Explore Keuka Lake: New York's 'Little Lake Como'

When a place is compared to Italy's enchanting Lake Como, it creates curiosity. Just a four- to five-hour drive from Long Island is New York's "Little Lake Como," Keuka Lake in Hammondsport.

Both lakes have a rare, glacier-carved "Y" shape and hillside shorelines. The steep slopes around Hammondsport, with their vineyards and scenic overlooks, are reminiscent of Europe. You might feel as if you're in Northern Italy.

EXPLORING THE WINE TRAIL 

Hammondsport, on the southern tip of Keuka Lake is home to fewer than 1,000 people. The small-town charm is vast and there’s much history. It’s known as a “Cradle of Aviation" because resident Glenn Curtiss, an aviation legend, developed early engines and seaplanes in the area. Grapes were planted here in 1829 and, in 1860, Pleasant Valley Wine Co., the first winery in the region and the first bonded winery in America, was founded. This is wine county. There are more than 20 wineries and six are on the Keuka Lake Wine Trail. You can get a Tasting Passport for $45, which you redeem for tastings flights at six wineries. Wineries on the trail are dog-friendly and children are welcome in tasting rooms when accompanied by an adult.

You can’t be where wine is worshipped and not go to the Finger Lakes Wine Museum and Walter S. Taylor Art Gallery at the Bully Hill Vineyards (8843 Greyton H. Taylor Memorial Dr., 607-868-3610, bullyhillvineyards.com). The museum honors Walter S. Taylor’s father, Greyton Hoyt Taylor, whose son Walter founded Bully Hill Vineyards on the original Taylor Winery site. The museum complex includes a replica cooper shop, the museum and the gallery. The winery offers a 30-minute complimentary tour, and a restaurant serving brunch and lunch.

If your thing is beer, pop in to Steuben Brewing Company for music, food and trivia (10286 Hudson Judson Rd., 607-332-3000, steubenbrewingcompany.com). The Brewery of Broken Dreams is another spot to sip suds (8319 Pleasant Valley Rd., 607-224-4050, thebreweryofbrokendreams.com). Spirit lovers are in luck too, with Krookid Leyk Distilling, the spot for gin, rum, whiskey and vodka with grains from local farms (14322 NY 54, 607-426-1063, krookidleyk.com).

THINGS TO DO

While wine is a big part of the Hammondsport story, Keuka Lake is the main attraction. Boating, paddleboarding, swimming, fishing, kayaking or simply relaxing is a way of life here. Parking is $8 at Keuka Lake State Park and camping is $24-$36 a night. $5 more for out-of-state customers (3560 Pepper Rd., Bluff Point, 315-536-3666, parks.ny.gov).

Boating enthusiasts shouldn’t miss the Finger Lakes Boating Museum (8231 Pleasant Valley Rd., 607-569-2222, flbm.org; $12, $6 ages 7-18). There are six galleries and more than 100 boats to see. You can take their one-hour cruise on the historic Pat II, an all-wooden electric boat and enjoy a historical tour of Keuka Lake that departs from Depot Park through October (7 Water St., follow the yellow flags; cruise: $34 for adult non-members; $17 youth non-members 18 years and under).

There’s more outdoor fun at Mountain Rose Farm in nearby Savona (7414 Velie Rd., Savona, 607-590-5356, mountainrosehorsefarm.com). Take one-hour, guided horseback rides along trails ($75 sessions for beginners and a 1½ hour ride for intermediate and advanced riders for $100).

Savona is also where you’ll find goat yoga with friendly goats at the ZiegenVine Homestead (8469 Oak Hill Rd., Savona, 607-207-5730, ziegenvinehomesteadllc.com; $25).

Hammondsport honors its own. The Glenn H. Curtiss Museum highlights Curtiss’ accomplishments and has a collection of artifacts and exhibits related to early aviation and regional history. You can watch volunteers in the restoration shop working on historic aircraft (8419 State Route 54, 607-569-2160, glennhcurtissmuseum.org; $14.50 ages 18-64, $11 ages 7-17).

Feel like hearing some music? Check the calendar for Concerts at Point of the Bluff for tribute bands and big-name acts (10531 County Rd. 76, 607-1220-5240, concertsatpob.com). 

GRAB A BITE 

Hammondsport has some favorites when it comes to food. Put on your radar Timber Stone Grill (70 Shethar St., 607-224-0006, timberstonegrill.com). This chef-owned restaurant showcases ingredients from the Finger Lakes. Feast on Italian and American fare, like stone-fired pizza, chicken bruschetta, and skillet ricotta pasta, (fire-roasted tomato and cauliflower, basil pesto, red peppers, Parmesan and arugula). The Crooked Lake Ice Cream Company is the place for ice cream and good diner food like The Fastest Man on Earth — home fries, diced corned beef, ham, bacon, melted cheddar and two eggs (35 Shethar St., 607-569-2751, crookedlakeicecream.com).

The Village Tavern Restaurant & Inn is a block from the lake on the village square. Anticipate upscale comfort food like beef short ribs, creole chicken confit, smothered meatloaf and seafood lasagna (30 Mechanic St., 607-569-2528, villagetaverninn.com).

WHERE TO STAY 

As for where to stay, choose from among historic bed and breakfasts, waterfront hotels and private vacation rentals. The Park Inn is a great choice, cozy with just five rooms in a restored, historic building. The Restaurant at The Park Inn features food from its farm and other local farms. Rooms start at around $200 (37 Shethar St., 607-224-4004, parkinnflx.com).

Another top consideration is The Mansion at Keuka Lake (3456 NY-54A, Keuka Park, 315-239-4800, themansionny.com). This historic Greek Revival estate is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and sits high above the lake. Dine at the popular The Mansion Restaurant & Bar. Rooms start at $175 for accommodations in the inn. There is limited availability for rooms in the original mansion.