Several lovely B&Bs are in the heart of Seneca Falls. The 1855 Hubbell House (42 Cayuga St., 315/568-9690, www.hubbellhousebb.com, $115–145), built in “Gothic cottage” style, overlooks Van Cleef Lake. Downstairs are a large double parlor, library, and dining room; upstairs are four guest rooms furnished with antiques.

The 1825 Van Cleef Homestead B&B (86 Cayuga St., 315/568-2275, www.vancleefhomestead.com, $95–120) was built by Seneca Falls’ first permanent resident, Lawrence Van Cleef. It’s a Federal-style home offering three comfortable, air-conditioned guest rooms and a swimming pool.

The large, historic Barristers Bed and Breakfast (56 Cayuga St., 800/914-6145, www.sleepbarristers.com, $120–170), built by master craftsmen in the 1800s, features five spacious guest rooms furnished with antiques, a large front porch, cozy common room, and stone patio with a fire pit, perfect for sitting around on cool evenings. Guest amenities include a refreshment center.

The fresh, modern Hotel Clarence (108 Falls St., 315/712-4000, www.hotelclarence.com, $109–189), recently opened by an executive chef and management team formerly with the Mirbeau Inn and Spa (in Skaneateles), plays on the town’s historic place as inspiration for ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ both in name and in the large live art-installation-like showing of the black and white movie on one wall of the entrance.

A variety of 48 rooms and suites with clean contemporary lines and extensive amenities (robes, Keurig coffee machines, Ipod docking stations, cordless multi-line phones, etc.) are upstairs while excellent dining at DIVINE Kitchen and Bar (average entrée $19) and a hipsterish bar experience await downstairs, where every time you ring a bellman, a barfly gets their wings’ (Smoked, with Maytag Blue, Apple and Jicama, of course.) Award-winning Chef Ed Moro uses the freshest of regional goods in his innovative take on foodie favorites in a funky casual/elegant setting.