With all of the beautiful towns in Upstate New York, sometimes Elmira in Chemung County can be overlooked. The city is filled with thrill-seeking adventure, as well as a bit of history. Elmira is especially known for housing Mark Twain’s gravesite at Woodlawn Cemetery. Check out all there is to do in and around Elmira, N.Y.
Elmira, N.Y.John Berry
If you’re looking to do an overnight trip, you can check in to the Courtyard By Marriott (202 Colonial Dr., Horseheads, NY 14845) for a night of rest and relaxation. They have a gorgeous pool to cool off in and spacious rooms filled with natural light.
After getting settled in, you can enjoy a nice dinner at Rye (365 Davis St, Elmira, NY 14901). They have great cocktails and alcoholic milkshakes. Definitely go for the tender pork chops.
Mark Twain's grave and family gravesite at Woodlawn Cemetery in Elmira, NY.Heather Ainsworth
Although Mark Twain has a significant historical tie to the area, Elmira has a strong connection to the history of soaring planes. While visiting, you can head over to the National Soaring Museum (51 Soaring Hill Dr, Elmira) to learn a bit about the history and how the planes have evolved over the years.
Harris Hill Soaring Corporation in Elmira, N.Y.
After a brief history lesson, you can actually ride in one of these planes yourself. Just a little bit further down the road from the museum is the Harris Hill Soaring Corporation, one of the oldest and largest glider clubs in the country. You can actually go up in one of their famous planes with a trained pilot, taking in gorgeous views of the nearby Finger Lakes.
The Arnot Art Museum (235 Lake St, Elmira) is in the 1830s revival home of the Arnot family, according to their website. The display focuses largely on the late 20th century, also featuring art from the 17th and 19th century. Featured exhibits rotate in and out of the museum, so be sure to check their website for details.
Upstate Brewing Company in Elmira.SYR
Grab a pint or a flight of craft beers from Upstate Brewing Company (3028 Lake Road, Elmira). They have interesting fruit sours like cranberry pineapple or orange pineapple. In addition to the sours, their traditional IPAs and Pilsners are classic choices. If you want a bite to eat to go with those beers, check out their food truck schedule.
Chicken for spiedies sizzling on the grill at Lupo's S&S Char-Pit.SYR
Make it a day trip and indulge in the Southern Tier specialty, spiedies. This iconic sandwich is made of cubed chunks of tender, marinated meat, cooked over a charcoal grill and stuffed into a soft hoagie roll. Drive over to Lupo’s (625 Dickson St, Endicott), a great place to try spiedies, with a special family marinade recipe. Spiedie and Rib Pit (1274 Upper Front St, Binghamton) also offers chicken or pork. Just remember, no toppings. Spiedies are meant to highlight the natural flavor of the charred meat and each restaurant’s secret marinade.
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