Where to Stay on a Finger Lakes Getaway

The Finger Lakes region of south-central New York state seems to be having a moment: named the Best Wine Region in the USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice Award 2018, it also just happened to host the 2018 TBEX conference, a convention of travel bloggers (and, yes, I was there, too), many of whom have been giving the place some well-deserved attention ever since.

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Confession: I grew up in upstate New York, so hadn’t really given the region much thought since my formative years because, truth-be-told, the area was my family’s weekend playground, mostly in the form of visits to Watkins Glen State Park, where we indulged in some very long hikes and occasional swimming.

But that was years ago. Would I appreciate the place as an adult? And does it really merit status as a ‘destination’ rather than as a place located conveniently nearby? I took a solo roadtrip to find out.

“The Finger Lakes region of central New York state seems to be having a moment”

On my agenda: seeing Corning, home to the Corning Museum of Art and some very quaint shopping, cruising about Elmira, which lays claim to Mark Twain and happens to have been a very happening hub (yes, of the railroad sort) in prior centuries; a stop by the Watkins Glen International racetrack; and a visit to Hammondsport, situated right on Keuka Lake and with a rich aeronautical history of its own.

This was partly a working journey, which means I would not have time to tour local wineries or partake of any brewpubs or spend hours decompressing in any of the area spas. And I also missed the del Lago Resort and Casino. I hadn’t even gotten there yet and already I was going to have to return to the place.

But, first, I would need a place to stay. Here are three lodging choices you might like.

The Black Sheep Inn in Hammondsport

In this land of wine and racing, lakes and waterfalls, it can be hard to stand out if you happen to be none of those. Fortunately, the Black Sheep Inn and Spa in Hammondsport, NY can’t help but be noticed, what with its somewhat unconventional shape for housing (it’s an octagon and was built in 1859), its delightful cupola, and even more pleasant owners. The innkeepers Debbie Meritsky and Marc Rotman rescued the house from a downward slide.

Now beautifully renovated, the former T. M. Younglove house has five unique guestrooms. I am partial to the Taylor Room, which features some repurposed antique doors as an unconventional headboard.

We haven’t even gotten to the spa and breakfast parts—but, yes, this place is a worthy retreat.

Perfect for Bashful Adventurers:

If spending hours reading beneath that cupola aren’t sufficient, arrange for an art session with Debbie and Marc. Their F.L.A.V.O.R. Studio is onsite, and these two are very patient even with the less artistically inclined. (F.L.A.V.O.R. stands for Finger Lakes Art Vintage Old Repurposed.)

I am happy to report that both I and the studio survived my experience with the soldering iron, and I brought home a charming stained glass heart that I made (almost) all on my own. The session was great fun, and I have been feeling my inner Louis Comfort Tiffany blooming ever since.

Also quite convenient: The Brewery of Broken Dreams is located just a couple of doors down.

Where Is the Black Sheep Inn and Spa?

Black Sheep Inn and Spa, 8329 Pleasant Valley Road, Hammondsport, N.Y. 14840

Radisson Hotel Corning

I wasn’t really expecting much from the Radisson Hotel Corning. Sometimes chain hotels can be generic, nondescript, the whole nine yards full of dullness. So, of course, my brief visit turned out to be delightful, from the easy check-in to enjoying the public spaces full of greenery.

“Don’t miss the charming Gaffer District of Corning, which is worthy of a lingering stroll”

There is an onsite bar and restaurant as well as al fresco options. An outdoor hot tub on the premises was quite a draw for guests. The hotel also features a pool. Room service is available.

Perfect for Bashful Adventurers:

Although you no doubt will be visiting nearby attractions, such as the Corning Museum of Glass and the Rockwell Museum, the Radisson Hotel Corning is also a good place to just hole up in your room and enjoy room service for a bit if you happen to need a little down time. You don’t really need to stray from the premises to have a good time, but you won’t want to miss the charming Gaffer District of Corning, which is worthy of a lingering stroll.

While I was knocking back coffee and a spinach crepe at the beyond-cute Poppleton Bakery & Cafe on the aptly named Market Street, a wedding party came in. Where else could I have been an uninvited guest at a coffee bar wedding reception? And what a great idea for a venue!

Where Is the Radisson Hotel Corning?

Radisson Hotel Corning, 125 Denison Parkway East, Corning, N.Y. 14830

Staybridge Suites in Corning

Staybridge Suites in Corning is all about convenience, from its location close to the Corning Museum of Glass to its daily communal breakfast to guestrooms that are efficiencies replete with kitchenettes. It has a contemporary décor, is clean, feels safe, and the kind folks at the reception desk let me choose which floor to stay on.

Perfect for Bashful Adventurers:

It is easy to take a solo walk (all of four minutes, including time at the stoplight) to the Corning Museum of Glass. When you’re there, stop by the Museum Café on the lower level for a glass of wine or a cappuccino before taking in some of the most impressive glass in the world. Just remember not to swing a backpack too close to the displays!

Where Is Staybridge Suites in Corning?

Staybridge Suites, 201 Townley Avenue, Corning, N.Y. 14830

Getting There

Living just north of New York City, this was an easy drive for me, mostly on highways without a lot of traffic at the times I happened to be traveling. It took me about four hours each way replete with pitstops.

So I’m told: the Finger Lakes are about halfway between New York City and Niagara Falls. If you happen to be in the New York City vicinity and happen to be journeying to see the falls, rather than heading north toward Albany and then veering left, travel along the hypotenuse between the city and Niagara with a stayover in the Finger Lakes.

If you are not the roadtripping sort or happen to be located farther than a reasonable journey by car would allow, Elmira-Corning Regional Airport serves the vicinity.

—Lori Tripoli

Do you love New York? You might like these posts:

• If It’s Buffalo, It’s Got to Be the Anchor Bar
• New York Road Trip: Reasons to Love Rochester
• New York Road Trip: Colgate Inspiration
• Mark Twain Slept Here
• Things to Do in Seneca Falls, NY
• Luxury and Fun at del Lago Resort and Casino
• Things to Do in Elmira, NY
• Visiting Hammondsport NY

Where’s your next roadtrip going to be?