Elmira (New York) Travel Guide

Plan your next vacation to Elmira (New York) with this comprehensive travel guide featuring natural attractions, cultural landmarks, food and drink scene, accommodations, transportation options, and more.


Introduction to Elmira (New York)

Elmira is a charming city located in the Southern Tier of New York State. This city is a perfect destination for history buffs, outdoor enthusiasts, culture lovers and those who seek adventure in a rural environment. Elmira is also home to Mark Twain, a famous American writer who spent his summers in this city. This comprehensive travel guide will help you plan your next vacation to Elmira (New York).

List of Places to Visit in Elmira (New York)

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Chemung Valley History Museum

This museum is dedicated to preserving the history of the Chemung County region and includes exhibits on Native American history, the Revolutionary War, and the role of Elmira in the Civil War.

Mark Twain Study

The Mark Twain Study is where Mark Twain wrote some of his most famous works, including “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer”. The study has been moved to the Elmira College campus but remains open to public tours.

Arnot Art Museum

This museum is home to a diverse collection of artworks from the 17th to 19th centuries. Exhibits include European paintings, American art, and sculpture gardens.

Natural Attractions of Elmira (New York): Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Tanglewood Nature Center and Museum

Tanglewood Nature Center and Museum has over ten miles of hiking trails through a diverse landscape of forests, fields, streams, and ponds. The museum offers exhibits on local flora, fauna, and geology.

Finger Lakes Trail

The Finger Lakes Trail runs through Elmira (New York) and passes through lush forests, waterfalls, and rolling hills. The trail is open year-round for hiking and backpacking, and in winter for snowshoeing and skiing.

Harris Hill Soaring Corporation

Harris Hill Soaring Corporation offers glider plane rides over Elmira (New York) and the surrounding area. During the ride, you can enjoy spectacular views of the Chemung Valley and the Finger Lakes.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Elmira (New York)

The Catharine Valley Trail

This 12-mile paved trail runs from Watkins Glen to Horseheads through a diverse landscape of forests, fields, and streams. It is open year-round for hiking, biking, and horseback riding.

The Finger Lakes Trail

As mentioned earlier, the Finger Lakes Trail is a 559-mile trail system that runs through Elmira (New York) and the surrounding area. The trail offers a wide range of opportunities for hikers and backpackers.

Best Things to Do in Elmira (New York): Activities and Tours

Wine and Cheese Tour

The Finger Lakes region is known for its excellent wine and cheese, and Elmira is situated at the heart of this region. Take a tour of some of the local vineyards and wineries and sample some of the local wine and cheese.

Mark Twain Riverboat Cruise

Take a Mark Twain Riverboat Cruise down the Chemung River for a relaxing and scenic way to experience Elmira and the surrounding area. During the cruise, you can take in the stunning views of the rolling hills, rivers and valleys.

Week-Long Itinerary for Elmira (New York)

Day 1: Visit the Chemung Valley History Museum and the Mark Twain Study. Day 2: Take a wine and cheese tour of the local vineyards. Day 3: Visit Arnot Art Museum and take a glider plane ride over Elmira. Day 4: Hike the Catharine Valley Trail. Day 5: Explore Tanglewood Nature Center and Museum. Day 6: Take a Mark Twain Riverboat Cruise down the Chemung River. Day 7: Visit the Harris Hill Soaring Corporation.

Food and Drink Scene of Elmira (New York)

Must-Try Dishes

Spiedies

Spiedies are a local specialty with marinated meat skewers cooked over charcoal and served on Italian bread.

Chicken Riggies

This pasta dish is made with chicken, peppers and rigatoni in a creamy tomato sauce and is a local favorite.

Salt Potatoes

Salt potatoes are small potatoes boiled in heavily salted water until tender and served with butter.

Local Beverages

Finger Lakes Wine

The Finger Lakes region is known for its excellent wine, and there are many local vineyards and wineries in the Elmira (New York) area.

Craft Beer

Many local craft breweries offer a wide range of IPAs, Stouts, Lagers and more.

Where to Stay in Elmira (New York): Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

The Hilton Garden Inn Elmira/Corning

The Hilton Garden Inn offers luxurious rooms with a restaurant, fitness center, and pool.

The Elmira Downtown Inn

The Elmira Downtown Inn is a family-friendly hotel offering clean and comfortable rooms and an impressive array of amenities.

The Mark Twain Motor Inn

The Mark Twain Motor Inn features an outdoor pool, free Wi-Fi, and spacious rooms.

What to Buy in Elmira (New York): Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Korbinian Hand-made Soaps and Lotions

Korbinian soaps and lotions are hand-made using only natural ingredients and come in a variety of scents and sizes.

Native American Artwork and Crafts

The Chemung Valley History Museum features a gift shop where you can purchase authentic Native American artwork and crafts made by local artisans.

Local Culture and Customs of Elmira (New York)

Elmira is a small-town community with a deep appreciation for the arts and history. The culture is influenced by Native American and early American history as well as the writer, Mark Twain, who spent his summers in Elmira.

Best Time to Visit Elmira (New York)

The best time to visit Elmira is during the fall when the leaves change colors, and the temperatures are pleasant to enjoy the outdoor activities.

Do’s and Don’ts of Elmira (New York)

Do:

  • Visit the Chemung Valley History Museum and learn about Elmira’s rich history
  • Take a glider plane ride over Elmira for a bird’s eye view of the stunning countryside
  • Enjoy the local wine and cheese on a guided tour

Don’t:

  • Don’t litter in Elmira’s natural attractions
  • Don’t walk alone at night in unfamiliar areas
  • Don’t trespass on private property.

Safety and Health

Safety in Elmira (New York)

Elmira is a safe place to visit, but like any other city, you need to take some precautions. Avoid walking alone after dark in the unfamiliar areas, keep your valuables in the hotel safe, and adhere to the traffic rules.

Health in Elmira (New York)

There are several excellent hospitals in the vicinity of Elmira in case of medical emergencies.

Getting to Elmira (New York): Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Elmira (New York)

Elmira/Corning Regional Airport is the closest airport to Elmira and is served by American Airlines.

Bus Stations Near Elmira (New York)

Greyhound offers a bus service to Elmira from New York City, Binghamton, and Buffalo.

Other Options

Driving is the most convenient way to get around Elmira, but you can also use taxis or rental cars.

How to Get Around in Elmira (New York)

Renting a car is a convenient way to get around Elmira. Additionally, the city is served by taxi services, buses, and walking paths.

Where to Go Next from Elmira (New York): Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Watkins Glen State Park

Watkins Glen State Park is a stunning natural park with a series of waterfalls, gorges, and streams, located about 25 minutes from Elmira.

Corning Museum of Glass

The Corning Museum of Glass features a stunning collection of glass art and interactive exhibits on glassblowing. It is located about 20 minutes from Elmira.

Conclusion

Elmira (New York) is a charming rural community, home to natural beauty, rich history, and culture. This comprehensive travel guide highlights the city’s most popular attractions and offers valuable information for planning your next visit. Whether you are interested in outdoor adventure, history, culture, or just looking for a relaxing getaway, Elmira (New York) has something for everyone.

Chemung County Courthouse Chemung County Courthouse