Nicknamed the "Maple City" after the large maple trees that grew throughout town, Hornell once had four rail lines, the most prominent of which was the New York and Erie Railroad which arrived in 1850.

Over the next 120 years, the town grew and thrived thanks to the railroads with the town becoming a major hub as its steam engine shop did the repairs for the entire Erie line. Eventually, however, the role of the railroads changed throughout the country which dramatically impacted the prosperity of this small town.

Today, the former train station survives as the Hornell Erie Depot Museum. Find more than 700 pieces of memorabilia and interesting railroad stories from docents whose lives have long been connected with the rails.

Hornell has also reconnected with its past ties to the rails through the international company Alstom which has it’s main assembly and manufacturing site for AC traction motors, railway cars, and passenger locomotives located in Hornell.

This rural community also has a long history in brewing. From the late 1890s all the way into the 1960s, Hornell was known for producing popular beers, including Hornell Beer, Old Ranger Ale and Old Dutch Beer, until 1964 when the Hornell Brewing Company closed its doors. Over the past several years, there has been a resurgence of craft beverages around Hornell thanks to Railhead Brewing, as well as Cider Creek Hard Cider, as young entrepreneurs have returned home to follow their dreams.

Did you think wine was only found near the lakes? We’ll let you in on a little secret. Just down the road in the small town of Arkport you can taste award-winning wines, listen to live music or comedy on the weekends, and stroll through the vineyard at your own pace!

Savor Vineyards and Wines is a small batch winery focused on the craft of wine making! With a host of award-winning wines, live music and comedy nights, they're creating an exciting blend of entertainment and country hospitality.

Looking to explore the wilderness? With wide stone walkways and stairs winding their way through a dramatic gorge that frames over a half-dozen waterfalls, scenic picnic areas in the trees, and a stream-fed lifeguarded swimming hole, there are so many ways to take advantage of the Finger Lake's natural beauty in Stony Brook State Park in nearby Dansville.

Another little gem is Kanakadea Park. Grab your kayak and a fishing pole and enjoy some fun on Almond Lake, take to the trails and go for a hike, or sit back and relax and have a nice picnic lunch. Whatever your speed, Kanakadea Park is a great place to relax and rejuvenate.

It's breathtaking, affordable, and located just far enough from the daily grind that you can slow down and slip into a calmer pace, yet still close enough to be accessible.