Old Forge/Adirondacks or Keuka Lake/Hammondsport Area (Jay: to rent, campsites)

[Doggz3]

I want to rent a cottage for a week this summer for some deep relaxation/soul-searching - paddling a kayak, reading from a stack of books I have amassed but have not had time to read and maybe strolling occasionally into town for dinner and a drink is all I care to do. I have narrowed my list to these two areas. Any opinions or comparisons of these areas would be welcome. Thanks in advance.

[ref301]

I grew up about 10 miles from Hammondsport and spent all of my summers on Keuka Lake. I now live in the Adirondacks, though not in Old Forge.

Hammondsport is great place to unwind, if you can get a cottage on the lake. Being the southern end, the water is usually calm, ideal for paddling about. I'm not up on what is available from a resturant perspective in town, but you a very close to a number a lake view winery's if you are into that. Bully Hill is great place to visit. I don't think much of their wines, but the restuarant is nice and the view is spectacular. Konstantin Frank and Heron Hill winery's are very short drive up the lake.

I now live in Jay, near Whiteface Mountain, and love the area. So much to do, so much to see. I haven't been in Old Forge in a number of years, but there used to be lots to do there, from a tourist perspective. You'll need to rely on someone else that is closer to that area.

[cheese9988]

I have been to Old Forge, very nice area. Still gives you the secluded feel. There are trees above and around the campsites, so everything is not in the open like most places.

[Finger Laker]

i'm still partial to keuka lake, although not an expert on the andirondacks by any means

here is the good about keuka lake: fairly easy access to the lake and all the surrounding lakes, lots of wineries and even a microbrewery, in the summer the lake is hopping with activity at the bars & restaurants - but you can still just lay around a cottage and be secluded

there are some great parks near by in letchworth and probably my favorite place to go walking - watkins glen

you won't find too much as far as fine dining in the area, but you will find good quality comfort food - in the summer that means chicken, clam bakes, salt potatoes, corn on the cob, etc

i still visit on occasion to see family and always find a way to just relax