The Summer of Glass

Nothing beats summertime in Finger Lakes Wine Country. The rolling green hills, the crystal blue lakes, it is absolute paradise. This is the perfect time of year to escape into a world of adventure and outdoor activity; there is something for every member of the family. 

The Summer of Glass & the Roundtrips!

This summer Finger Lakes Wine Country is celebrating the magic of glass. Experience the wonder surrounding all things glass with exciting exhibitions at The Corning Museum of Glass and the Rockwell Museum. Create memories with the whole family while you take in a Hot Glass Show or even Make Your Own Glass while visiting The Corning Museum of Glass.  See glass in a whole new way when you realize what goes into making that glass in which you savor your Finger Lakes wine.   

To make travel more fun this summer we have created three unique and exciting roadtrip adventures perfect for all types of travelers.

• The Ultimate (budget-friendly!) Family Road Trip features stops at The Corning Museum of Glass, Rockwell Museum, Harris Hill Amusement Park, Glenn H. Curtiss Museum, Trolley through Mark Twain Country, and even a few family-friendly wineries!  Download the roadtrip.
• The Ultimate Summer Adventure features visits to six state parks and a national forest (for hiking, biking, picnics, swimming, and canoeing), Watkins Glen International, National Soaring Museum, Corning Museum of Glass, Rockwell Museum, Cayuga Wine Lake Trail, Seneca Lake Wine Trail, and the Keuka Lake Wine Trail.  Download the roadtrip.
• In Search of the Perfect Rose is an unforgettable wine experience that takes to along all three wine trails in search of the perfect summer wine, rosé.  No matter what kinds of wines you enjoy, you will discover rosés that are sweet to dry, still to sparkling.  Download the roadtrip.
   
• Or create your own itinerary using the Trip Builder.

Outdoor Adventure

Enjoy a ride in a sailplane at the National Soaring Museum or take a lap like the pros around the world famous track at Watkins Glen International. Splash into a variety of water sports on the lakes and hike through Watkins Glen State Park counting all 19 waterfalls. There are many hiking and biking trails to discover, as well as lakes and rivers to canoe, kayak, or sail on. Catch a pop fly at an Elmira Pioneers Game and make sure to sing Take Me Out to the Ball Game during the seventh inning stretch. Finger Lakes Wine Country is the ideal outdoor adventure destination this summer!  Drive the original Grand Prix Course (1948-1952) in Watkins Glen.

Wine and Dine

Travel along the Seneca, Cayuga, and Keuka Lake Wine Trails and taste award-winning wines at world-class wineries. May wineries have decks or picnic areas that allow you to eat lunch or just enjoy a glass of wine while you take in some of the most beautiful scenery in the country.  Attend the Finger Lakes Wine Festival in July where you can not only taste a variety of New York State wines, but take a wine pairing course or a culinary class. Enjoy a glass of Finger Lakes wine lakeside whether at your vacation rental, at a waterfront restaurant or aboard a sightseeing cruise. Savor delicious local food at restaurants throughout the region.

History and Culture Await You

Trolley through Mark Twain Country and pay your respects at the gravesite of America's favorite son at Woodlawn Cemetery. Explore farmers markets and street festivals to taste local food and purchase local arts and crafts. Browse unique shops in bustling downtown districts in Hammondsport, Elmira, Penn Yan, Watkins Glen, and Corning.  While in Corning's Gaffer District, make sure to visit the Corning Museum of Glass and realize the magic of glass at their outdoor stage for a Hot Glass Show.  You can even Make Your Own Glass at the outside studio.  See American art come to life at the Rockwell Museum.  Take in a movie while you cool down or enjoy the sunshine while listening to an outdoor concert.

Whatever it is you decide to do, you will certainly feel the vibrancy of Finger Lakes Wine Country during the sunny days of summer. Plan your escape now!