Travel Thoughts By Kim

Let’s go on an adventure together….to Corning, NY!

Hammondsport is a beautiful town on Keuka Lake in the Finger Lakes.

Autumn is the perfect time to visit many parts of our beautiful state, including the Finger Lakes. In October 2014, a friend and I got in the car and headed out with the Corning Glass Museum in Corning, NY as our main goal. Our plan was to find a nice place for a two night stay, spend one day at the museum, and make some stops on the way there and back.

After some research and thought, we decided to stay in Hammondsport – a quaint little town situated on the tip of Keuka Lake. We found a wonderful 1960s style motel right on the lake – Keuka Lakeside Inn. It’s been a while, so I don’t know if it is still operating, but if you’re looking for lodging in Hammondsport, consider checking out the Keuka Lakeside Inn – I highly recommend it. The inn had lake views and had been recently modernized and renovated. Our room faced the lake and there were chairs and a gazebo on the property to sit and enjoy the lake. Highlights of our day after arriving in Hammondsport included a leisurely drive around the lake, a stroll around the historic downtown, ice cream at the Crooked Lake Ice Cream Parlor, time spent in the chairs overlooking the lake, and a delicious dinner at the Luna Mezza Grille.

Corning Glass Museum is full of beautiful and unusual glass pieces – like this stunning glass dress form.

After a good night’s sleep, we drove about thirty miles to Corning to spend the day at the Corning Glass Museum. If you’ve never been, you really should treat yourself to a visit. It is amazing! They have a wonderful gift shop, loads and loads of stunning and unusual exhibits. The many incredible stained glass windows on display took my breath away and I was especially in awe of the Lalique room. We watched a glass blowing demonstration and made our own glass – I made glass wind chimes that I still have hanging in the window over my kitchen sink and my friend made a clock. What fun! The museum is full of exhibits, activities, shopping, and fun for all ages.

Corning Glass Museum is full of beautiful and unusual glass pieces – like this stunning glass dress form.

We ended the evening in downtown Corning. WOW! What a lovely area with gorgeous architecture. We found a beautiful park where we sat for a bit to enjoy the evening before making our way to dinner. We ate at the best Italian restaurant called Sorge’s on Market Street right downtown and had the most delicious homemade pasta, sauce, and meatballs I think I’ve ever had – they make their pasta fresh every day and it was AMAZING! So glad I don’t live closer – I’d surely eat way too many meals there.

The next morning we went back to the museum to pick up the items we made – it was late in the day when we finished them and there wasn’t enough time for them to cool before they closed. Then we began the drive back to Albion. On the way, we took the time to drive through Letchworth State Park – I always enjoy doing that when the opportunity arises – a true gem in our own backyard. Other stops on the way home were to shop at the Gigglin’ Pig in Caledonia and have dinner at the wonderful Depot Restaurant in LeRoy. All to end an awesome three day trip.

If you’ve been reading my articles, you know I love to travel and go on grand adventures. But, I continue to be amazed at the adventures to be experienced right here in New York State and, especially, within a relatively short drive from home. Do yourself a favor and check out all the wonderful New York adventures awaiting you. 

For lots more photos and info from our Corning and Hammondsport adventure, visit my Blog Post!

Happy Adventuring!

Downtown Corning is a wonderful place to stroll and take in the amazing architecture.