In a single trip to the Corning/Southern Finger Lakes region of New York, visitors can learn about the history of glass making, catch world-class motorsports, savor some of the finest wines made in the United States, or simply unwind lakeside in a picturesque small town.
The eleven long, narrow, glacial lakes were originally Iroquois territory, home to the Seneca and Cayuga tribes for which two Finger Lakes are named. Settlers explored the area soon after the Revolution and small towns formed on and near the lakes and streams, taking advantage of the area’s water power, abundant wildlife, and natural resources. Eventually, railroads and the Erie Canal arrived putting the region on the map.
Today, visitors come for the outstanding scenery and recreation. In warm months, activity centers on the lakes. Some of the best fishing in New York is found here; area marinas offer everything from kayaks to sight-seeing cruises, and the lakes are known for antique wooden lake craft. In fall, old-growth stands of oak, sugar maple, and beech create a spectacular canvass, while winter brings cross-country skiing, downhill, and snowshoeing.
Glass making class in action. [Photo/Corning Museum of Glass]
The historic small city of Corning has earned many accolades: One of the Most Fun Small Towns in America (Rand McNally); One of America's Best 20 Small Towns for Christmas (Country Living), and One of America's Most Beautiful Town Squares (Travel + Leisure).
Sometimes called Crystal City, Corning has a long history with glassmaking. In 1868, the Brooklyn Flint Glass Company relocated to Corning from New York City, attracted by cheap real estate, abundant natural resources for glassmaking, and good transportation provided by area railroads and the Erie Canal. The company eventually adopted the name of its new hometown, becoming Corning Glass Works; today, it’s known as Corning Incorporated.
Visitors won’t want to miss downtown’s Gaffer District, particularly historic Market Street. More than a hundred shops, galleries, and eateries occupy historic buildings. The Gaffer District has recently been named a top culinary destination by Bon Appétit; restaurants and pubs offer everything from farm-to-table cuisine to international fare. Area wines, of course, are featured on most menus.
Downtown is also home to the Rockwell Museum, a sonian affiliate housing a distinguished collection of Western and contemporary Native American Art. Across the nationally acclaimed historic Centerway Walking Bridge are the up-and-coming Northside area and the Corning Museum of Glass.
Each May, Corning hosts GlassFest - four days of glassmaking, music, entertainment, food, and shopping - all with a glass theme. GlassFest was named as one of the 100 Best Events by the American Bus Association. The town’s tree lighting festival, called Sparkle, is a full day of festivities with caroling, wagon rides, dining, and holiday shopping.
Established in the 1950s by Corning Glass Works, the Corning Museum of Glass is the world's largest museum dedicated to the history of glass making, glass art, and glass-related technology.
According to Kim Thompson, Media and Public Relations Manager, the museum is home to 50,000 artifacts representing 3,500 years of glass making. There are live glass blowing demonstrations daily and visitors have numerous opportunities to make their own glass creations. The gift shop is a visit unto itself.
With 120 wineries, the Finger Lakes area is the second largest wine producing region in the country. The area is considered an up-and-coming wine destination, particularly noted for its Rieslings. If wine is not your preference, the area is also home to a growing number of breweries, cideries, and distilleries.
Located at the southern tip of Seneca Lake, the walkable village of Watkins Glen is bordered on one end by Seneca Lake and Watkins Glen State Park on the other. Along its historic streets, everything from restaurants featuring area wines to fiber arts and antiques await visitors. Boat excursions like Captain Bill's Seneca Lake Cruises embark from the Watkins Glen Harbor. While in town, keep an eye out for murals that celebrate the town’s racing history.
The Watkins Glen International Speedway is a must-see on any visit to the Finger Lakes. Founded in 1948, the facility is North America’s premier racing facility, home to numerous Grand Prix, Sports Car, and NASCAR events. Visitors can even drive the track! The speedway also houses one of the world’s largest collections of motorsports artifacts and archives.
In Watkins Glen State Park, a two-mile trail winds through Watkins Glen Gorge. The trail descends 400 feet on 800 stone steps that take hikers by (and sometimes under) 19 stunning waterfalls. Rim trails provide vistas into the gorge.
The magnificent Watkins Glen Gorge. [Photo/Wikimedia Commons]
RV camping options in the Southern Finger Lakes are plentiful; here are some of the choices:
The campground at Watkins Glen State Park has 279 wooded campsites that will accommodate vehicles up to 40’. Fifty sites have electric hookups; a handful are pull-throughs. Park manager Ron Roney says, “The advantage to the park is it’s centrally located at the edge of the village. So, it’s a quick trip to area destinations.”
RV camping is available at Watkins Glen even during popular events. Sites are approximately 20’ x 40’ and available trackside and non-trackside. There are no electric or water hookups.
Rates during events can exceed $200 per night and do not include event tickets.
Near Corning, Ferenbaugh Campground encompasses 274 acres with a creek, trails, and fish pond. There are 115 wooded sites; 30 are pull-through. Slideouts and big rigs are welcome. Sites have 20/30/50 amp electric, water, sewer, cable TV, and free WiFi. Recreation includes a swimming pool, miniature golf, and recreation building with ping pong, pinball, and video games. A camp store and snack bar are onsite. Seasonal sites are available.
The Watkins Glen/Corning KOA has more than 300 sites; 40 are patioed pull-throughs, 9 are wooded, and 5 have their own gazebos. Amenities are impressive, including swimming pool, waterslides, zip line, bumper boats, miniature golf, and an outdoor theater. A 6,900 square foot recreation building houses an indoor pool, spa, and fitness room.
About 7 miles northeast of Corning is Morningstar RV Park. This small park features a trout stream and wooded walking trails. There are 11 sites with 20/30/50 amp electric, water, and sewer hookups. Owner Gary Brown says the park is, “Smaller and for people who want to spread out and be close to nature.”
Near the historic town of Bath is Finger Lakes Jellystone Park on 60 acres with a 10-acre lake. There are 70 sites with water/electric/sewer, while another 30 have water and electric only. Waterfront, shaded, and pull-through sites are available. The family-friendly park features a pool with inflatable water slide, bounce house, and miniature golf. Hayrides and train rides are offered on weekends. Kayaks, paddleboats and catch-and-release fishing are all available at the lake.