A few weeks ago I met a couple of old high school friends for a drink. I hadn’t seen them in over a decade.
As we sat around the table catching up, one of my friends said “I don’t think I could ever move back here.”
Both women now live in larger New York cities, but still have family in the area.
I’m a native of Elmira, born and raised in the Queen City, so I’m familiar with the sentiment. Growing up, I didn’t see too many kids who looked like me or thought the way I did. I was always searching for more diversity.
Then there was the issue of entertainment. There are even less activities for teens today than there were when I was an adolescent. Although it’s not as dire as it may seem.
I, too, left Elmira: For college, and on various excursions across the continent looking for a place to live. I returned in 2000 to regroup and spend time with family. Not long after, I rediscovered my hometown and fell in love.
There’s a saying about how you never appreciate where you live because all the community attractions and highlights are common if you grew up around them.
I used to groan when my grandmother would make us go to Woodlawn Cemetery to visit Mark Twain’s grave every summer. At the time I didn’t appreciate the fact that one of America’s most influential writers once walked the streets of Elmira, fell in love with a “townie,” and made this “podunk” country town his final resting place.
In the past nine years I’ve really come to appreciate the beauty, creativity and pioneering spirit of the Twin Tiers. It’s a gorgeous area that features breathtaking natural scenes throughout all four seasons with plenty of fun things to do - from sports to outdoor recreation, year-round cultural and entertainment events, and a vibrant arts community.
Here are just a few great upcoming events:
- The final
LPGA Corning Classic is being held May 18 through 24 at the Corning Country Club.
- Even if golf isn’t your thing, you can still enjoy the LPGA buzz at the
Corning Museum of Glass’s final
2300 Degrees party of the season, “Tee Off for Summer,” on May 21. This is a popular event, featuring great live music, glassblowing demonstrations, food and wine tasting, and an opportunity to enjoy the museum’s exquisite collections.
- There’s also an extremely popular bacchanalian bash, the
Finger Lakes Wine Festival in Watkins Glen, held from July 17 through 19.
- Or head to Trumansburg for the ginormously groovy and popular
Grassroots Festival of Music and Dance, taking place from July 16 through 19. The celebration features a variety of local and national music, dance and performance artist acts, delicious food, healing arts demonstrations like yoga and tai chi, and one of the most relaxed, ecstatic vibes you’ll find at any music festival. The fun is for all ages, too.
These are only a few of the largest events area residents can look forward to this summer.
I hope you’ll return to see what other interesting and fun stuff I come up with.
