One of the most famous figures in American literature, Samuel Clemens, better known by his pen name Mark Twain, spent his summers in Elmira for more than 20 years. Learn more when you visit the Mark Twain Study and Exhibit on the beautiful campus of Elmira College. Twain spent his summers in Elmira and where he penned some of his most famous pieces of literature in the octagonal study, including The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, Life on the Mississippi, and AConnecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court.
Elmira’s Storied Past
Learn more about Twain’s time in Elmira and the area’s history when you visit the Chemung Valley History Museum. Just down the road is the Elmira Civil War Prison Camp. Dubbed “Hellmira” for its high death rate, the Confederate prison camp has been reconstructed, along with barracks that were created with the aid of original drawings and photos. The prisons were buried by a formerly enslaved man named John W. Jones. As sexton for Woodlawn Cemetery, one of John W. Jones’ primary roles was to bury each deceased Confederate soldier from the Elmira Prison Camp. Of the 2,973 prisoners who Jones buried, only seven are listed as unknown. Jones kept such precise records that on December 7, 1877, the federal government declared the burial site a national cemetery. Jones was an active agent in the Underground Railroad and aided in the escape of 800 freedom seekers. Learn more when you visit the John W. Jones Museum.
Arnot Art Museum
The Arnot Art Museum houses a permanent collection of 17th-19th century European paintings, 20th-century American art, and contemporary art from the 21st century. Located in a historic Greek-Revival mansion from 1833, the Arnot Art Museum was founded by local banker Matthias Hallenback Arnot, who gifted his collection, home, and endowment to Elmira in 1910. The Arnot Art Museum opened to the public in 1913, and since that time, the Museum has grown to become one of the leading cultural institutions in the region.
Broadway Features at the Clemens Center
Just because you love vacationing in small towns does not mean you must forego the Broadway hits and performances of the big city. Not only does the Clemens Center (recognize that Clemens name?) host celebrated orchestras, comedy shows, and dance performances, but it also features award-winning and highly coveted theatrical performances through their Broadway Series collection. In the heart of downtown Elmira, set the stage for a beautiful night with dinner or drinks in town, followed by an unforgettable show in the Clemens Center’s historic and breathtaking performance space.
The Serene Chemung Rivers
Take in the breathtaking views of the Chemung River, a tributary of the Susquehanna River that was used as a famous trade route between Native Americans and settlers. During warmer months, the river is perfect for a day of kayaking.
Tanglewood Nature Center
Tanglewood Nature Center and Museum offers visitors free access to over 10 miles of hiking trails, exhibits, and environmental education programs. The center also houses over 40 live animals, both native and exotic. The Center is committed to local preservation efforts.
Soaring in the Sky
Witness the beauty of the Chemung Valley from a bird’s eye view while riding as a passenger in a motorless glider plane with Harris Hill Soaring Corporation. Be sure to stop at the National Soaring Museum to view the beautiful, finely crafted sailplanes that trace the history of motorless flight from its founding in the 1930s on Harris Hill to the present-day gliding, along with many other aviation artifacts.
Views and Great Food at the Hill Top Inn
Take in a glorious sunset over the Chemung Valley from this historic restaurant and inn. Established in 1933 on the top of Jerusalem Hill, Hill Top Inn is situated on the knoll where Samuel Clemens visualized many of his most famous works. Today, the perspective from Hill Top Inn is often referred to as “the view that inspired Mark Twain.”
We’ve created guides for almost every type of traveler; Ice Cream Lover’s, Glampers, Cheese Enthusiasts, The Sober Curious, and now, the Art Lovers Guide. Finger Lakes Wine Country offers plenty of opportunities to captivate your creativity at art museums, and galleries. In classes and workshops and at art festivals and events. Often you’ll find local art displayed at wineries and breweries. Many local shops and small businesses feature locally-crafted items in their gift shops.
This guide is ideal for art lovers and DIYers, and most of these activities are great options for a rainy day. Use the suggestion below to build the perfect itinerary for your group. Then pack your bags and don’t forget to bring a padded wine bag or two, and prepare for a fantastic trip in Finger Lakes Wine Country!
Flameworking at The Corning Museum of Glass
Where to Stay
Are you wondering where to stay? These accommodations have an artsy angle that you’ll love.
Belva Lockwood Inn
Belva Lockwood Inn
In the Village of Owego, New York you’ll find the Belva Lockwood Inn. This charming adults-only historic hotel is steeped in history and luxury. Belva Lockwood is the local 19th-century heroine who fought for equal rights from the age of 14. You’ll find striking artwork of her all over her beautifully restored home, which is now a B&B.
Belhurst Castle
The Belhurst Castle in Geneva, New York is a living piece of art and was named a World’s Best Wine Hotel by Wine Enthusiast. The historic rooms in the 1800s castle hotel are perfect for relaxing after an artful weekend. Ask for a room with a soaking tub, a fireplace, and a view of Seneca Lake.
Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel
At the Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel, in Watkins Glen, New York guests are Many of the spacious guest rooms and suites have panoramic lake views and balconies. Guests have access to an indoor swimming pool and hot tub and a fully-equipped fitness center where they’ll find an art gallery for car lovers.
Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel is the area’s only AAA Four Diamond property and is within walking distance of Watkins Glen State Park, the most famous State Park in the region. It’s home to 19 waterfalls and 9 great walking trails.
Art Organizations
Tioga Arts Council
Tioga Arts Council (TAC) is on a mission to enrich the cultural lives of Tioga County residents and visitors by initiating and facilitating creative opportunities and collaborations. From galleries to workshops and concerts in the park. For over forty years TAC has provided a central platform for a creative community and is a great starting point to explore the past, present, and future of Tioga Country.
Community Arts of Elmira
Located on the Elmira Creative Corridor, the Community Arts of Elmira is more than a community center, it’s a center for creative expression. Connect with the history and community of Elmira through events, workshops, satellite galleries, and educational classes as well as with the public art program Elmira Infinite Canvas. Community Arts of Elmira is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and the National Park Service Network to Freedom Underground Railroad.
An example of the Elmira Infinite Canvas on the downtown Elmira parking garage
171 Cedar Arts Center
For more than five decades, 171 Cedar Arts Center has been the artistic and cultural hub for the greater Corning area. Enriching lives by providing accessible arts education, collaborative outreach programming, free exhibitions of regional artists, and live performances. Here you’ll find representation of music, dance, theater, culinary arts, ceramics, visual arts, and more!
The Arts Council of the Southern Finger Lakes
The Arts Council of the Southern Finger Lakes supports regional artists, making the Southern Finger Lakes an arts haven filled with talented and creative people, inspiring a vibrant and accessible multi-county arts scene. This regional organization empowers artists and encourages arts advocacy, fosters creativity and economic vitality, creates diverse connections and collaborations, and champions innovation and equity within the arts to cultivate a dynamic community.
Arts Center of Yates County
The Arts Center of Yates County is a nonprofit community arts center with a mission to enrich the lives of Yates County residents, artists, and visitors by providing opportunities to actively participate in the arts. The Arts Center includes the Flick Gallery, the Rosenfeld Studio upstairs—where the bulk of the Center’s workshops are held—and Sunny Point, a seasonal facility on the east side of Keuka Lake that includes housing for visiting instructors and artist residencies, a studio barn for workshops and events, and a lakeside pottery studio.
The gallery at the Arts Center of Yates County
Museums
Arnot Art Museum
Located in Elmira, New York in a historic Greek-Revival mansion from 1833, is the Arnot Art Museum. Founded by local banker Matthais Hallenback Arnot who gifted the museum to the city of Elmira. The museum houses a permanent collection of 17th-19th century European paintings, 20th-century American art, and contemporary art from the 21st century. In addition to the permanent and original art collection, you can also experience their temporary exhibitions featuring artwork from all over the world.
Arnot Art Museum
The Rockwell Museum
The Rockwell Museum is an official Smithsonian Affiliate, the first in the state of New York outside of New York City. Here you’ll find a mix of contemporary Native American art from landscape paintings to bronze sculptures to modernist pieces that represent the people, land, and ideas that shaped America through the work of American artists housed in a 19th-century historic Old City Hall building.
Visit The Rockwell Museum Store and take home some incredible artisan-made pieces. Including artful USA-made, Native-made, and fair-trade products. The pieces in the Museum Store reflect the art on the walls. With one-of-a-kind turquoise, silver, and precious stone jewelry, artisan-made pottery, and sculptures by award-winning artists.
Corning Museum of Glass
Dive into over 3,500 years of glass-making history at the Corning Museum of Glass. Explore the history, art, and science behind glass through the museum’s collection of nearly 50,000 objects related to glass. Enjoy live narrated glass-making demonstrations, or try your hand at making your own glass in the Innovation Center. A typical museum visit requires 3 to 4 hours but could easily be longer.
After visiting the museum, stop in The Shops at The Corning Museum of Glass to see the beautiful original works of art by more than 200 emerging and established artists. From jewelry and accessories to home decor, the Shops’ selection of 15,000 items offers a piece at every price point.
Glenn H. Curtiss Museum
Those who consider motorcycles, bicycles, boats, and aircraft art, must visit the Glenn H. Curtiss Museum in Hammondsport, New York. Here, you’ll experience a priceless collection of artifacts and learn the history of the “Father of Naval Aviation,” and the “Fastest Man on Earth,” local legend Glenn H. Curtiss.
Art Galleries
If you want to take some art home visit one of these art galleries.
West End Gallery
On Market Street in Corning, New York you’ll find the West End Gallery. For over 40 years this family-owned and operated gallery has featured a diverse selection of fine art created by more than 50 exceptional professional artists, primarily residing in the beautiful Finger Lakes region!
West End Gallery
Aroma Coffee Art Gallery
At Aroma Coffee Art Gallery in Hammondsport, New York their vision is to create an environment to feed the mind, body, and soul. This art gallery accomplishes this by serving breakfast, lunch, and early dinner to guests six days a week.
Sommerville Pottery
If you’re looking for hand-made pottery head to Sommerville Pottery in Pulteney, New York. From bowls and plates to lamps and toothbrush holders, you’ll find pieces that are both beautiful and practical. Classes in pottery can also be arranged. With more than 25 years of experience, pieces from Sommerville Pottery are designed, hand-thrown, glazed, and fired in their studio on the West side of Keuka Lake.
Carol’s Coffee and Art Bar
Upon entering Carol’s Coffee and Art Bar in Owego, New York a few things are apparent, they love food, they love coffee and they love art! Every month you can be inspired and discover new local talent as they update the gallery. You’ll even be able to see some of Carol’s personal work.
Do It Yourself
We’ve mentioned the pottery-making classes at Sommerville Pottery and glass-making workshops at Corning Museum of Glass. If getting your hands dirty sounds like a good time, here are a few more DIY classes and workshops to choose from.
Hands-On Glass Studio
Corning, New York is known as x so it should come as no surprise that Corning has lots of glassy places to visit, shop, and create custom glass art. At the Hands-On Glass Studio, your girl gang can experience glass-blowing creating keepsake ornaments and paperweights.
KIDS ROCKWELL Art Lab
Get crafty at the KIDS ROCKWELL Art Lab, an interactive family studio just around the corner from The Rockwell Museum. All activities at the Art Lab are inspired by the art and themes of The Rockwell Museum!
KIDS ROCKWELL Art Lab, a hands-on, family-friendly extension of The Rockwell Museum
Vitrix Hot Glass Studio
If you’d rather shop, visit the Vitrix Hot Glass Studio located in the historic Hawkes Crystal building. Unlike many studios, you’re invited to watch these artists at work. Then head to the gallery and shop for items like vases, ornaments, and perfume bottles.
Pop & Paint
For over a decade Pop & Paint has offered a special space where creative types. From wooden signs and décor to more, this mobile paint studio offers public and private paint parties for all ages on-site or at Ill Eagle Taphouse in Elmira, New York.
Art Festivals & Events
Elmira Street Painting Festival
The Elmira Street Painting Festival is a family fun festival hosted by Elmira Downtown Development every July to celebrate the rich local arts community. Stroll through our historic downtown and masterpieces evolving right before your eyes as artists take to the streets with chalk in hand. Local and regional artists use the pavement as a canvas to transform downtown Elmira streets. The streets become a living art gallery.
Browse the fine regional crafts and artwork of numerous vendors. Sample the varied tastes of local restaurants, step into a pop-up gallery, move to the rhythm of live music. Personal squares are also available for those who are interested in creating a masterpiece.
There’s also a Kid’s Kanvas area where aspiring young artists can be creative. In addition, there will be face-painting, ice cream, popcorn, and many other kid’s activities for them to enjoy. Come for the day or the weekend!
Elmira Street Painting Festival
Keuka Art Festival
The Keuka Arts Festival is a fine art and skilled craft show held annually on the second weekend in June, in Penn Yan, New York. The mission is to foster community in the Keuka Lake area and promote the nurturing and financial support of the local Arts. By presenting an event of high quality, original artwork, and entertainment for the enjoyment of Keuka Lake area residents and visitors.
Palettes of Keuka
Since 2007 Palettes of Keuka (PKAT) scholarship has celebrated the beauty of Keuka Lake through the talented work of local artists. This Chamber-funded event raises funds to donate to a student of Hammondsport High School who is pursuing art education.
As one of the best wine regions in the nation, there’s an unlimited amount of fun activities to enjoy in Finger Lakes Wine Country.
That’s why we’re focusing on the ones that won’t break the bank. This list of free things to do in Finger Lakes Wine Country includes activities for the entire family and is a great starting point for visitors and residents building an itinerary.
What Can You Do For Free in FLWC?
Go For a Hike
The Tanglewood Nature Center and Museum in Elmira, New York offers free access to over 10 miles of hiking trails, exhibits, and programs on environmental education. It houses over 40 live animals, both native and exotic. Tanglewood Nature Center is committed to local preservation efforts. The trails here offer hiking year-round and winter activities including cross-country skiing which allow you to experience the natural beauty of the Chemung Valley.
The Keuka Outlet Trail starts in the small town of Penn Yan and has more than seven miles of scenic trails, perfect for cycling, running, or leisurely walks. Along the way you’ll find Seneca Mills Falls and the Cascade Mills Falls In the winter snowmobiling and cross-country skiing are very popular here.
For scenic, wooded hiking trails head to Italy Hill State Forest in Branchport, New York, or trek along an abandoned railroad path from Montour Falls to Horseheads on the Catharine Valley Trail. The Finger Lakes National Forest in Hector, New York has over 30 miles of interconnecting trails that traverse gorges, ravines, pastures, and woodlands. It’s the only National Forest in New York State and is another great location for snowshoeing, snowmobiling, and cross-country skiing during the winter.
Stroll through one of our charming Small Towns
Finger Lakes Wine Country has many charming small towns to visit during your trip. You’ll find antique centers and vintage stores everywhere, which is great for window shoppers, vintage lovers, and collectors. Be sure to read some of our guides to a few of our featured small towns, including Corning, Owego, Hammondsport, Watkins Glen, Penn Yan, and Elmira.
Go Bird Watching
Our natural landscapes are a haven for wildlife and natural habitats, including great bird-watching opportunities. In the spring, birders can find great blue heron, sandhill crane, osprey, snow geese, wild turkeys, many species of songbirds, and even bald eagles.
Finger Lakes Wine Country boasts some of the best farmland in the state, so finding the freshest produce of the season, handicrafts, baked goods, local ingredients, pantry items, and seasonings is easy to do at a local Farmers Market.
From season markets to year-round farm stores here you’ll find something for every season. For over 35 years Windmill Farm & Craft Market in Penn Yan, New York has been offering food, produce, and handicrafts on Saturdays, from April through mid-December. With over 200 vendors Windmill Farm & Craft Market is the largest of the farmers markets in Finger Lakes Wine Country.
Go For a Drive
One of the best ways to see the sweeping views the region is famous for is a scenic drive. The most well-known scenic drive in Finger Lakes Wine Country is the Seneca Lake Scenic Byway running along the east side of Seneca Lake. You’ll be passing wineries, cideries, distilleries, breweries, restaurants, and farms. Most of which are great places to catch one of our stunning Finger Lakes sunsets overlooking Seneca Lake. Learn more about our local scenic drives.
Take a Dip
During the warmer months of summer, the best way to cool off is to enjoy a day at the lake swimming, paddling, or kayaking. There are several beaches for swimming in the region, including Champlin Beach in Hammondsport, New York, and the shores at Keuka Lake State Park in Penn Yan. Along with hiking trails and picnic areas, there is no shortage of lake activities to enjoy at Keuka Lake State Park. Keuka Lake is one of the warmer water lakes in the region.
Clute Memorial Park in Watkins Glen has a scenic swimming beach on Seneca Lake. Seneca Lake is not only the largest of the Finger Lakes it’s also the deepest lake within New York State.
Chase Waterfalls
Visiting the region’s iconic waterfalls is a quintessential part of the Finger Lakes Wine Country experience. Our region has a reputation for having over 50 waterfalls which are a visual delight waiting to be explored. Walking through Watkins Glen State Park you can enjoy an enchanting hike through the two-mile Gorge Trail, which boasts 19 cascading waterfalls.
With over 120 wineries in Finger Lakes Wine Country, how do you choose which ones to visit? What should you be prepared for when visiting a winery? What should you expect and plan for during a day of wine tasting? And when is the best time to visit Finger Lakes Wine Country?
How do you get around?
While wine tasting, a designated driver is a must. If you decide to taste wine and get behind the wheel, be sure to spit the wine out into the dump buckets that are provided at each winery. Another great option is hiring a transportation company for a worry-free day.
Which Wineries Should I Visit?
With so many to choose from, how do you know which ones are right for you? First, plan on visiting just two to three wineries in any given day. Plan for time to become familiar with the wines and enjoy your tasting. Many wineries have great gift shops and cafes to explore. And make sure to allow time for travel between wineries. In order to decide what wineries you want to visit, a little research is necessary. Do you like whites or reds? Sweet or dry? Are you interested in fruit wine or ice wine? With so many options, it can become overwhelming, but rest assured, the information is out there for you to familiarize yourself with. Start by going through our list of wineries in the region. Decide which region you want to visit or variety you’d like to taste and you’ll have your wine tasting itinerary in no time!
When is the best time of year to visit?
Finger Lakes Wine Country, New York is a year-round destination. During the summer and fall, the wineries are the busiest, as this is peak travel season but is also a great time of year in the Finger Lakes. However, during the off-season of winter and spring, your wine tasting experience is likely to be more personal and comfortable. It is these months of the year when you are likely to speak with the owners and winemakers themselves in the tasting room. Each season has its perks. Be sure to take into consideration what you would like to do during your visit outside of wine tasting: boating and swimming? Leaf peeping and harvest festivals? Skiing and snowshoeing? Considering all of the Finger Lakes activities available should give you a great idea of when is right for your visit to Finger Lakes Wine Country.
When are the Wineries Open?
In the summer and fall most of the wineries in the Finger Lakes are open seven days a week. During late/fall early winter and spring it is important that you confirm each winery’s hours as some have more limited tasting room hours, especially during the week. It is most common for wineries to open 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. and close around 5:00 p.m. each day, including Sunday. Again in the summer, some wineries extend their hours to accommodate the increased number of visitors.
Do I need to make a reservation?
In most cases, yes. It’s best to visit the winery’s website or give them a call to see if they require or suggest reservations. Most wineries offer seated tasting experiences with a flight of wine and some offer snacks or small bites to enjoy with your wine. Some wineries will do their best to accommodate walk-in visitors, but to ensure you have a spot, reservations are your best option. If you’re traveling in a group of six or more, reservations are almost always required.
Don’t Forget Lunch
Before your day of wine tasting, be sure to have a full breakfast. This will not only give you the energy you need to make it through the day, it will make wine tasting easier and more enjoyable. For lunch, many of the wineries have areas for picnicking that offer breathtaking views of the lakes and countryside. Pick up some sandwiches at a café or deli in town and select a bottle of wine to enjoy while taking in the surrounding beauty of the Finger Lakes. There are also many wineries with restaurants and local restaurants in town to choose from. Check out great restaurants in our region.
Hydrate!
This may seem like a given, but it is so important to drink plenty of water while touring the wineries or any of our wonderful craft beverage establishments. We promise you’ll have more fun if you feel better and hydration is key to ensuring you feel your best.
Where Should I Stay?
Finger Lakes Wine Country offers a variety of lodging options to suit every person and budget. From luxury hotels to campgrounds, there really is something for everyone. Accommodations can be researched ahead of time in our accommodation database. Options include:
Experience the Essence of Wine with the Seven S’s of Wine Tasting
SEE the wine: the color, the clarity, and intensity.
SWIRL the glass to release the aromas.
SMELL the wine. This begins your tasting experience; discover the qualities and aromas of the wine like spicy, nutty, fruity, floral, or anything else you can use to describe what you are experiencing. There is not right or wrong answer.
SIP the wine. Take a small amount of the wine in your mouth along with a small bit of air, almost slurping the wine in – this will aerate the wine further releasing more aromas onto your palate.
SAVOR the wine. Swish the wine around, hitting every part of your mouth.
SPIT/SWALLOW the wine. It is perfectly acceptable to utilize the spit buckets, especially when you are driving from winery to winery.
SCORE the wine. Create your own scoring system and take notes. This reflects your personal experience of the wine, keep a wine journal that you can take with you to the gift shop after your tasting or to the wine store at home in the future to make your purchasing choice easy.
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