Adventure into Agritourism in the Finger Lakes Countrysides
With Yates County being centered in New York’s Finger Lakes, residents and visitors are in for an engaging and enlightening agritourism experience – and we’ve got a wonderful day of activity and exploration planned for you! With this itinerary, you’ll spend a day satisfying all your senses.
Breakfast at Penn Yan Diner | 131 East Elm Street, Penn Yan, NY 14527
Open daily, 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Once seen in nearby every American Town, the Penn Yan Diner is one of the few remaining dining car eateries in the United States. Start your day at this local eatery that serves breakfast all day and uses locally sourced ingredients in their diner classic. Enjoy build-your-own omelets, hot sandwiches, eggs benny, pancakes, french toast, and much more. You’ll leave with a full belly and maybe even some new friends at this friendly establishment.
Go apple-picking at Apple Barrel Orchards | 2673 Sand Hill Road, Penn Yan, NY 14527
Open September-February, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Your day’s adventure begins at this u-pick farm, where seasonal apples of all varieties – including Golden Delicious, Gala, McIntosh, Cortland and more – are ready to be plucked from their branches along with sweet cherries and Concord grapes! It’s a great way to enjoy the outdoors while taking home fresher-than-fresh produce. Be sure to stop into the Farm Store when you visit for local cheese, jellies, jams, dips, sauces, syrups, mixes and, of course, apple cider to take home.
Local Tip: Add a stop or sub in a visit to Fulkerson Winery & Farms for another u-pick option in the area. They have cherries, apples, asparagus, and wine-making grapes for at-home wine production, packaged juice, and disc golf for some on-the-farm fun.
See natural scenery with a Finger Lakes Rail Ride | 2039 Heavens Corners Rd., Penn Yan, NY
Open daily, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. in season (Memorial Day to Columbus Day Weekend)
It’s time for an experience like no other! During a Finger Lakes rail ride, you’ll coast at your own pace and see beautiful rolling hills, meadows and greenery, and the gorgeous Keuka Lake. Your guide will also point out working farms and crops that grow along the rails. This is a fun activity for anyone at any age, with any ability.
Enjoy mouth-watering bites at Main Deck Restaurant | 301 Lake Street, Penn Yan, NY 14527
Wednesday-Sunday for lunch, brunch, happy hour and dinner. Closed Monday & Tuesday.
One look at the Main Deck menu and you may find yourself torn between which of their tasty bites to go for. (But that’s a good problem to have!) Start with small plates like their lobster hush puppies before moving on to full entrees, including braised beef cheek, seafood stew and schnitzel & spaetzle. A true farm-to-table offering in the area, their food changes seasonally, is always fresh and always delicious.
Local Tip: Don’t skip out on Sapalta or 18th Amendment Kitchen & Cocktail Bar for two other great farm-to-table dining options.
Dessert and farm-animal feeding at Spotted Duck | 999 State Route 54, Penn Yan, NY
Days and hours of operation may vary when open for the season
Time to dive into a creamy, custardy scoop (or two, or three!) of ice cream, courtesy of Spotted Duck! Enjoy flavors like vanilla crème, lemon meringue pie, fleur blue, blueberry streusel and more – and flavors rotate often, so chances are you’ll be in for something different each time you go. (You can also go for their ice cream flights if you’re not sure where to start.) And what’s the secret to this delectable, sweet treat? They’re made from the eggs of ducks that are right there on the farm! While at Spotted Duck, you can meet (and feed!) the ducks, chickens and other animals.
Shop local agriculture and arts at The Windmill Farm and Craft Market | 3900 State Route 14A, Penn Yan, NY 14527
Open Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., April through November
The Windmill is one of the biggest agricultural attractions in the area, with six wineries, a brewery, a distillery, tons of on-site dining options, and over 175 indoor and outdoor artisans and shops. Fresh produce is just one of the many finds here – there are hours of shopping and exploring ahead when you plan a trip to this all-in-one destination.
Pick up a plant from Horning’s Greenhouse | 874 Route 14 A, Penn Yan, NY
Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
You don’t have to have a green thumb to appreciate the plants and flowers that are blooming in Horning’s Greenhouse. Find one that speaks to you and ask Horning’s knowledgeable staff about the best ways to keep it thriving at home. If you do happen to be a gardening expert, you’ll find supplies, fertilizers and more that you can purchase.
Meet & greet with the animal ambassadors at Sweet Farm | 210 Hall Road, Himrod, NY 14842
1-Hour Public Tours Available every Saturday and Sunday, Private Tours Upon Request
Special Events Throughout the Year
End your visit by heading down to Himrod, NY for a visit to Sweet Farm. Home to animal ambassadors including goats, llamas, horses, sheep, potbelly pigs and more, the farm has plenty of friends ready to greet you and teach you about their life-saving mission. Visitors can also take home fresh produce from the Farm Cart, enjoy snacks and treats, or book an overnight at the 5-bedroom Sweet Farm House.
Local Tip: Black Squirrel Farms is a new-to-the-area business that also offers public tours. They specialize in black walnut collection and processing and allow guests to crack and glaze their own black walnuts when they visit.