Day Three In Binoculars Country

On our last day in Binoculars Country we get up early and head to Ithaca. I enjoy a good walk and outdoor markets so our destination is the Ithaca Farmers Market. We find several wineries and get a couple of bottles to bring home. I find some gorgeous clothing but decide to wait on buying because my sizing is changing so rapidly. Since we’re celebrating my son-in-law’s birthday belated, I search and find the perfect present, a handcrafted men’s jewelry box.

I hit some of the tables and booths and find some yummy treats. There are summer berry pies and, of course, apple. I even find some fresh baked snickerdoodles, one of my favorites. I grab some raisin bread thinking it will be the perfect food to bring back for a snack. I try some fresh cider and find a dairy shop where I buy cheese curds. We decide to pass on the beautiful looking fresh meat as we don’t know how it would keep.

I want to go to Allison’s Acres to pick some fresh berries, but their website leaves me with the impression that their season is over. Instead Big T suggests that we go to nearby Robert H. Treman State Park. Its waterfalls are spectacular. I wish I could see more but am concerned that the terrain will not be conducive to my riding a motor scooter. I find a perfect picnic spot and we nosh on wine and cheese while we people watch.

Our next destination is Corning. The place filled up early so it takes a little time to find a spot for the RV. I feel creative enough that I even think about making some of my own at the Corning Glass Factory and Museum. I decide against it though. Glass-blowing is an art that dates back 1,500 years B. C. that I do not want to end with a Catastrophe Pat.

After checking out Market Street and the store where Corning sells its wares, we head for Wegmans. No, I definitely do not intend to do grocery shopping there. I intend to buy dinner at its restaurant which has the best variety of foods priced just right anywhere. Soups, sandwiches, salads, burgers, pizza, pasta, sushi, Chinese, and American specialties–hubby and I agree to disagree and part ways to select whatever we want.

One of the local brochures for the Gaffer District recommended its homemade chocolate cream pie. We give it a try. Topped with chocolate shavings and inches of real whip cream, with a dark mouse base, thick texture, and rich taste, it is delicious and fattening.

Next it is Race Fever! Corning’s is now on the bridge rather than being right in town. I hope it doesn’t go the way of other ones. My little girl loved Rusty’s Birthday Party in Painted Post. My younger sons always wanted to ride the Clydesdales on exhibit. I always love a good street party. NASCAR show cars, drivers signing autographs, merchandise trucks, and displays line both sides. Local restaurants have set up tables there so everyone is eating, drinking, and being merry. I hear the live bands. It makes me want to dance.

This place holds lots of great memories. I reminisce about past race nights in other towns. Montour Falls is gone since the closing of Jamesway. I remember Elmira’s dwindling to nothing. I recollect great ones in Watkins Glen when it was out of town and around the town mall as opposed to recent ones on 14.

Hubby gets a SOS text message from our daughter. She finally arrived at the KOA Campground in Watkins Glen and needs some help. I know I will only be in the way so I tell hubby to drop me off at our home for the time being, Country Inns and Suites. I do some quick packing so we can get an early start to the Glen. I know I will miss our suite at The Country Inns when we check out. It’s a great place for a family to take a spur of the moment vacation.