One of New York’s Quirkiest Towns Is Still Flying Under the Radar

The Finger Lakes region of New York is one of the most charming, and it's a perfect place for a vacation when you want a unique small town to explore and serve as a home base for fun on the water. There's a quirky town in New York on the banks of Keuka Lake that's one of the region's best-kept secrets, and with summer fast approaching, it's the perfect place to discover Hammondsport for yourself. This town has a population of under 600 full-time residents at the time of the last census, but it's been at the center of so much of American history.

Today, Hammondsport is a town that thrives on bringing in outsiders. Its small population is supplemented every year by visitors seeking to enjoy the town's stunning water access, its famous museum, and its rich dining scene and charming downtown. While it certainly has a cult fanbase by now, it's never quite swamped like the other top Finger Lakes destination. That makes it the best of both worlds — a small town filled with charm and quirkiness that still has everything a family needs for a one-of-a-kind New York getaway.

Where Is Hammondsport and Why Is It So Unique?

Hammondsport is often called one of the best small towns in New York because of its old-fashioned downtown and beautiful surroundings, but many people have never even heard of it. That's because it's located in one of the more remote regions of the state, with no other larger towns nearby. However, the town's history has shaped its culture today, and it often feels more like a time capsule of small-town America.

The Quirky Attractions That Define This Town

The town's defining attraction is the Glenn H. Curtiss Museum, a massive celebration of all things transportation. The town was the hometown of Glenn H. Curtiss, the first airplane designer, and it was at the center of aviation development in the decades before the Wright Brothers' famous flight. Soon, other aviation experts were coming to the small town for consultations with the man.

Today, the museum stands as a tribute not just to Curtiss, but to historic transportation devices of all kinds. Planes hang from the ceiling, vintage police vehicles line the walls, and school and tour groups line up outside every day. The museum is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and if someone's making a pilgrimage to Hammondsport, there's a good chance they're a fan!

There is far more to see in Hammondsport than just the museum, though. It's a hub for water recreation thanks to its proximity to Keuka Lake, and it's gained a reputation for great beer. Keuka Brewing Co. is a small-batch brewery that offers a beer flight that experts swear by. The town is also home to a spa-inspired Airbnb that offers next-level relaxation.

Why It's Still Flying Under the Radar

Despite this, the town is often overshadowed by other towns in the Finger Lakes region. This region is heavily weather-dependent, and during the winter, you'll likely only find hardy fishermen paying a visit (the lake is a top spot for trout-fishing). However, as word spreads, Hammondsport is likely to find itself in a familiar position — the buzz is growing, and people will be coming from miles around.

Have you visited Hammondsport before? If not, this quirky town in New York is an amazing spot for a day trip or a multi-day getaway, so tell a travel buddy about this article and plan your own Finger Lakes escape! You can find out more about the town on the Hammondsport tourism website, and make sure to visit the website of the Glenn H. Curtiss Aviation Museum for more details on this fascinating historical site. If you're looking for more unique towns like Hammondsport with hidden gems to discover, keep Only in Your State's list of the best small towns in the USA for your next road trip!