Holiday fun in Elmira

I had an article in today's paper about Holiday events in Corning NY. Here is some additional info. about Elmira that got cut from the article.

Holiday fun in nearby Elmira

Take some time to explore the nearby city of Elmira, just a short drive from Corning. Author Samuel Clemens (a.k.a. Mark Twain) wrote many of his well-known works here, as his wife, Olivia, was an Elmira native. The Clemens spent their summers here and both are buried in Woodlawn Cemetery in Elmira.

To learn more about Elmira, take one of the tours of the city’s Victorian Near West Side Historic District, which are offered by tour guide Samuel Draper. Over 20 homes in this district are used for his tours. During December the homes are decorated for the holidays in Victorian style. After the first of the year the homeowners will begin decorating for Valentine’s Day. I haven’t had the opportunity to go on any of his tours yet, but after looking at the website, this will definitely be on my to-do list in the near future.

To get into the Christmas spirit, stop by the Christmas House in Elmira, a unique gift shop located in an 1894 Queen Anne Victorian style mansion. (see photo above) “Our name is a bit of a misnomer,” said owner and E.I.C. (elf in charge) Julie Delgrosso. “Although at Christmas we scream Christmas, we also carry gifts for all occasions. We are especially proud of the number of products that we carry that are either locally made or represent our area or region.” The shop carries thing like ornaments, wooden replicas of historical buildings, Mark Twain books, and much more.

Another unique place to shop near Elmira is a store called Oldies but Goodies in Big Flats. I haven’t had the opportunity to visit it yet, but I’ve hear it’s really nice. It has over 12,000 square feet of retail space and they carry a variety of times including furniture, home décor, collectibles, and more displayed in 50 separate rooms.

Near West Side tours (607-732-1436, http://www.historicnearwestside.com/ ) Tours are by appointment. $12/per person.

The Christmas House (607-734-9547http://www.christmas-house.com/) 361 Maple Avenue, Elmira.

Oldies but Goodies (607-562-7416, http://www.oldiesbutgoodiesinc.com/ ) NY 352 and Carpenter Road, Big Flats