Seneca Falls is a hamlet in Seneca County, New York. The population was 6,681 at the 2010 census. The hamlet was incorporated in 1831, but ceased to be a village in 2011.
The town is known for its history, and the women’s rights movement played a significant role. In 1848, 300 women and 42 men met in the town’s Wesleyan Chapel to organize the first women’s rights convention in the U.S. The convention laid the groundwork for women’s suffrage in New York – three years before the nation’s. Today, this small Finger Lakes town is home to several historical buildings, including the historic Seneca Knitting Mill, built in 1844. In 1999, the mill was abandoned and restored.
Seneca Falls is situated in the Finger Lakes region, where 70 wineries can be found. A wine tour of the Finger Lakes is a popular activity for tourists visiting the area, and this is no exception in Seneca Falls. You can even enjoy a wine tasting at a local vineyard, or tour a distillery. At the Montezuma Winery and Distillery, you can sample some of the area’s wines. With a 14,000-square-foot production facility, you’ll also find a gift shop and endless varieties of wine.
If wine isn’t your thing, then try some local produce. The Seneca Lake Winery is a family-owned winery since 1989. The winery’s cafe is open from April to December, and serves home-cooked meals using local ingredients. The historic building, originally a dairy barn, now houses a cafe and winery. You can even enjoy a guided wine-and-food dinner at the brewery, held every Tuesday.
If you’re a fan of classic holiday movies, Seneca Falls should be on your list. The town is also home to the iconic film “It’s a Wonderful Life”. The museum has tons of holiday memorabilia, including autographed items, signs, and places to take selfies. Visiting the museum’s Christmas festivals is a must for holiday lovers. Once there, you’ll wonder why this small town was so famous.
Historically, the economy of Seneca Falls has been heavily reliant on the water. The town was home to tanneries, distilleries, flour mills, textile mills, and hydraulic facilities. Goulds Pumps was established in the mid-1800s and remains one of the town’s largest employers today. The town is also home to Elizabeth Cady Stanton’s house, which overlooks the Van Cleef Lake. In the mid-19th century, the Bayard Company secured the water rights to the river. They set high fees for the river, and eventually flooded the townspeople and factories.
Whether you’re looking for a scenic spot or a place to spend a romantic weekend with your significant other, Seneca Falls is the perfect spot. Whatever you choose to do in Seneca Falls, it’s sure to be a memorable experience. Just make sure to check out the Women’s Rights Hall of Fame, which honors the women of the US who made a positive impact on their communities.