Top Things to do in Finger Lakes Wine Country
Top Hotels in Finger Lakes Wine Country
- 1. Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel
- 2. The Statler Hotel at Cornell University
- 3. La Tourelle Hotel, Bistro, Spa
- 4. Hilton Garden Inn Corning Downtown
- 5. Best Western Plus The Hammondsport Hotel
- 6. Hilton Garden Inn Ithaca
- 7. Keuka Lakeside Inn
- 8. Hampton Inn Penn Yan
- 9. Best Western Plus Vineyard Inn & Suites
- 10. Hampton Inn Ithaca
Countries
What to do and see in Finger Lakes Wine Country, Finger Lakes: The Best Specialty Museums
Discover the best top things to do in Finger Lakes Wine Country, United States including Glenn H. Curtiss Museum, Corning Museum of Glass, National Soaring Museum, Wings Of Eagles Discovery Center, Yates County History Center, Finger Lakes Boating Museum, The Johnston House and Mike Weaver Drain Tile Museum, International Motor Racing Research Center, John W Jones Museum, Corning Airport and National Wartime Museum.
Restaurants in Finger Lakes Wine Country
1. Glenn H. Curtiss Museum
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 601 reviews
The Glenn H. Curtiss Museum, bearing the name of Hammondsport's favorite son, is located on Route 54, one half mile south of the village of Hammondsport, New York. Dedicated to the memory of pioneer aviator, Glenn Curtiss, the museum contains a priceless collection relating to early aviation and local history. The museum also features a 75-seat theater, large open area for special events and a gift shop. In addition to motorcycles and aircraft, visitors will also see antique tools, toys, boats, home-furnishings, fire equipment and much more. Visitors are also welcome to visit the Museum Restoration Shop, talk with volunteer craftsman and watch them work on historic aircraft.
Reviewed By KMJackson60
We popped over to this museum on a rainy day. I knew very little about Glenn Curtiss and early airplane history. We loved it! Glenn Curtiss was a very creative, very interesting person who did a lot of inventing. It was fun watching his life and inventions play out, and the early air pioneers start the industry.
2. Corning Museum of Glass
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 3,696 reviews
From children looking for an adventure to artists looking for inspiration, there is something for everyone at The Corning Museum of Glass. The world's largest glass museum offers the opportunity to browse 3500 years of glassmaking history in the collection galleries. See works ranging from a small Egyptian pharaoh head to enormous works by Tiffany and discover the wonder and artistry behind glassmaking. Explore the day-lit Contemporary Art + Design Galleries which house the best of the last 30 years in glass, and a 500-seat Amphitheater Hot Shop, a space dedicated to live glass demos and design sessions. See glass created before your eyes during a live, narrated Hot Glass Demo, and be inspired to experience glassmaking for yourself during a Make Your Own Glass experience, with projects for all ages for an additional fee (reservations available online). Best of all, kids and teens 17 and under are free! Advance tickets required. Tickets are valid for two consecutive days.
Reviewed By DEP3 - Binghamton, United States
If you love glass, this is the place for you.Beautifully laid out, with exquisite temporary and permanent exhibits. Lots of demonstrations of glassblowing, ability to make your own objet d’art, as well as a huge gift shop with Pyrex, Corelle, Steuben Glass, jewelry, trinkets,glass gift items, games, and more and more. A definite highlight of Corning, not to be missed.
3. National Soaring Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 61 reviews
The National Soaring Museum houses a world-class collection of sailplanes and gliders, preserving the history and heritage of motor-less flight. NSM is located next to an active glider port, allowing visitors to witness takeoffs and landings, especially during the busy summer months. Public glider rides are available on a first-come, fist-served basis. Harris Hill offers many enticements besides a visit to NSM. The Museum is located adjacent to Harris Hill Amusement Park, featuring miniature golf, go-karts, batting cages, a driving range, an arcade, snack bar and more: as well as a pool, picnic grounds and a scenic overlook.
Reviewed By NanaZooms
We were blown away by the extensive collection and presentation of information. It is high quality. An upscale museum with modern decor. In addition to gliders, there are miniature dollhouses on display in a separate area. Something for everyone. The curator and his wife are so friendly, welcoming and their pride of ownership is apparent. A top notch experience. My only regret is our time table did not allow me to take a glider ride. Make time for this. You will not be disappointed
4. Wings Of Eagles Discovery Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 45 reviews
Reviewed By 504mirandas
My visit to the Wings of Eagles Discovery Center surpassed my expectations. The Aircraft hanger is full of flight simulators, interactive exhibits, and friendly staff. I was able to preview the soon to open Mars exhibit and it was exceptional. This immersive science exhibition is full of information, games, activities and more; fun and engaging for all ages. The exhibition opens in mid-May and I highly recommend bringing your friends and family to check it out.
5. Yates County History Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 18 reviews
The Yates History Center is one of the premier museums in the Finger Lakes. Actually, it is three museums in one - the Oliver House Museum, the L. Carolin Underwood Museum, and the Scherer Carriage House all adjacent to one another on Main Street and Chapel Street near downtown Penn Yan. There are extensive resources for genealogical and local history researchers and several displays and exhibitsThe Yates County History Center is open Tuesdays thru Fridays from 9 am to 4 pm.
Reviewed By kbiz2017 - Colorado Springs, United States
My daughter, mother, and I visited this local history museum today and were delighted at the extent and uniqueness of items housed there. Everything from the pleasantness of the admin assistant over the phone (pre-visit questions) to Bill taking time to show us around the house and filling our visit with exciting stories about the artifacts, made this a very enjoyable morning. To be honest, I was expecting a typical 'history' visit similar to other places I've seen, but this was not the case. Everyone in our group commented on how this was as close to living history as you can get. Types of things you will see here: -attire from as far back as Civil War -Antiques such as spinning wheels, farming tools, furniture -Edison recording equipment and phonograph -Books from by-gone eras -Stereoscopes and picture viewers from circa late 1800s and early 1900s -Native American artifacts -Jemima Wilkinson artifacts -and too many other interesting items to list This center is a treasure to the people of, and visitors to, Yates County.
6. Finger Lakes Boating Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 69 reviews
Finger Lakes Boating Museum is located in the heart of the Finger Lakes Region. The museum is dedicated to preserving the rich history of boating and boat building in the region. Through exhibits and the FLBA(Finger Lakes Boating Academy), FLBM is providing a rich experience for all ages as the small museum grows.
Reviewed By 249AndrewF
For people who enjoy boating or are devotees of the Finger Lakes area this museum provides a special experience. On exhibit are a variety of boats including rowboats, canoes, sailboats, and powerboats. There are also many models of the steamboats which once were an integral part of transportation on the lakes. There are displays of boating accessories such as canoe paddles and outboard motors. They have a creative area for children and another section where boat construction can be seen in progress. A special feature of the museum are the background murals which are scenes of the Finger Lakes. A visit to this museum really immerses you in the Finger Lakes boating experience.
7. The Johnston House and Mike Weaver Drain Tile Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 5 reviews
Built by John and Margaret Johnston in the 1820s, the Johnston House originally sat on an important farm where John Johnston became a well-known advocate of improved farming techniques. Johnston was the first American farmer to use soil drainage tiles to increase productivity on his farm. Visitors are invited to explore the house on the self-guided tour. In addition to period rooms furnished with original and reproduction objects, three rooms in the house contain exhibits focused on the themes of Immigration, Agriculture, and Technology and Innovation, all aspects of the Johnston family’s experience. Incorporating interactive elements, books, and artifacts, the displays also connect the story of the family to contemporary issues and concerns. Visitors to the Johnston House can also see the Mike Weaver Drain Tile Museum on site. Open Saturdays and Sundays, May to October.
8. International Motor Racing Research Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 29 reviews
The International Motor Racing Research Center at Watkins Glen is an archival and research library focused on preserving and sharing the history of motorsports.
9. John W Jones Museum
10. Corning Airport and National Wartime Museum
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 17 reviews
Volunteers painstakingly restore the aircraft for this museum, which currently has 27 models dating back to World War II.
Reviewed By BufBills2020 - Corning, United States
The Elmira Corning Regional Airport is a highly convenient and friendly place. With excellent service by Delta and Allegiant Airlines, travel from the Southern Tier of NY us greatly enhanced.
