Located about 250 miles from New York City, Corning, New York, is nestled in the southern Finger Lakes region. Corning is home to the world's largest glass museum, a pottery studio and a walking tour of the town's raunchy history. The home of Corningware plates has a lively art scene, featuring its own symphony and ballet. Antique lovers will enjoy its plentiful shopping.
The True Tales Tour is a guided walking tour that will fill you in on Corning's colorful history. Learn about the town's most notorious Prohibition bootlegger, an Arctic explorer who brought "naked natives" to Corning and the local brothel. Don't bring your children; this off-color tour is for adults only. Offered June through October.
Information Center of Corning
True Tales Tour
1 W. Market St.
Corning, NY 14830
607-425-8900
truetalestour.com
Make your own glass at the Corning Museum of Glass, or just watch the professionals work their magic. See revolving contemporary sculpture exhibits as well as medieval and Tiffany treasures. Visit their Rakow Research Library, the most extensive glass library in the United States. End your trip with a purchase of a special piece to take home. Open 9 to 5 seven days a week.
The Corning Museum of Glass
One Museum Way
Corning, NY 14830
800-732-6845
cmog.org
Those who prefer pottery to glass can paint their own at Earth Paint & Fire Studio. Sponge or stamp on designs, then pick up your fired piece in five to seven days. They can mail it if you're leaving Corning in less than a week. Consider holding a baby or wedding shower here and bring home handmade gifts from your friends and family. Earth Paint & Fire also features seasonal items such as flower pots and garden gnomes. Open seven days a week.
Earth Paint & Fire
15 E. Market St.
Corning, NY 14830
607-248-9800
earthpaintandfirestudio.com
Music director and conductor Toshiyuki Shimada led Corning's Orchestra of the Southern Finger Lakes as of 2010. The orchestra was founded in 1996 when the Corning Philharmonic joined forces with the Elmira Symphony and Choral Society. Of special note is the youth orchestra, composed of talented junior high and high school students from Corning and nearby Elmira, New York, who perform three public concerts per year. Those planning a party or wedding in Corning can contact the orchestra to hire classical musicians.
The Orchestra of the Southern Finger Lakes
P.O. Box 15
Corning, NY 14830
607-936-2873
osfl.org
Kids under the age of 19 are admitted free to The Rockwell Museum of Western Art, where they'll be captivated by the art hunt, ArtPack backpacks filled with puzzles and games and the Kids' West play area, featuring a kid-sized teepee. The museum features a vast collection of landscape paintings and Native American art depicting the activities of early explorers. Those with an interest in artists Frederic Remington and Charlie Russell will find collections of their work here. Open 9 to 8 daily.
The Rockwell Museum of Western Art
111 Cedar St.
Corning, NY 14830
607-937-5386
rockwellmuseum.org
