Lt. Governor visits Penn Yan, Finger Lakes

PENN YAN--Lt. Governor Kathy Hochul visited Penn Yan Wednesday, Aug. 12 to highlight the local economic recovery of the region and to tour a local project that was funded, in part, by the state Downtown Revitalization Initiative. Hochul weaved through a crowded lunch rush as she was given a tour of the Laurentide Inn's recent additions with Yates County Administrator Nonie Flynn and Penn Yan Mayor Leigh MacKerchar.
Hochul previously announced Yates County was the recipient of the $10 million of DRI funds in October of 2018.
"It means a lot for Yates County to have the Lt. Governor visit and see everything that we have to offer," said Flynn at the event Wednesday.
Flynn added she was aware budgetary shortfalls created on a statewide level by the COVID-19 pandemic has precluded the ability for the state to increase funding in tourism marketing so she appreciated Hochul's efforts to bring additional attention to the region.
"So many people from outside our region are coming to visit," Flynn stated. "People from Long Island, New York City, who never knew what we had to offer with all the wineries and great lodging so this visit is great."
Upon arriving at the Laurentide Inn, Hochul, who had just come from a similarly themed visit to Captain Bill's in Watkins Glen, said she was excited for this visit in particular because the original Laurentide Inn was opened by a New York Lt. Governor.
The historic Penn Yan location was "opened in 1820 by Lt. Governor William Morrison Oliver," said Hochul, who added that she had plenty of time to read up on the Inn on the car ride from her home office in Buffalo.
Tracy Hedworth, owner of the Laurentide Inn and Laurentide Beer Company along with his wife Marla, said the 200-year-old inn was named after the glacier that created the Finger Lakes.
Hedworth said it was fitting to be hosting the Lt. Governor in the home built by another official with the same title.
"Anytime we can get publicity is great, and during unprecedented times we are actually doing pretty well," Hedworth said.
The Hedworths purchased the former Fox Inn in 2018 and began a nine-month renovation which recently included adding the Laurentide Beer Company to the properties carriage house. All of LBC's beers are brewed on-site by Brett Driscoll and his wife Jackie. There are currently 12 beers on tap at the Maiden Lane location.