The Sophisticated Life
  • Home
  • About
  • Travel
  • Food
  • Wine
  • Travel With Me
  • Work With Me
  • Contact
No Result
View All Result
The Sophisticated Life
  • Home
  • About
  • Travel
  • Food
  • Wine
  • Travel With Me
  • Work With Me
  • Contact
No Result
View All Result
The Sophisticated Life
No Result
View All Result
Home Blog

6 Amazing Reasons to Visit Finger Lakes & Corning New York!

by Nadeen
September 22, 2019
A A
6 Amazing Reasons to Visit Finger Lakes & Corning New York, Corning Museum of Glass, Finger Lakes Wine Country, Seneca Lake Wine Trail

In September I had the pleasure of visiting Finger Lakes & Corning New York. I am excited to share with you what I learned about this area. As many of you know, my goal is to visit as many wine regions around the world as humanely possible. I was thrilled when I heard that one of the biggest travel conferences in the world chose the Finger Lakes & Corning New York as the location for their 2018 North America conference. TBEX (Travel Blogger Exchange) brings together travel bloggers and industry professionals from all over the world. This was my third time attending the conference and it was my favorite. The setting of the Corning Museum of Glass for the conference sessions along with events in the Finger Lakes wine region of New York made for an amazing and educational experience. Here is an overview of the things I learned about the area and activities I hope to do when I return.

6 Amazing Reasons to Visit Finger Lakes & Corning New York, Corning Museum of Glass, Finger Lakes Wine Country, Seneca Lake Wine Trail
Atwater Estate Vineyards. Photo courtesy of Finger Lakes Wine Country

Finger Lakes Wine Country: First and foremost, Finger Lakes wine county is beautiful! The Finger Lakes AVA (American Viticultural Area) is located in Upstate New York and is the largest wine producing region in New York state. Wine making in the Finger Lakes dates back to 1829 when the first grapes were planted. By 1867 Pleasant Valley Wine Company won European Awards for their sparkling wines. I tasted their sparkling wines during the conference and they are still worthy of awards. During the 1960’s Dr. Konstantin Frank started working at Cornell University. He had a PhD in plant science and took wine making in the area to another level.

6 Amazing Reasons to Visit Finger Lakes & Corning New York, Corning Museum of Glass, Finger Lakes Wine Country, Seneca Lake Wine Trail

Although there are several lakes that make up the Finger Lakes, the areas around Seneca Lake and Cayuga Lake produce the most wine. They actually have their own AVAs within the Finger Lakes AVA. I was particularly excited because Riesling is one of the most planted grapes. This is not surprising when you learn that the climate in the Finger Lakes is similar to German wine regions. During my visit to the Finger Lakes, I was able to attend a wine tasting tour of the Seneca Lake Wine Trail. We sampled wine from 10 different wineries. In terms of Riesling, I had Sparkling Riesling, Riesling Reserve, Dry Rieslings and Semi-Dry Rieslings. Based on these tastings, Semi-Dry Rieslings are now my favorite. We sampled several other varietals of red and white wines during the tour which I will share with you in another post.

6 Amazing Reasons to Visit Finger Lakes & Corning New York, Corning Museum of Glass, Finger Lakes Wine Country, Seneca Lake Wine Trail
Beautiful View of Seneca Lake from Boundary Breaks Vineyard

Corning Museum of Glass: The Corning Museum of Glass is located in Corning New York. It was founded in 1951 by Corning Glass Works. The exhibits are all devoted to glass. Some of the glass objects are reported to be over 3,500 years old. The museum exhibits tell the history of glass production from all over the world. One of the most recognizable current displays in the entrance is by world-renowned artist-Dale Chihuly.

6 Amazing Reasons to Visit Finger Lakes & Corning New York, Corning Museum of Glass, Finger Lakes Wine Country, Seneca Lake Wine Trail
Glasswork by Dale Chihuly

The museum complex includes glass demonstration showrooms, a large museum shop, a Contemporary Glass Gallery, and even a cafeteria. Our TBEX conference sessions and events were located in indoor and outdoor areas of the museum. It is a very unique space. Many of the TBEX attendees were able to make their own glass beads and glass sculptures. I didn’t sign up in time, but I enjoyed watching the hot glass demonstrations. There are so many great demonstrations to explore at the Corning Museum of Glass. While visiting take in the Flameworking demonstration, the Optical Fiber Demo and the Glassbreaking Demo. In addition, The Studio and the GlassLab have programs for designs and artists.

6 Amazing Reasons to Visit Finger Lakes & Corning New York, Corning Museum of Glass, Finger Lakes Wine Country, Seneca Lake Wine Trail
Photo courtesy of the Corning Museum of Glass
6 Amazing Reasons to Visit Finger Lakes & Corning New York, Corning Museum of Glass, Finger Lakes Wine Country, Seneca Lake Wine Trail
Photo Courtesy of the Corning Museum of Glass

Historical Area: Another great reason to visit Finger Lakes and Corning NY is the opportunity to explore several historical sites and museums. After exploring the Corning Museum of Glass, you can visit other noteworthy museums including the Arnot Art Museum, the Chemung Valley History Museum and the National Soaring Museum which is devoted to aviation.

6 Amazing Reasons to Visit Finger Lakes & Corning New York, Corning Museum of Glass, Finger Lakes Wine Country, Seneca Lake Wine Trail
Photo courtesy of Finger Lakes Wine Country

Did you know that the first women’s rights convention was held in in 1848 in upstate NY? At the Women’s Rights National Historical Park in Seneca Falls NY you can learn about this convention and the struggle for equality and civil rights. The park is located about 1 hour and 15 minutes from Corning NY. Acclaimed American author Mark Twain spent his summers in the Corning/Finger Lakes area for over twenty years. It is reported that he wrote The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn and The Adventures of Tom Sawyer while vacationing in the area. The Mark Twain study in which he wrote these great works can be viewed on the Elmira College Campus. A permanent Mark Twain exhibit is located at the Chemung Valley History Museum and his gravesite can be viewed at Elmira’s Woodlawn Cemetery.

6 Amazing Reasons to Visit Finger Lakes & Corning New York, Corning Museum of Glass, Finger Lakes Wine Country, Seneca Lake Wine Trail
Mark Twain’s Gravesite. Photo Courtesy of Finger Lakes Wine Country

One of the things on my to-do list when I return to visit Finger Lakes & Corning NY is a trip to the Harriet Tubman National Historical Park. Harriet Tubman is well-known for her work on the Underground Railroad. She spent her life saving and caring for others. The historical park is composed of three properties including her home in Fleming NY. Fleming NY is located approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes from Corning NY.

Harriet Tubman Home. Photo Courtesy of Carol Y. Roberts of www.BrownGirlsFly.com
Harriet Tubman’s Gravesite
Photo Courtesy of Carol Y. Roberts of www.BrownGirlsFly.com

The Gaffer District: I will admit, I visited the Finger Lakes & Corning New York for the conference and for the wine. I am a foodie but had no expectations about the food in Corning. I was pleasantly surprised. The Gaffer District of downtown Corning is walking distance from the Corning Museum of Glass. This quaint downtown area has museums, local shops and restaurants. There are over 45 restaurants located in the Gaffer District. Bon Appetit named Corning NY as a notable food destination along the Appalachian Trail. I can see why. During the TBEX conference, we spent several nights eating and drinking along Market Street. Many of the restaurants are indoor-outdoor spaces which makes for great people watching and spotting friends in local eateries.

6 Amazing Reasons to Visit Finger Lakes & Corning New York, Corning Museum of Glass, Finger Lakes Wine Country, Seneca Lake Wine Trail

While strolling up & down Market Street, I was impressed by the wide variety of restaurants. Expect to find Chinese, Italian, Thai, Japanese, Tapas, a Sports bar, a Steakhouse, Brewery restaurants and several dessert places. I definitely recommend the fried chicken sandwich at “Hand and Foot”. The casual social atmosphere was great as well. I particularly enjoyed the tapas at “The Cellar”. Be sure to order the poutine, the specialty popcorn, the pad Thai and the chicken and waffle. For dessert head to “Dippity Do Dahs” for their home-made ice cream. The flavors are unique and delicious. I devoured my salted caramel and pumpkin ice creams on a waffle cone.

6 Amazing Reasons to Visit Finger Lakes & Corning New York, Corning Museum of Glass, Finger Lakes Wine Country, Seneca Lake Wine Trail
Poutine at The Cellar. So good!
6 Amazing Reasons to Visit Finger Lakes & Corning New York, Corning Museum of Glass, Finger Lakes Wine Country, Seneca Lake Wine Trail
Salted Caramel & Pumpkin ice cream waffle cone. Delicious

In addition, I am sure you have heard of wine trails, but have you heard of a chocolate trail? As a chocoholic I was very disappointed that the rainy weather stopped me from doing this tour in downtown Corning. It is a self-guided tour that takes you to businesses that offer chocolate delights. These can be edible items like locally handcrafted chocolates and chocolate martinis but also include nonedible items like chocolate candles. The Gaffer District also has a spa, a theater, a wine shop and events happening year-round.

Watkins Glen International:The opening night event for the TBEX conference was held at Watkins Glen International. Race car fans may have already heard of this cool place. Watkins Glen International is an automobile race track located in the Finger Lakes region. It is a massive complex. For twenty years it hosted the Formula One United States Grand Prix. The Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series and the IndyCar series has also been held here. I would love to return for a race car event.

6 Amazing Reasons to Visit Finger Lakes & Corning New York, Corning Museum of Glass, Finger Lakes Wine Country, Seneca Lake Wine Trail
Photo Courtesy of Finger Lakes Wine Country

Watkins Glen State Park: Sadly, I did not make it to Watkins Glen State Park. Watkins Glen State Park is located in Watkins Glen NY which is in the Finger Lakes region. I saw pictures prior to my visit and had hoped to go “chasing waterfalls”. There are actually 19 waterfalls along the course of the stream. In addition, there is the gorge trail which goes under and over the waterfalls. The park also has trailer and tent campsites, an Olympic-size pool and fishing in Catherine Creek and Seneca Lake. This area is known for rainbow trout especially in the spring. During our Seneca Lake Wine Trail tour we passed by one of the waterfalls. Even from the street it looked amazing.

6 Amazing Reasons to Visit Finger Lakes & Corning New York, Corning Museum of Glass, Finger Lakes Wine Country, Seneca Lake Wine Trail
Photo Courtesy of Finger Lakes Wine Country

I hope you have enjoyed reading about the 6 amazing reasons you should visit Finger Lakes & Corning New York. I look forward to returning to the area to do some more exploring and of course to drink more wine! My friend and fellow travel blogger Carol of Girl Gone Travel has spent an extensive amount of time in the area. Be sure to check out her blog posts prior to your visit. You can also visit Finger Lakes Wine Country website & Corning Museum of Glass website.

Have you ever visited the Finger Lakes or Corning New York? If so, please share your thoughts with us below.

Pin this post for further reference!

Seneca Lake Wine Trail, Corning Museum of Glass, Finger Lakes Wine Country, Corning New York,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sign up to learn about luxury travel with food + wine experts all over the world.

Curated small group trips where all you have to do is pack your bag, relax & enjoy!

+ Receive my free packing & to-do lists for International travel!

Thank you! Check your email for your checklists!

Tags: corningfinger lakesnew yorkusa
Previous Post

Barnsley Resort: A Beautiful & Historic North Georgia Escape.

Next Post

Finger Lakes Wine Country: Seneca Lake Wine Trail Guide

Nadeen

Nadeen

Dr. Nadeen White is a "Blogger by Day, Physician by Night". She is an award-winning travel blogger, Amazon bestselling author and speaker. The Sophisticated Life Blog covers affordable luxury travel, culinary travel and wine. Her domestic and international travel guides gets people to the destinations of their dreams. So, if you are living the sophisticated life or desire to do so, this is the blog for you!

Related Posts

san francisco golden gate bridge, most romantic cities in the us, valentines day
Travel

The Most Romantic Cities in the US for Getaways.

February 12, 2023
photo by Adam chandler courtesy of charleston wine and food festival
Wine

2022 Charleston Wine + Food Festival-Recap!

March 31, 2022
sonoma county wineries and restaurants, sonoma, california wine region, sonoma wines, wine tasting
Wine

Sonoma County Wineries & Restaurants.

December 13, 2021
things to do in malibu california, malibu restaurants, wine tasting in malibu, malibu beaches, shopping in malibu
Travel

Things to do in Malibu California this Weekend.

March 21, 2022
asheville travel guide, things to do in asheville north carolina, places to stay in asheville, where to eat in asheville north carolina
Travel

The Ultimate Guide of Things To Do in Asheville, North Carolina!

September 22, 2021
black-owned businesses in asheville north carolina, hood huggers tours, black-owned business in asheville, asheville north carolina, black-owned restaurants in Asheville, downtown Asheville,
Travel

Black-Owned Businesses in Asheville, North Carolina.

September 22, 2021
Next Post
Seneca Lake Wine Trail, Finger Lakes Wine Country, Upstate New York,

Finger Lakes Wine Country: Seneca Lake Wine Trail Guide

Polo match in long island, visit long island, exploring long island, a long weekend in long island new york

Weekend Getaway to Long Island: Things to Do

Comments 9

  1. Jessica says:
    4 years ago

    Hi Nadeen,
    Corning Museum of Glass sounds interesting, I’ve always wanted to visit a glass museum.
    Thanks for sharing your amazing visit to Finger Lakes and Corning New York 🙂
    Cheers,
    Jessica

    • Nadeen says:
      4 years ago

      Thanks Jessica! You should definitely go there for a visit.

  2. New Year Wishes says:
    4 years ago

    best article ever.

    • nadeen says:
      4 years ago

      Thank you!

    • nadeen says:
      4 years ago

      I am glad you enjoyed it!

  3. Janene says:
    4 years ago

    It’s so beautiful!!

    • nadeen says:
      4 years ago

      Yes it is! I am looking forward to going back there.

  4. Shweta says:
    4 years ago

    Wow…very well detailed description for a first time visitor like me. We are planning a visit to US and will surely want to visit the place. Lovely tempting pictures to support the decision too. Thanks for the share..loved it.

    • nadeen says:
      4 years ago

      Your welcome. I am glad you enjoyed it! I am sure you will have a great trip to the US!

No Result
View All Result
Subscribe for updates!

Subscribe for updates!

You have Successfully Subscribed!

Best-selling Travel Ebooks Available for Download

Travel Guides to Your Favorite Destinations

USA Wine Guide for Travelers

Culinary Travel Guides: Food & Wine

Recent Posts

Travel

Best things to do in Venice Italy!

by Nadeen
March 9, 2023
Travel

How to Spend One Day in Milan Italy!

by Nadeen
March 4, 2023

    Black-Owned Businesses

    black-owned businesses in asheville north carolina, hood huggers tours, black-owned business in asheville, asheville north carolina, black-owned restaurants in Asheville, downtown Asheville,

    Black-Owned Businesses in Asheville, North Carolina.

    September 22, 2021
    black-owned rosé wine brands to sip on this summer, rosé wines, black-owned wines, rosé wines, summer wines, black-owned wines, black-owned wineries, mcbride wines, black girl magic wines, brown estate wines,

    Black-Owned Rosé Wine Brands to Sip on this Summer.

    April 27, 2022
    atlanta black-owned restaurants, black-owned restaurants in atlanta, atlanta restaurants, brunch in atlanta, atlanta restaurants

    45+ Black-Owned Restaurants in Atlanta You Should Support!

    May 15, 2022
    black-owned wineries, black-owned businesses, black-owned wines, black winemakers, black wines, black owned wines, black owned wineries, black podcasts, wine, wineries, winemakers. wine regions, napa valley, wine tasting

    50+ Black-Owned Wineries & Businesses You Should Follow & Support.

    March 15, 2022

    Explore the U.S.A

    san francisco golden gate bridge, most romantic cities in the us, valentines day

    The Most Romantic Cities in the US for Getaways.

    February 12, 2023
    photo by Adam chandler courtesy of charleston wine and food festival

    2022 Charleston Wine + Food Festival-Recap!

    March 31, 2022
    sonoma county wineries and restaurants, sonoma, california wine region, sonoma wines, wine tasting

    Sonoma County Wineries & Restaurants.

    December 13, 2021
    things to do in malibu california, malibu restaurants, wine tasting in malibu, malibu beaches, shopping in malibu

    Things to do in Malibu California this Weekend.

    March 21, 2022
    • Trending
    • Comments
    • Latest
    Myrtle Beach Restaurant Guide for Foodies!

    The Best Myrtle Beach Restaurants: A Guide for Foodies!

    August 6, 2020
    15 fun facts about quebec city canada, travel to canada, canadian

    15 Fun Quebec City Facts

    August 7, 2018
    Diner en Blanc Guide for First-Timers! Everything you need to know to attend this magical event! Includes information on purchasing tickets, preparing for the event, costs and what to expect at Diner en Blanc!

    Diner en Blanc Guide for First-Timers!

    September 19, 2019
    Dubai Trip

    Dubai Travel Guide for First Time Visitors!

    April 2, 2020
    Dubai Trip

    Dubai Travel Guide for First Time Visitors!

    How I spent 5 Days in Dubai and Abu Dhabi! A Desert Safari, Camel rides, Burj Khalifa, High Tea at Burj Al Arab, Shopping in Souks, Visiting the Grand Mosque and so much more!!

    How I Spent 5 Days in Dubai and Abu Dhabi!

    Visit Jamaica: Land I Love!

    Cruising the Mediterranean Sea on Norwegian Epic!

    fairmont chateau whistler review, hotel in whistler bc, fairmont hotels

    Fairmont Chateau Whistler Review!

    March 28, 2023
    must-eat food in bologna, ragu bolognese

    Must-Eat Food in Bologna Italy-the Culinary Capital of Italy.

    March 16, 2023
    venice italy, things to do in venice italy

    Best things to do in Venice Italy!

    March 9, 2023
    Duomo in Milan italy, how to spend one day in milan

    How to Spend One Day in Milan Italy!

    March 4, 2023
    The Sophisticated Life

    • About
    • Travel
    • Blog
    • Contact Us
    • Privacy Policy

    © 2022 The Sophisticated Life

    The Sophisticated Life

    • About
    • Travel
    • Blog
    • Contact Us
    • Privacy Policy
    • About
    • Travel
    • Blog
    • Contact Us
    • Privacy Policy

    © 2020 The Sophisticated Life

    No Result
    View All Result
    • Home
    • About
    • Travel
    • Wine
    • Food
    • Contact
    • Subscribe
    • Travel With Me
    • Work With Me
    • Privacy Policy

    © 2020 The Sophisticated Life