Finger Lakes History Tour
Day 1
Arrive and check in to Penn Yan’s Best Western Vineyard Inn & Suites. This award-winning hotel is conveniently located in the heart of the Finger Lakes in Penn Yan nestled on one of the brances of the "Y" shaked Keuka Lake - the perfect place to begin your getaway! After settling in, head over to Silverbird Woodfired for drinks and then dinner. Enjoy the leisurely walk from the hotel through historic downtown Penn Yan where you will enjoy wood fired pizzas fresh from the oven that pair perfectly with a Finger Lakes wine or spirit.
Day 2
If it’s a Saturday, head just up the road on Route 14A to explore the friendly Windmill Farm & Craft Market. (Open Saturdays only from the last Saturday in April until the second Saturday in December plus Memorial Day, 4th of July, & Labor Day) The Windmill is one of the oldest farm markets in upstate New York, and today it attracts over 200 vendors, including local Amish and Mennonite families. Any day of the week, take a short drive to the quaint Village of Hammondsport to visit the Glenn H. Curtiss Aviation Museum, celebrating the famous aviation pioneer; and you thought the Wright Brothers started it all. Learn about the history of aviation right in your backyard in the Finger Lakes. On your way back up Keuka Lake, visit some of the wineries along the Keuka Lake Wine Trail like Hunt Country Vineyards and so many more. Boat lovers will enjoy a stop at the Finger Lakes Boating Museum where restorations of old boats takes place and the history of lake-faring vessels abound!
Day 3
Following another restful night, check out of the Best Western in Penn Yan and head to Canandaigua to take in more of what the region has to offer. Learn even more about local wines by visiting the New York Kitchen a facility dedicated to the educating the public about the rich traditions of New York State wine and agriculture. Enjoy lunch outside on the patio after your tour. Take a bit of downtime to check into the Lake House on Canandaigua, located right on bustling Main Street in Canandaigua. Spend a leisurely afternoon absorbing more local history by visiting the beautiful Sonnenberg Gardens and Granger Homestead, historic mansions both located conveniently in Canandaigua. In the evening, experience the delicious flavors at Nolan's on Canandaigua Lake for great dining. Back at the hotel, kick back and relax with a drink overlooking the water located conveniently on the premises, or retire early to your luxurious room.
Day 4
Eat brunch at one of the many restaurants along Canandaigua’s Main Street, then head west to the lively city of Rochester to visit the George Eastman Museum. The George Eastman Museum is the former residence of Kodak founder George Eastman and a museum of photography and film. Have lunch at the café, located right on the premises. Then, take Route 490 West to get to Genesee Country Village and Museum, a living history museum. Stroll around the restored village and watch as costumed actors bring the 1800s to life. You can also enjoy the nature center, or sip beer from the working 19th-century style brewery.
Suggested Destinations
