Located nearly two hours south of Rochester and 20 minutes southwest of Watkins Glen, Corning is a charming city situated along the Chemung River, boasting a thriving arts and culinary community. Market Street in the Gaffer District, lined with trees and colorful murals, features nearly 100 boutiques, antique stores, specialty shops, art galleries, glass studios, restaurants, and historic architecture.
Plan Your Day Trip to Corning
Breakfast
As you drive toward Corning, enjoy a hearty meal at Chat-A-Whyle Restaurant in Bath or Jelly Beans in Painted Post.
Morning
Start your day exploring the Corning Museum of Glass, the world’s most extensive collection of glass objects. With over 50,000 pieces spanning 3,500 years of history, you’d need several days to see it all. Plan to arrive early to secure a good seat for the hot glass demonstrations in the museum’s two theaters. If you feel creative, you can make your own glass project at the museum’s hands-on studio. Take the free, fully accessible shuttle bus to Market Street for lunch.
Lunch
With so many options to choose from, try one of my favorites, like Nickel’s Pit BBQ, Aniello’s Pizzeria, Mooney’s Sports Bar & Grill, Little Boomers’ Burrito Bar, Burgers & Beer, Nine Elephants, Atlas Brick Oven Pizzeria, Slammin’ Jammin’ BBQ, or Market Street Brewing Co.
Afternoon
Explore the various shops in the Gaffer District. As you’ll learn from the museum, a gaffer is a master glassblower. On weekdays, visit Vitrix Hot Glass Studio for a demonstration and the chance to purchase locally crafted glass jewelry and other souvenirs. Check out Dippity Do Dahs, Old World Cafe & Ice Cream, or Poppleton Bakery & Cafe for a sweet treat.
Consider visiting The Rockwell Museum in the Old Town Hall, which showcases a unique collection of early American art—a gift from Bob and Hertha Rockwell. A Smithsonian Affiliate museum, it features a range of fine art focused on America’s western expansion and the impact on its land and people. Take the shuttle back to the Corning Museum of Glass for the final demonstration of the day, which typically takes place around 4:15 p.m. Then, drive back over the Chemung River and enjoy a nice dinner. Free parking is available in the downtown area after 5 p.m. on weekdays and all day on weekends.
Dinner
For a great dining experience, consider visiting The Cellar, Hand + Foot, The Maillard Club, or Three Birds. Each offers unique flavors and a memorable atmosphere.
Signature Events
GlassFest
late May
The event transforms Market Street into a pedestrian-only area, where visitors can watch glassblowing demonstrations, sample local wines and beers, enjoy live music and food, and conclude the night with a dazzling fireworks display.
Parade of Lights
late November
After a full day of shopping on Small Business Saturday, enjoy a parade of festively decorated floats accompanying Santa and Mrs. Claus as they return to their glass house in Centerway Square.
Sparkle
early December
Held annually on the first Saturday in December, Sparkle is a joyful holiday experience transforming Historic Market Street into a Christmas shopping winter wonderland. The event features the annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony, concerts, caroling, and horse-drawn carriage rides.
Contact Information
Aniello’s Pizzeria 68 E. Market St. (607) 962-2060 aniellospizzeria.com
Atlas Brick Oven Pizzeria 35 E. Market St. (607) 962-2626 atlaspizzeria.com
Burgers & Beer 58 W. Market St. (607) 962-4649 corningburgers.beer
The Cellar 21 W. Market St. (607) 377-5552 corningwinebar.com
Chat-A-Whyle Restaurant 28 Liberty St. Bath (607) 776-8040 chatawyle.com
Corning Museum of Glass 1 Museum Way (607) 937-5371, cmog.org
Dippity Do Dahs 46 E. Market St. (607) 542-9416 dippitydodahs.com
Hand + Foot 69 W. Market St. (607) 973-2547 handandfoot.co
Jelly Beans 319 S. Hamilton St. Painted Post (607) 936-2075 jellybeansrestaurant.com
Little Boomers’ Burrito Bar 30 W. Market St. (607) 438-1117 boomersburritobar.com
The Maillard Club 2 E Market St. (607) 463-8801 maillardclub.com
Market Street Brewing Co. 63 W. Market St. (607) 936-2337 936-beer.com
Mooney’s Sports Bar & Grill 64 W. Market St. (607) 684-6372 mooneys.com
Nickel’s Pit BBQ 20 E. Market St. (607) 654-7306 nickelspitbbq.com
Nine Elephants 20 W. Market St. (607) 654-7089 nineelephantsthaicorning.com
Old World Cafe & Ice Cream 1 W. Market St. (607) 936-1953 oldworldcafe.com
Poppleton Bakery & Cafe 23 W. Market St. (607) 973-0849
The Rockwell Museum 111 Cedar St. (607) 937-5386 rockwellmuseum.org
Slammin’ Jammin’ BBQ 69 E. Market St. (607) 936-1828 orderslamminjamminbbq.com
Three Birds 73 E. Market St. (607) 936-8862 threebirdsrestaurant.com
Vitrix Hot Glass Studio 77 W. Market St. (607) 936-8707 vitrixhotglass.com
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These day trips are filled with carefully chosen options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, as well as memorable experiences and events.
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We’ve pulled together a list of fun and unique things to do around Rochester, NY, within two hours of home—perfect for quick getaways.
Where are your favorite places to visit in Corning?
I’d love to hear from you—please share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.
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