When Joe and I were visiting his grandparents, we went to the Finger Lakes Boating Museum. This place is terrific.

First, it’s full of boats, mostly beautifully crafted wood boats, all made in the Finger Lakes. The most famous of the boat makers featured here is the Penn Yan Boat Company, named after its hometown on Keuka Lake. Functional works of art.

The second reason this place is incredible is it’s housed in the old Taylor building outside of Hammondsport, former home of one the great wineries of the 20th century. Decades ago I spent a few summers as a tour guide at Taylor-Great Western. Back then it was a big attraction, the largest of dozens of wineries along Keuka and the other Finger Lakes.

The stone building and it’s old offices are in great shape, though a little dusty. We were able to explore much of it, including the arched stone cellar that was once the tasting room on the tour route.

I’m so glad the boating museum has moved in. A building like this, and the boats that call it home, deserve to be taken care of and appreciated.

The museum features restoration and repair facilities.

Joe looking for a tap.

Time to go.