With Wineries And Water Galore, Hector Is The Best Small Town In New York For A Spontaneous Getaway

There are many great small towns in New York that make for excellent day trips. One that we especially love when the weather is warm is Hector. This charming little town has a population of around 5,000. Like the rest of the Finger Lakes region, it's incredibly scenic, with natural wonders abounding. It's also got some great options for wine lovers. The Finger Lakes wine region is considered one of the best producers of wine in the country, so if you like vino, you will definitely want to plan a stop here.

Hazlitt 1852 Vineyards: 5712 NY-414, Hector, NY 14841

In the warm months, Hazlitt 1852 boasts some of the best wine slushies in New York. The Seneca Lake Wine Trail is one of the best wine producers in the nation and this winery has been producing wine since 1852. There's even a three-season pavilion, The Oasis, which hosts live music and other events throughout the year. You can get more information on the vineyard's website.

Hector Wine Company: 5610 NY-414, Hector, NY 14841

Hector Wine Company is actually also owned by the Hazlitt family: they're certainly proven winemakers! This beautiful property is incredibly scenic and has a charming little market where you can purchase locally-grown goods. Find out more on the company's website.

Red Newt Cellars Winery and Bistro: 3675 Tichenor Rd, Hector, NY 14841

If you're getting hungry by now, Red Newt Cellars is a great next stop. They've got an on site bistro serving up delicious farm-to-table fare. For more information, including menus, visit their website.

Chateau LaFayette Reneau: 5081 NY-414, Hector, NY 14841

The list of great wineries near Seneca Lake is practically endless. Another one of our favorites is Chateau LaFayette Reneau. Their 110-acre winery is open year round. Check out their website to learn more.

Hector Falls

Hector Falls is one of our favorite easily accessed waterfalls in New York. You can actually see it from your car as you drive by.

Seneca Lake

Seneca Lake is the largest of the Finger Lakes. It's well-known for being the lake trout capital of the world and for its phenomenal wine, which has been drawing visitors to the area for decades.

Have you visited Hector? Share your experiences in the comments! There are lots of other great wineries in the region, so we'd love to hear your favorites.