Entertainment and Recreation

Corning is a fun place to live and work. In fact, Corning has been named “Most Fun Small Town in America” by Rand McNally in its “Best of the Road” competition. This livable city and the nearby Finger Lakes vacation region offer a variety of entertainments and recreational options, from a vibrant downtown nightlife to accessible open spaces.  In a video for the Rand McNally competition, a local resident opines that, “the only way you’re bored is if you just don’t leave your home.”

Downtown Day and Night

Spend a day in the walkable Gaffer District visiting over 50 unique shops, art galleries and popular attractions. In between, foodies will indulge in a collection of 45+ restaurants that inspired Bon Appetit to recognize Corning as a notable destination for food along the Appalachian Trail. At night, the lively district lights up for late evening tapas, craft brews, wine, music, and socializing.

Explore the Region and Beyond

The Finger Lakes countryside has a wealth of places to go and things to do all four seasons of the year. Named for eleven long and pristine waterbodies formed by glacial movement, the rural landscape is dotted with attractive little towns and villages. Each one has a unique story to tell and many compelling reasons to visit.

Over 130 wineries are situated along four designated wine trails, and now a host of craft brewers and spirits producers are opening tasting rooms and developing their own trails. Farm enterprises and entrepreneurs offer locally-grown produce and food products at numerous U-pick acres, farm stands and specialty shops. 

Dozens of regional state parks, national forests, and privately owned campgrounds provide outdoor activities and amenities including campsites, vacation rentals, fishing, swimming, paddling, hiking, Nordic skiing, hiking trails, and scenic views. Deep glens and gorges showcase over 100 stunning waterfalls. Many roadways beckon bicycling and motorcycling enthusiasts for scenic two-wheel adventures.

Spend time with family at a variety of interactive children’s museums, discovery centers, amusement parks, indoor and outdoor water parks, drive-in movie theaters, and winter ski resorts.  Or, take couples retreats to the area’s world-class spas, waterside inns and charming B&Bs.

Around Upstate New York, indulge in culture at internationally-recognized fairs and festivals, Broadway-caliber theater performances, priceless art exhibitions, important historic sites, and national recording acts at contemporary performing arts venues. Community art centers and area colleges provide hi-caliber lecture series. 

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