The Perfect Couple's Destination: 9 Things To Do In Penn Yan, New York

1. The Birkett Mills

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

The Birkett Mills has been selling buckwheat and soft red wheat flour products since 1797. Wheat isn’t the only thing this attraction in Penn Yan, NY, sells, it also sells pancake mixes for those of you who love flapjacks.

The Birkett Mills also has a recipe catalog on their website. You can try these dishes with your significant other and bond over the wonderful process of preparing some good food. They say nothing brings people together than their shared love of food, so why not cook a Birkett Mills recipe on your couples’ trip to Penn Yan?

The Birkett Mills

Address: 1 E Main St, Penn Yan, NY 14527, United States

Website: The Birkett Mills

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 8am - 12pm, 1pm - 4:30pm (closed on Sat & Sun)

2. Abandon Brewing Company

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Abandon Brewing Co (@abandonbrewing_co)

Have a magical night of drinking beer with your partner and head to Abandon Brewing Company, which offers a selection of hand-crafted beer. On the tap, the brewery offers draft flagship beers and woodshed beers. That’s not all, though, as the brewery also offers different kinds of fruit wine and some food to complement the alcohol.

You can also rent the brewery’s barn, which is surrounded by gardens, vineyards, and orchards. With the barn having a beautiful view of Keuka Lake, it lends itself as a great place to spend a romantic evening with your loved one.

Abandon Brewing Company

Address: 2994 Merritt Hill Rd, Penn Yan, NY 14527, United States

Website: Abandon Brewing Company

3. Arts Center Of Yates County

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Arts Center Of Yates County is a non-profit community arts center that showcases magnificent works of art made by various artists. It also conducts other programs to help Yates County’s artists and enrich the lives of the locals through art.

Some of these programs are fundraisers where visitors have a chance to purchase some fine artwork made by the center’s artists. Another is the creative workshop that offers people of various ages lessons in different art forms, from wood carvings to pottery.

Arts Center Of Yates County

Address: 127 Main St, Penn Yan, NY 14527, United States

Website: Arts Center Of Yates County

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 10am - 4pm; Sat: 10am - 2pm (closed on Sun)

4. Fox Run Vineyards

Spend a romantic afternoon sipping wine and touring all 55 acres (22.3 hectares) of Fox Run Vineyards, which overlooks Seneca Lake. Guests can choose from a wide range of wines, including Chardonnay, Riesling, and Pinot Noir. During the wine tastings, Fox Run Vineyards will teach guests how to pair wines with various foods. The menu and instruction are led by Winemaker Peter Bell and Chef Brud Holland and will help guests make informed wine pairing decisions, even after they go home.

For a more in-depth and personal view into Fox Run Vineyards, 2 hour VIP tours are available. After a private tour of the winery, guests are led to the barrel room, for a wine and artisan cheese platter tasting.

Fox Run Vineyards

Address: 670 State Route 14, Penn Yan, New York, 14527

Website: Fox Run Vineyards

5. Climbing Bines Hop Farm

If you’re wondering what to do in Penn Yan, NY, why not try learning how beer is made at Climbing Bines Hop Farm? Beer lovers will learn all about how hops are grown and will get a glimpse into the local brewing industry of Penn Yan. Visit the farm just to kick back, listen to a live band, and taste the craft ales on tap, or book a special event. Choose from their house ales, which include an IPA, Amber, Pale, Blonde, and Hefeweizen. These beers can be purchased in all sizes, the largest being 32 ounces (.9 liters). Climbing Bines Hop Farm will also host your wedding ceremony and reception, with the help of your wedding planner.

Climbing Bines Hop Farm

Address: 511 Hansen Point Rd, Penn Yan, New York, 14527

Website: Climbing Bines Hop Farm

6. Apple Barrel Orchards

Apple picking is a longtime favorite Penn Yan activity for New Yorkers, especially during the autumn months. Picking fruit together with loved ones is one of the best ways to share precious bonding time. Since the 1960s, Apple Barrel Orchards has been supplying the people of Penn Yan with unique orchard experiences. With 15 apple varieties, 8 grape varieties, and a cherry orchard, visitors will leave with baskets of sweet smelling fruits. Apple Barrel Orchards opens when the apple season begins in September and closes when the season ends.

Apple Barrel Orchards

Address: 2673 Sand Hill Rd., Penn Yan, New York, 14527

Website: Apple Barrel Orchards

7. Keuka Lake

Known as “canoe landing” in the language of the Seneca people, Keuka Lake is famous for its “Y” shape and its proximity to many of Penn Yan’s wineries. The lake is home to fish such as bass, trout, and salmon, making it a popular place for fisherman. Penn Yan residents also use the lake for swimming, boating, and other recreational activities. The water is warm due to the shallowness of the lake, so don’t be afraid to jump right in. Rent a cottage by the lake, watch the sunrise, or take a tour of the wine trail on your romantic journey through Penn Yan.

Keuka Lake

Website: Keuka Lake

8. The Windmill Farm and Craft Market

From April until December, the Windmill Farm and Craft Market is open to the public. It is the very first farm and craft market to be organized in Upstate New York and has been running for 30 years. With 200 vendors, the Windmill Farm and Craft Market caters to almost 10,000 guests per week. Vendors offer a fine mix of items, such as food, fresh produce, clothing, beauty items, and collectibles. Those needing wheelchair assistance are welcome to attend, as the event is wheelchair friendly. There are even extra wheelchairs at the information booth. The best part about the Windmill Farm and Craft Market is that the admission and parking are free.

The Windmill Fram and Craft Market

Address: 3900 New York 14A, Penn Yan, New York, 14527

Website: The Windmill Farm and Craft Market

9. Garrett Memorial Chapel

Garrett Memorial Chapel is built on the land that once belonged to Garrett and Company, which was the largest producer of wine in the area, from 1902 to 1940. Owners Paul and Evelyn Garrett built the chapel as a memorial to their son, Charles Garrett, who died of tuberculosis, in 1929. Currently, Garrett Memorial Chapel is an active Christian church, which holds Sunday services, between July 2nd and Labor Day. Weddings are also held at the chapel. Despite receiving over 200 requests a year, only 15 weddings can be held at the chapel per season and guests are limited to 75 people. Bookings usually occur 6 to 18 months in advance.

Garrett Memorial Chapel hosts live music events during the summer months, as well as fundraising events in order to raise funds for the church’s repair and restoration project. More information about these events can be found on the website.

Garrett Memorial Chapel

Address: 5251 Skyline Drive, Bluff Point, New York, 14478

Website: Garrett Memorial Chapel

Perfect retreat

If you are looking to go on a couple’s retreat in the country, Penn Yan is the perfect place to go. With its captivating views of Keuka Lake, you will be begging to stay, when it is time to go home. Pristine nature, romantic vineyards, and an array of lake activities allow travelers enjoy a peaceful atmosphere without getting bored. Using this list as a starting point, discover all that Penn Yan has to offer.