One of my favorite things about Keuka Lake has always been this: no matter how many times you visit, there's always something new waiting around the next bend in the road.
This summer, that adventure becomes even more colorful.
The
Palettes of Keuka Art Tour has returned, transforming the Keuka Lake region into an open-air gallery where creativity, community, and local pride come together. What began in Hammondsport has grown into a celebration that stretches around Keuka Lake, inviting visitors to explore not only the artwork itself but also the remarkable people, businesses, and destinations that make this region so special.
For me, that's what makes this event so much fun.
You aren't simply checking artwork off a list.
You're discovering museums, vineyards, farm markets, restaurants, inns, and gathering places that each tell their own chapter in the story of Keuka Lake.
Around Hammondsport
Start your journey in the charming Village of Hammondsport, where history and creativity seem to walk hand in hand. Stroll the sidewalks, browse the local shops, enjoy a meal, and keep your eyes open for beautifully painted palettes that celebrate the spirit of this lakeside community.
This year's self-guided art walk takes you throughout the village with palette displays at
18 Vine Inn & Carriage House,
Service Station FLX,
Timber Stone Grill,
Wise Guys Pizzeria & Subs,
Dockside Wine & Spirits,
Dr. Sam Pennise's Dental Office,
The Cinnamon Stick,
The Park Inn,
Vern's Bakery,
Five Star Bank,
Shaw Insurance Agency,
Hammondsport Grocery,
Blushing Rose Bed & Breakfast, and
Keuka Lakeside Inn.
Each stop offers more than a colorful work of art. It's an invitation to step inside, meet the people behind these businesses, enjoy a meal, shop local, or simply soak in the welcoming atmosphere that has made Hammondsport one of America's most beloved small towns.
Every corner offers another photo opportunity—and another reason to linger just a little longer.
Then venture just beyond the village, where even more colorful discoveries await. Visit the
Finger Lakes Boating Museum, where the craftsmanship and legacy of the legendary Penn Yan Boats are proudly preserved. Explore the
Glenn H. Curtiss Museum, celebrating the hometown inventor whose curiosity and determination helped launch the age of aviation.
From there, continue your journey through the vineyards that helped establish the Finger Lakes as one of the world's premier wine regions. You'll discover palettes at
Bully Hill Vineyards,
Heron Hill Winery, and
Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery, where breathtaking views, exceptional wines, and rich history come together.
Follow the Trail Around the Lake
The adventure doesn't end in Hammondsport. The Palettes of Keuka invite you to continue exploring some of the region's favorite destinations around One Crooked Lake.
Follow the trail to
Point of the Bluff Vineyards, where art meets spectacular vineyard views and unforgettable sunsets. Wander through
Keuka Trail Farm Market, where fresh produce, local products, and warm country hospitality welcome every visitor. Stop by
Seneca Farms, a Keuka tradition famous for its fried chicken, homemade ice cream, and generations of family memories.
If you're looking to extend your stay, admire the palette at
Lady of the Lake Suites and discover the elegance of
The Mansion at Keuka Lake, where timeless architecture, breathtaking lake views, and gracious hospitality create an unforgettable Finger Lakes experience.
Continue your journey to
The Olney Place, one of those welcoming gathering spots where locals and visitors naturally come together, before ending your day at
Weis Vineyards, where award-winning wines and stunning scenery provide the perfect backdrop for another beautiful palette.
Each stop adds another brushstroke to the story of Keuka Lake, celebrating the art, history, agriculture, hospitality, wineries, and community spirit that make this Y-shaped lake unlike any other.
A Treasure Hunt for Every Age
Whether you're traveling with family, spending the weekend with friends, or enjoying a quiet afternoon exploring on your own, the Palettes of Keuka create the perfect excuse to take the scenic route.
Bring your camera.
Snap a selfie with your favorite palette.
Support the local businesses, museums, wineries, and attractions that make this region so extraordinary.
Enjoy lunch at a locally owned restaurant. Sample world-class Finger Lakes wines. Pick up fresh produce from a farm market. Treat yourself to an ice cream cone. Spend the night at one of the area's charming inns. Every stop supports the people and businesses that keep the spirit of Keuka thriving.
Palettes of Keuka Art Auction
The journey doesn't end when summer does.
On
September 5, all
28 one-of-a-kind Palettes of Keuka will be auctioned, giving art lovers, collectors, and supporters of the community a unique opportunity to own a piece of this year's celebration.
Each palette represents far more than a beautiful work of art. Together, they tell the story of the people, places, history, and creativity that define the Keuka Lake region. Whether you followed the tour throughout the summer or discovered a favorite palette along the way, the auction offers one final chance to become part of the story.
It's a fitting finale to a season that celebrates art, community, and the enduring spirit of one crooked lake.
The Keuka Roots™ Perspective
Here at
Keuka Roots™, we often say that every small town has a story.
The Palettes of Keuka remind us that every community also has an artist, a dreamer, a craftsman, an entrepreneur, and a neighbor who cares enough to make this region even more beautiful.
That is what I love most about this project.
It isn't simply about colorful works of art scattered around the lake.
It's about slowing down.
Taking the scenic route.
Walking into a shop you've never visited before.
Meeting the owner.
Learning a little local history.
Sharing an ice cream cone.
Raising a glass at a vineyard.
Watching the sun sparkle across the water.
Each palette becomes another chapter in the story of Keuka Lake—connecting history, aviation, boating, agriculture, wine, hospitality, art, and the people who proudly call this remarkable region home.
So pick up a map, fill up the gas tank, and spend a day—or better yet, an entire weekend—discovering colorful surprises around every corner.
You may come for the art...
...but you'll leave with so much more.
New favorite places.
Friendly faces.
Unforgettable views.
And a deeper appreciation for the communities that make
Keuka Lake
one of New York's true treasures.
Because around Keuka, every palette tells a story.
And every story has roots.
Proudly Sponsored by the Greater Hammondsport Area Chamber of Commerce
The
Palettes of Keuka Art Tour is proudly sponsored by the
Greater Hammondsport Area Chamber of Commerce, whose dedication to supporting local businesses, preserving community traditions, and welcoming visitors helps make experiences like this possible.
As you begin your Palettes adventure, stop by the Chamber Visitor Center to pick up your complimentary
Palettes of Keuka map, along with information about local attractions, dining, shopping, lodging, and events throughout the Keuka Lake region.
While you're there, don't forget to pick up a
Footsteps Through History brochure and discover the stories of yesterday that helped shape the communities you are exploring today. From aviation pioneers and legendary boat builders to world-renowned winemakers and the entrepreneurs who built these small towns, it's the perfect companion to the Palettes tour—connecting today's vibrant works of art with the remarkable history that surrounds them.
Greater Hammondsport Area Chamber of Commerce
47 Shethar Street
P.O. Box 539
Hammondsport, NY 14840
Phone: (607) 569-2989
Email:
info@hammondsport.org
Website:
www.hammondsport.org
As you travel from palette to palette, remember that every stop supports the local businesses, museums, wineries, restaurants, farms, inns, and organizations that keep the spirit of Keuka Lake alive.
Together, they are preserving our past, celebrating our present, and helping write the next chapter in the story of our beloved crooked lake.
Stay Rooted. Stay Keuka.™
