Corning Museum of Glass

Even if you have little interest in glass this is a must see museum! Over 50,000 incredible artifacts trace the history of glass through 3,500 years. The oldest pieces date from before 1500 BC and include containers, jewelry, and small busts. 

The Innovation Galleries cover the history of Corning Glass which has been headquartered in Corning, New York since 1868 and is a leader in the development of products used by millions of people such as light bulb glass, Pyrex, television picture tubes, CorningWare, window glass for spacecrafts, and glass for electronic devices. 

 

Several changing exhibit galleries feature amazing contemporary glass art.

Demonstrations are scheduled throughout the day in four different areas. Visitors can also make a variety of glass objects. We did not watch any demonstrations or participate in glass making but it looks like fun!

The museum is large and can be overwhelming but the tickets are good for two consecutive days so visitors can pace themselves and see it over the two days. The tickets are also good for the Rockwell Museum of Western Art which is small and doesn't take much time to see.

The museum is accessible but there are some long ramps - one at the entrance and on the second floor.

The RV parking lot is south of the other lots. Turn left off of Museum Way. Museum  42.14838, -77.05577

Rockwell Museum of Western Art

 The three floors of this small museum feature changing exhibits with a focus on western art. 

The museum entrance which is on Cedar Street is accessible. An elevator provides access to all the floors. 

The parking lot is small and was filled when we visited but we found two hour parking on a side street. The sidewalks and curb cuts are in good condition.  Museum  42.1427, -77.05345

 

Tioga Downs Casino

Fifteen full hook up RV sites are located in the gravel lot adjacent to the paved lot in the east side lot of the casino. The list of rules is extensive which would have made me question whether staying in the paved lot would be allowed - if I had read them beforehand! :D As it was we stayed in the paved lot for two days without any problems. 

To avoid a long uphill to the casino go in the hotel entrance, turn left, and go down the hallway to the elevators which go one floor up to the casino. The chairs are easy to move and the card and money slots are easy to reach. Casino   42.02391, -76.40945

 

Binghamton Zoo at Ross Park

Small animals and bird are represented in this tiny zoo. It's not in the same class as other zoos that we've visited but the animals look well cared for. 

The paths are paved but not in good condition plus the park is very hilly. Most wheelchair users will need assistance. Viewing is blocked at some of the enclosures by fencing and railings. An accessible shuttle can be reserved by calling 24 hours in advance. 

The entrance road makes several tight turns. RVs should be able to navigate through them. The parking lot is small but RVs will fit unless the zoo is very busy. Zoo  42.07499, -75.90693

 

Roberson Museum and Science Center

 Alonzo Jr, Roberson, heir to his father's lumber company, and his wife, Margaret Hays, were quiet philanthropists who willed their mansion to the city of Binghamton, NY to be used as an education center and museum. Several additions were added to accommodate  a diverse collection of exhibits. There's a large model train exhibit and exhibits on local history, natural history, and Native American history plus works of art. 

Some of the train layout is too high to be seen from a seated position but most of the museum is accessible.  An elevator goes to the second floor exhibits. The first floor of the mansion is accessed by a hallway on the second floor addition. A small, old fashioned lift accesses the mansion second floor exhibits and the empty third floor which I think was intended to be a ballroom.

We parked on the upper level of the parking lot. The spaces are not quite long enough but there's still enough room in the drive through lane for cars to pass. Longer RVs should be parked on the lower parking lot which will mean an uphill push to the museum entrance. Museum  42.09345, -75.91802