Wine, Water and Wonders: Corning, Rochester and Niagara Falls

My first destination was the Corning Museum of Glass, showcasing more than 3,500 years of glass. With the world’s largest glass paperweight in residence, as well as the works of famous artisans, including my favorite, Dale Chihuly, I got lost for a few hours. I watched a demonstration by a seasoned gaffer, or glass-blowing artist, then walked throughout the exhibits and expansive museum store. Rather than sign myself up, I watched the excitement of two young brothers as they tried their hands at glass blowing.

After loading up with gifts, I headed downtown to Corning’s artsy and charming Gaffer District and wandered the streets filled with independent shops and boutiques.

Our next stop was Watkins Glen State Park. From the main entrance, I hiked up the Gorge Trail, along Indian Trail and Lover’s Lane, and paused to take in the view from the Suspension Bridge. I discovered numerous waterfalls – there are 19 throughout the park – one of which I could actually walk behind.

Open year-round, the park also offers activities such as fishing, hunting, camping and cross-country skiing in a beautiful natural setting that dates to the Ice Age.

The Finger Lakes region is famous for both its stunning nature and many wineries. With more than 100 wineries to choose from, I was hard-pressed to make a decision. As we pulled into the parking lot of Glenora Wine Cellars, which overlooks Seneca Lake and a colourful hillside, I was excited to sample a few of the numerous varieties produced in the top-rated region. From Gewürztraminer, to Cabernet Franc, there’s something to suit every connoisseur’s palate.

We continued northwest to Rochester, New York’s third largest city. With its diverse balance of things to do and see, and fun for the entire family, Rochester proved to be the ideal stopover.

At the George Eastman House, an international museum of photography and film named for the creator of the Brownie camera, I toured Eastman’s residence with curiosity. I wanted to learn more about the intellectual who, although appearing a little eccentric, spoke so eloquently and was a great lover of music and tulips, in addition to being a well-known philanthropist. The intricate, and original stained-glass windows in the game room as well as the music room extension created to obtain the correct acoustics illustrated his perfectionism.

The following morning, I visited the Erie Canal and walked through Fairport and Pittsford, two of the quaint picturesque villages along the canal’s banks. With a lock system similar to those made famous in Britain and Europe, the canal still attracts recreational boaters, and cyclists can enjoy 644 kilometers of adventure along the Erie Canal Trail.

My final stop, Niagara Falls, situated on the US-Canada border, is home to not just a jaw-dropping North American natural wonder, but also hiking, wildlife-watching, history and even more wine. This was a perfect ending to my holiday.

With a camera and head full of memories to take home, I added a new word to my itinerary’s title of Wine, Water and Wonders: Wow!