Corning is a charming, small city located in the Finger Lakes region of New York State. Whether you’re a history buff, an art enthusiast, or a lover of boutique shopping, it has a little something for everyone. Nicknamed “America’s Crystal City,” Corning is known for its rich history in glassmaking and innovation. However, Corning is more than just glass. It’s the perfect destination for a day trip filled with culture, history, great food, and lots of fun! In this post I will outline exactly how to spend a perfect day trip in Corning, exploring all of the best that this charming place has to offer.
Getting There
Corning is a perfect day trip destination from many cities in New York State. Located in Steuben County, it’s centrally situated in the Finger Lakes region. Below, I will list some places with close radiuses, making for an ideal day trip idea:
- Buffalo– 125 miles, 2.5 hour drive
- Rochester– 105 miles, 1.5 hour dive
- Syracuse– 100 miles, 2 hour drive
- Ithaca– 45 miles, 50 min drive
A Little History
Incase Corning isn’t a place that has previously been on your radar, here’s a little history and background information about this charming small city. The first settlements in the area date back to 1789. However, it wasn’t until 1890 that Corning achieved its status as a city. It was originally named “Town of Painted Post”, but was later renamed “Corning ” to honor the prominent investor Erastus Corning, who helped to establish the city. Fun Fact: Lumber was actually Corning’s initial claim to fame! It wasn’t until the mid-19th century, where a big shift took place into glass manufacturing. And that’s where it eventually got its nickname “Crystal City.” This legacy continues today with Corning Incorporated, a global leader in glass and ceramics, and the Corning Museum of Glass, showcasing the art and science of this remarkable material.
How to Spend your Day in Corning
Now that you know a bit about Corning’s history, let’s get into the fun stuff! Here I will outline exactly how to spend a perfect day in charming, Corning, New York.
For other New York State itineraries, save one of these for later:
- How To Spend A Perfect 24 Hours in Ellicottville, New York
- A Perfect Winter Weekend Itinerary for The Finger Lakes in New York State
- 8 Things Everyone Should Do On Their First New York City Trip
Plan Your Arrival
Depending on where you’ll be traveling from, plan your arrival time for the late morning or early afternoon. You’ll want to have a full-day so that you can make the most of your time without rushing and really enjoy your day!
Check out the “Welcome to Corning” Mural
The first stop on our itinerary is to the beautiful “Welcome to Corning” mural. Located on the side of Brick House Brewery, you can tell that this mural was a labor of love. It truly has a welcoming feel and highlights some of the most charming things about Corning, which guests can expect to experience during their time there. Along with that, it also has a historical element, which is very cool. This first stop also makes for a perfect photo op!
Location: 1 W Pulteney St
Have Lunch at Poppleton Bakery & Cafe
From there, head to Poppleton Bakery & Cafe for an early lunch or a late breakfast. I really loved this place because you have the option of both! Poppleton is super cozy, yet spacious, with plenty of seating. Their menu is very well-rounded with great breakfast options such as omelettes, breakfast sandwiches, and some yogurt & granola options. If you’re in the mood for lunch they have a wide range of salads and sandwiches. Also, make sure you save room for something sweet. The baked goods are irresistible as are their decedent crepes! Poppleton Bakery & Cafe’s hours are 8am- 2pm and they are closed on Sundays.
Location: 23 W Market St
Explore the Corning Museum of Glass
Once your hunger has been satisfied, it’s time to experience one of Corning’s main attractions, the Corning Museum of Glass. We touched on it a little earlier, but I don’t think I really sold the mark on how big of a deal glass is in Corning. The Corning Museum of Glass isn’t just any museum. It’s world-renowned with a collection of over 50,000 glass objects, spanning 35 centuries! I’d say that’s a pretty big deal. And truly, when it comes to glass, there’s no other museum out there quite as extensive as this one. Here you’ll be able to explore the artistic mastery of Tiffany lamps, marvel at ancient Egyptian glassblowing techniques, and witness the wonder of modern glass creations.
They also do live glass blowing demonstrations, which was such an incredible thing to experience! Tickets can be purchased at the museum or bought ahead of time on their website, here.
Location: 1 Museum Way
Wander Around Corning’s Gaffer District
Gaffer District is the downtown of Corning and where all of the action happens. After your time spent at the museum, head over to Gaffer District to really take in the charm and character of Corning. Here you’ll be surrounded by small businesses, breathtaking streetscapes, and wonderful cafes and restaurants. Gaffer District is also where fun events, activities, and annual festivals take place in Corning. Be sure to spend some time in Centerway Square. This was, in my opinion, one of the most scenic, peaceful parts of Gaffer District. For more information on planning your time in Gaffer District, check out their website, here.
Location: 1 W Market St Ste 401
Shop Til You Drop
And while you’re in Gaffer District, you’ll have the perfect opportunity to shop local and enjoy all of the adorable boutiques, antique shops, and art stores that Corning has to offer. Below I’ll leave some suggestions of different shops worth checking out:
- Clothing: Heathered Grey Pip’s Boutique Threads + Co.
Enjoy Your Time in Corning
I hope this post has given you some insight and inspiration as to how to spend your day in the charming city of Corning. This perfect day trip idea is such an easy and fun one to add onto a summer or fall bucket list and will surely leave you wanting to explore even more of the beautiful Finger Lakes Region. Please feel free to leave any questions or comments below and as always, happy travels!
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