Located at the southern tip of Keuka Lake, Hammondsport has long played an integral role in the development of the Finger Lakes region as a world class wine destination, for it was there that the first grapes in the region were planted by Reverend Bostwick back in 1829 and where Pleasant Valley Wine Company (the first winery in the region and the first bonded winery in the country) was founded in 1860.

While grapes and winemaking have been at the heart of the region for over 160 years, it wasn’t until the arrival of a Ukrainian immigrant nearly a century later that the delicate viniefera grapes required to make fine European-style wines were finally able to be grown here. Of course, Dr. Konstantin Frank did more than revolutionize winemaking in the Finger Lakes and northeastern United States, he also revealed an indefatigable spirit and determination that seems to be part of the very fiber of this small town.

Motorcycle and aviation pioneer, Glenn Curtiss put Hammondsport on the map in the early 1900s by becoming the fastest man on earth and later the "Father of Naval Aviation.” You can learn about his myriad contributions to flight and even watch a seaplane show at the annual Wings & Wheels event on the same lake where Curtiss first helped develop them over a century ago. Thanks to Curtiss, several dirigible and aeronautical companies moved to Hammondsport between 1907 and the outbreak of World War I which is why valley just outside town became known as the Cradle of Aviation.

Glenn H. Curtiss had his hand in everything with an engine: from motorcycles to dirigibles and airplanes, he held the title of "Fastest Man on Earth" for four years.

Explore wonderful exhibits of vintage aircraft, motorcycles, automobiles, and more at the Glenn H. Curtiss Museum to learn how Hammondsport got its wings.

The Finger Lakes Boating Museum is a nod to Hammondsport's roots, dating back to the rise of steamboats during the 19th Century, as well as various forms of boat building throughout the region. The museum is the perfect stop for the entire family.

We've spent more than 160 years building a reputation as a world-class wine destination. Sipping wine while overlooking Keuka Lake is a breathtaking and relaxing experience you won't forget. But if beer is more your style, or maybe something a bit stronger, you'll find some of the best breweries and distilleries right here on Keuka Lake.

Celebrate this small town’s contributions to the world every September with the annual Wings & Wheels event that blends a vintage and exotic car show with a seaplane homecoming featuring seaplane competitions, fly-ins, and a seaplane parade.

Other annual events, like Wintercycle Therapy and Wine Country Classic Boat Show pay homage to the past, while the popular Hammondsport Winter Stroll brings warmth to February with a little romance and locally crafted libations.

One of the most historic females born in the Southern Finger Lakes was a woman you probably never heard of, Narcissa Prentiss Whitman. Born in the small town of Prattsburgh in 1808, Narcissa decided at age sixteen to become a missionary. Years later, she became one of the first two white women to journey across the continent and cross the Rocky Mountains on foot, opening the way for future emigrants who journeyed on the Oregon Trail.

Prattsburgh is also home to Sommerville Pottery, a working studio and gallery that offers beautiful pieces, as well as pottery classes. Monica Sommerville produces functional wheel-thrown and hand-built pottery in a wide range of blue, green, and red glazes.

Make sure to check out our other communities in Steuben!