Everyone knows that I’ve recently come to terms with my inner hippie. I’m all “Peace, Love, and Flowers” now. On our recent trip to the Finger Lakes we had the chance to visit a unique winery that embodies all that is “Peace, Love, and Happiness”. Inspire Moore winery in Naples, NY made us feel right at home. We even let Zoe come along for the ride.
The Finger Lakes region of Upstate, NY is most famous for its wineries that produce a wide variety of mostly sweet white wines. A visit to the area is typically associated with weekends spent indulging in too much of the sweet stuff while trying to visit as many of the wineries as possible. Much to our surprise, it turns out that the area has a lot more to offer, especially if you love the outdoors. So when we were fortunate enough to be invited to take a trip kayaking the Chemung River in Elmira, NY with Southern Tier Kayaking Tours, you can bet we jumped at the chance to take in some beautiful scenery and clean fresh air.
To me there is something mystical about taking a simple walk in the woods. No matter where you are in the world, the moment you step out on the trail, you are immediately transported to a different universe. All your “civilized” problems seem to melt away and are instead replaced with an appreciation for the simple beauty of the world around you. It’s a great way to clear the mind and it’s also cathartic for the soul. While in the Finger Lakes Region of NY, we found out that the Watkins Glen Gorge was the perfect place to get out and unwind.
Glass has been a major part of human history and has played a significant role in nearly every part of our daily lives. As one of the world wide leaders of glass manufacturing, Corning Inc. has a large campus dedicated to teaching the public about all things glass. The Corning Museum of Glass is located right in the heart of Corning, NY and is definitely worth a visit on your next trip through the Finger Lakes region of NY.
When I first heard that I was going to have the opportunity to visit the Mark Twain study I was less than enthused. You see, I’ve never been an avid reader of Classic American Literature. As a matter of fact, the only time I’ve ever read any of Twain’s books was when it was on assignment from school. Then I was reading it for later study and dissection rather than for enjoyment. Yet somehow, when I stepped into the tiny 8-sided room, I understood that there was something here for me. There was a lesson here for all of us who write and seek to inspire with our words. I understood why this room, now located on the campus of Elmira College, was such a powerful place. It’s a fine start to anyone’s journey through Mark Twain Country in Elmira, NY.
