Hammondsport, the quaint village at the southern tip of Keuka Lake, ushers out summer later this month with the Native American observance Genundowa, or Festival of Lights.

  The end of summer also ushers in foliage season in the Finger Lakes and grape season for wineries on the Keuka Lake Wine Trail — and for two Hammondsport wineries that aren't on the trail.

  Wineries

  Pleasant Valley Wine Co. and Great Western Visitors Center: Set in a valley about a mile south of the village, the historic winery can't boast the lake views of other area wineries. It can boast, however, of being the first bonded winery in the United States — an honor carved above the entrance to one of its buildings. Established in 1860, the winery has eight stone structures listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Visitors can take a 45-minute guided tour of the property and its hillside wine caves for $5.

  There's no charge to wander through the visitors center, which has not only winemaking displays and historic equipment, but also a working model of the old Bath and Hammondsport Railroad.

  For more, call (607) 569-6111 or go to www.pleasantvalleywine.com.

  Bully Hill Vineyards: Established in 1958, Bully Hill was one of the first small estate wineries to open in the Finger Lakes region after Prohibition. The winery lies about 1½ miles north of the village center, not far from Keuka Lake Wine Trail member Heron Hill Winery.

  I find the wine tastings and tours at Bully Hill a bit more relaxed and interactive compared with other wineries I've been to. The wines have comical labels and unusual names such as "Love My Goat Red."

  The free 30-minute guided tour includes a look at the grapevines and stops at the pressing deck and fermentation room. A wine museum with 18th-century winemaking equipment, a gift shop and a restaurant (the deck has expansive views of Keuka Lake) round out the things to do at Bully Hill.

  For more, call (607) 868-3490 or go to www.bullyhill.com.

  Festival of Lights

  The 15th annual celebration, held Aug. 30 and 31 this year, recognizes the ancient Seneca tradition of lighting a fire on Bare Hill above Canandaigua Lake to give thanks for peaceful times and an abundant harvest. That initial bonfire was answered by smaller fires built along the lake.

  The custom spread to other Finger Lakes in the 19th century. On Keuka Lake, the celebration has been brought back to its roots by showcasing Native American culture.

  In addition to the bonfire, Genundowa features performances by the Haudenosaunee Singers and Dancers; flute music by Dan Hill, Joe Fire Crow and Alan Cleveland; drumming and dancing in the style of Western powwows; traditional storytelling; and Native American artisans and foods.

  Activities run from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days of the festival in the village square. From 8 to 10 p.m. Aug. 30, the action moves a few blocks away to Depot Park on the waterfront for dance and music performances and the bonfire. For more information, go to www.genundowa.com.

  Also coming up

  Seaplane sightings: The weekend of Sept. 12-14, the Glenn H. Curtiss Museum — dedicated to the Hammondsport inventor and aviation pioneer known as "the father of naval aviation" — hosts the spectator-friendly Seaplane   Homecoming. Many of the planes fly in Sept. 12. About 1 p.m. Sept. 13, the reproduction plane America will attempt a takeoff.

  For more, or to register for weekend activities such as a banquet and a lake cruise, call (607) 569-2160 or go to www.glennhcurtissmuseum.org.

  Harvest fest: From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 18, Hammondsport hosts its Grape-Pumpkin Festival in the village square featuring pumpkin painting, food and craft vendors and the "square crow" contest, in which festival-goers vote on the best decorated scarecrow.

  What else to do

  Quite apart from its venerable wineries and the Curtiss Museum, Hammondsport is a pleasant place to visit.

  For scenic views of the lake, stroll through Depot Park at the water's edge. Public swimming continues on nice weekends through September.

  A block away, shops edge the village square. The Cinnamon Stick, an old-fashioned country store, has gourmet foods, country accessories and gifts. Across the square, Browsers offers clothing, home décor items, toys and Keuka Lake merchandise. A café in the basement serves coffee, tea and light fare.

  If you like sweets, stop by the Chocolatier of Hammondsport, where the chocolate goodies include homemade fudge. One of the newer shops in town, D'Vine, hosts wine tastings and offers winery tours. It also has a selection of antiques.