If a gloriously designed and historically significant building could speak to a region’s history while welcoming today’s guests with modern amenities, that building would be Snug Harbor Restaurant and Hotel. Minutes from the village of Hammondsport, at 9068A Snug Harbor Drive, sits this jewel—one of the few remaining nineteenth century era establishments excelling at food, drink, and thoughtfully curated accommodations in the Finger Lakes.

Enamored by the beauty of the region, Major John Slocum purchased a small cottage situated at the southwest end of Keuka Lake in 1889, tore it down, and built the terraced-style, three story hotel that stands on the half-acre property. Named the Ruby Cottage Hotel in honor of his daughter, Slocum was famous for entertaining and hosting friends for summer stays. Short-lived, the hotel was purchased by Simeon Rathbone in 1895, renamed Snug Harbor, and became his private residence.

Over the next century the building changed ownership but remained anchored in hospitality as it reverted to a restaurant, became a dance hall, and again a hotel. Unassumingly, it sits low from the road and is just a few yards from the lake’s edge. The vibe is serene; the view is breathtaking. Adding to its splendor are expansive outdoor seating options like the lakeside boardwalk, patio, and inviting verandas, plus twenty boat slips, and a private entrance leading to two of the three suites (with French doors opening onto private lake-facing balconies) just steps from the main building. The balcony suites have AC, full kitchens, and room service available for those who don’t want to bother with cooking. With a fresh perspective, Snug Harbor is an updated and inviting spot for families, intimate gatherings, and hosting retreats or weddings.

“We’ve been very fortunate to partner with Tim Tompkins, owner of the property. He manages the suite rental, ten boat slips available for seasonal rental, and the desserts on the menu, so we work very closely together,” says Jeff Yaniak, operating partner. “There are two of us managing the restaurant, now in our third season. When Tim approached us about running the venue, we all agreed that continuity in our hours and consistency in our dishes was going to be important to our success. The emphasis today is on providing an exceptional dining experience with a welcoming casual feel in this beautiful setting.”

Popular must-haves on the menu include family-style meals, priced per person, and sharing boards like the Butcher BBQ Board “allowing for a more social dining experience,” says Jeff. “We’ve added new menu items and expanded our dockside dining for the convenience of our boating guests. The grilled shrimp tacos and burgers are some of our best sellers on the water. Order ahead and we’ll have it waiting dockside for you.

“We work directly with local farms to source meat and vegetables when available, and we use Carney Agri Farm for all our microgreens and specialty herbs,” he continues. “This allows us flexibility with our menu because ingredients change quickly. We are always striving for high quality for our guests.”

Operating on a three-month business cycle requires flexibility and creativity to stay on an even keel. “The seasonality can be challenging, but we offer so much for our patrons who either live nearby or who come to take in the beauty of this area for the first time,” Jeff says. “With the recent addition of our third efficiency suite on the main floor, families can book the entire property for reunions or weddings. They can relax together, get ready for the event, and enjoy family-style meals and award-winning Finger Lakes wines, craft beer, or spirits. We can cater bridal parties, welcome receptions, and rehearsal dinners, seating between seventy-five to 100 guests. We close the restaurant and set up tents as needed.”

Once again Snug Harbor is a beacon among the iconic places to visit in upstate New York, satiating appetites of those exploring the area. Many come for hiking, biking, boating, fishing, local food, and international award-winning wines. The eleven Finger Lakes are home to more than 140 wineries, thirteen of which are located around Keuka Lake. More than 100 breweries and brew pubs offer another taste of the innovations in the beverage world that has caught on here.

Considering what’s on the horizon for Snug Harbor, Jeff notes, “This place has changed hands numerous times over the years and at times it’s been empty. It was rebuilt after a fire seven or eight years ago. Fortunately, there is a strong sense of community and support for one another from the farmers to the wineries to other restaurants; we have a dedicated staff, a nice network of people to pull from in the area for various resources, too. Most important, we appreciate the support we receive from our neighbors, new friends, and first-time guests to the region. Ultimately, it’s about exceeding expectations. That’s what we focus on. But—taking in the incredible view of the lake is something we all get to enjoy.”

Snug Harbor is open from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Hours of operation are Wednesday and Thursday, 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.; Friday, 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, noon to 9 p.m. Check Facebook for upcoming events and live music. To make restaurant or suite reservations, or to peruse what’s on the menu for this season, visit snugharborkeukalake.com or call (607) 868-7684.