For my annual Fourth of July Weekend getaway in 2022, I headed to Corning, New York. The southcentral New York state region is known for its Finger Lakes region and for its Corning glass. My itinerary also included a jaunt a little further westward to the scenic Letchworth State Park.
Upon arrival in Corning, NY that Saturday, I went directly to Little Boomer’s Burrito Bar in the historic town center. I was famished after my six hour drive from the Boston area.
My tasty lunch was a veggie burrito with tortilla chips.
I then decided to stroll about the downtown Gaffer District to peruse its shops and restaurants.
Much to my delight, a wonderful bakery called “Laurabelle’s Cupcakery”, offered vegan options. I devoured the yummy chocolate cupcake with vanilla frosting.
Next on my agenda, was a visit to the famous Corning Glass Museum. This is the world’s largest display of contemporary glasswork and contains glassware from around the globe, ranging in age from three thousand years old to modern day. Glass sculptures, vases, lighting, kitchenware, and other glass pieces are represented in the vast museum exhibit halls.
Museum staff offer demonstrations on how to blow glass and create items such as dinnerware, flowers, and ornaments.
Some of the museum’s exhibits are colorful, ornate, and unique pieces.
Other displays are of crystal glass vases and containers, made by local artists in Corning (nicknamed “Crystal City”).
I attended a fifteen minute glass flower-making class, myself! Students are given protective eyewear, capes, shoe covers, and gloves. We then choose the color we would like for our glass design. While I participated by turning a metal rod with molten blue dye-dipped glass on its tip, my instructor quickly shaped it and pulled the end of it with tweezers and placed it in the oven to eventually cool off.
I was pleased with the end result of a beautiful blue flower, which I picked up the next day!
After class I returned to the downtown Gaffer District and explored the downtown area. My first stop was the Corning Centennial Arch. Built in 1996, the sculptures on its top represent the history of the city, including sculptures for the railroad and glassmaking industries.
Next up on my walk, was the Rockwell Museum. The renowned art museum is part of the Smithsonian family.
I made a stop at Dippity Do Dahs for a cup of refreshing vegan chocolate mocha ice cream.
I enjoyed my walk on Market Street, looking for the plaques that mark historic buildings on the “Buildings Alive Trail”. Some of these landmarks include the Apothocary, the Corning Glassworks, and the Southern Tier Roller Mills(erected in 1879 as a corn mill. Then became a recreation center in 1930). The Gaffer District website provides a clickable link to download the list of the Buildings Alive Trail sites with their description.
Also residing in the Gaffer District is Clock Tower. Constructed in 1883, it is a memorial to Erastus Corning, the found of the city of Corning.
As evening was arriving, I took a stroll over the Centerway Walking Bridge to witness the spectacular sunset over the water. Constructed in 1921 for both vehicular and pedestrian traffic, it is now used for pedestrians only as a walkway to view flower gardens and a green lawn park.
Dinner time had arrived. I dined at The Cellar in downtown Corning. My delicious meal was a Tofu Tikka entree with Spiced Tofu Tikka, Masala Curry Sauce, Peppers & Onions, Brown Basmati, Cucumber Mint Salad, and Garlic Flatbread.
After my meal, I went for another walk around the town center.
Further up in the Gaffer District is the Little Joe Tower. Built in 1913 by Corning Glassworks, the structure was created to house a process that supports thermometer tubing.
Across the walkway from the tower base, resides a bronze sculpture of a gaffer blowing glass.
It was time to call it a night! I headed back to my accommodations for a good night’s sleep.
The next day, I arose bright and early, prepared for a full day and night of exciting activties!
For breakfast, I went to the Soul Full Cup Coffeehouse. My breakfast consisted of a large, vegan raisin granola bar and a banana.
After my meal, I hopped into my car and made the one hour drive west to Letchworth State Park.
Known as the “Grand Canyon of the East”, its one of the most beautiful parks in the eastern United States. The Genesee River runs through its gorge. There are 66 miles of hiking trails. Three waterfalls of various heights are found within its borders. I hiked to the Lower, Middle, and Upper waterfalls! The views were stunning!
Lush green trees and plants adorned the park. Stone bridges and steps within the gorge make for an exhilarating hike and scenic vistas.
The highest elevation waterfall resides below the Genesee Arch Bridge. Trains cross this Upper Falls bridge on a daily basis. I hiked to the top of the winding stone stairs to reach the railroad bridge.
I enjoyed my hike to the three waterfalls in Letchworth State Park. On my way back to Corning, I stopped in the town of Mount Morris to see the home of Francis Bellamy – the author of “The Pledge of Allegiance”.
For my lunch in Mt. Morris, I dined at Boriken Restaurant. Tv travel show host Samantha Brown gave a wonderful review of this restaurant during her visit. I chose the Puerto Rican rice and beans entree with fried green plantains. Everything was delicious!
Upon arrival back in Corning, I decided to walk around the town center again to locate more of the historic buildings on the Buildings Alive Trail up and down Market Street.
After my walk, it was time for dinner. I ate at Wild Ginger Restaurant. My meal choice was the flavorful tofu green curry with veggies.
Evening had arrived. I decided to drive the twenty miles or so to the town of Watkins Glen. I went down to the town pier on Seneca Lake, in order to grab a good seat for viewing the upcoming fireworks.
Watkins Glen was scheduled to host their Fourth of July Weekend fireworks on Sunday, July 3rd. The fireworks were amazing, in their various colors and patterns! Upon their completion, I drove back to my accommodations in Corning for another good night’s sleep.
Monday, July 4th was the last day of my New York State long weekend vacation. For breakfast, I purchased a bagel and orange juice at the Wegman’s supermarket in Corning.
My first activity of the day was a visit to Spencer Crest Nature Center. I went for a wonderful hike upon the boardwalk throughout the woods.
The Nature Center trails have signage depicting the varieties of trees, plants, and flowers along the paths.
Upon finishing my walk on the trails, I got into my car and drove to the Finger Lakes town of Hammondsport. Keuka Lake, one of the popular Finger Lakes, resides in this town. I relaxed at the beach along its shores. Recreational boats enjoyed sailing along its waters.
A local told me to drive further up on a hilly road to get a magnificent panoramic view of the lake. This sight was absolutely gorgeous to behold, with colorful wildflowers around the perimeter.
When I went back to Hammondsport’s town center, I noticed purple grapes images painted onto various sidewalks. This region is known for its grapes. They are grown for both wine and grape juice consumption.
I also enjoyed visiting some art galleries with their artwork depicting lake scenes.
For my lunch in Hammondsport, I ate at Aroma Coffee and Art Gallery. My meal was the Jerusalem laffa , with veggies sauteed in tomato sauce and pita bread. My beverage was a lemonade with mint.
In the town center of Hammondsport, a large sign displays the message that it was voted as the coolest small town in America in 2012.
I desired some ice cream on this Summer evening. I purchased a vegan peanut butter ice cream at Crooked Lake Ice Cream in town. The flavor was wonderful and also refreshing.
The final stop on my Hammondsport itinerary was a cafe which offered a bottle of fresh grape juice from local orchards. I quenched my thirst by imbibing the entire beverage within seconds! The rich, fruity flavor made it obvious that it was made from local fresh grapes.
My Fourth of July Weekend mini-vacation had come to an end! It was time for me to make the return trek back home to Massachusetts. I had thoroughly enjoyed every minute of my trip: the stunning landscape of Letchworth State Park, the tranquil Finger Lakes, the Americana history and impressive glassworks of Corning, and the vegan-friendly dining options. I recommend that others visit this amazing region too!