Fall in Yates County: A 3-Day Keuka Lake Fall Foliage Itinerary

Day 1: Exploring Keuka Lake

Start your fall getaway by checking into one of the cozy lakeside cabins or B&Bs in Yates County. Wake up to crisp autumn air and stunning views of Keuka Lake, our Y-shaped lake is one of the most picturesque Finger Lakes. After a hearty breakfast, head out to explore this gorgeous region.

• Vineyard views and wine tasting: Start your day with a uniquely Finger Lakes experience at one of our area wineries. Learn about the winemaking process, stroll through beautiful vineyards glowing with fall color, and taste award-winning wines made right here. Yates County has stops along both the Keuka Lake and Seneca Lake Wine Trails, so there’s plenty to explore- or bring your pup along for a dog-friendly tasting like Paws & Pours.

• Hiking at Keuka Lake State Park: Get your blood flowing after all that wine and food with a hike at Keuka Lake State Park. The park has a variety of hiking trails that offer stunning views of the lake and the surrounding countryside, all framed by peak fall color. Pack a picnic lunch and enjoy the scenery from one of the park’s many scenic overlooks.

• Dinner at a local farm-to-table restaurant: End your day with locally-sourced comfort food at one of Yates County’s many farm-to-table spots- check out Osteria Allora or 18th Amendment Kitchen & Cocktail Bar for a cozy dinner surrounded by fall scenery.

Day 2: Fall Foliage Tour

Wake up to another gorgeous day in the Countrysides and get ready for a full day of foliage!

• Breakfast at a cozy café: Start your morning with a classic fall breakfast at Oak Leaf Café in Penn Yan. Indulge in some delicious French toast topped with locally-sourced maple syrup, strawberries and powdered sugar and enjoy a cup of coffee or fresh fruit smoothie on the side and you’re fueled for the day.
• Cruise the Route 54A scenic drive: One of the best fall drives in the Finger Lakes is right in our backyard. Route 54A hugs the western shore of Keuka Lake between Penn Yan and Hammondsport, winding past vineyards, farm stands, and overlook after overlook of the Y-shaped lake surrounded by blazing hillsides. Take it slow- you’ll want to stop for photos more than once.

• Scenic drive down Seneca Lake: Just a short drive east of Keuka is Yates County’s neighboring lake, Seneca- and the fall color along its shoreline is worth the detour. Cruise the west side of Seneca Lake down toward Watkins Glen for sweeping vineyard views, stop at the overlooks for photos, then loop back through the rolling farmland of the Countrysides.

• Apple picking at a local orchard: No fall getaway is complete without it! Visit one of our many orchards and U-pick farms for fresh, crisp apples straight from the tree; and don’t skip the cider donuts at Wager’s Cider Mill or the farm stores while you’re in the area.

• Catch a Fall festival or event: October in the Countrysides is packed with harvest festivals, live music, and fall fun every weekend. This year’s top 5: a Fall Foliage Paddle with the Saunders Finger Lakes Museum, the Fall Festival in downtown Penn Yan (now with Trunk or Treat for the kids), the Open House & Apple Festival at the Rochester Folk Art Guild, the Hop Run, and Gregory Alan Isakov live at Point of the Bluff Vineyards.

Day 3: Exploring Charming Small-Towns

On your last day, slow down and soak up the small towns that make this region so special.

• Shopping at local boutiques: Stroll through town and browse one-of-a-kind shops filled with handmade crafts and homemade food products. And don’t miss the Windmill Farm and Craft Market in Penn Yan with 175+ indoor and outdoor vendors, open Saturdays through the end of November. Stock up on seasonal produce and sample a few baked treats while the autumn colors are at their peak. It’s worth spending a couple of hours here.

• Visit a historic site or museum: Dive into the area’s rich past at the Yates County History Center- one of the oldest historical centers in New York State, with 50,000+ artifacts dating to the mid-1700s and the foremost collection of Public Universal Friend artifacts in the country.
• Lunch at a brewery: Wrap up with lunch and a brew at one of our local breweries. Abandon Brewing Company is a fall favorite- killer views of the countryside in full color, a fun and casual food menu, and cozy outdoor firepits on the deck. Grab a pint, settle in by the fire, and soak up the season.

Extend Your Stay

Have more time? The Finger Lakes Region rewards the curious:

• Chase a waterfall. Taughannock Falls near Ithaca is just a day trip away; and it’s spectacular framed by fall color.

• Visit the Corning Museum of Glass. A short drive from Yates County, with live glassblowing demos and make-your-own souvenirs.

• Tour a brewery or distillery. The region’s craft beverage scene goes far beyond wine!

• Catch live music. Small venues across the region host performances all season- check the events calendar.

Plan Your Trip

Yates County is an easy escape- about 45 minutes from Rochester, 2 hours from Buffalo, 1.5 hours from Syracuse, and 5 hours from NYC. Plan your trip now, and come back in another season to experience the Countrysides year-round; we have itineraries for winter, spring, and summer too. Happy travels!