Embrace the Essence of Winter
Call us old fashioned. And maybe it comes from living in small towns where winter is nostalgic and filled with memories of childhoods spent tobogganing and making snow angels.

Here in Corning and the Southern Finger Lakes, winter is a special season with magical qualities you just can’t find any other time of year.
Winter is snowball fights (unless you’re an adult and then, well, what the heck) and watching your breath fog the air and catching snowflakes on your tongue (and, yes, we may have even tested out the theory about getting your tongue stuck on a frozen metal pole once or twice).
It’s also a great time to just be outdoors taking in the beauty of the landscape.

It’s about that warm wonderful feeling like being hugged that you get from bundling up. It’s about the cool crisp air and the way the sundry challenges of the day seem to melt away, especially when you come back inside for marshmallowy hot chocolate.
In a way, the essence of winter can be found in those magnificent rosy sunsets or the shimmery morning icicles that hint about the wonders of a new day.

Awaken the Senses
Winter is a time of warm baked cookies and scones and of steamy cocoa. It’s a time of footie-pajamas and onesies (yes, even as adults), and snuggling up with a good book or a good movie or just good company.

Maybe it’s sipping a little bourbon or other spirits to warm your bones (we have a couple distilleries specializing in this type of cheer). It’s the scent of cinnamon or chili. The satisfaction of soup and sandwiches.

Winter is that cozy-comfy feeling you get from wearing sweaters and enjoying wine and a fabulous meal with family or friends.
It’s about keeping things simple and authentic.

Heartwarming Charm
Winter is a time for winter strolls (that’s why it’s in the name). It’s about ice skating or getting friends together for a bit of outdoor adventuring.

While we’re at it, let’s get back to the small town thing.
It’s about walking beneath those old-time lamp posts in the park and leaving snowy footprints on brick sidewalks.

It’s about stepping out the car and ducking into your favorite craft brewery or hometown bar for a refreshing pint (or two). And laughter with friends.

Restoring the Soul
Winter here is about quiet time. That nourish-your-soul-and-recharge kind of tranquility you can’t find just anywhere. Winter is a time to catch your breath, to relax the mind, to renew your focus.

It’s also about taking a moment to yourself. And those closest to you. Maybe over a coffee or pizza or a work of world-class art.

Trying Something New
In the Southern Finger Lakes, the lines fade in wintertime. The experiences feel more intimate, more personal, more just about you.
There are unique opportunities to watch master artists make snowmen and other wonderful wintery works or art.

You can even try your hand at making your own glass masterpiece.

There are also a variety of other hands-on activities typically available, like Wine & Design, throwing pottery, and even special workshops at local art centers (like this one making winter wreaths at 171 Cedar Arts).

Believe it or not, even world-class museums, like world-renowned Corning Museum of Glass and The Rockwell Museum, offer fun hands-on activities that are perfect for the whole family.

A Whole Other World
Winter offers a new and fresh perspective with regards to a sense of place (and all the fun you can have exploring it).

The great outdoors never looked so cool. We don’t just jean frosty, but we’re also talking about the various outdoor leisure activities you can only do during winter.

Whether it’s ice fishing, ice skating, snowmobiling, or sipping cool, delicious ice wines, winter changes the appearance of the landscape and the ways you can enjoy it, while also providing some of the yummiest ways to get a real taste for the region.

Put Some Magic in Your Winter
With quaint town squares, charming boutiques, locally-owned restaurants, and easy-going peaceful nature of things, those picturesque small towns we mentioned before offer the sort of moments you’ll remember forever.

Here you’ll also find timeless B&Bs and country inns providing an authentic sense of place, as well as being simple, heartwarming places to stay.
For more ideas on how to put some magic into your winter with a fun winter escape, request an official Experience Guide today or contact Corning and the Southern Finger Lakes today.