Corning: A Four-Season Region
Here in Corning, New York, you’ll have year-round opportunities to get out and take advantage of activities and entertainment that are as varied as the ever-changing palettes of the seasons.
Spring
Whether you’re in downtown Corning or day-tripping around the region, the landscape is blossoming with flowers, greenery and budding trees. Spend a day at the Corning Museum of Glass and create your own unique glass. Expert glassworkers help you experience craft in the museum’s “Make Your Own Glass” programs.
Get up close to nature with a hike around Watkins Glen State Park, just 30 minute away. The park’s 19 waterfalls and breathtaking scenery earned it a ranking as the #3 Best State Park in USA Today’s reader’s poll of parks across the country. By the way, Letchworth State Park – known as “The Grand Canyon of the East” – is only one hour away and was rated as the #1 Best State Park the same poll.
You can satisfy your urban fix within Corning’s historic and walkable Gaffer District. Five city blocks are lined with architecturally-pleasing brick buildings housing dozens of eateries, craft brew pubs, locally-owned shops, national brand stores, museums, and art galleries. The district hosts exciting events year-round—including GlassFest in May, a four day celebration of glassmaking demonstrations, food, entertainment and more.
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Summer
It’s summer and school’s out, so have some family fun. Corning has been named “Most Fun Small Town in America” by Rand McNally. Plan a movie-night in your car at the Elmira Drive In, and on the way, stop at a roadside ice cream stand for a double-dip of your favorite flavor.
Summer is peak growing season and and around Corning. If you’re a green thumb, you’ll be in your glory in your own backyard. Or, find local produce, baked goods and crafts at the Corning Farmers Market and many other markets and roadside stands. Since the market is held in the Gaffer District, you might spend the whole day shopping, wining and dining at one of the many restaurants and cafes. Or, hop in your car (or on your bike, if that’s your thing) and make the short trip to any of the nearby Finger Lakes, parks, wineries, and waterfront restaurants.
Summer tastes great in downtown Corning. The Taste of Summer Series in July and August pairs delicious fare from local restaurants and businesses with live entertainment.
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Fall
The colorful Fall foliage on the hillsides and vineyards surrounding the Finger Lakes are an unforgettable sight. But, just imagine seeing those colors from the majestic heights of a glider ride! Within a half-hour drive of Corning you’ll find the National Soaring Museum, Glenn Curtis Museum, and Wings of Eagles Discovery Center. These museums preserve the rich heritage of powered and unpowered flight in New York’s Finger Lakes.
September and October usher the Fall Harvest into Upstate New York. The Corning region is ideal for growing fruit trees and (just north of us) grape vineyards. Pick apples, sip freshly-pressed cider and treat yourself to apple cider donuts at any one of dozens of nearby orchards and U-pick farms. The Naples Grape Festival (and their world-famous grape pies) is celebrated in the Naples Valley every September, just under an hour away.
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Winter
Winters in Corning have been relatively mild in recent years, and winter brings its own unique variety of things to do, both indoors and out—including two of America’s most respected museums. The Smithsonian-affiliated Rockwell Museum houses one of the world’s largest collections of Western U.S.-themed artwork, and hosts arts education, lectures and revolving exhibits throughout the winter. The neighboring Corning Museum of Glass hosts the world’s best collection of glass art and more than 3500 years of glass artifacts and history.
Wine, craft brew and distillery trails are an ideal activity for the cooler months when the region isn’t quite so packed with warm-weather tourists. In November and December, Seneca Lake Wine Trail’s “Deck the Halls” weekends are great for sampling holiday wines, tasting foods and collecting ornaments.
For those who prefer a little more action in the winter months, numerous area ski resorts provide exceptional downhill and cross-country skiing adventures.
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