On the north shore of Keuka Lake, Penn Yan is surrounded by the natural beauty of the
Finger Lakes. With pristine
beaches and some of the best
wineries in the country, it’s a perfect location for a getaway.
For swimming or picnicking, head to
Red Jacket Park, one of the area’s beautiful lakeside preserves. You can follow an easy walking path, bordered by waterfalls and other scenic views, along the
Keuka Outlet Trail. It stretches for seven miles-- from Keuka Lake to Seneca Lake-- along an old railroad bed, and is open year-round for
biking,
hiking,
cross-country skiing and horseback riding. You can also fish or go
kayaking in the creek that runs beside the trail.
If you want to learn about some of the Finger Lakes’ best spots for
fishing and hunting, check out local guide services like
Eagle Eye Outfitters and
Fishing Fool Charters. For relaxing on the water, take a scenic cruise on the elegant
Viking Spirit, boarding from the
Viking Resort.
The
Keuka Lake Wine Trail that begins in Penn Yan leads to eight award-winning wineries including
Keuka Spring Vineyards. Just east of town,
Fox Run Vineyards was recently named one of the top 100 wineries in the world by Wine & Spirits magazine. Even the cafÈ gets rave reviews, for its gourmet food and spectacular views of Seneca Lake.
Shoppers enjoy the great variety here, from galleries and antique shops along
Historic Main Street to
farmers markets and Amish Country stores like
Weaver View Farms. Just outside of town, the
Windmill Farm & Craft Market attracts 10,000 weekly visitors with 200 open-air shops. You can buy fresh local produce and crafts, enjoy treats like ice cream and kettle corn, and take a horse and buggy ride in the surrounding pine forest. Events include country music concerts and two annual Classic Car Shows, in May and October.
Among Penn Yan’s many unique
restaurants,
Miller's Essenhaus serves Amish-style comfort foods and home-baked goods. Places to stay include a host of lovely inns and cozy B&Bs. You can fall asleep to the soothing sounds of the lake lapping outside your window at
Tudor Hall, which has a private beach and service rated "superior" by Arrington's Inn Traveler magazine. Or try the elegant
Wagener Estate, an historic homestead once owned by the founder of Penn Yan.
You might wonder about the town’s unusual name. According to the 1836 edition of Gordon's Gazetteer, it was chosen in 1833 when residents were equal numbers of "Pennsylvanians and Yankees."