Corning New York

4 Reasons to Visit Four Fights Distilling in Corning, New York

July 10, 2019 by Vanessa Leave a Comment

After a return visit to Upstate New York and the Corning area, I decided to add an adventure we had never included on our itinerary before – a tour of a local distillery! Four Fights Distilling should be a must-stop for any traveler who appreciates locally crafted spirits.

Operating for the last five years from their location in “Extended Corning,” Matt and Donna Bowers craft spirits one small batch at a time. Every hand-sealed, labeled bottled.

We were fortunate enough to have our tasting room experience and tour sponsored by the Bowers and went behind-the-scenes to learn more about the distilling process. Why should you visit? I have 4 great reasons to add a visit to Four Fights Distilling to your travel plans!

1.) You’re supporting a local business. The Bowers are some of the friendliest and hospitable people you’ll ever meet. Matt makes the booze while Donna mixes the drinks! The couple is incredibly welcoming. You’ll appreciate hearing their story of the distillery’s origination and learn how they manage to do it all themselves.

2.) They know their stuff. From the science behind creating the spirits (and there’s a lot to learn) to the branding, the Bowers do an excellent job. During your tour, you’ll learn that Matt’s knowledge of spirits is vast (he’s self-taught!), and that there a lot involved in producing each spirit.

Four Fights Distilling gets their corn from a local farmer and then the mash goes back to a pig farm to complete the cycle. According to Matt, the water in Corning is “limestone water similar to Kentucky enzyme water” aiding in the distilling process.

3.) Four Fights Distilling’s spirits could compete with some of the well known brands on the market. Matt does his homework and continues to push boundaries when developing ideas. While I appreciate a smooth vodka, I was surprised to find that I also like Four Fights’ Bourbon. In fact, upon sipping it I exclaimed, “Wow! I don’t normally care for Bourbon, but that’s one I like!” Everything we tasted was fantastic. Their top sellers continue to be the Four Fights Bourbon, Suite 101 Gin, Emperial Apple Pie, and Emperial Cinamoon.

4.) Learning about the process of creating booze makes you love it that much more. Over the years, the more I discover about the craft of creating something, the more I appreciate it. You’ll never look at a bottle of aged bourbon or distilled vodka the same way either.

Visitors can enjoy sipping on craft cocktails Thursday-Sunday during select hours. (I recommend trying The Corning Mule or Crystal City Cosmo.) Cocktails range from $7-$11 each or you can try a Spirits Flight made of four tasters for $6. Interested in learning more about Four Fights Distilling? Visit their site or follow them on Facebook or Instagram!

Know that you’re going to visit Corning, New York soon? View my complete post highlighting the best of the Crystal City here.

Things to Do in Corning, New York

January 13, 2019 by Vanessa 15 Comments

Corning, New York’s downtown area reminds me of one of those quaint towns used as a backdrop to a Hallmark holiday movie. Known as the Gaffer District, the picturesque area is lined with small boutiques, unique restaurants and independently owned businesses along Market Street. I love the town for its charm but more importantly because it’s walkability – you can stroll up and down the streets and shop the historic district until your heart’s content. I would know – I visit Corning twice a year!

The Upstate New York town is built around a clock tower, an eye-catching stone pillar erected in 1883 by Erastus Corning. The town’s history can also be seen its turn of the century architecture and narrow alleyways. During the summer, the district is adorned by hanging flower baskets and visitors often find themselves sipping craft beer or coffee on outdoor patios. When winter arrives, Centerway Square attracts families who bring their children to visit Santa and enjoy the enormous holiday tree.

So, how could you spend your time in Corning? Whether you’ve only got an hour or an entire weekend, there is so much to explore! (Scheduled Market Street entertainment depends on the season so be sure to check with the Corning’s Gaffer District page). I know that you’re going to love your visit to one of my all-time favorite towns and what HuffingtonPost.com called “11 of America’s Best Small Towns, Perfect for a Long Weekend Trip.”

SHOPPING

The Gaffer District has well over 50 places to shop ranging from gift shops that carry one-of-a-kind items to brand name clothing at discount stores such as Bass Factory Outlet or Van Heusen Factory Outlet. I love shopping in Corning because each store has something that appeals to me or would make the ideal gift for someone else. Whether you’re on the hunt for new clothes or colorful glass vase (Corning, New York is the home of the Corning Glass Museum), you will leave Market Street with a gem of a gift!

To view a complete list of stores, view here.

DINING

I don’t know about you, but when I go shopping I build up an appetite! Thankfully, the restaurants on Market Street are amazing! Some of my must-stop favorites include Aniello’s Pizzeria (order a New York style slice of pie or a bubbly hot sub sandwich) or Market Street Brewing for a cold craft beer and a Black and Bleu Burger. During our last trip, I went to Carey’s Brew House for a cold one and next door to Capn’ Morgan’s Sports Bar & Grill for the most delicious hot wings. When visiting Market Street, you have more options than you can imagine for dining from reservation only dinner restaurants to whimsical ice cream shops. If you have a sweet tooth, I highly recommend Dippity Do Dahs for ice cream or The Source at Factory No. 2 for locally-made, artisan chocolates and a coffee.

To view a complete list of restaurants, click here.

MUSEUMS

When in Corning, you have two options for visiting museums and I’ve experienced both so I can recommend each one: The Corning Glass Museum and The Rockwell Museum.

People travel from across the country to see live glass blowing demonstrations at The Corning Glass Museum and walk the gallery to see their exhibitions. Corning, aka “The Crystal City” is known as the premier city for glass production and glasscutting because of Steuben Glass, which became part of Corning Glass Works in 1919. Look at your glass measuring cups in your kitchen or dishware. They may be from Corning Glass Works!

The Rockwell Museum houses artwork featuring the great American West. In addition, the museum showcases a mix of contemporary Native American art with traditional bronze sculptures and landscape paintings. Traveling with your family? This is a great stop to enjoy kid-friendly spaces for learning.

AWARDS

Voted “America’s Best Small Towns for Christmas” by CountryLiving.com, Corning has also earned recognition from TripAdvisor.com for “2016 Certificate of Excellence” and “Top 100 Events in North America – GlassFest” by the American Bus Association.

After speaking to a Visitor’s Center employee, I learned that there are a multitude of events including wine festivals. Corning is part of the Finger Lakes region, which is home to over 100 wineries! Plan your visit. You shouldn’t leave the region without planning a wine tour.

There you have it! I hope that you found this post a helpful resource for planning your trip to Corning, New York! I continue to find new stores and restaurants to try when I return twice a year. Without a doubt, visiting this little historical town will surprise you with its shopping, dining and museum options. Don’t forget to tell me what you enjoy most about traveling to Upstate New York in the comments below!

Upstate New York Brewery Tour Tips

July 3, 2016 by Vanessa 3 Comments

If you look at an Upstate New York map of breweries, as compared to one just printed only a few years ago, you’ll quickly notice a surge in the number of craft beer stops. I’ve put together a collection of breweries visited on our semi-annual brewery pub crawl and tips just for you.

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Iron Flamingo Brewery (196 Baker St. Corning, NY)

The Blonde Ale has an after taste that was crisp but a bit bitter. I wish I had ordered the Belgian Wit Ale, an unfiltered beer flavored with orange peel and coriander similar to a Blue Moon. Other guests in our party ordered the IPA, but said it wasn’t their favorite during the beer tour. Six brews on tap. Check the chalkboard to try seasonal sips.

Note: They are closed on Mondays. Seating is limited. Unisex bathroom right off the bar area.

Corning Market Street Brewing Co. and Restaurant (63 W. Market St. Corning, NY)

This super popular watering hole is more than a bar, it’s a restaurant with an extensive menu of pup grub and craft beers. They also have a full bar. We visit CMSB twice a year and I consistently order their Blackberry Lager, a year-round favorite. It’s a smooth, refreshing beer that is easy to drink and finishes with a fruity note.

Several members of our group ordered the Beer B Q Burger with homemade sweet potato fries to go along the hoppy Wheelhouse IPA.

Note: The brewery is open seven days a week and I recommend requesting a rooftop patio table for your dining experience. The views of downtown Corning are the perfect compliment to an ice cold brew.

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Homemade sweet potato fries and barbecue sauce come with the Beer B Q burger.

corning-market-street3 Ithaca Beer Co. (122 Ithaca Beer Dr. Ithaca, NY)

Near Cayuga Lake, this brewery is popular because it was one of the first craft breweries to open the east coast in the 80s. Famous for the uber hoppy Flower Power IPA, they are also known for their hop garden on the property. Grab an Apricot Wheat and head outside to enjoy the expansive view of treelined landscape. Adirondack chairs and tables make for community seating and opportunities to meet other patrons.

Note: Plan your travel plans accordingly because this brewery is off Route 13 off the southern end of Ithaca. Expect the bar to be busy. Bartenders work quickly to help you.

Binghamton Brewing Company (15 Avenue B. Johnson City, NY)

Try the Citra Pale Ale that promises a well-balanced finish with a bit of citrus notes on your tongue, the perfect drink for a warm summer day. I loved the Purple Rain, a Concord grape beer, that was reminiscent of a grape Sweet Tarts candy thanks to its tart finish. A unique brew, the Smoked Hefeweizen, is a wheat beer that the owners claim stretches the boundaries of its category.

The BCC’s building is historical as it was once a fire house. The owners, engineers who are fixing up a 34′ sailboat in their backlot, are celebrating their second year of business and the one hundredth year of the building this summer.

Note: The bathroom location at this brewery leaves a lot to the imagination. You must walk through the back room brewing area. You feel like you’re not supposed to be in this space as you search to find the bathroom entrance because you have to walk past the brew kettles.

binghamton-brewing-co3 — BBC’s Purple Rain and Citra Pale Ale.

binghamton-brewing-co4 Galaxy Brewing Company (41 Court St. Binghamton, NY)

Known for their Belgian brews and decent food menu, the large bar and restaurant has plenty of seating. This is smart location for a lunch time work meeting as it is nestled in downtown Binghamton. A lighter brew option, St. Stusan Ale, is a wise choice. It was a Silver Medal winner at the 2014 World Beer Cup. Thirsty patrons seeking a stronger Belgian beer should opt for the Summer Soltice. It is so popular that is was sold out on our last visit.

Tip: Great place to go on a first date. It is darker venue in the bar area as compared to the dining room.

Water Street Brewing Co. (168 Water St. Binghamton, NY)

Summer Wheat Ale, a seasonal local favorite, didn’t stand up against their more flavorful Hefeweizen. It is a excellent balance of banana flavor with the wheat due to the specialty yeast they use in the fermentation process.

One drawback to the experience is that is self-serve and I don’t mean the taps. You have to pick up your food and pay for it at the counter, but the waitstaff with clean up your table. Expect to seat yourself when you walk in.

Tip: Sit near the fermentation tanks to get a better view of the brewing process.

Horseheads Brewing Company (250 Old Ithaca Rd. Horseheads, NY)

Opening their doors in 2007, the brewery is the town’s namesake and has a extensive selection of flagship beers that are consistent in taste. Due to standing room only over the years, they expanded their tasting room and production. You can find their selections on tap across the state in restaurants.

The Pumpkin Ale and the Hot-Jala-Heim are the stand out beers. The fall pumpkin brew has won numerous awards, which adorn the walls of the tasting room. A chili beer, the Hot-Jala-Heim brings a bite due to the jalapenos and anaheims and includes a high alcohol content. It won Best Beer at the Hamburg, New York beer festival. Whenever I drink a pint of it, I crave buttered popcorn for some reason.

Note: The staff is incredibly knowledgable and courteous. The owners play a collection of their favorite music CDs while you sip on suds that includes hard rock hits.

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