Adventure Pairings
What Are Adventure Pairings?
You’ve probably heard of cheese and wine pairings, food and beer pairings.
Pairings are all about creating a combination of two different things that bring out the best traits in each other. They’re about putting diverse experiences together to create something worth slowing down for and savoring again and again.
And with all the fun, exciting ways there are to take advantage of the remarkable landscape Mother Nature gave us (thank you, glaciers from millennia ago) it was a no-brainer to pair our exceptional craft beverage producers with exciting outdoor adventures.
Outdoor Adventures to Pair with Exceptional Craft Beverages
Explore the heart of the region on wilderness footpaths maintained by a large corp of volunteers. Stretching over 950 miles, this just might be one of the longest hiking trails you never even knew was there.
That’s the beauty of the trail, though, providing mostly secluded hikes with an extensive trail system that includes six branch trails and twenty-nine spur and loop trails. If that’s not enough, the FLT connects with the Great Eastern Trail (which extends all the way to the Alabama-Florida border) and with the North Country National Scenic Trail (which runs through eight states from South Dakota to eastern New York).
Whether you’re seeking multi-day treks, day hikes, or merely want to enjoy a walk in the woods for an hour or two, the Finger Lakes Trail is waiting.
Branch trails like Mitchellsville Gorge Trail and Huckleberry Bog Trail in Hammondsport are great for day hikes and are located near excellent craft beverage producers so you can enjoy a fun hike, then taste some delicious beverages.
Nearby Craft Beverage Producers
Not far from the Mitchellsville Gorge Trail you’ll find The Brewery of Broken Dreams crafting tasty versions of traditional styles and offering consistent quality across the board. And enjoy popular brews like the award-winning Hammonds-Porter and Copperline Ale at Finger Lakes Beer Company.
There’s something special brewing on the West Side of Keuka Lake, near the Huckleberry Bog Trail, where you’ll find Krooked Tusker, a distillery called out for having one of the “Best Gins” in the country for 2022 (Forbes), and another in Barrelhouse 6 whose Head Distiller competed on “Moonshiner’s Master Distiller,” located just down the road from Keuka Brewing, NY’s 2014 Craft Brewery of the Year with other award-winning breweries tucked in here and there. While the closest beverage producer to the bog trail is the Veteran-owned small batch farm distillery, Black Sheep Distillery.
“While you’re visiting the breweries in Hammondsport, you’ve got to add in a stop at Krooked Tusker Distillery. Honestly, we stopped there on a whim to get a break from the beer, but it was phenomenal!” – Danielle, Wanderlust on a Budget
Keuka Lake
There are a few reasons why Country Living named Hammondsport #10 of the “25 Best Small Lake Towns in America” and one of the biggest reasons is stunning Keuka Lake which has been drawing people to the region since the mid-1800s.
One of the few Y-shaped lakes in the world, Keuka’s warm, clear water makes for excellent swimming, fishing, and other experiences.
Thanks to Keuka Watersports and Keuka Kayak you don’t need to own your own equipment to get out on the lake and enjoy the beautiful setting. You can rent kayaks, paddle boards, jet skis, as well as deck boats and pontoon boats. Most mornings, you’ll find the calm waters ideal for paddle boarding and kayaking.
If you’re an angler at heart, you can fish from shore, rent a boat, or even hire a guide as the lake is home to lake trout, brown trout, rainbow trout, smallmouth bass, landlocked salmon and other fish.
Nearby Libation Destinations
Where else can you savor New York State’s “Best White Wine,” “Best Pink Wine,” “Best Sparkling Wine,” and “Best Red Wine” for 2022, take the “Best Winery Tour” in the country for 2022 and 2023 (as voted in USA Today’s Reader’s Choice Award), visit New York State’s 2022 “Winery of the Year,” as well as another winery named one of Wine & Spirits “Top 100 Wineries in the World” for 2021 and 2022?
Nowhere else!
Except around stunning Y-shaped Keuka Lake!
Stony Brook State Park
While Watkins Glen and Letchworth get most of the publicity, Stony Brook is one of the region’s best kept secrets and maintains a lower profile much to the delight of those who know it’s there.
With three beautiful waterfalls, a stream-fed natural pool for lifeguarded swimming in season, three hiking trails (each is about a mile in length), numerous picnic areas, a playground, and over 80 campsites, you can spend a couple days exploring the wonders of nature, and partaking of some exceptional libations nearby
Best Locally-Made Beverages Near Stony Brook
Savor Vineyards and Wines is a charming boutique winery set amongst a few farms in the countryside with limited hours and featuring limited quantities of award-winning wines. Savor also offers tasty wine slushies, plus live music and comedy shows on the weekends.
A small craft brewery offering delicious brews and tasty wood-fired pizzas, Railhead Brewing Company has become a popular hangout for locals and visitors. While just down the road, you’ll find Cider Creek Hard Cider, the most awarded farm cidery in all of New York State with a very rustic vibe inside and out, as well as a quaint fire pit perfect for conversations and libations.
Chemung River
Gently winding it’s way through deep valleys, the Chemung River provides a sense of peacefulness you won’t find just anywhere.
Follow the current downstream and take in the wonderful seclusion despite being close to all the action. Bald eagles, an abundance of wildlife, and gorgeous views round out the adventure.
Spencer Crest Nature Center
A 250-acre community nature center, including over 7 miles of color-coded trails (including a section that wheelchair accessible), two ponds, and an environmentally-sensitive Museum of Natural Systems. Hidden on a wooded hilltop just minutes from downtown Corning, Spencer Crest is great for self-guided hikes, seasonal fishing, and cross-country skiing.
Libations in Proximity to the Chemung River sand Spencer Crest
The first craft brewery in Steuben County, Market Street Brewing Company is also known locally as the Brewpub, featuring their main selection of in-house brews as well as tasty meals for lunch and dinner. Iron Flamingo opened in 2010 and has continued to grow. You’ll find their beers at Wegman’s, as well as the original tasting room at the brewery and at the Barrelhouse on Market Street. A small batch craft brewery located in Corning’s Historic District, Liquid Shoes Brewing explores the potential beer can become by focusing on hop-forward beers, including popular New England style IPAs, plus classic style IPAs, stouts, porters, as well as sours.
“Maple brown with actual maple at Liquid Shoes was an early highlight of my visit to Corning, NY.” – John Holl, Beer Author/Editor
Mossy Bank Park
Mossy Bank Park is 167.5 acre recreation area sitting some 500 feet above the Cohocton River that winds through an expansive valley. With panoramic views from the lookout station, picnic pavilions, a playground, as well as mountain bike and hiking trails, Mossy Bank offers a touch of tranquility just minutes from downtown Bath. There’s also a pond a 5-acre pond providing fishing and other outdoor activities.
Libations Close By
Near Pulteney Park in the center of town, Tub Town Brewing is a fresh new family-owned neighborhood brewery offering an assortment of locally-crafted brews, tavern pizzas and pretzels made from scratch, and a variety of other food items. About ten minutes away, you’ll find two NYS craft farm breweries just before you get to Hammondsport—Finger Lakes Beer Company, the “2022 Best of FLX Brewery winner” serving award-winning brews, and The Brewery of Broken Dreams located in a charming historic winery building and serving creative takes on traditional ales.
Other Outdoor Adventures to Experience
Erwin Wildlife Management
This nearly 2,500-acre tract of land located approximately 5 miles west of Corning, features two man-made ponds stocked with bass, panfish, and bullhead, as well as trails for hiking and bird watching.
Birdseye Hollow State Forest
Hiking and multi-use trails, including sections of the Finger Lakes Trail, camp sites, diverse wildlife including white-tailed deer, wild turkey, ruffed grouse, pheasant, woodcock, squirrel, cottontail rabbit, and waterfowl, plus multiple creeks and ponds for fishing, Birdseye Hollow is a great place toke in a beautiful sunrise and melodic early morning bird song.
Waneta and Lamoka Lakes
These two smaller lakes—located between Keuka Lake and Seneca Lake—are close to each other and are great for fishing—largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, muskellunge, chain pickerel, yellow perch, bluegill, pumpkinseed, black crappie, rock bass, brown bullhead, golden shiner, white sucker, common carp. Let local guide Mark Moskal take you where the musky are biting.
Prefer a relaxed paddle? Bring your kayak or canoe and enjoy some time on the water.
Watkins Glen State Park
Named the #2 attraction in all of New York State in 2017, and in 2015 named the #3 state park in the entire country, Watkins Glen with its captivating mix of rugged cliffs and breathtaking waterfalls is not to be missed.
It’s not every day you get to walk beside and behind waterfalls and The Glen has 19 of them sure to leave you spellbound.
Keuka Lake State Park
While the park brings camping to one of the country’s most unique lakes. With lake access for swimming, boating, and all around splashable fun, this state park is very popular during summertime.
*please note Stony Brook and Watkins Glen gorge trails are not wheelchair accessible, as there is uneven terrain and numerous stairs to navigate.
Keuka Outlet Trail
Another one of those secrets enjoyed by locals with wonderful hiking and waterfall experiences. Seven miles of wooded trail offers options for fishing, hiking, biking, horseback riding, as well as snowmobiling and cross-country skiing in the wintertime.
The trail, which runs between Keuka Lake and Seneca Lake, is built on the old bed of Fall Brook Railroad, and follows the towpath of the historic Crooked Lake Canal which once connected the lakes.
The descent is gradual, taking you through a deep gorge, and makes for hikes that aren’t too strenuous no matter which direction your headed.
Tanglewood Nature Center
Named #1 on Best Things NY’s list of Best Nature Centers in NYS, Tanglewood is home to over 40 rehabilitated animals and a variety of interactive displays.
The nature center is also home to an elaborate trail system, offering opportunities for hikers of all ability levels and some breathtaking views. Among the trails is the Mark Twain View Trail—a challenging hiking path marked with nature-themed quotes by the author along the way—and the popular Children’s Trail.
Plans are underway for an all new Canopy Walkway which will elevate this lovely outdoor haven even more.
Catharine Valley Trail
A recreation trail approximately six miles long that follows abandoned railroad tracks and towpaths of the former Chemung Canal. The trail is level, finished with crushed limestone, and wheelchair accessible. Popular for walking, running, biking, as well as cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
Finger Lakes National Forest
New York State’s only National Forest provides a variety of unique and fun outdoor experiences. From horseback riding to hiking, camping, apple picking, and exploring, as well as historic sites from the Women’s Suffrage movement, the Finger Lakes National Forest has something for anyone looking for outdoor adventure.
Seneca Lake
The largest and deepest of all the Finger Lakes (as well as the deepest lake located entirely in New York State and one of the deepest in the country), Seneca Lake is 38 miles from tip-to-tip.
Known as the lake trout capital of the world, Seneca is home to numerous fish species making it haven for anglers rom around the world.
You can enjoy guided fishing excursions on this popular lake, scenic sightseeing or dinner cruises, or even a sunset sail on a historic schooner.
Harris Hill
Home to the National Soaring Museum where you’ll find the world’s largest sailplane collection, and the Harris Hill Soaring Corporation which offers seasonal sailplane and glider flights.
Take in the region’s natural beauty from a truly unique perspective, as gliders are towed into the sky, then released to soar over the rolling hills and deep valleys below. Piloted by experts, you get to just sit back and take in the spectacular views. The serenity and sheer beauty of motionless flight is an experience you have to try to truly appreciate.
Named the “Soaring Capital of America” in the early 20th century, Harris Hill has also been the site of several National Soaring competitions.
The Harris Hill Amusement Park is a collection of small rides, mini-golf, driving range, swimming pool, picnic area, and other family-friendly activities.
Finger Lakes Rail Riders
Finger Lakes Rail Riders is a guided outdoor rail bike excursion with a historical context.
Ride the railroad tracks on a 2-seat recumbent-style rail bike for about 2.5 miles while getting great views of the scenic Amish countryside. The pedaling is quite easy, the tract is flat, and the tours are led by a guide who also narrates some of the history of the region. At the furthest point on the trail, the rail rider bike is turned around and you return back to the starting point.
Adventure Pairings
What Are Adventure Pairings?
You’ve probably heard of cheese and wine pairings, food and beer pairings.
Pairings are all about creating a combination of two different things that bring out the best traits in each other. They’re about putting diverse experiences together to create something worth slowing down for and savoring again and again.
And with all the fun, exciting ways there are to take advantage of the remarkable landscape Mother Nature gave us (thank you, glaciers from millennia ago) it was a no-brainer to pair our exceptional craft beverage producers with exciting outdoor adventures.
Outdoor Adventures to Pair with Exceptional Craft Beverages
Explore the heart of the region on wilderness footpaths maintained by a large corp of volunteers. Stretching over 950 miles, this just might be one of the longest hiking trails you never even knew was there.
That’s the beauty of the trail, though, providing mostly secluded hikes with an extensive trail system that includes six branch trails and twenty-nine spur and loop trails. If that’s not enough, the FLT connects with the Great Eastern Trail (which extends all the way to the Alabama-Florida border) and with the North Country National Scenic Trail (which runs through eight states from South Dakota to eastern New York).
Whether you’re seeking multi-day treks, day hikes, or merely want to enjoy a walk in the woods for an hour or two, the Finger Lakes Trail is waiting.
Branch trails like Mitchellsville Gorge Trail and Huckleberry Bog Trail in Hammondsport are great for day hikes and are located near excellent craft beverage producers so you can enjoy a fun hike, then taste some delicious beverages.
Nearby Craft Beverage Producers
Not far from the Mitchellsville Gorge Trail you’ll find The Brewery of Broken Dreams crafting tasty versions of traditional styles and offering consistent quality across the board. And enjoy popular brews like the award-winning Hammonds-Porter and Copperline Ale at Finger Lakes Beer Company.
There’s something special brewing on the West Side of Keuka Lake, near the Huckleberry Bog Trail, where you’ll find Krooked Tusker, a distillery called out for having one of the “Best Gins” in the country for 2022 (Forbes), and another in Barrelhouse 6 whose Head Distiller competed on “Moonshiner’s Master Distiller,” located just down the road from Keuka Brewing, NY’s 2014 Craft Brewery of the Year with other award-winning breweries tucked in here and there. While the closest beverage producer to the bog trail is the Veteran-owned small batch farm distillery, Black Sheep Distillery.
“While you’re visiting the breweries in Hammondsport, you’ve got to add in a stop at Krooked Tusker Distillery. Honestly, we stopped there on a whim to get a break from the beer, but it was phenomenal!” – Danielle, Wanderlust on a Budget
Keuka Lake
There are a few reasons why Country Living named Hammondsport #10 of the “25 Best Small Lake Towns in America” and one of the biggest reasons is stunning Keuka Lake which has been drawing people to the region since the mid-1800s.
One of the few Y-shaped lakes in the world, Keuka’s warm, clear water makes for excellent swimming, fishing, and other experiences.
Thanks to Keuka Watersports and Keuka Kayak you don’t need to own your own equipment to get out on the lake and enjoy the beautiful setting. You can rent kayaks, paddle boards, jet skis, as well as deck boats and pontoon boats. Most mornings, you’ll find the calm waters ideal for paddle boarding and kayaking.
If you’re an angler at heart, you can fish from shore, rent a boat, or even hire a guide as the lake is home to lake trout, brown trout, rainbow trout, smallmouth bass, landlocked salmon and other fish.
Nearby Libation Destinations
Where else can you savor New York State’s “Best White Wine,” “Best Pink Wine,” “Best Sparkling Wine,” and “Best Red Wine” for 2022, take the “Best Winery Tour” in the country for 2022 and 2023 (as voted in USA Today’s Reader’s Choice Award), visit New York State’s 2022 “Winery of the Year,” as well as another winery named one of Wine & Spirits “Top 100 Wineries in the World” for 2021 and 2022?
Nowhere else!
Except around stunning Y-shaped Keuka Lake!
Stony Brook State Park
While Watkins Glen and Letchworth get most of the publicity, Stony Brook is one of the region’s best kept secrets and maintains a lower profile much to the delight of those who know it’s there.
With three beautiful waterfalls, a stream-fed natural pool for lifeguarded swimming in season, three hiking trails (each is about a mile in length), numerous picnic areas, a playground, and over 80 campsites, you can spend a couple days exploring the wonders of nature, and partaking of some exceptional libations nearby
Best Locally-Made Beverages Near Stony Brook
Savor Vineyards and Wines is a charming boutique winery set amongst a few farms in the countryside with limited hours and featuring limited quantities of award-winning wines. Savor also offers tasty wine slushies, plus live music and comedy shows on the weekends.
A small craft brewery offering delicious brews and tasty wood-fired pizzas, Railhead Brewing Company has become a popular hangout for locals and visitors. While just down the road, you’ll find Cider Creek Hard Cider, the most awarded farm cidery in all of New York State with a very rustic vibe inside and out, as well as a quaint fire pit perfect for conversations and libations.
Chemung River
Gently winding it’s way through deep valleys, the Chemung River provides a sense of peacefulness you won’t find just anywhere.
Follow the current downstream and take in the wonderful seclusion despite being close to all the action. Bald eagles, an abundance of wildlife, and gorgeous views round out the adventure.
Spencer Crest Nature Center
A 250-acre community nature center, including over 7 miles of color-coded trails (including a section that wheelchair accessible), two ponds, and an environmentally-sensitive Museum of Natural Systems. Hidden on a wooded hilltop just minutes from downtown Corning, Spencer Crest is great for self-guided hikes, seasonal fishing, and cross-country skiing.
Libations in Proximity to the Chemung River sand Spencer Crest
The first craft brewery in Steuben County, Market Street Brewing Company is also known locally as the Brewpub, featuring their main selection of in-house brews as well as tasty meals for lunch and dinner. Iron Flamingo opened in 2010 and has continued to grow. You’ll find their beers at Wegman’s, as well as the original tasting room at the brewery and at the Barrelhouse on Market Street. A small batch craft brewery located in Corning’s Historic District, Liquid Shoes Brewing explores the potential beer can become by focusing on hop-forward beers, including popular New England style IPAs, plus classic style IPAs, stouts, porters, as well as sours.
“Maple brown with actual maple at Liquid Shoes was an early highlight of my visit to Corning, NY.” – John Holl, Beer Author/Editor
Mossy Bank Park
Mossy Bank Park is 167.5 acre recreation area sitting some 500 feet above the Cohocton River that winds through an expansive valley. With panoramic views from the lookout station, picnic pavilions, a playground, as well as mountain bike and hiking trails, Mossy Bank offers a touch of tranquility just minutes from downtown Bath. There’s also a pond a 5-acre pond providing fishing and other outdoor activities.
Libations Close By
Near Pulteney Park in the center of town, Tub Town Brewing is a fresh new family-owned neighborhood brewery offering an assortment of locally-crafted brews, tavern pizzas and pretzels made from scratch, and a variety of other food items. About ten minutes away, you’ll find two NYS craft farm breweries just before you get to Hammondsport—Finger Lakes Beer Company, the “2022 Best of FLX Brewery winner” serving award-winning brews, and The Brewery of Broken Dreams located in a charming historic winery building and serving creative takes on traditional ales.
Other Outdoor Adventures to Experience
Erwin Wildlife Management
This nearly 2,500-acre tract of land located approximately 5 miles west of Corning, features two man-made ponds stocked with bass, panfish, and bullhead, as well as trails for hiking and bird watching.
Birdseye Hollow State Forest
Hiking and multi-use trails, including sections of the Finger Lakes Trail, camp sites, diverse wildlife including white-tailed deer, wild turkey, ruffed grouse, pheasant, woodcock, squirrel, cottontail rabbit, and waterfowl, plus multiple creeks and ponds for fishing, Birdseye Hollow is a great place toke in a beautiful sunrise and melodic early morning bird song.
Waneta and Lamoka Lakes
These two smaller lakes—located between Keuka Lake and Seneca Lake—are close to each other and are great for fishing—largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, muskellunge, chain pickerel, yellow perch, bluegill, pumpkinseed, black crappie, rock bass, brown bullhead, golden shiner, white sucker, common carp. Let local guide Mark Moskal take you where the musky are biting.
Prefer a relaxed paddle? Bring your kayak or canoe and enjoy some time on the water.
Watkins Glen State Park
Named the #2 attraction in all of New York State in 2017, and in 2015 named the #3 state park in the entire country, Watkins Glen with its captivating mix of rugged cliffs and breathtaking waterfalls is not to be missed.
It’s not every day you get to walk beside and behind waterfalls and The Glen has 19 of them sure to leave you spellbound.
Keuka Lake State Park
While the park brings camping to one of the country’s most unique lakes. With lake access for swimming, boating, and all around splashable fun, this state park is very popular during summertime.
*please note Stony Brook and Watkins Glen gorge trails are not wheelchair accessible, as there is uneven terrain and numerous stairs to navigate.
Keuka Outlet Trail
Another one of those secrets enjoyed by locals with wonderful hiking and waterfall experiences. Seven miles of wooded trail offers options for fishing, hiking, biking, horseback riding, as well as snowmobiling and cross-country skiing in the wintertime.
The trail, which runs between Keuka Lake and Seneca Lake, is built on the old bed of Fall Brook Railroad, and follows the towpath of the historic Crooked Lake Canal which once connected the lakes.
The descent is gradual, taking you through a deep gorge, and makes for hikes that aren’t too strenuous no matter which direction your headed.
Tanglewood Nature Center
Named #1 on Best Things NY’s list of Best Nature Centers in NYS, Tanglewood is home to over 40 rehabilitated animals and a variety of interactive displays.
The nature center is also home to an elaborate trail system, offering opportunities for hikers of all ability levels and some breathtaking views. Among the trails is the Mark Twain View Trail—a challenging hiking path marked with nature-themed quotes by the author along the way—and the popular Children’s Trail.
Plans are underway for an all new Canopy Walkway which will elevate this lovely outdoor haven even more.
Catharine Valley Trail
A recreation trail approximately six miles long that follows abandoned railroad tracks and towpaths of the former Chemung Canal. The trail is level, finished with crushed limestone, and wheelchair accessible. Popular for walking, running, biking, as well as cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
Finger Lakes National Forest
New York State’s only National Forest provides a variety of unique and fun outdoor experiences. From horseback riding to hiking, camping, apple picking, and exploring, as well as historic sites from the Women’s Suffrage movement, the Finger Lakes National Forest has something for anyone looking for outdoor adventure.
Seneca Lake
The largest and deepest of all the Finger Lakes (as well as the deepest lake located entirely in New York State and one of the deepest in the country), Seneca Lake is 38 miles from tip-to-tip.
Known as the lake trout capital of the world, Seneca is home to numerous fish species making it haven for anglers rom around the world.
You can enjoy guided fishing excursions on this popular lake, scenic sightseeing or dinner cruises, or even a sunset sail on a historic schooner.
Harris Hill
Home to the National Soaring Museum where you’ll find the world’s largest sailplane collection, and the Harris Hill Soaring Corporation which offers seasonal sailplane and glider flights.
Take in the region’s natural beauty from a truly unique perspective, as gliders are towed into the sky, then released to soar over the rolling hills and deep valleys below. Piloted by experts, you get to just sit back and take in the spectacular views. The serenity and sheer beauty of motionless flight is an experience you have to try to truly appreciate.
Named the “Soaring Capital of America” in the early 20th century, Harris Hill has also been the site of several National Soaring competitions.
The Harris Hill Amusement Park is a collection of small rides, mini-golf, driving range, swimming pool, picnic area, and other family-friendly activities.
Finger Lakes Rail Riders
Finger Lakes Rail Riders is a guided outdoor rail bike excursion with a historical context.
Ride the railroad tracks on a 2-seat recumbent-style rail bike for about 2.5 miles while getting great views of the scenic Amish countryside. The pedaling is quite easy, the tract is flat, and the tours are led by a guide who also narrates some of the history of the region. At the furthest point on the trail, the rail rider bike is turned around and you return back to the starting point.
