Things to do in Corning New York include a trip to Corning Museum of Glass and dining luscious food at local restaurants. The city has a lot to offer.
Corning, best known as the "Crystal City," is a city in New York State known for its history of glassmaking. It is home to the famous Corning Inc., which is one of the top 500 Fortune companies.
The city is also popular for the Rockwell Museum. Even though the community is small, it is very friendly and welcoming. The city has its glory and glamor due to its elegant surroundings.
When we have a handful of options for activities to do in the region, it can be difficult to choose one of the best for our next vacation planning.
Here is the list of the best activities in Corning, New York.
1. Eat Delicious At Hand + Foot
One of the unmissable things to do in Corning NY is try luscious food at Hand+Foot. The convivial bistro is located in the historic Gaffer District.
This restaurant is known for its welcoming atmosphere and commitment to using locally-seasoned ingredients to prepare extensive dishes that will appear to every palate. They pair creative seasonal sandwiches and mains with craft beer and cocktails.
The menu at Hand+Food seems to change seasonally, yer you can always expect to find some must-eat food in New York in interesting and flavorful combinations.
Don't forget to order the black truffle grilled cheese, the braised lamb shank, and the famous tuna poke. You can pair them with the wide selection of craft beers on tap they offer.
Whether you are seeking a casual meal with pals or a romantic dinner for two, this eatery is sure to please both locals and tourists. Junk or healthy food or fitness lover, Hand+Foot got you covered.
Location: 69 W Market Street
2. Visit The Corning Museum of Glass
Things to do in Corning include a day at The Corning Museum of Glass. It offers a variety of experiences for visitors of all ages.
We all know, the city is known as the "Crystal City" for its history of glassmaking. The museum features a permanent collection of over 35,000 objects from worldwide, dating back to 3500 BCE.
Some of them are ancient Egyptian glass, medieval stained glass, and contemporary art glass. Tour several glasshouses and learn the procedure.
Apart from that, you can watch live glassblowing demonstrations. The glassblowers in the house are experts in their crafts and demonstrate how glass is made. Wait and see them create everything from delicate figurines to large-scale sculptures.
What else? Have you thought of blowing your glass ornament or design own piece of jewelry? The Hands-On Studio can make it possible.
Location: 1 Museum Way
3. Ice Skating At Corning Civic Center Ice Rink
Things to do in New York Corning if you are planning to visit during the winter is ice skating. Corning Civic Center Ice Rink is open to the public.
Located in the heart of the city, this rink offers a variety of activities for people of all ages, including public skating, hockey, figure skating, and curling. Opened in 1973, the indoor ice rink underwent a major renovation in 2007.
Besides the sports, Corning Civic Center Ice Rink also serves as a community resource; It is available for rental for private events like your Kids Cake Day, weddings, and corporate functions.
If you want to learn skating, they provide learn-to-skate classes and a hockey clinic.
However, avoid planning the trip during the spring-summer as the indoor ice rink is closed in Corning New York in May through October. It will reopen in Mid-Novemeber.
Location: Denison Pkwy E
4. Treat Your Sweet Tooth At Poppleton Bakery and Cafe
NY things to do in Corning comprises some dessert treats for yourself. Poppleton Bakery and Cafe is famous for serving some of the best homemade desserts.
The establishment was opened in 2013 and has been a major attraction in the city since then. Rest assured that all the items if the bakery is made from scratch and without any preservatives or additives.
Besides, the charming establishment offers creative crepes, sandwiches, and wraps along with finger-licking goof pastries and coffee: pair Cholocate Croissant, the Caneles, and the Red Velvet Cupcake with either coffee drink.
The menu at Poppleton Bakery and Cafe changes seasonally, but you can always expect to find a variety of interesting and flavorsome dishes.
Make sure to order Croque Madame, a grilled ham and cheese crepe with bechamel sauce and a fried egg when you visit. The Banh Mi, a Vietnamese-style sandwich with pork and cilantro, is next level.
Location: 23 W Market Street
Timing: Monday to Saturday ( 8 am to 5 pm)
5. Admire The Arts At The Rockwell Museum
Things to do in NY Corning comprise exploring arts from the 19th century at The Rockwell Museum. The landmark is set in the Southern Tier in downtown Corning.
Founded in 1976, the exhibit has permanent as well as rotating exhibitions, yet there are different from the regulars. There are almost over 13,000 pieces of Native American art. To keep them fresh, they always rotate them time and again.
What makes this place famous among visitors because it allows you to understand art in its true form. The entire art gallery boats artifacts from different places.
Some of them are from notable American artists, including Tommy Garcia and Albert Bierstadt. Whether you're interested in Western and Native American art, the art gallery is sure to have something to offer you.
P.S. You can save a few dollars if you buy a combo ticket to The Rockwell Museum and Corning Museum of Glass. They are open from 9 am to 7 pm except for holidays like Thanksgiving in New York.
Location: 111 Cedar Street
6. Watch Over The City From Little Joe Tower
New York things to do in Corning are incomplete if you don't take a look over the whole city from the top of a landmark. By that, ir means the Little Joe Tower.
The historic landmark in Corning was built in the early 1910s as a glass tubing manufacturing facility for the Corning Glass Works company. It is over 180 feet tall brick structure with a distinctive conical shape.
Little Joe Tower was demolished in June 1973. However, the company continued to maintain it and repainted it in 1999. Now, it has been a popular tourist destination.
The tower is open to the public for tours, and it offers stunning views of the city of Corning and the surrounding Finger Lakes region. Not just that, it is a reminder of the city's rich history of glassmaking.
Don't forget to carry a camera to capture some awe-inspiring pictures of the city.
Location: Chestnut Street Near Tarentelli Lane
7. Dig Into Enticing Homemade Ice Cream At Dippity Do Dahs
For food lovers, there are multiple things to do New York Corning, if you think your meal is incomplete without dessert. Have you heard about Dippity Do Dahs?
Dippity Do Dahs Homemade Ice Cream is a celebrated purveyor of delectable, artisan ice cream made with seasonal, regional ingredients.
The proprietors of the business are passionate about creating ice cream that is both delicious and wholesome. They use only the freshest ingredients, including milk from local farms, and make their ice cream in small batches to ensure it is always fresh and creamy.
Dippity Dop Dahs owners pride themselves in specializing in 12 signature flavors. It is really fun in New York Corning to taste their ice cream cakes, ice cream cookie pizzas, and more.
They offer the signature flavors in a pint or quart for customers in a hurry.
Location: 46 E Market Street
Phone: +1 607-542-9416
8. Start Your Mornings At Keuka Lake
Things to do near Corning New York include starting your day with the serenity and beauty of Keuka Lake. It is located in the Finger Lakes region.
Keuka Lake is known for its crystal-clear waters and stunning scenery. Wake up early and go for a walk or hike along the lakeshore to enjoy the water's stillness and the feeling of the crisp air.
You can also rent a kayak or canoe and explore the lake at your own pace. Isn't a morning workout paddle boarding or kayaking on a gorgeous lake way better than a confined gym at a motel?
In case you're feeling adventurous, you can even go for a swim. No matter what you choose, the fresh air and beautiful scenery here will help you relax and de-stress.
In the end, you'll be sure to feel refreshed and invigorated for the rest of the day.
Where: 3560 Pepper Road Keuka Park
9. Checkout The Fireworks On July 4th
Corning New York events and festivals run throughout the year. From New Year celebrations to music festivals, every event is a grand celebration here.
For instance, Independence Day in Corning. They have fun activities to enjoy this day. Starting with the parade deo Main Street. It features floats, marching bands, and other entertainments.
Most importantly, the fireworks in Corning Memorial Stadium. Besides, the next firecrackers are launched at Keuka Lake. This spectacular display of fireworks can be seen from all over the city. From a barge on the lake, they light up the sky in dazzling colors.
The celebration here is no less than the 4th of July events in NYC. The Gaffer District holds a festival featuring live music, food, and vendors. There is something for everyone making it a great way to spend a summer evening.
Do not miss to stroll around the city during early July as it is the only time to witness the dazzling sky and more happening throughout the region.
10. Enjoy Movie Screening With Popcorn At Palace Theatre Corning
Experiencing movie screenings different than usual multiplexes is one of the things to do near Corning NY. Palace Theatre is there for your moment.
Nestled in the heart of Corning, the establishment was opened in the 18th century. However, it was only opened for entertainment purposes in 2009. It has two smaller theatres.
The Palace Theatre is a beautiful example of Art Deco architecture. The exterior of the theater is made of terracotta and features a striking marquee. The interior of the theater is equally impressive, with a grand staircase, ornate chandeliers, and plush seats.
Palace Theatre is a popular venue for a variety of events, including concerts, plays, dance recitals, and community events. It is also a popular tourist destination, and visitors from all over the world come to see this landmark theater.
Address: 17 W Market Street
11. Grab A Chilling Beer At Market Street Brewing
Things to do Corning New York consists of relaxing with a glass of ice-cold beer at Market Street Brewing Co. It was founded in 1997 in historic Market Street.
This microbrewery and taproom offer a wide variety of craft beers on tap, including stouts, porters, and ales. They also have a rotating selection of guest taps to offer always something new to try.
With six fresh beers brewed right on the premises and inviting foods, Market Street Brewing has been one of the excellent places to eat in New York.
They are open seven days a week, with rooftop seating and a beer garden complimenting the dining room. It has a warm and inviting atmosphere, and the staffs are friendly as well.
Whether you are a craft beer connoisseur or just starting, you're sure to find something you enjoy at Market Street Brewing Co.
Address: 63 W Market Street
Business Hours: 11:30 am to 9:00 pm
12. Participate In Ferrario Elmira Jazz Festival
Ferrario Elmira Jazz Festival Corning is one of the unmissable things to do in New York this weekend. The festival will be set at Thorne Street Park.
The Economic Opportunity Program Inc. is proudly organizing the 12th Annual Ferrario Elmira Jazz Festival. The one-day festival of Jazz Music celebrates both local and international artists and supports area organizations and businesses to strengthen the community.
On August 12, the festival will feature various jazz artists, including Platinum Hitmaker Ben Tankard, chart-topping jazz artist Carol Albert and many more.
In addition to the music, the event will feature various food and beverage vendors, a silent auction, and a raffle. It can be an excellent opportunity to enjoy some of the best jazz music in the region while also supporting a good cause.
Mark your calendars for August 12, and come to Thorne Street Park for the Ferrario Elmira Jazz Festival. Tickets will be available at the gate for $60.
13. Shop Till You Drop At Corning's Gaffer District
What else can be perfect for shopping as one of the things to do on Corning weekend? Gaffer District is the best place for this adventure.
From unique non-chain retail establishments to tree-lined streets to discover independent boutiques offering unique finds for every age and style, the streets have these all.
Named after master glass blowers known as Gaffers, this charming place has over 100 independent boutiques, antique stores, specialty shops, art galleries, glass studios, and more. It is a great place to find unique gifts, souvenirs, and everyday items.
Even if you are not much of a shopper, you can explore the historical setup downtown. While in this part of the city, make sure to grab a cup of coffee from Market Street Coffee and Tea.
Some of the best places to shop in Gaffer District:
- Gaffer Glass
- Mini Velvet Vintage
- Centerway Square
- The Rockwell Museum Store
