Top Attractions on a Road Trip from New York City to Niagara Falls

Manhattan and Niagara Falls, New York’s two icons, serve as the starting and ending points of an incredible seven-hour road trip. Many travelers hurry through, stopping only at rest areas, thereby missing vast stretches of scenic countryside, rolling hills, top-tier wineries, and notable cultural institutions.

National Soaring Museum & Harris Hill Soaring Co. – Elmira

A short distance from the New York–Pennsylvania border lies a captivating aviation museum. The National Soaring Museum boasts a unique and vintage collection of model-sized and replica gliders, illustrating the evolution of motorless flight along with the associated technology and science.

After appreciating the historical context, visitors can practice their new knowledge next door at the Harris Hill Soaring Corporation. Nestled atop a breezy hill overlooking the lush Chemung Valley, this club is one of the oldest operating soaring clubs in the nation. Weather permitting, guests can experience a 20-minute ride as a passenger in a fiberglass glider. The Harris Hill Soaring Co. operates seven days a week from Memorial Day to Labor Day, with weekend service available from April to October.

Corning Museum of Glass – Corning

The Corning Museum of Glass introduces visitors to glass in a novel way, showcasing artifacts spanning 3,000 years, from Mesopotamian pieces to exquisite Venetian plates that seem to be delicately carved from marble. Its collection is the most extensive globally, illuminating the art, science, and history of glassmaking.

With an architecturally stunning 11-acre campus located near Corning’s inviting Main Street, the museum includes an innovative contemporary art and design wing featuring over 900 skylights, housing prominent works that major institutions would envy.

Engage with live demonstrations in the hot glass amphitheater or even create your own masterpiece. The premier glass-blowing school in the world is also located here for those wishing to delve deeper into this craft.

Glenn H. Curtiss Aviation Museum – Hammondsport

At first glance, the Glenn H. Curtiss Aviation Museum in Hammondsport appears to be an ordinary warehouse, distinguished only by a 1940s C-46 airplane stationed at the entrance.

This spacious venue, initially designed for wine storage, resembles the collection of an avid enthusiast fascinated with 20th-century transportation. Glenn Curtiss, recognized as the first American to successfully conduct a pre-planned flight without incident, conducted this groundbreaking event near Hammondsport, where he lived.

Curtiss, despite an eighth-grade education, is celebrated as the father of naval aviation. His museum even holds a seaplane festival each September, a testament to his contributions to aviation.

New York Kitchen – Canandaigua

Located in New York’s prime wine region along the northern shore of Canandaigua Lake, New York Kitchen (previously known as the New York Wine & Culinary Center) is a distinctive venue that offers a variety of beer, wine, and spirits tastings all under one roof.

The renowned wineries of the Finger Lakes are particularly famous for their Riesling varieties; however, there are also numerous local craft breweries and distilleries to explore. The region’s microclimates provide an ideal environment for hop cultivation.

After attending an informative session aimed at aspiring sommeliers, chefs, and the curious, visitors can enjoy a meal at the Upstairs Bistro. This restaurant, run by students from the center, overlooks gardens where ingredients are freshly sourced, with nearly 90 percent of the food coming from local farms.

The Strong National Museum of Play – Rochester

A visit to the Strong National Museum of Play in downtown Rochester is sure to awaken nostalgia, akin to the experience of Tom Hanks in the beloved movie Big. However, it is not just adults who will find joy here; children will also delight in the interactive exhibits.

This large, modern building serves as both a hands-on children’s museum and an archive dedicated to the history of play. The museum treats the concept of “play” with insightful respect and humor.

Each November, the museum invites nominations for its National Toy Hall of Fame, with notable toys like Matchbox cars and the coloring book noted for their significance. Additionally, the museum holds an extensive collection exceeding 440,000 toys that span generations.

George Eastman Museum – Rochester

Once commonplace, Kodak shops were once a staple of urban and suburban landscapes. However, as smartphones and digital technologies emerged, the phrase ‘Kodak moments’ has lost its former relevance. For those inquisitive about the history of photography, Rochester’s George Eastman Museum is an essential destination.

The museum, established in 1947, occupies a splendid 35,000 square foot colonial revival mansion, originally constructed as a residence for Eastman, Kodak’s founder, and his mother during the 1920s. This site is now a National Historic Landmark.

Visitors will find serene gardens, four greenhouses, and a vast archive featuring hundreds of thousands of photographs, camera artifacts, and films. Make sure to align your visit with one of its film festivals or enjoy a Sunday afternoon concert featuring students from the Eastman School of Music.