Finger Lakes Steuben County, New York

“The beauty of the trees, the softness of the air, the fragrance of the grass, speaks to me.” Tsleil-Waututh

According to Native American legend the Creator was so well pleased with the beauty and abundance of this region, of what is now New York, that he placed his hand on this sacred land and bestowed a blessing. The imprint of his hand filled the with water and formed the Finger Lakes.

Geologically the 11 lakes were carved out by glaciers and are located within a 9,000-square mile area. The region was initially mapped by French Jesuits in the 1600s with accuracy. The lakes basically parallel each other and are oriented north to south. Each of the lakes has its own microclimate and each of the fourteen counties in the region offers a treasure trove of activities, water, land and air-based. 

Steuben County is situated in the Southern Finger Lakes region in western New York. It was established by the Ontario legislature on March 18, 1796 and named in honor of Frederic William Augustus, "Baron Von Steuben", a German who wrote the training manual and drilled the troops in battle techniques during the Revolutionary War. The Genesee Tract was obtained in 1788 by the state legislature and the first settlement was established, in Bath, by Colonial Williamson in 1793.

Steuben, is an idyllic choice for an authentic Finger Lakes’ experiential visit. The region is renowned for award-winning wineries, agricultural products, scenic vistas, eclectic dining options and a huge menu of outdoor activities. Additionally, there are unique museums that give visitors insight into the region’s history and its impact on the larger history of the United States, presented within a small-town atmosphere. @exploresteuben

Corning is probably the most easily recognized of the county’s cities. This incredibly scenic city offers diverse dining venues, shopping options, art in the forms of galleries, murals and unique museums. Market Street is the hub of Corning and leads directly to Centerway Square in the Gaffer District. 

The 8-block Gaffer District was created as part of a revitalization project and is now thriving. The street contains a square with a tribute to Erastus Corning in the form of a 50-ft. clock tower. The tower was built in 1883 with 1,400-pounds of local Antrim stone. The tower is geographically the center of Corning. Guided walking tours are offered and focus on the history and architecture of the district. www.gafferdistrict.com

The city’s iconic symbol, The Little Joe Tower, was erected in 1912. Pictured atop the tower is a glassblower, also known as a gaffer. The 187-ft. tall tower is a historic landmark. A bronze sculpture of a gaffer stands at the tower’s base.

The Andastes tribe established a settlement on the shores of the Chemung River in the 1600s. The 710-ft Centerway Walking Bridge offers panoramic views of the river, the site of the original settlement and leads directly to the Corning Museum of Glass. 

Brooklyn Flint Glass relocated to Corning in 1868 and the city became known as America’s Crystal City. The Corning Museum of Glass was founded in 1951. This world-class museum is architecturally stunning, informative, educational and interactive. The 3-story museum houses thematic galleries that trace decorative and artistic glassworks through 35 centuries of glass. On view are more than 50,000 objects. The museum offers classes in glassworks and guided tours. There are an excellent gift shop and a restaurant. Fun Fact: Corning made the first lightbulbs, vials for vaccines and the space shuttle windows. @corningmuseum 

Heritage Village of the Southern Finger Lakes was established in 1947 for collecting, preserving and disseminating the history of the region. The village complex includes 7 restored buildings and a 3-hole privy. The 1796 Painted Post Tavern is the only structure original to the site. African American history is interpreted through a fully outfitted slave cabin. Tours can be tailored to individuals and groups by request and interactive experiences are available. heritagevillagesfl.org

The Rockwell Museum, a Smithsonian affiliate, is located in the 1893 Old City Hall building. Bob and Hertha Rockwell were art collectors who gifted their collection to the citizens of Corning and established the museum. Three floors of galleries interpret the American experience, 1848-1960, through art, artifacts and documents. The collection is stunning and focuses on Native American lifestyles including artworks by Western activists. The gift shop offers items that enhance your overall experience. I highly recommend an extended visit. @rockwellmuseum

Hilton Garden Inn is ideal for touring Corning. It is within an easy walk of all of the major tourist attractions and has a complete menu of amenities including designer linens and bath products, an onsite restaurant, pet-friendly rooms and panoramic views. @hiltongardeninn 

The largest town in Steuben County is Bath, in the heart of Finger Lakes Wine Country. One of the jewels in the county’s crown is the 1877 Bath First Presbyterian Church. The original church was an 1825 structure. The Venetian Gothic 1877 church was completed in 1894 and listed in the NY State Register of Historic Places in 1983. This church is one of only a few with a Louis Comfort Tiffany designed sanctuary and the sole US church designed by Raymond Mould who introduced the use of color in architecture. The church is replete with Tiffany mosaics, stained glass windows and 3 original Tiffany lights. The Pulpit is made of white mahogany from India. This church is a must see. bath.churchtrac.com

Keuka Lake is 19.6-miles long and has a microclimate perfect for the production of wine and is one of the few lakes that flows both north and south. Hammondsport, on the lake, is known outdoor water recreation and wine production. In 1829 Reverend Bostick planted vines to begin producing sacramental wine. His idea expanded to the locals who wanted to make an income. There are now more than 10,000-acres of vines and 14 wineries, 9 of which offer tours. 

From water to wings, Hammondsport has it all. The Glenn H. Curtiss Museum relates the lesser-known story of aviation pioneer Glenn Curtiss. He began his career as a bike racer, moved on to motorcycles and then to airplanes. He set land speed records and became known as “The Fastest Man in the World.” As an aviator he rivalled the Wright Brothers. Ultimately his aircraft, the Flying Boat, was the only American aircraft to be used in WWI. The museum tour includes an orientation film and displays of a workshop, his office and numerous examples of aviation and cycles. Fun Fact: The first airports were on water because they were flat. @curtissmuseum 

The Finger Lakes Boating Museum interprets the history of the boats on the Finger Lakes. There is a 13-minute video and galleries filled with examples of boats. The 2-floor museum has 8 exhibition galleries. @flbmny 

Keuka Lakeside Inn is located in Hammondsport on the shore of the lake. It provides all of the amenities and is a short walk into the heart of town.

CORNING BEST BITES

The Cellar 

Unique dishes, creative martini menu and award-winning wines @thecellarwinebar 

FLX Provisions 

Weekly menu changes that include locally-sourced options. A best seller here is the shrimp and grits.@flxprovisions 

Thali of India

Taste the best of India. 

Best Bites Hammondsport

Crooked Lake Ice Cream Company 

The best breakfast in the area is served here. @crookedlakeicecream 

Timber Stone Grill

Both the food and the atmosphere here are exceptional. Some of their fame comes from their renowned pork mac and cheese, 32 oz. steak and locally sourced fish. @timberstonegrill

The Park Inn

The restaurant has been awarded Wine Spectator’s Award of Excellence for their wine and has earned an Open Table leading place in Western NY restaurants. The menu changes seasonally. @parkinnflx