Milo Townships offers berry farms, vineyards and locally sourced goods
In New York's Finger Lakes region, Milo Township stretches across hundreds of acres of quiet countryside between Seneca and Keuka lakes. "It's all rural," says broker Dan Morse, co-owner of Keuka Lake and Land Realty. He was born and raised in the area and has sold homes regionally for nearly two decades. "There's a lot of farming. Berry farms, corn, wheat, soybeans… some vineyards." Many local farms are owned and operated by members of the community's substantial Mennonite population. The community's rural landscapes beckon prospective buyers and tourists seeking wine, locally produced goods and outdoor recreation.
Rural farmhouses and lakefront living
Most of Milo comprises vast rural properties; many of the nearest close-quartered homes are in the village of Penn Yan on residential streets. Many homes sit on several acres of land, surrounded by quiet farms and dense woodlands. "An average [lot size] might be five acres out in the country," Morse says. "Some people own several hundred acres." Most homes were built before the 2000s; homes built in the 21st century generally border the lakes. "There is a mix between farmhouses and ranch-style homes," Morse says. Houses overlooking the lakes are typically custom-built and often have small docks. Homes can list from around $135,000 to $600,000, while lakefront homes can sell anywhere from $600,000 to $1.75 million.
Farm markets, wineries and nearby dining in Penn Yan
Like much of Yates County, Milo benefits from large Mennonite farms that manage or contribute to seasonal, and quite popular, farm stands and markets. The Windmill Farm and Craft Market sprawls across 44 acres just south of the community. "My parents actually sold them the land," Morse says. "You can buy knick-knacky things, Amish-built furniture and deep-fried potatoes." It comprises over 150 shops selling food, local wine, artisan goods and home décor. Smaller stands and markets pepper the community and the outlying county. Oak Hill Bulk Foods offers additional grocery shopping options, and Aldi is available in central Penn Yan.
The area's wineries draw many tourists. Lakeside Keuka Springs Vineyards covers 500 acres and is a popular spot on the Keuka Lake Wine Trail. Founded in the early 1960s, the vineyards now grow more than 20 grape varieties. Nearby Rooster Hill Vineyards also overlooks the lake. It serves wine and cider at its frequent live music and small events.
Residents mainly head into Penn Yan for additional shopping and dining. The historic village has coffee shops, pubs and busy restaurants, like Keuka Restaurant.
Recreation on the Finger Lakes
The Finger Lakes, namely Keuka and Seneca lakes, are the beating heart of Milo's outdoor recreation scene. Water activities, from skiing to wake-surfing, are popular on both lakes, as is boating. Seneca Lake is the larger of the two and attracts motorboats, while Keuka Lake is better suited for smaller craft. Many public spaces offer lake access. Indian Pines Park has a designated swimming area and waterfront playground, about 5 miles from the community. The Penn Yann Boat Launch and Park has a few sports facilities and a couple of concrete launches positioned along Keuka Lake's northern edges. It's about 4 miles away. The Severne Point Boat Ramp is one of the nearest Seneca Lake access points to Milo; it's also a fishing hub. The Keuka Lake Outlet Trail, a repurposed canal tow-path and railroad track bed, connects cyclists and hikes to waterfalls between Penn Yan and Dresden.
The local high school offers CTE programs
A couple of school districts serve the community, including the Penn Yan Central School Districts, which has a B on Niche. Penn Yan Elementary School scores a B, Penn Yan Middle earns a B-minus and Penn Academy receives a B-plus. The Academy offers several Career and Technical Education programs, including construction technology, agriculture and pre-engineering. The Dundee Central School District serves a portion of the community and receives a C-minus.
Navigating Yates County
Yates Transit Service operates bus routes that stop in Penn Yan throughout the week, but locals depend on cars to get around the area. New York state Route 54 runs parallel to Keuka Lake, along the community's western edge, and state Route 14 cuts through Milo's east side. Dundee and Dresden, the nearest towns, are under 10 miles from most points in the community. Rochester, around 55 miles northwest, and Ithaca, 50 miles southeast, have the nearest international airports. Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hospital is one of the closest medical facilities.
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Written By
Brennen Martin
