South East Seneca: The Community Shaping the East Side of Seneca Lake
Brittany Bagley, Denise Purazzi, Connor Evans, Jeff Dill & Bill Allington
We are a business alliance that includes all tourism focused businesses between Lodi and Watkins Glen. Our goal is simple: to promote visitation to our area, because there is truly nowhere else like it. Along our 14-mile stretch on the east side of Seneca Lake, you will find over 17 wineries, 5 breweries, 12 restaurants, 2 distilleries, markets, a coffee shop, and numerous lodging accommodations, surrounded by what we believe are the best sunsets, hiking, and waterfalls in the Finger Lakes.
The South East Seneca Business Alliance was founded in 2023 and spearheaded by Bill Allington of Grist Iron Brewing, Connor Evans of Solera Taphouse, Denise Purazzi of Lucky Hare Brewing, and Jeff Dill of J.R. Dill Winery. With the support and enthusiasm of our business members, this idea came to life. We have managed to bring nearly every business in our corridor on board and currently have 48 members in our association. The sole purpose is to highlight our businesses, bring attention and drive traffic to the area, all while collaborating in true South East Seneca fashion.
That’s the short answer. But the real story lies in the people behind these businesses.
Our members are creatives, intellectuals, entrepreneurs, and visionaries who together form a beautiful diverse close knit community where every business is unique and deeply personal. Every place you visit is a reflection of its owner’s vision, filled with passion, hard work, and heart. These business owners tough it out through long winters and hustle through the busy season. Whether it is lending a hand when a tractor breaks down or coming together to support the community, there is something undeniably special happening here. Our visitors feel it when they come. This eclectic group truly has something for everyone, and our mission is to bring people here to experience it all.
This past January, we held our second annual South East Seneca Cook-Off. It was a two day event where ticket holders visited 18 participating establishments and voted for the best food item on the lake. It was a fun weekend of healthy competition that brought new energy and visitors to our businesses during a typically slow time of year. The positive feedback was overwhelming, and some guests even compared it to a gourmet food festival.
We also host the Riddle Run, a free two month passport experience across 25 businesses that encourages visitors to explore and solve their way around. Raise the Bar is a trade event that brings craft beverage buyers together for a grand tasting that puts our producers center stage.
Our Uncorked Experience Trolley Tours return this summer with cellar tours, beer talks, and vineyard walks in partnership with Lakeside Trolley. In September, the Disc Golf Tournament at Grist Iron Brewing adds an adventure event to the mix, and our Seneca Santa fundraiser helps support local kids during the holidays. Our current focus is creating tools that help visitors easily navigate and experience all that South East Seneca has to offer, starting with our printed map, website, and social media. Just as important, we are shining a spotlight on the people behind the businesses. The makers, the growers, the risk-takers, the dreamers. There is an incredible amount of talent packed into this 14-mile stretch, and once you see it through fresh eyes, you understand why it feels different here.
It has been an exciting couple of years as South East Seneca finds its footing and begins bringing many of our shared goals to life. If you are curious about upcoming events, new members, or ways to explore the region, you can find us at SouthEastSeneca.com and on social media. We would love to have you along for the ride.