New York’s ‘Little Lake Como’ Is Just 3 Hours From NYC—With Vineyard Views, Sunset Cruises & Italian Vibes

If you’ve ever dreamed of sipping wine on a terrace overlooking Italy’s famous Lake Como—but aren’t quite ready to hop on a plane—this tiny Upstate New York village might just be the next best thing. Welcome to Hammondsport , a postcard-perfect village tucked at the southern tip of Keuka Lake in the Finger Lakes. Often nicknamed “Little Lake Como ,” it shares many of the same dreamy qualities: serene waterfront views, winding roads through hillside vineyards, boutique inns, and a timeless, slow-paced charm that invites you to relax and linger. Sip wine with “Tuscan” views ---------------------------- This area is a dream for wine lovers, offering terraced tastings and scenic vineyard views that feel straight out of Tuscany. Start at Pleasant Valley Wine Company , America’s oldest bonded winery, founded in 1860. Its stone buildings and hillside location are reminiscent of an old-world Italian estate —and its sparkling wines once wowed judges across Europe. Nearby, Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery , a Finger Lakes icon, is credited with launching the region’s reputation for high-quality vinifera wines. Don’t miss Bully Hill Vineyards (famous for its deck views), Keuka Lake Vineyards (a small-batch gem), Heron Hill (boasting international accolades), and Point of the Bluff Vineyards , which hosts lakeside concerts, bocce, and golden hour tastings that feel like a scene from Lake Garda. Embrace “La Dolce Vita” on the lake ----------------------------------- Keuka Lake , shaped like a wishbone, is one of the most unique of the Finger Lakes—and arguably the most charming. At Depot Park , you can swim, picnic, or watch the sunset turn the water to gold, much like the Lido beaches of northern Italy. Rent a kayak or paddleboard from Champlin Beach , or book a boat tour to explore the lake’s scenic shoreline from the water. Stroll the village like a European piazza ----------------------------------------- Back on land, Pulteney Square anchors Hammondsport’s walkable downtown with Victorian buildings, boutiques, cafés, and a charming central pavilion . In summer, the square hosts Music in the Park , a farmers’ market, and festivals like the Festival of Crafts and Palettes of Keuka , filling it with the energy of a lively Italian piazza. For food, try The Park Inn (a historic inn with a farm-to-table menu), Crooked Lake Ice Cream Company , or grab a table on Bully Hill’s restaurant deck for sweeping views with your meal. Explore nature like the Italians do ----------------------------------- Hikers and cyclists can explore the Keuka Lake Outlet Trail , a scenic path lined with waterfalls, wildlife, and vineyard overlooks connecting Keuka and Seneca Lakes. Or take a drive along Lake Road , a winding route with dramatic vineyard-and-water views that could rival northern Italy’s most famous lake roads. 📍 Hammondsport, NY (Steuben County, ~3 hours from NYC) Source: https://secretnyc.co/new-york-little-lake-como-hammondsport-ny-small-town/