Things To Do

Clemens Center
207 Clemens Center Parkway
Elmira, NY 14901
(607) 734-8191

The Clemens Center is a beautifully restored 1925-era performing arts venue featuring the majestic Powers Theater and the versatile Mandeville Hall. Known as the premier cultural hub of the Southern Tier, it hosts over 80 professional and community performances annually—from Broadway touring shows and concerts to family events. Named for Mark Twain (Samuel Clemens), who spent summers nearby, it continues to enrich the local arts scene with elegance and history

Tioga Downs
2384 W. River Road #1406
Nichols, NY 13812
(888) 946-8464

Tioga Downs is a vibrant and family‑friendly casino resort built around a county‑fair–themed 5/8‑mile standardbred racetrack, offering live harness racing from May through September alongside year‑round simulcasting. The complex features over 900 video lottery terminals, table games, a poker room, multiple dining venues (like Coasters Sports Bar and County Fair Buffet), a 160‑room smoke‑free hotel, spa, and indoor/outdoor pools. With regular live entertainment, event spaces, RV hookups, and a welcoming atmosphere, it serves as a top destination for gaming, relaxation, and community events in the Southern Tier.

Denim Axe Company
162 E 14th Street
Elmira, NY 14903
(607) 792-1099

Denim Axe Company is a rugged, denim-themed axe‑throwing venue and bar located at 162 E 14th Street, offering six indoor lanes in a repurposed space full of reclaimed barn wood and vintage décor. Guests can book by the lane for walk-in sessions or parties, enjoy cold ales, and take part in weekly league play and casual throwing sessions. It’s the region’s premier axe‑throwing destination, combining friendly competition, quirky ambiance, and a fun night out for groups or individuals

Smash Therapy
Arnot Mall
330 Chambers Road
Horseheads, NY 14845 

Smash Therapy is a high-energy “rage room” experience where guests don safety gear and smash crates full of breakable items—or bring their own—for pure stress relief and fun. Sessions run for 30 minutes at around $35 per person, with group rates available for parties. Located inside the Arnot Mall complex, it offers a quirky and physical way to let off steam in a safe, controlled environment.

Great Escape Adventures
Arnot Mall
330 Chambers Road
Horseheads, NY 14845
(607) 873-7108

Great Escape Adventures is a lively entertainment hub nestled in Arnot Mall, offering immersive escape‑room challenges—like the Mark Twain and Murder Mystery adventures—for groups of 2–10 to solve in 60 minutes. It also doubles as a well‑stocked hobby shop, featuring board games, trading‑card games, miniatures, paint supplies, and friendly staff fostering a cozy, geek‑culture community vibe. 

Pixie Moss Meadows
65 E. Market Street
Corning, NY 14830
(607) 221-5906

Pixie Moss Meadows is a whimsical plant boutique where you can build enchanting DIY succulent gardens at the Pixie Garden Bar. It also offers workshops, plant design services, and floral preservation in a fairy‑tale–inspired space that feels magical and creative. From irresistible terrariums to seasonal events, it's a dreamy haven for plant lovers and makers alike.

Pop & Paint
200 E. Church Street
Elmira, NY 14901
(607) 738-6884

Pop & Paint is a mobile paint‑and‑sip studio hosting public and private paint parties for ages 13 and up, currently set up at Ill Eagle Taphouse in Elmira. They guide participants step‑by‑step through creating DIY art on canvas or wood, so no prior experience is necessary. Ideal for fun nights out, team building, or special events.

171 Cedar Arts Center
171 Cedar Street
Corning, NY 14830
(607) 936-4647

Cedar Arts Center is a non-profit, multi-arts community hub housed in historic 19th-century buildings, offering free gallery exhibitions, dance and music performances, theater, ceramics, and arts education for all ages. Since 1968, it’s been dedicated to accessible, professional-level visual and performing arts in a welcoming environment. This vibrant center fosters creativity through classes, outreach, and inclusive programming across the Finger Lakes region.

Watkins Glen International
2790 County Rt. 16
Watkins Glen, NY 14891
(607) 535-2486

Watkins Glen International—nicknamed “The Glen”—is a legendary 3.45‑mile road course nestled in the Finger Lakes, famed as America’s premier road-racing venue since 1956. It hosts top-tier events like the NASCAR Cup Series “Go Bowling at The Glen” and the IMSA 6 Hours of Watkins Glen, drawing passionate motorsport fans from around the globe. Owned and operated by NASCAR, this historic track boasts challenging turns, scenic vistas, and a rich racing heritage dating back to the early Grand Prix on public roads.

Target Zone at Arnot Mall
Arnot Mall
330 Chambers Road
Horseheads, NY 14845 

Target Zone at Arnot Mall in Horseheads, NY is a multi‑activity entertainment center located within the mall, offering airsoft, archery, and axe‑throwing experiences in a lively indoor setting. Ideal for groups, families, or anyone seeking a fun, active diversion from shopping, it combines sports and recreation under one roof. With easy access to dining and retail, it’s a great stop during a day at the mall.

Chemung Valley Historic Museum
415 E. Water Street
Elmira, NY 14901
(607) 734-4167

The Chemung Valley History Museum—run by the Chemung County Historical Society and housed in a restored 1800s bank building at 415 E. Water Street in downtown Elmira—brings local history alive through interpretive exhibits spanning Native American heritage to the Civil War, along with hands-on displays and a dedicated Mark Twain gallery. As one of the largest general-history museums in the Southern Tier, it also features rotating galleries, a research archive upstairs, and award-winning programming year-round. Ideal for history enthusiasts, families, or anyone curious about the rich cultural past of the Chemung River Valley.

Arnot Art Museum
235 Lake Street
Elmira, NY 14901
(607) 734-3697

Housed in a beautifully preserved 1833 Greek‑Revival mansion with a late‑20th‑century gallery addition, the Arnot Art Museum features a permanent collection of 17th–19th century European paintings alongside 19th–20th century American art and Asian and Egyptian antiquities. Its rotating exhibitions bring in contemporary works and international shows, making it a captivating stop for art lovers and casual visitors alike . Conveniently located downtown at 235 Lake Street with free parking and accessible galleries, it offers an enriching glimpse into art history and culture in under an hour.

John Jones Museum
1250 Davis Street
Elmira, NY 14901
(607) 846-3030

The John W. Jones Museum is the preserved 19th-century home of former slave and abolitionist John W. Jones, who helped some 800 freedom-seekers escape via the Underground Railroad. As Elmira’s sexton during the Civil War, he meticulously buried nearly 3,000 Confederate prisoners—an effort that led to the designation of Woodlawn National Cemetery. Today the house serves as an intimate museum with guided tours, exhibits on local Black history, and a powerful legacy of courage and compassion.

Woodlawn Cemetery
1200 Walnut Street
Elmira, NY 14903
(607) 732-0151

Woodlawn Cemetery is a picturesque 58‑acre rural cemetery designed in 1858 by Howard Daniels, with winding tree‑lined drives and scenic lawns that create a serene landscape registered on the National Register of Historic Places. It’s the final resting place of Mark Twain and his family, as well as members of Congress, and it adjoins Woodlawn National Cemetery, where nearly 3,000 Confederate prisoners from the Civil War era are interred with dignity under marble headstones—thanks to sexton John W. Jones. Visitors can explore historic statuary, mausoleums, and monuments including the Shohola train-wreck memorial and the Confederate Soldiers’ monument, all set amid tranquil groves and open spaces.

Corning Museum of Glass
1 Museum Way
Corning, NY 14830
(607) 937-5371

The Corning Museum of Glass houses the world’s most comprehensive collection of glass, featuring over 50,000 objects spanning 3,500 years of history . Visitors can enjoy daily live glassblowing demonstrations, participate in hands-on "Make Your Own Glass" experiences, and explore the stunning Contemporary Art + Design Wing . The museum also offers a state-of-the-art glassmaking school and the Rakow Research Library, the foremost library on glass.

The Rockwell Museum
111 Cedar Street
Corning, NY 14830
(607) 937-5836

The Rockwell Museum is a Smithsonian Affiliate that showcases the American experience through a diverse collection of art, including 19th-century paintings, Native American artifacts, and contemporary works. Housed in the historic Old City Hall, the museum offers immersive exhibitions and interactive programs for all ages. Adjacent to the museum, the KIDS ROCKWELL Art Lab provides hands-on art experiences for young visitors.

Heritage Village of the Southern Tier
73 W. Pultney Street
Corning, NY 14830
(607) 937-5281

The Heritage Village of the Southern Finger Lakes offers a hands-on journey into 19th-century rural life. Explore historic structures like the 1796 Benjamin Patterson Inn, the oldest frame building in Steuben County, and the 1850s Wixon Log Cabin. Engage with interactive exhibits in the Starr Barn, witness traditional blacksmithing in the Cooley Blacksmith Shop, and experience life in a one-room schoolhouse from 1878.

Wings of Eagles Discovery Center
339 Daniel Zenker Drive
Horseheads, NY 14845
(607) 358-4247

The Wings of Eagles Discovery Center is an aviation and aerospace museum offering an extensive collection of aircraft and interactive STEM exhibits. Visitors can explore a 25,000-square-foot hangar featuring planes from World War II to the present, engage with flight simulators, and experience the Mars Base Eagle habitat and escape rooms. The center also provides educational programs like the Summer of Innovation for youth interested in science and engineering.

National Soaring Museum
51 Soaring Hill Drive
Elmira, NY 14903
(607) 734-3128

The National Soaring Museum is dedicated to preserving the history of motorless flight, featuring one of the world's largest collections of vintage gliders and sailplanes. Located atop Harris Hill, the museum offers interactive exhibits, soaring trophies, and memorabilia, celebrating the region's role in the birth of American soaring competitions. Visitors can also experience the thrill of flight with a 20-minute glider ride over the Chemung Valley, available seasonally through the adjacent Harris Hill Soaring Corporation.

Regal Cinemas
3300 Chambers Road
Horseheads, NY 14845
(844) 462-7342

Crystal Cinemas 8
88 Victory Highway
Painted Post, NY 14870
(607) 937-5008

Palace Theatre
17 W. Market Street
Corning, NY 14830
(607) 654-7393

Dixie Bowling Lanes
1196 Broadway Steet
Elmira, NY 14904
(607) 732-7013

Crystal Lanes
11749 E Corning Road
Corning, NY 14830
(607) 962-5391

Elmira Country Club
1538 W. Church Street
Elmira, NY 14905
(607) 734-6251

Mark Twain Golf Course
2275 Corning Road
Elmira, NY 14903
(607) 737-5770

Soaring Eagles Golf Course
201 Middle Road
Horseheads, NY 14845
(607) 739-0551

Willow Creek Golf Club
3069 NY-352
Big Flats, NY 14841
(607) 562-8898

Corning Country Club
2501 Country Club Drive
Corning, NY 14830
(607) 936-3711

Harris Hill Amusement Park
557 Harris Hill Road
Elmira, NY 14903
(607) 732-1210

Harris Hill Amusement Park is a charming family-owned fun center since 1947, offering free admission and a variety of pay-as-you-go attractions like go-karts, batting cages, kiddie rides, arcade games, miniature golf, and a driving range. Set amid the scenic wooded parklands on Harris Hill, it’s ideal for an all-ages outing with picnicking, a pool, and classic snacks like Hershey’s ice cream, snow cones, hot dogs, and cotton candy .

Eldridge Park
96 Eldridge Park Drive
Elmira, NY 14901
(607) 732-1789

Eldridge Park is a beautifully restored Victorian-era lakeside oasis offering historic charm and summertime amusement. Visitors can ride one of the fastest traditional Looff carousels with brass‑ring feeders, explore winding walking trails and picnicking areas, and enjoy attractions like paddleboats, mini‑golf, kiddie rides, and a splash pad. With sports fields, a dog park, disc golf course, and seasonal live entertainment, it’s a perfect family-friendly stop in the Finger Lakes .

Park Station Campground & Recreation Center
2 W. Beaver Pond Road
Erin, NY 14838
(607) 739-9164

Park Station Campground & Recreation Center is a scenic, family-friendly retreat on a 100‑acre lake with a sandy beach, lifeguarded swimming, boating, fishing, playgrounds, and miles of wooded hiking trails. The campground offers 40 spacious, wooded sites with electric hookups, showers, a dump station, camp store, and picnic spots. Open from Memorial Day weekend through fall, it combines natural beauty with well‑maintained amenities for a relaxing getaway.

Watkins Glen State Park
1009 N. Franklin Street
Watkins Glen, NY 14891
(607) 535-4511

Watkins Glen State Park, nestled at the southern tip of Seneca Lake in New York’s Finger Lakes region, features a breathtaking 400‑foot gorge carved by Glen Creek over thousands of years. A two‑mile Gorge Trail winds over 19 waterfalls via stone bridges, tunnels, and more than 800 steps—making for a truly enchanting hike. With rim trails, picnic spots, camping, a pool, and educational tours, it’s a perfect blend of natural wonder and family‑friendly recreation .

Clute Memorial Park & Recreation
155 S. Clute Park Drive
Watkins Glen, NY 14891
(607) 535-4438

Clute Memorial Park & Recreation is a vibrant 35‑acre lakeside playground on Seneca Lake offering swimming, kayaking, playgrounds, courts, skate park, splash pad, and walking trails—all within walking distance of downtown. Campground sites include full hookups, Wi‑Fi, showers, fire rings, and a beachfront boat launch, ideal for families, RVs, tents, and pets. With picnic pavilions, rental facilities, and seasonal events, it blends active fun, stunning lake views, and community charm in one scenic spot.

Tanglewood Nature Center
443 Coleman Ave
Elmira, NY 14903
(607) 732-6060

Tanglewood Nature Center is a free-access nature preserve featuring over 10 miles of scenic trails through meadows, wetlands, forests, and river bluffs—with sweeping vistas and interpretive placards that often quote Mark Twain. An on‑site museum houses 40+ live animal ambassadors (from raptors to reptiles) alongside interactive displays on local ecology. It’s an ideal destination for families, hikers, and wildlife enthusiasts seeking education and outdoor adventure in the Finger Lakes region.

Spencercrest Nature Center
2424 Spencer Hill Road
Corning, NY 14830
(607) 962-9012

Spencer Crest Nature spans 250 acres of forests, ponds, and meadows with 7 miles of scenic trails—perfect for hiking, birding, and seasonal wildlife observation. The on‑site nature center showcases changing environmental exhibits, an apiary, and provides outdoor education programs year-round. It’s a peaceful, family-friendly escape where dogs on leashes are welcome, and nature lovers can connect with the region’s diverse habitats.

Horseheads Brewing Co.
250 Old Ithaca Rd
Horseheads, NY 14845
(607) 739-8468

The Horseheads Brewing Co. is an award‑winning craft brewery and taproom, recognized twice as TAP NY’s Best Craft Brewery in New York State (2010, 2015). Family‑owned since 2007, it crafts a rotating lineup of beers—from classic IPAs and Czech Pilsners to adventurous flavors like Chocolate Peanut Butter Porter and Hot‑Jala‑Heim—using locally sourced ingredients when possible. The relaxed taproom offers indoor and outdoor seating, making it a welcoming stop for both beer enthusiasts and casual visitors.

Lakewood Vineyards
4024 NY-14
Watkins Glen, NY 14891
(607) 535-9252

Lakewood Vineyards is a family-run estate boasting over 100 acres of sustainably grown grapes and more than 1,600 medals to its name.
Visit their scenic tasting room or spacious lawn for affordable wine flights—$5 for small groups—to enjoy award-winning Rieslings, sparkling Candeo, ports, and hybrid varietals with lake views. With guided vineyard hikes, behind‑the‑scenes tours, and three generations of winemaking heritage, it's a must‑stop for any Finger Lakes wine lover.

J.R. Dill Winery
4922 NY-414
Burdett, NY 14818
(607) 546-5757

J.R. Dill Winery is a warm, family‑run stop offering small‑batch, handcrafted wines made from local grapes, with a laid‑back tasting room featuring a unique lake‑glass bar and historic woodwork. Enjoy a $10 personalized flight of five wines (refunded with purchase), indoor or shaded outdoor seating with scenic lake views, and a menu of light bites and craft beer. The friendly, no‑reservation atmosphere welcomes dogs and invites both casual sippers and wine lovers seeking robust reds and sparkling varietals alike.

Castel Grisch Winery
3380 County Rd 28
Watkins Glen, NY 14891
(607) 535-9614

Castel Grisch Winery, established in 1983, is nestled on a 200-acre estate with over 40 acres of vineyards overlooking Seneca Lake. The winery offers a diverse selection of wines, including dry reds, whites, semi-sweet, sweet, and dessert wines, featuring varietals such as Riesling, Gewürztraminer, Chardonnay, and Baco Noir. Visitors can enjoy guided tastings indoors or flight-style on the outdoor deck, with panoramic lake views enhancing the experience.

Two Goats Brewing
5027 NY-414
Burdett, NY 14818

Two Goats Brewing, located at 5027 State Route 414 in Burdett, NY, is a solar-powered brewpub offering craft beers, live music, and stunning views of Seneca Lake. Their signature dish is the Beef-on-Weck sandwich, featuring slow-cooked, thin-sliced local beef on a housemade kimmelweck roll. The venue is open daily with live music Thursday through Sunday, creating a vibrant atmosphere for visitors.