The Elmira area has a great mix of history, glass, and good old-fashioned fun packed into a small radius. Here are three ways to spend a summer Saturday with the family.
1. Spend the day at a county fair
Fair season is the highlight of a Twin Tiers summer, and you've got a real bucket-list stop nearby. The Steuben County Fair in Bath (August 17 to 23) is the oldest continuously running fair in the entire country, dating to 1819, and its 207th edition this year still features racing pigs, a monster truck show, a rodeo, and a one-room schoolhouse you can walk through. Closer to home, the Chemung County Fair in Horseheads (August 4 to 8) brings harness racing, a demolition derby, and a full midway, with the Tioga County Fair in Owego running that following week if you want a second helping.
Find a fair near you at FindYourFair.com.
2. Watch glass come to life at the Corning Museum of Glass
Just down the road in Corning, the Corning Museum of Glass is genuinely one of a kind, home to the largest collection of glass art in the world. The live glassblowing demos are mesmerizing for kids and adults alike, and there are hands-on exhibits that make the science fun. Plan on a few hours, because there's a lot to see.
3. Ride the carousel at Eldridge Park
For a free, old-school afternoon, head to Eldridge Park in Elmira. Its lovingly restored carousel is one of the fastest in the world, and the surrounding park has a lake, paddle boats, and plenty of room for the kids to run. It's a beloved local spot and a bargain of a summer outing.
One great Twin Tiers weekend
Three stops, one memorable Saturday. Start with a fair while the season's on, then chase it with glass and a carousel ride. Find the fair nearest you at FindYourFair.com.