultivating Rieslings, including a sparkling variation.

🌄 Day 3: Watkins Glen and Seneca Lake

Hike the famous Watkins Glen Gorge Trail, explore Montour Falls, and enjoy the culinary and wine offerings of Seneca Lake.

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🏞️ Watkins Glen State Park

Features the most famous hike in the Finger Lakes through a stunning gorge, with 800+ stairs and breathtaking waterfalls.

Tips

Wear proper footwear for the trail, and be prepared for a $10 parking fee. The trail is usually open from mid-May to mid-October and can be wet due to the waterfalls.

Travel Information
📞   Phone: +1 607-535-4511
🌐   Website: https://parks.ny.gov/parks/142/
📍   Address: 1009 N Franklin St, Watkins Glen, NY 14891, United States

🍷 Seneca Lake Wineries and Breweries

A variety of wineries and craft breweries offering tastings and tours, including Wagner Vineyards Estate Winery, known for its wine and craft beer, and Finger Lakes Distilling, offering a range of spirits.

Tips

Make tasting reservations at Wagner Vineyards Estate Winery, and don't miss the opportunity to sample whiskey, gin, vodka, and brandy at Finger Lakes Distilling.

🌟 Day 4: Art and Glass in Corning

Dedicate a day to exploring the world's largest glass museum and the charming Gaffer District in Corning.

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🏛️ Corning Museum of Glass

The Corning Museum of Glass is a treasure trove of glass art and history, boasting contemporary art exhibits, galleries covering 3500 years of glass-making, and captivating live demonstrations on glass working and flame working.

Tips

Allow at least 3-4 hours to fully immerse yourself in the museum's wonders. Consider participating in a hands-on glass-making project for a unique and memorable experience.

Travel Information
📞   Phone: (607) 937-5371
🌐   Website: https://www.cmog.org/
🕒   Hours: See hours
⏳   Typical duration: 3 hours
📍   Address: 1 Museum Way, Corning, NY 14830
🔗   Profiles:

🌆 Gaffer District

The historic Gaffer District in downtown Corning exudes charm, with its picturesque streets lined with an array of shops, galleries, and delightful restaurants, offering a perfect blend of history and modernity.

Tips

Spend a leisurely hour or two exploring the unique shops and galleries, and perhaps indulge in a wine tasting at the quaint F.L.X. Provisions to savor the local flavors.

Travel Information
📞   Phone: (607) 937-6292
🌐   Website: http://www.gafferdistrict.com/
🕒   Hours: See hours
📍   Address: 1 W Market St Ste 401, Corning, NY 14830
🔗   Profiles:

🍁 Day 5: Elmira and Chemung County

Explore the natural beauty and historical significance of Elmira, including Mark Twain's study and the National Soaring Museum.

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🏞️ Tanglewood Nature Center

Nestled in the hills above the Chemung River, the Tanglewood Nature Center offers a captivating experience with its educational exhibits on local wildlife and a network of picturesque hiking trails that provide stunning views over the Chemung Valley.

Tips

Embrace the enchanting fall ambiance with a leisurely walk through the woods, but be sure to equip yourself with sturdy hiking shoes as the trails can get muddy, especially during this season.

Travel Information
📞   Phone: (607) 732-6060
🌐   Website: http://www.tanglewoodnaturecenter.com/
🕒   Hours: See hours
⏳   Typical duration: 1.5 hours
📍   Address: 443 Coleman Ave, Elmira, NY 14903
🔗   Profiles:

📚 Mark Twain's Study at Elmira College

Step into literary history as you visit the preserved study at Elmira College, where Mark Twain penned many of his timeless novels, including the iconic "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn." The serene campus setting adds to the allure of this literary pilgrimage.

Tips

Immerse yourself in the ambiance that inspired Twain's literary masterpieces and gain insight into the creative process of one of America's most celebrated authors.

Travel Information
📞   Phone: (607) 735-1941
🌐   Website: https://marktwainstudies.com/about/mark-twains-study/
🕒   Hours: See hours
⏳   Typical duration: 1 hour
📍   Address: 800 Park Pl, Elmira, NY 14901
🔗   Profiles: