Recently Smithsonian unveiled their latest list, showcasing twenty different small towns in America that everyone should make a point to visit in 2018. Situated just below the heart of the Finger Lakes, New York’s very own small town of Corning was one of the select destinations to be recognized by the publication. Acknowledging all of its charm and briefly touching on its glory, find out why we couldn’t agree more that you should make a point to visit this area of Steuben County.
Home to roughly 6,000 residents, the small town of Corning sits along the Chemung River just below our Finger Lakes.
Peter C in Toronto Canada/Flickr
The small town oozes with character everywhere you look, a unique destination that stands out amongst others.
Corning’s Gaffer District/Facebook
Corning’s downtown area is a whimsical area that’s been greatly developed yet still maintains so much of its historic ambiance.
Paul Cooper/Flickr
In Corning’s Riverfront Centennial Park on Thursdays, you can explore the local Farmers Market.
Corning’s Gaffer District/Facebook
Operating every Thursday from now until October 25th, the Farmers Market is the perfect way to get a literal taste of the area and what this town is made of.
Corning’s Gaffer District/Facebook
Most notably though, the area is visited by residents and out-of-towners who are curious to check out the Corning Museum of Glass.
Corning Museum Of Glass/Facebook
The world’s largest museum of glass art and artifacts,
Peter C in Toronto Canada/Flickr
Open every day of the week, the museum has had plenty of expansions and new works of art added to the building over the years, now even allowing visitors the chance to create their own glass art to take home with them!
Corning Museum Of Glass/Facebook
The Corning Museum of Glass isn’t the only interesting building in town though! The Rockwell Museum in Corning is actually the only Smithsonian affiliate that you can find in Upstate New York….
The Rockwell Museum/TripAdvisor
…And the Heritage Village of the Finger Lakes is another amazing places to visit - made up of historic buildings that include the town’s oldest building and even a working Blacksmith shop.
Heritage Village of the Southern Finger Lakes/TripAdvisor
If you don’t want to stay indoors all day while you’re in town, there’s plenty of great outdoor spaces and activities that you can check out.
Corning’s Gaffer District/Facebook
Corning’s Centerway Walking Bridge spans across the Chemung River, with informative signs about the river and bridge’s history located at each end.
Corning’s Gaffer District/Facebook
While you’re walking across the bridge, you’ll also notice benches for you to relax on and even a maze that’s a local favorite.
Corning’s Gaffer District/Facebook
Visitors can also further stretch their legs at beautiful places like the Spencer Crest Nature Center, a 250-acre nature preserve that features walking trails, ponds, and yes - another museum!
Spencer Crest Nature Center/Facebook
After a day of exploring the town, you might want to circle back to places like Market Street.
schmutaki/TripAdvisor
On Market Street, you can stop into places like Hand + Foot - a restaurant and bar that offers a little bit of everything.
mirdob/TripAdvisor
And if you have room for more, you can get a taste of nostalgia at Old World Cafe and Ice Cream - a spot that has its own Victorian ice cream parlor, homemade treats, old-fashioned candy, and of course ice cream.
Chris_L_USA/TripAdvisor
Worthy of earning a spot at the top of your New York bucket list, the town of Corning is even more magical when you get to discover it for yourself in person.
Corning’s Gaffer District/Facebook To learn more about all that Corning has to offer, check out the town and city’s official website by clicking here.
If you’ve ever had the chance to explore Corning, tell us what you loved most about this area in the comments! For more wonderful experiences that you can enjoy in the Empire State, read about The Magical River Walk In New York That Will Transport You To Another World!
Peter C in Toronto Canada/Flickr
Corning’s Gaffer District/Facebook
Paul Cooper/Flickr
Corning Museum Of Glass/Facebook
The Rockwell Museum/TripAdvisor
Heritage Village of the Southern Finger Lakes/TripAdvisor
Spencer Crest Nature Center/Facebook
schmutaki/TripAdvisor
mirdob/TripAdvisor
Chris_L_USA/TripAdvisor
To learn more about all that Corning has to offer, check out the town and city’s official website by clicking here.
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