| Corning is one of western New York's destination | | | | a 50-year tradition on Market Street. In addition to |
| gems. Of course, the name, Corning, is known for | | | | mouth-watering Italian specialties, Sorge's is also a |
| dishes and glassware. The city of Corning, however, | | | | Guinness World Record Holder for the world's longest |
| hosts not just one, but two, world-class museums. | | | | noodle (418 feet in 2003!). For five-star fine dining, |
| It's also the southern gateway to the Finger Lakes | | | | make a reservation at the Three Birds Restaurant. |
| Region and nearby Watkins Glen. | | | | Menu selections include elegantly named, exquisitely |
| The Corning Museum of Glass was founded in 1950 | | | | prepared seafood and regional specialties. |
| as a testament to the history and versatility of | | | | If you've more than a day to spend in the area, visit |
| molten silica. Spend at least a half-day browsing the | | | | the Corning-Painted Post Historical Society's Benjamin |
| exhibit halls, feasting your eyes on intricate examples | | | | Patterson Inn Museum on Pulteney Street. The Inn, |
| of cultural glass. You will learn the history, art and | | | | originally known as the Painted Post Tavern, was built |
| science of glassmaking. | | | | in 1796. It has been restored, along with a log cabin, |
| Note the size of the building. This is no small-town | | | | blacksmith's shop, schoolhouse and other historical |
| museum. In fact, it's the third most popular tourist | | | | structures. The original Painted Post Rail Depot (c. |
| destination in the state. Glass facades rise skyward. | | | | 1881) has also been restored. A combined tour ticket |
| The 120,000 square foot museum houses 3500 years | | | | includes lunch at Sorge's Restaurant and a discount |
| of glass-making art. This is a destination worthy of | | | | shopping booklet. Contact the Patterson Inn Museum |
| your time. | | | | ( |
| Stroll into the modern art gallery from the airy lobby. | | | | Other notable area attractions include Watkins Glen, |
| Massive shapes of astounding variety resemble | | | | the Wings of Eagles Discovery Center, and numerous |
| free-form stalagmites in an otherworldly cave. The | | | | winery tours. The Discovery Center (near |
| world's premier glass artisans created these designs: | | | | Elmira-Corning Regional Airport) hosts an airpower |
| from solid mass to intricate, fragile sculptures - | | | | museum with more than 30 aircraft. With |
| twining vines of glass tubing, discs and plates, odd | | | | reservations, you can soar the skies in a vintage |
| shapes, swirled or solid colors, and multi-media art. | | | | airplane. |
| Explore the fascinating history of glassware from the | | | | Watkins Glen is known for the road-race track. It |
| first primitive shapes to intricate gifts for ancient | | | | hosts several SCCA and other races each year. |
| royalty. See rare artifacts from before King Tut to | | | | Watkins Glen State Park boasts some of the most |
| 20th century Tiffany. Thimble-sized pots, jewelry, | | | | beautiful scenery, hiking trails and camping in America. |
| perfume and spice jars. Minutely detailed dollhouses, | | | | Cascading waterfalls (19 of them) drop the stream |
| masks, and statuary. Imagine a throne of glass or a | | | | almost 400 feet along the two-mile trail. Bring a |
| bed with a glass headboard. Glass eggs. Glass dolls. | | | | swimming suit for the outdoor pool and hiking shoes |
| Even a Baccarat glass boat! Everything that can be | | | | for exploring the trails or the rim of the canyon. If |
| shaped from clay, wood, metal or other materials | | | | you love to fish, bring a pole! Seneca Lake and area |
| have been created through the centuries in glass. | | | | streams are famous for excellent fishing. |
| Examine the science and wonder of glass through | | | | For a leisurely stay, consider a historic Bed and |
| several inter-active exhibits. Stand on a glass floor. | | | | Breakfast. Hillcrest Manor, a restored 1890's mansion, |
| Watch master craftsmen at work, demonstrating | | | | is within walking distance of downtown. The Rufus |
| various ways of working with glass. Allow time to | | | | Tanner House, located outside of town, is an 1864 |
| make your own souvenir: an ornament, beads, wind | | | | Greek Revival farmhouse with in-room fireplaces, |
| chimes or etched glass. The Corning Museum of Glass | | | | beautiful gardens and an outdoor hot tub (always our |
| is open daily from 9 am to 5 pm (9-8 during the | | | | favorite way to end a day). |
| summer). Before you leave, browse the Glass Market | | | | Of course, traditional hotels are available as well. The |
| for house wares, trinkets and collectibles. | | | | Radisson Hotel Corning is located in the historic |
| The Corning Museum has free parking, so park for | | | | district. Settle in, soak your aches away in the Jacuzzi |
| the day. Hop on a (summer) shuttle bus to the | | | | spa, and then snuggle in on a Sleep Number bed while |
| Gaffner District. This historic area along Market Street | | | | you dream of the bargains you'll find tomorrow! For |
| features artsy galleries, specialty shops, and eateries. | | | | 'suite' accommodations, try Staybridge Suites - within |
| Create your own pottery at the Earth Paint and Fire | | | | walking distance of the historic district and Corning |
| Studio. Look for a painting for your living room or den | | | | Museum of Glass. Staybridge offers a complimentary |
| at the West End Gallery or Oil Paintings of Interest, | | | | breakfast. Other hotels include Comfort Inn, Days Inn |
| both galleries are nearby. If you love antiques, | | | | and Fairfield. Camping sites also abound. |
| browse Twin Tiers Antiques Plaza on Market Street | | | | The city of Corning (current pop. 10,478) was settled |
| or head for Antique Revival, just outside of town. | | | | in 1788. Timber and farming built the community. It |
| The Gaffner District is also home to the Rockwell | | | | was formally incorporated in 1848 as a 'village'. The |
| Museum of Western Art, billed as "The Best of the | | | | canal system (Erie Canal and its tributaries) helped |
| West in the East". Explore our American West | | | | develop the area by providing transport for timber, |
| through paintings, artifacts and special exhibits. From | | | | coal and other goods. Twenty years later, shipments |
| Ansel Adams to Indian art, the museum showcases | | | | of Pennsylvania coal supplied fuel for a developing |
| some of the finest western art anywhere. Exhibits | | | | glass industry. Corning became a city by 1890. Today |
| change periodically. The museum is not associated | | | | the company that has become synonymous with the |
| with Norman Rockwell, although one of his paintings is | | | | city, Corning Inc, is one of America's Fortune 500 |
| on display. Museum hours are the same as the | | | | companies. |
| Corning Museum of Glass. A combination Admission | | | | If you're within driving distance - or even if you're |
| Ticket is a good bargain if you plan to tour both | | | | not - Corning NY is a worthy destination. Located |
| places. | | | | just off I-86, it's easily accessible and eminently |
| When you get hungry, sample the Gaffner Grill and | | | | enjoyable. Go for a day trip, a mini-vacation, or an |
| Tap Room for succulent Angus steaks or barbecued | | | | extended stay. |
| ribs. If you're in the mood for Italian, stop at Sorge's, | | | | |