There are moments in life when you encounter something so beautiful it takes your breath away. I witnessed those moments time and time again when I worked at The Corning Museum of Glass. Visitors would make a curve around the gallery's interior wall, and would stop short, gasping with delight. Directly in front of them stood an enormous Tiffany stained glass window.

Although that window is arguably the work of art most frequently photographed in the museum, there's more about it that captivates visitors than just its sheer size and colors. Deep within its intricate sections lies a story waiting to be told. For those who read the side panel, they will discover the window's great history and journey from a home on the Hudson River, which is the view depicted in the window. The family commissioned Tiffany to make it "spring all year 'round" when they looked out their music room window. With Tiffany, and treasures like his, there is so much more that what meets the eye.

Louis Comfort Tiffany was more than just a glassmaker. He was an innovator, designer, and pioneer of the Art Nouveau movement. Born in 1848 to Charles Lewis Tiffany, founder of the jewelry house Tiffany & Co, he grew up learning about the beauty of a thing. Perhaps best known for inventing favrile glass, a technique providing depth, brilliant color, and texture to glass, Tiffany designed countless colorful lamps and intricate mosaics.

Tiffany had to learn to manipulate glass, and in turn, the fire and heat used to create it. In Corning & the Finger Lakes, discover a trail blazed with that fire in mind. There are so many treasures created in the region using this basic, yet extremely powerful element. When you follow the Tiffany & Treasures Trail, you'll discover not only great works by Louis Comfort Tiffany, but all kinds of art having to do with fire. Sites include working potters, museums, glass artists, and buildings completely designed by Tiffany. Following the trail provides you with plenty of opportunities to be creative as well as shop – and some to simply stop and admire.

At Earth Paint & Fire Studio in Corning, you can choose from more than 300 different pieces of bisqueware and paint your own pottery. Visit Sommerville Pottery in Prattsburgh and "try the wheel" with 1-hour instructional classes. When you step into Antiques at the Establishment in Campbell, you know you'll not only discover great finds, but you'll leave with a memorable experience. Explore Tiffany glass, antiques, and a stained glass presentation called "Inner Glow." See glass come to life at Vitrix Hot Glass Studio in Corning. Shop the gallery while watching glassworkers create in the hotshop. At the First Presbyterian Church of Bath, you'll see one of only five sanctuary interiors completely designed by Tiffany.

If the thrill of discovering treasures along trails is something you crave, follow several more trails in Corning & the Finger Lakes. Let the Chocolate Trail guide you to the area's finest delectable delights, while the Finger Lakes Beer Trail will point you in the direction of the region's microbreweries, brew pubs, tap houses, and brewing-affiliated businesses. And of course, follow the Keuka Wine Trail to discover some of the best wines the Finger Lakes has to offer.

No matter which trail you choose to follow, or even if you blaze one of your own, you'll be sure to discover all kinds of treasures in Corning & the Finger Lakes.