Corning's Romantic Side

In Corning, brick sidewalks lead you down historic Market Street, the city's commercial center that has thrived for a century and a half. Registered as a National Historic District, Market Street is a beautifully restored browser's paradise of antique shops, apparel and book stores, retail outlets, specialty shops and restaurants.

You will be intrigued by the glass studios where crafts-people shape hot glass into works of art. Corning Glass Center and the Corning Museum of Glass also have shops with art glass, Corning household items and fine Steuben crystal.

Enjoy a coffee at a sidewalk cafe, perhaps at Beauregard's, London Underground, Pelham's Upstate Tune Co or Rojos. Or visit one of the unique shops. At Fibers and Fantasy, watch weavers and designers create original wearable art. At Glass Menagerie, find everything from paperweights to stained glass. At Vitrix Hot Glass Studio, see art glass handblown.

Romantic places to stay abound in Corning. Perfect getaways include such bed and breakfast inns as the Rosewood Inn, a 140- year old home furnished with antiques and authentic wallpapers, and White Birch, an 1865 Victorian home with a graceful, winding staircase and spacious rooms.

For more information, call 800/284-3352.