2024 Explore Steuben Official Experience Guide

FINGER LAKES, NEW YORK

Welcome

We are purveyors of fun!

Dream makers, risk takers, daredevils.

We live in a land where water falls down deep gorges, shimmers in long pristine lakes, and restores the soul; where rivers wind their way through lush glacial-carved valleys.

We are small town slow down savor the moment folks who enjoy the finer things in life like time spent outdoors, sipping exceptional wine, laughing with friends.

We are old-school ice cream shops and worldrenowned museums. We are big city chefs turned small town culinary maestros. We are fresh, local and oh-so-good.

We are apple-picking, paddle-boarding, goat yogaing, sunset-watching, sing-along concert-going, ordinary everyday folk who can’t wait to welcome you.

Consider this your invitation to Explore Steuben!

Discover Your Wow!

Travel is, and should be, about YOU.

The best vacations come down to you aligning your personality and your interests with the destination, so that “free” time you work so hard to finally get is filled with unforgettable moments. Maybe you even discover something new (about the place or about yourself).

TRUTH: Wow moments don’t have to be HUGE to be spectacular. But they do need to touch your heart.

Keuka Lake

What is Your WOW Personality?

LIFE’S A PARTY (laugh out loud, dance your heart out, repeat)

THE GANG’S ALL HERE

(shared experiences with the besties)

FOOD

ME (the tongue knows)

COLOR ME CREATIVE (the arts are your love language)

THRILLIST

(high octane, full throttle, need to move)

NATURE LOVER (ahhhhh, the outdoors)

Background courtesy Stu Gallagher; Party photo courtesy Point of the Bluff Vineyards; Food courtesy Christine & Joel, Wild Precious Now; Thrillist courtesy Chris Brooks; Gang courtesy DAY/WON; Creative courtesy Cagwin Photography; Nature courtesy ZiegenVine Homestead

Illustrations by Purple Peach Studio

So Many Bucket List Experiences!

Within an Hour’s Drive

 Get Blown Away by the Marvels of Glass

 Balloon Over the Grand Canyon of the East

 Stand Before the Tallest Free-Falling Waterfall East of the Mississippi

 Soar With the Eagles

 Walk Behind Waterfalls

 Sip World-Class Wines

Drive Historic Watkins Glen International

 Discover Historic Icons

Photo courtesy Brian Maloney

Taughannock Falls

— Maria Carter, Country Living

Glassblowing photo courtesy The Corning Museum of Glass

Experience Wine

Talk About Origin Stories!

First grapes planted in the Finger Lakes, 1829

First winery in the region, 1860

First American winery to win awards in Europe for sparkling wine, 1867

Birthplace of the Vinifera Revolution

Wineries named to Wine & Spirits

“Top 100 Wineries in the World”

New York State’s “Winery of the Year,” 2022

“Best Winery Tour” in America, 2023

Steuben Wineries Keep Leading the Way

America’s Winemaking Past and Future is Found in The Finger Lakes”

—Michelle Williams, Forbes

Bully Hill Vineyards

Over 160 Years . . .

The Finger Lakes in New York isn’t just a great place to vacation - it’s an important and historic winemaking region.”

—Jeanette Hurt, Forbes

Photo courtesy Bully Hill Vineyards

Enjoy intimate tasting experiences.

Savor award-winning vintages.

Photo courtesy Bully Hill Vineyards Hammondsport

Experience Keuka Lake

The first time I looked across Keuka Lake from atop one of the steep banks above it, it took my breath away.”

—Elizabeth Smith, Traveling Wine Chick

Keuka Lake

While the other famed Finger Lakes are slender and straight, Keuka is a crooked prize, that also happens to be one of the only Y-shaped lakes in the entire world.”

—Perri O. Blumberg, Country Living

Made for those who dare to be different.

Equal Parts Serenity and Exhilaration

Photos courtesy Chris Brooks

Pristine water, stunning scenery. A surface so calm, most days you can stand on it (sort of), paddle over it, splash in it, swim beneath it, or carve it up as you speed across it.

Bring your waterskis, wakeboard, inner-tubes. Or rent jet skis, pontoon

boats, kayaks, sunfish, paddle boards. Cast a line and see if you can get the best of landlocked salmon, lake trout, bass.

Enjoy a delicious meal at a lakeside restaurant for a true lake life experience.

Time to make the outdoors your playground!

Experience Glass There

Can Be Only One!

“World’s Largest Museum of Glass”

Talk about being true to oneself. Glass is unlike any other material. Always moving. Always somewhere between solid and liquid. Fragile, delicate, yet at times almost unbreakable.

A glass revolution is under way. Spoiler alert: it bends and it bounces.”

—Jay Bennett, National Geographic

The Corning Museum of Glass (CMoG)

Sparkle is the name of the game for this crystal city in the southern Finger Lakes region.”

—Samantha

Brown, Places to Love

Photo courtesy The Corning Museum of Glass

Where Else, But America’s Crystal City?

Learn about a world leader in glass innovation for nearly 150 years. Explore 35 centuries of glass in the world’s largest museum devoted to this mysterious material. Watch master glass artists shape molten glass before your eyes. Give the art of glassmaking a try in a half-hour workshop. Take a weekend class. Or immerse yourself in the new twoyear glass arts program with the Glassmaking Institute. Visit small glass studios like Vitrix for unique locallymade glass mementos or Hands-on Glass for a chance to make your own glass keepsake.

Corning and Glass Quietly Changing the World

Glassmaking has long been central to the town of Corning’s cultural character . . .”

—Kathleen Rellihan, AFAR Magazine

Photo courtesy Chris Walters and The Corning Museum of Glass

Experience the Outdoors

You’ve heard the phrase, location, location, location?

The remarkable landscape that defines the Finger Lakes also makes it a haven for outdoor enthusiasts.

Stony Brook State Park

Hike, pedal or paddle. Experience the region by immersing yourself into the heart of everything.

Nestled in the heart of New York State’s southern Finger Lakes, Steuben County is an outdoor-lovers paradise with vast lakes to boat or swim, jaw-dropping gorges and waterfalls to explore, endless trails to hike, scenic byways ideal for bicycling from town to charming small town, concerts and camping under the stars, and breathtaking scenery to ogle by land or sky.”

Background photo courtesy Stu Gallagher

Keuka Outlet Trail photo courtesy Evan Williams

The last glaciers moved on over 10,000 years ago. But, ohhhhh what they left behind!

Spencer Crest photo courtesy Stu Gallagher

Keuka Lake paddleboard photo courtesy Travels with Darley/Darley Newman

Keuka Gravel Classic

The surrounding hills are split into innumerable gorges, with hidden waterfalls, secret swimming holes and enough scenic outcrops to keep a landscape painter occupied for a lifetime.”

—Rohan Kamicheril, United Hemispheres Magazine

Keuka Gravel Classic photo courtesy Ryan Fleet

A Place to Love

One of America’s most beloved and respected travel experts, Samantha Brown has spent the past 25 years weaving sensitivity, charm, humor and insight into her many globetrotting tales. Watch Season 3 of Places to Love on PBS to hear what she had to say about her time Exploring Steuben. Or visit Samantha-Brown.com to watch the full Finger Lakes episode and more. I

Photos courtesy Samantha Brown’s Places to Love

Have You

Heard? Vineyards, rolling farmland, waterfalls and culturally rich towns . . .”

—Kenneth Rosen, The New York Times

. . . reminiscing on our time in the Finger Lakes where the hospitality scene EXCEEDED my expectations!”

—Dominek Tubbs, @domthecity

. . . the perfect haven for people of all ages seeking their next adventure.”

—Christine

and Joel, Wild Precious Now

This New York State Region Is One of the Best Places to Go in 2022.”

—Jessica Ritz, Travel + Leisure

Photo courtesy Brian Maloney

. . . a go-to spot for NYC residents escaping the city and giving it a not-so-quiet ‘if you know, you know’ reputation . . .”

—Taylor Tobin, Eater

It’s a little over four hours driving from New York and truly the most perfect fall destination. I felt like I was in a postcard!”

—Carly Hill, CarlyAHill.com

Fabulous Food

From banging burger joints to chill ice cream shops, pizzerias called out as some of the best in New York State to upscale eateries featuring killer cuisine.

No matter how you want to say it, Steuben’s food scene is lip-smacking tastebudpleasing tongue-teasingly good!

Park Inn Restaurant

Food and beverage enthusiasts can sate themselves touring the Finger Lakes’ wineries (there are more than 100) and delving into the impressive culinary scene rooted in elevating local and seasonal ingredients.”

—Travel + Leisure

Photo courtesy Will Cornfield, Park Inn Restaurant Cheesecake stuffed waffle cones photo courtesy Park Café

Tasty Craft Beverages

Breweries that have won top prizes at TAP NY Gin called out in Forbes for being one of the “Best Gins for 2022”

New York State’s Most Awarded Farm Cidery

A collab aperitif the New York Times touted for bringing “the sunshine”

This is why the word Tastemakers was invented!

Craft distilleries have joined the region’s wineries as a major attraction.”

—David Latt, New York Daily News

Photo above courtesy Robyn Baty Photography Background photo courtesy Cagwin Photography Liquid Shoes Brewing

Taste traditional ales, popular IPAs, and creative sours and seltzers.

Sample moonshine and other small batch spirits. Savor the flavor of all natural hard ciders.

Discover craft producers adding a twist to wine trail excursions.

Farm Life

Doesn’t get more fresh than u-pick!

So many ways to experience authentic farm life.

Visit rural cheese makers. Spend the night on a farm. Do some chores. Explore the countryside on horseback. Enjoy the playful personalities of alpacas. Ever tried yoga with goats (aka furry snuggle-buddies who may try to keep you from downward dog)?

Tour a working bison ranch. But don’t try bison snuggling. That’s not a thing!

Photo above courtesy Mountain Rose Farm Background photo courtesy Stu Gallagher

Schulthies Strawberries, Arkport

ZiegenVine Homestead

photo courtesy

Delaney Moore

Small Town Charm

This is what they mean by “The Simple Life!”

Slow down. Breathe deep. Savor the moment. Stroll around town. Take in a sunset. Sip world-class wines. Eat farm-fresh foods. Make new friends. Close your eyes and feel the sun on your face. Settle deep down into the moment at hand . . . with the ones you love. Hammondsport

Arts & Culture

The Rockwell Museum photo courtesy Stu Gallagher Pottery photo courtesy The heART Studio

The Rockwell Museum

Marvel at art and American History @rockwellmuseum.”

—@WildPreciousNow

Aside from food, art might just offer the most intimate connection with local culture. Visit Upstate New York’s only Smithsonian Affiliate Museum.

Explore the Wild West, Native American culture, and the story of “America” as told through art. Stroll downtown and discover an array of murals, sculptures and other forms of public art. Flex your own creative muscles blowing glass, throwing pottery, or putting brush to canvas for hands-on fun.

Music For The Soul

We’re talking winery concerts featuring Grammy artists and international sensations, Annual events showcasing acts like Fuel and Everclear, Free small-town summertime music in the park, Live performances by local musicians and regional favorites, Traditional music and dance of various cultures.

The Pavilion at Point of the Bluff Vineyards

Unique History

Birthplace of one of the world’s premiere wine regions! Hometown where early American aviation “grew up and went wild!” The epicenter for glass innovations that have revolutionized the world!

Yeah, we have some pretty epic stories to share.

Explore local museums for a glimpse of our remarkable past.

Experience history in real time at popular annual events.

“The Loon” on Keuka Lake

Keuka Lake Wineries have quite the history: a history that changed the course of winemaking in the Finger Lakes Wine Region and throughout the USA.”

—Malerie Yolen-Cohen, Getaway Mavens

Background photo courtesy Glenn H. Curtiss Museum

Bottom photos courtesy Steuben County Historical Society, bottom left also courtesy Corning-Painted Post Historical Society

Finger Lakes Rustic and Wild Take the Road Less Traveled

Discover how getting off the thruway on purpose can make all the difference. Embrace the Wild!

Being rustic simply means a return to a more natural state. No adornment. No flash. No sparkly polished perfection. Enjoy the best of country living. Taste fresh foods taken straight from the vine, bush, field. Treat yourself to delicious craft beverages made with an emphasis on craft. Explore the rugged, raw, rough terrain. Get up close to nature’s wonders.

The symphony of falling water is the soundtrack to this adventure. 3 major and several minor waterfalls line the trails, and you won’t believe how close you can get to the flow! Trust me, your camera roll will thank you.”

Letchworth photo courtesy Brian Maloney

Cider Creek Hard Cider inset left, courtesy Stu Gallagher

Extraordinary Events

America’s Longest Continuously-Running County Fair.

One of the Top Destination Marathons and Top 10 Half Marathons in the country. An annual Seaplane Homecoming on the lake where they were developed over 100 years ago. Unique celebrations of local history that changed the world. Concerts featuring Grammy nominees and winners, plus other regional and national talent. Simple small-town holiday traditions that return you to bygone days. Exciting competitions for active outdoor enthusiasts.

Wineglass Marathon

Background photo courtesy Wine Glass Marathon Inset left Days of Incandescence, Cagwin Photography; Center inset Wings and Wheels, Bonnie Gustin Photography; Inset right Sparkle, Lee Speary

Where to Stay

Looking for the comforts and amenities of a signature hotel or the charm and personalized service of a boutique inn?

Prefer soaking up life under the stars at State Parks and rustic campgrounds?

How about the intimate personal touch of traditional B&B? Maybe you’re up for unique vacation rental experiences like an authentic country farm stay or a glimpse into lake life from a lakeside cottage? For information on the many Accommodation Options in Steuben, visit ExploreSteuben.com

The Park Inn

Adventure At Your Fingertips

Make the Explore Steuben App your personal concierge.

Access hundreds of tourism businesses and experiences right from your phone. Create a customized plan based on your personal interests. Use the Map It feature to organize where you go and how you get there. Not sure where to start? Check out thoughtfully designed itineraries (Trip Ideas) for triedand-true favorites, as well as some pleasant surprises.

Background photo Mossy Bank Park courtesy Evan Williams

David Latt, New York Daily News

Approximate travel time from major cities to Corning, New York:

By Car

From the east and west: Follow NYS Route 17/Interstate 86

From the north: Follow Interstate 390 South from Rochester or Interstate 81 South from Syracuse

From the south: Follow Interstate 99 from Williamsport, PA; 220N to I-99 from Pittsburgh; 476N to 81N from Philadelphia By Bus

New York Trailways: 800-776-7548

By Air

Elmira–Corning Regional Airport (15 minutes from Corning) FlyELM.com

Delta Airlines: 800-221-1212

Allegiant Air: 702-505-8888

Getting Around

The Finger Lakes region is a wonderfully scenic, rural area. The best way to get around is by car. The following rentals are available:

Enterprise: 800-261-7331

Avis: 800-331-1212

Hertz: 800-654-3131

National: 800-227-7368

Budget: 800-218-7992