Located nearly two hours south of Rochester and 20 minutes southwest of Watkins Glen, Corning sits along the Chemung River and is known for its glassmaking heritage, a thriving arts community, and walkable downtown. Market Street in the Gaffer District features 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, stop for a hearty meal at Chat-A-Whyle Restaurant in Bath or at Jelly Beans in Painted Post.
Morning
Start your day at the Corning Museum of Glass, whose collection spans 3,500 years of glassmaking history. Plan to arrive early to secure a good seat for the hot-glass demonstrations in the museum’s two theaters. Visitors can create their own glass project in the museum’s hands-on studio. Take the free, fully accessible shuttle bus to Market Street for lunch.
Lunch
Market Street offers a wide range of lunch options. Some of my favorites include Nickel’s Pit BBQ, Aniello’s Pizzeria, Nine Elephants, Mooney’s Sports Bar & Grill, and Atlas Brick Oven Pizzeria.
Afternoon
Explore the shops, galleries, and studios of the Gaffer District. A gaffer is a master glassblower. On weekdays, visit Vitrix Hot Glass Studio for a demonstration and browse a selection of locally crafted glass jewelry and other glasswork. Stop by Dippity Do Dahs, Old World Cafe & Ice Cream, or Homestead Baking Co. for a sweet treat.
Consider visiting The Rockwell Museum in the historic Old Town Hall. A Smithsonian Affiliate, the museum presents American art and cultural artifacts, with collections that explore western expansion and its effects on landscapes and communities. If time permits, return to the museum for another glassmaking demonstration before dinner. Free parking is available in the downtown area after 5 p.m. on weekdays and all day on weekends.
Dinner
Consider The Cellar, Hand + Foot, The Maillard Club, or Three Birds.
Signature Events
GlassFest on Memorial Day weekend transforms Market Street into a pedestrian-only festival featuring glassblowing demonstrations, local wines and beers, live music, food, and an evening fireworks display.
The Parade of Lights in late November features decorated floats, Santa and Mrs. Claus, and holiday activities at Centerway Square.
Sparkle in early December brings holiday activities to Historic Market Street, including a 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
The Cellar 21 W. Market St., (607) 377-5552, corningwinebar.com
Chat-A-Whyle Restaurant 28 Liberty St., Bath, (607) 776-8040
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
Homestead Baking Co. 23 W. Market St., (607) 333-5531, ellasacreshomestead.com
Jelly Beans 319 S. Hamilton St., Painted Post, (607) 936-2290 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
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
The Rockwell Museum 111 Cedar St., (607) 937-5386, rockwellmuseum.org
Three Birds 73 E. Market St., (607) 936-8862, threebirdsrestaurant.com
Vitrix Hot Glass Studio 77 W. Market St., (607) 936-8707, vitrixhotglass.com
Explore More
Explore Watkins Glen
The heart of the village of Watkins Glen is the 1.5-mile-long gorge, a truly breathtaking and awe-inspiring showcase of nature's beauty.
Museums Around Rochester
Rochester is home to world-renowned museums and thought-provoking galleries. You can spend weeks exploring our rich cultural heritage.
Explore Hammondsport
Hammondsport offers a charming getaway brimming with scenic beauty, delicious dining, unique shopping, and exceptional wines.
Where are your favorite places to visit in Corning?
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See you out there!
Debi
Enjoy the Journey Together!
