Move-In Mondays: Welcome to the FLX

Elmira College is nestled in the Finger Lakes region (aka FLX), which is renowned for its beautiful lakes and natural landscapes. If you aren’t familiar with the area, it’s worth exploring. This “Move-In-Monday” highlights just a few of the area’s attractions that you can check out with friends. You can learn more about all the region has to offer by visiting Mark Twain Country and Finger Lakes Wine Country.

ART & CULTURE

Did you know Elmira is known as the Soaring Capital of America and this is how the Soaring Eagles got their name? Or that it played a prominent role in the Civil War? And that nearby is the largest glass museum in the world? There’s plenty to see whether you’re a history buff, really into cars and planes, or appreciative of the fine arts.

Photo courtesy of Finger Lakes Wine Country

Art Museums

• Arnot Art Museum, Elmira - Houses 17th-19th century European paintings and sculptures as well as 19th-20th century American art

• Rockwell Museum, Corning - Exploring the American experience through art

• Corning Museum of Glass, Corning - Combines art and science with plenty of hands-on activities like making your own glass

Photo courtesy of Finger Lakes Wine Country

Aviation Museums

• The National Soaring Museum, Elmira - Features the history of glider planes and includes glider rides

• The Glenn H. Curtiss Museum, Hammondsport - A motorcycle and aviation museum dedicated to aviation pioneer, Glenn Curtiss

Photo courtesy of Finger Lakes Wine Country

History Museums

• Chemung Valley History Museum, Elmira - The largest general history museum in the region

• Elmira Civil War Prison Camp, Elmira - Home to a full-scale reconstruction of the Elmira Civil War prison camp

• John W. Jones Museum, Elmira - Original home to John W. Jones, who escaped slavery and worked as an Underground Railroad Station Master

Photo courtesy of Finger Lakes Wine Country

ENTERTAINMENT

Love sports? Want to catch a Broadway show? How about a music concert? They’re all available here in Elmira with even more options close by.

• Clemens Center, Elmira - The region’s performing arts center

• First Arena, Elmira - A sports and music arena

• Elmira Pioneers Baseball, Elmira - Enjoy a baseball game at Historic Dunn Field

Photo courtesy of Finger Lakes Wine Country

SHOPPING

There are plenty of big-box stores about 15 minutes from campus, but there are also local shops to explore.

• Downtown Elmira, Elmira - Home to some of the above attractions, you’ll also find shops, restaurants, a farmer’s market, and more

• Chemung County Chamber of Commerce - Elmira is located in Chemung County, and the Chamber’s Business Directory offers an extensive list of shops, restaurants, and other services

• The Gaffer District, Corning - Downtown Corning with shops, restaurants, farmer’s market, and more

Photo courtesy of Finger Lakes Wine Country

OUTDOORS

The FLX is rich in outdoor fun, including hiking, swimming, boating, biking, skiing, ice skating, and golf.

• Eldridge Park, Elmira - A public park with small amusement rides, including a restored carousel rumored to be the fastest carousel in the world

• Tanglewood Nature Center and Museum, Elmira - Free access to two trail systems with more than 10 miles of hiking trails

• Watkins Glen State Park, Watkins Glen - Walk the Gorge Trail, which has 19 waterfalls

• Nearby Nature Trails - ideal for hiking, biking, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing

• Lackawanna Rail Trail (Elmira to Lowman)

• Catherine Valley Trail (Horseheads to Watkins Glen)

Elmira’s balance between urban activities and natural landscapes is not commonly found, so find time to step away from campus and enjoy!