Jim Moore / June 16, 2025
Despite late spring gray skies and rain in the Southern Finger Lakes, we embarked on a truly special weekend escape to Pultney, New York, joined by our good friends and fellow travelers, Kim and Perry. Our destination was a charming Airbnb nestled in the heart of Keuka Lake wine country, promising tranquility, warm hospitality, and a highly anticipated concert. The weekend, spanning Friday, May 30th through Sunday, June 1st, 2025, unfolded as a beautiful testament to the Finger Lakes’ welcoming spirit and breathtaking beauty.The May 30th to June 1st, 2025’s weekend showcased the Finger Lakes’ stunning landscapes and warm hospitality in all their glory.
Our “home away from home” in Pultney was, quite simply, the cutest little place we had ever stayed in within the Finger Lakes area and beyond. From the moment we stepped inside, we were struck by the meticulous care and thoughtful touches that immediately made us feel at ease. Our AirBnB hosts, local residents David Smith and Holly Langdon, proved to be exceptional. They kindly provided us with a coffee maker even after we told them we were fine without it, alongside a delicious loaf of bread crafted and baked by David, and a dozen farm-fresh eggs, all personal touches that truly set the tone for our stay. We found the bathroom medicine cabinet exceptionally well-stocked and it is those anticipatory details that reveal truly dedicated hosts.
During our stay, we learned more about Holly and David’s journey and philosophy. David, born and raised in Pultney, and Holly, who moved to the Finger Lakes ten years ago, share a deep appreciation for the area’s small, close-knit community and its stunning scenery. They started their Airbnb business before COVID-19, and it has been “absolutely phenomenal” for them. Their approach focuses on ensuring a positive guest experience, which means reasonable pricing and no excessive fees. We could feel their pride in what they’ve built and their genuine desire to anticipate every guest’s needs. The property itself is a testament to their dedication, having been purchased as an abandoned property in 2013 and lovingly remodeled. We particularly enjoyed the fantastic hot tub, added just last May, underneath the charming pergola, perfect for unwinding. They even shared that the addition with the large back bedroom and living area was originally built by the Amish!
What truly sets Holly and David apart, beyond their exceptional hosting, is their deep commitment to their community. They shared stories about their homestead where they grow vegetables and their inspiring plan to donate around 2,000 pounds of harvest to the community this year. It’s clear their passion lies in giving away their produce rather than selling it. We even learned about the specific plants around the AirBnB property, from sage and creeping thyme around the patio to oregano in the corner of the yard, and chives and edible fiddlehead-producing ferns along the front. Their dedication to community extends to their neighbors; they’re currently providing accommodation at a significantly reduced rate to a neighbor whose house recently burned down, demonstrating their profound compassion. They truly embody the spirit of community. Looking ahead, they have exciting plans to make their Airbnb even more of a destination, with ideas including a wraparound deck, a sauna, a small vineyard, and edible landscaping like apple and pear trees for guests to enjoy.
Our Airbnb’s prime location, less than two miles from our concert venue and within a ten-minute drive of numerous breweries, wineries, and distilleries, made it an ideal base. While Pultney itself is quite rural, we did enjoy a delightful visit to Heron Hill Winery, whose wines we consistently find to be the best in the Finger Lakes.
The absolute highlight of our getaway was the incredible Taj Mahal and Keb Mo concert at the stunning Point of the Bluff Winery on Keuka Lake. For us, this wasn’t just a concert; it was the best concert we have ever experienced. The music was superbly performed, truly the pinnacle of delta blues and soul music – incredibly moving and inspirational. The venue itself, Point of the Bluff Winery, is an exceptional place for live music. It’s small but comfortable, creating an incredibly intimate atmosphere, and the available food was fantastic. The crowd was incredibly friendly, and you could tell everyone was there because they genuinely loved the music. Being mostly Boomer-aged, the audience was ready to dance and sing along. We witnessed several spontaneous “dance breakouts” and multiple standing ovations throughout the evening, with everyone participating in sing-alongs. It was an amazing, energetic vibe! We also thoroughly enjoyed the wine, beer, and food offerings from the venue, all of which were very good.
Beyond the concert and our cozy Airbnb, the natural beauty of the Southern Finger Lakes constantly captivated us. Our drives around Keuka Lake revealed hillsides dotted with well-kept farms and rural homes, offering truly breathtaking views of what locals affectionately call “the Crooked Lake.”
Our trip was a perfect blend of personal celebration and regional exploration. It is always a pleasure to experience, and write about, the deep beauty and unparalleled hospitality of the Finger Lakes. It was a harmonious escape, filled with cherished moments, the enduring magic of the Finger Lakes, and the memorable generosity of people like Holly and David.
Explore More:
- Point of the Bluff Vineyards: https://pointofthebluffvineyards.com/
- Concerts at Point of the Bluff: https://concertsatpob.com/
- Taj Mahal & Keb Mo Concert Details: https://concertsatpob.com/taj-mahal-keb-mo/
- Our Airbnb in Pultney: https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/39604635?source_impression_id=p3_1749493006_P3WcmzId1sfYCDar
