Live Here
Schuyler County is home to an amazing combination of natural beauty, incredible people, exciting attractions, unique year-round events, and great schools and educational institutions.
We have a flourishing community of entrepreneurs and small businesses. Restaurants and eateries; a waterfront art gallery; sailing and boating companies; shopping and boutiques; financial institutions; business consultants; entrepreneurs; manufacturers; and more… the list is ever-growing. But these business owners don’t just work here – they live here. They infuse the local economy with jobs and money, but just as important, they infuse the local consciousness with their spirit, their zest for success – and it’s contagious!
We invite you to explore Schuyler County and discover how great it can be to live, work, and play here! For more information or additional assistance, please give us a call at (607) 535-4300!
Where Mother Nature meets Main Street...
Positioned at the base of Seneca Lake in the heart of the Finger Lakes Region, Schuyler (pronounced Sky-ler) County was named in honor of General Philip Schuyler, one of the four major generals in the Continental Army in the American Revolutionary War. When counties were first established in New York State in 1683, they were very large and changed significantly in size and scope over time. Present-day Schuyler County boundaries were finally formalized in 1854. There are four main villages in the county - let us tell you a little more about them!
Burdett
Located about five minutes from downtown Watkins Glen on the east side of Seneca Lake, Burdett is home to the Finger Lakes National Forest,, the only National Forest in New York State! With beautiful views, wineries, breweries, and even a distillery nearby, you won't find any shortage of things to do. Aside from the Forest other points of interest in the village include Painted Bar Stables (where you can take a trail ride on horseback); The Elf and the Oak (for some of the most fabulous sandwiches this side of the lake) and the Finger Lakes Preserve (a sprawling fishing preserve where you can cast a line on a number of scenic ponds).
Hector
Hector has many notable features including the iconic Hector Falls, which are best viewed while cruising Seneca lake. Hector is also home to many wineries, breweries, and Finger Lakes Distilling - the region's first stand-alone distillery. The stunning views in Hector - especially at sunset - are famous. Finger Lakes beauty at its finest!
Montour Falls
Listed on the National Historic Register in 1978, the village of Montour Falls features a beautiful mix of architectural styles, quaint shops and restaurants, and even its own waterfall! Chequaga Falls, located in the center of town, is also known as "Hallmark Falls" after being included in the opening credits of a Hallmark murder mystery series. Where West Main Street meets Genesee Street, the town's Glorious T is the crowning jewel of its history. Places of architectural and historical interest include the Montour Falls Library, the domed Montour Falls Village Hall, and many of the private homes in the vicinity. Havana Glen offers quiet respite nearby, where a short walk on a stone path brings you to Eagle Cliff Falls. You can walk and play in the water under the waterfall. Havana Glen also offers a playground, ball fields, picnic tables, pavilions, and even camping.
Odessa
If you come into the region from the southeast, you will likely pass through this quaint village, including local hotspot The Bucket Bar and Grill and a delicious stop at Sunset View Creamery.
Watkins Glen
Located directly on the southern tip of Seneca Lake, Watkins Glen became internationally known as host to the first post-World War II road race. The very village streets that welcome millions of visitors from around the world today are the same over which the green flag dropped on a 6.6-mile course from 1948 to 1952. You can still drive the historic race circuit yourself, just swing by the Downtown Visitor Center (214 N. Franklin Street) to pick up a map!
Today, Watkins Glen is known for its lake-loving vibe. Streets lined with shops and restaurants invite you to stroll from Watkins Glen State Park (with its 19 waterfalls, camping, Olympic-size pool, and picnicking) north to the lakefront. Grab dinner, a drink, or an ice cream cone along the way. Watkins Glen International just outside of town welcomes NASCAR, IMSA, IndyCar, and US Vintage Grand Prix Racing, among many other exciting events and festivals throughout the season. You can even drive your own car around the race circuit for three paced laps with the Drive the Glen program.
The Seneca Lake Wine Trail winds its way through the region. Picturesque parks, including Clute Park, Lafayette Park, and Seneca Harbor Park, offer unique experiences and different amenities: swimming, walking, basketball, playgrounds, a splash pad, and farmers' markets,
With so much to do right here, you'll be even more excited to learn that living, working, and playing in Schuyler County also puts you in close proximity to many other destinations and points of interest in the Finger Lakes. It's just a 30-minute drive to Ithaca, Corning, Elmira, Hammondsport, and Penn Yan from here, including the Corning Museum of Glass, the National Soaring Museum, the Glenn H. Curtiss Museum, Cornell University, the Ithaca Commons, Harris Hill Amusement Park, the Rockwell Museum, Mark Twain historic sites, the Arnot Art Museum, and so much more!
Your best days are ahead in Watkins Glen and Schuyler County.