We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post.
I found an article published by House Beautiful titled “50 Charming American Towns You’ve Never Heard Of.” One of those towns was Corning, New York, in the Finger Lakes Region of New York. The Finger Lakes is also one of the best places to visit in the USA in July.
I took advantage of the opportunity to visit Niagara Falls and spend the night there, but I didn’t really expect much from Corning. Other than as the original site where Corningware was made, I knew very little about the region. But once I explored this destination, I was so happy with what I discovered that I plan on returning! Maybe even in winter next time! If you’d like a more comprehensive tour of the area, check out this road trip itinerary for the northeast starting in Toronto.
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please read our Disclosure Policy.
The Finger Lakes region is known for its wine trail and the Watkins Glen racetrack. But if you’re not into either of those activities, should you visit? Absolutely! Here is what I found of interest.
1. Corning Museum of Glass
If you own one of the latest cell phones, the front of it is likely made using Gorilla glass by the Corning Corporation. But glass has been used in our daily lives for several centuries. At the Corning Museum of Glass, you’ll get to see both the history and the art used in making so many beautiful pieces. Demonstrations throughout the day show visitors the strength of glass, its use in fiber optics, and the artistry of glass blowing. Don’t miss the opportunity to watch the longer demonstrations (1 1/2 hours) and to make your own glass item. Look at the cute pumpkin I made!
2. The Breweries
This map of the Finger Lakes Beer Trail shows the many craft breweries located in the Finger Lakes Region. From the wonderfully imposing Grist Iron Brewery with its great food menu and lodging to the small friendliness of Two Goats Brewery, to New York’s first farm brewery, RoosterFish Brewing, you’ll find something for every beer preference!
3. The Distilleries
Want to try something a little different? Finger Lakes Distilling not only offers a variety of liquors made on-site, but you can even make your own in the OriGINal Gin Workshop! I experienced a much smaller version of the workshop and was thrilled with the guidance and encouragement of both the owner and head distiller.
4. Watkins Glen State Park
Looking at photos of the waterfalls at Watkins Glen State Park might lead you to believe that you’ll have to hike far to see such beauty. The good news is that while there are a lot of steps, most of the waterfalls can be seen within a fairly reasonable walk from the state park entrance by downtown Watkins Glen.
5. Corning
Walk along Market Street full of art shops, boutiques, and eateries. Enjoy a glass at Liquid Shoes Brewing. And if you’re hungry, I highly suggest going to Mooney’s, the self-proclaimed home of the mac and cheese! Spending just a few hours explains how Corning made the list of charming cities.
6. Sailing on Seneca Lake
We took a leisurely sail on Seneca Lake on the True Love schooner. The lapping water as we toured the lake lulled us into a magical state. Once underway, we drank local wine and enjoyed the serenity of the lake. This was my first time on a schooner and I understood right away why it had been featured in The Philadelphia Story and High Society in 1940 and 1956, respectively. What a unique way of seeing the Finger Lakes Region from the water!
7. Watkins Glen Speedway
The Watkins Glen Speedway (known as “The Glen”) hosted our TBEX opening party and blew me away. First, our bus took a lap around the track. Various locations hosted food, local beverages, and bands. But a ride around the track in a pace car was the highlight of my visit to the speedway! Wish to experience the drive yourself? You can even drive your own car around the track.
8. The Wine Trail
Well-known for its wine trail, I couldn’t leave wine completely out of the story. Because the three lakes form valleys that protect the region from the worst of the weather, growers are able to harvest several different kinds of grapes. The region specializes in Riesling, sparkling wines and ice wines but offers a few other varieties as well. I do like sweeter wines and the sparkling roses that are now fashionable were fabulous! I hope to come back and sample some ice wine during winter. Check out 6 Wineries to Visit (and 1 to Skip!) for more details!
In other words, I’m so glad I visited the Finger Lakes region and I’m looking forward to returning and exploring even more! I’m still traveling but more detailed posts about the places I’ve visited will be forthcoming!
Happy travels!
Annick, The Common Traveler
Save this Amazing Things to do in the Finger Lakes for later – Pin it!
Raised as a third culture kid living in South America and Europe, Annick caught the travel bug early. As an empty-nester, Annick enjoys sharing her tips for traveling for those with champagne taste and beer budgets.
I am sold on the place alone. Such a picturesque destination. SO much to do in Finger Lakes Region that I can spend a week easily. I love places away from city which offers so much. The pictures are absolutely stunning, especially the SENECA LAKE. I can’t take my eyes of that particular location. Loved reading about the post.
It was an unexpected surprise.
How was the making your own gin? The small bottle of gin you made suits a traveler well! I’m sure my partner will enjoy it here because he love breweries! We are opposite! While I love wine so much, he does love varieties of beers and gin, too! Because wine tho makes him tired and sleepy! haha So how was TBEx for you? One day, I’d love to experience that!
TBEX was a great experience – I’m going back next year. It was fun making the gin, though my personal mix wasn’t so great. 🙂
Finger Lakes region looks stunning . the falls are captivating. Bonus is we can carry our own car. Greta trip indeed.
Yes it was.
You are so lucky to visit a wine place. I also like to have a wine tour and learn how to make wine and understand it more.
What is your best favorite wine recently?
I like sweet wines, so I’m a huge fan of ice wine. I need to schedule a trip in winter!
The pictures make this place look so beautiful. And I am sure it must have been a wonderful time. You have put together every reason to be there.
Thanks!
Corning sounds like a great place to visit. I love wine, small towns and nature. My boyfriend is a big beer fan. Win-win!
It really surprised me!
I’m not a big wino, so I’m really glad you highlighted the beer options! I really wanted to go to TBEX in Finger Lakes but already had another trip planned for the same weekend. I’d definitely be open to checking it out on my own in the future – basically if there’s beer and nature/hiking, I’m in, and Finger Lakes has both!
I have never been to US so know nothing about breweries there. However, I can see the trend around the world to imporove the quality of beer and create more of a micro breweries. I really love the names they have around FInger Lake Region: Goat or Rooster – very surprising names for what I am used to.
It’s become quite a business!
Now this is a great post for us, because while my husband does enjoy wine, and we love touring wine regions of the world, he loves really good beer even more! Very happy to learn about the many breweries in the region, and especially those that also offer a good food menu as well as the beer, to make more out of the visit! Of course, spirits are also on our Yes list and I’ve discovered I love gin only in the last few years!
The state park looks so serene, I wish I had gone for the TBEX! Honestly, I’m more a wine than a beer drinker, but it’s still good to know there are these local breweries here. If I ever visit, I have some things to add to my itinerary, thank you!
Amazing list of things to do. I love the waterfall, so cool that you dont need to hike much to see it. Love your pictures
This looks great! I love visiting places that nobody has heard of. Corning looks just the sort of place I’d love, thanks for posting this.
What a great list! I’d love to visit the breweries for instance. I love your photos too!