J.R. Dill Wine Bar, Ivy Lane Flowers recently opened in downtown Watkins Glen. What's new.

North Franklin Street in Watkins Glen is getting a makeover, with a flurry of new business openings this summer.

A new wine bar and flower shop recently opened, and work is underway on a small boutique hotel in historic downtown Watkins Glen.

Nigar Hale, executive director of the Watkins Glen Chamber of Commerce, said she is beyond thrilled to welcome J.R. Dill Wine Bar and Ivy Lane Flowers, and looking forward to the opening of The Benjamin Hotel. All three are located on North Franklin Street, across the street from the Watkins Glen Downtown Visitors Center.

“Clearly, growth and excitement and flourishing in Watkins Glen,” Hale said.

Floral designer Abby Lane opens Ivy Lane Flowers

Abby Lane, owner of Ivy Lane Flowers at 223 N. Franklin St., completed a five-week course at the New York Botanical Gardens in Manhattan. She said the store features hand-tied bouquets, flowers for weddings and funerals, and a variety of fresh cut flowers.

“I'm excited. I think that this is unique,” Lane said. “It's a unique shop for downtown Watkins Glen. It's not so often that you walk into a space that offers so many different options.”

Hale said Abby Lane exhibits an amazing combination of entrepreneurial spirit and artistic flair.

“To have a floral designer trained at the prestigious New York Botanical Gardens living and working in Watkins Glen is simply fabulous,” Hale said.

Wine bar, boutique hotel also on tap in Watkins Glen

J.R. Dill Wine Bar, at 301 N. Franklin St., includes a mix of dry wines, sweet wines and local beer and brewery options, building on the J.R. Dill Winery business in nearby Burdett.

“J.R. Dill Winery has long been part of the fabric of the Seneca Lake wine tradition,” Hale said. “J.R. Dill Wine Bar is a natural extension and to have this sophisticated and welcoming venue in our walkable downtown village is great fun.”

Lane said the boutique hotel will be built on the upper floor of J.R. Dill Wine Bar, Ivy Lane Flowers, and the Rooster Fish Brewery.

“We welcome a new and historic property with the opening of The Benjamin Hotel on Franklin, with a tip of the hat to one of our Founding Fathers - Benjamin Franklin, right here in downtown Watkins Glen,” Hale said, “We look forward to promoting the newest boutique venue that patrons will enjoy just a few blocks away from Seneca Lake and the Watkins Glen State Park.”

No opening date for the hotel is currently available.

Jeff Dill, owner of J.R. Dill Winer, in Burdett, J.R. Dill Wine Bar in Watkins Glen, and The Benjamin Hotel in Watkins Glen, could not be reached for comment.