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RECREATION & TOURISM | Leisure Time

Activities for All Ages and Interests

When it comes to having fun and stimulating the five senses, Hornell offers activities for all ages and interests. Physical challenge and artistic expression live together comfortably here. Each season brings its special offerings, and year-round activities abound. Enjoy the familiar or consider something new as you make your leisure time an unforgettable experience.

Recreation
Parks - Five recreational parks are available for your enjoyment in Hornell. James Street Park is the largest facility with a new outdoor pool. Other sports and fitness opportunities include tennis courts; paths for walking, jogging, biking and in-line skating; softball and baseball fields; volleyball courts; and basketball courts. The children's playground gives youngsters their own place to have fun. A roller rink and outdoor ice rink offer area residents the thrills and fun of skating. There are six pavilions for picnicking as well as other picnic facilities with grills. Maple City Sports Complex provides tennis courts, a walking and jogging track with an all-weather surface, a playground, and a horseshoe pit. Columbian School, Bryant School and Madison Avenue Park are havens for nature and outdoor enthusiasts.

Programs - Hornell's Park District sponsors many sports and recreational programs. Little League Baseball, Babe Ruth Baseball, Maple City Softball League, Slo-pitch and Biddy T-Ball are summer favorites. When fall arrives, Vince Lombardi Football gets boys involved. Summer and winter co-ed volleyball leagues and men's basketball leagues appeal to active adults. ÒRetiredÓ is the last word to describe Hornell's older adults. Active and motivated, they gather at The Senior Citizen Center at 20 Broadway. Here they meet their friends, stay fit and take trips to visit nearby places of interest.

Clubs and Associations - Hornell Area Family YMCA, located at 12 Center Street, serves families and young persons in Hornell and the surrounding area. Hours are Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., Saturday from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. The YMCA's goals include developing teamwork, self-confidence, character, family values, physical and mental fitness, and healthy lifestyle choices, while promoting wellness and fitness. Swimming opportunities abound with swimming lessons for all ages, preschool through adult; recreational swimming for families and adults; and aqua-exercise, hydrowalking, aquacise and aqua aerobics programs. The Fitness Center features the latest in exercise equipment for adults. YMCA staff members are available to consult and advise regarding appropriate use and workout routines. Other fitness programs for adults include Y Dance, choreographed aerobics routines set to music; kickboxing aerobics; and step aerobics. Y-Mix features aerobics plus weight training, floor exercises and stretching. Country line dancing classes meet weekly for novice and experienced dancers. Adult sports include volleyball indoors in the gym or outdoors on the sand court, depending on season and weather. Several volleyball leagues - 6 on 6, Power 4 on 4, co-ed, CoRec and year-round men's and co-ed leagues - keep enthusiasm high. Summer softball leagues for men and women play at James Street Park. Fitness programs for children are the YMCA's specialty, and there are many from which to choose. Gym and swim classes and soccer (August to October) are designed for children in kindergarten through sixth grades. Beginning and advanced gymnastics classes, as well as basketball leagues for boys and girls in four age brackets from 8 to 18 years, meet year-round. Homeschooled children can meet the New York State physical education requirements through YMCA-sponsored programs. Child care services are an important focus, too. During the school year, the latchkey program involves children in gym activities, games, arts and crafts, movies, books, healthy snacks, homework, and study time. Licensed by New York State, the Before School Program runs from 6 a.m. to 8 a.m. and the After School Program from 2:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. There are also programs for preschool-aged children. Special YMCA-sponsored events include the Gus Macker 3 on 3 Basketball Tournament in July and the Maple City Challenge in September. Hornell Area Concern for Youth, Inc. provides professional help to area youth and their families. This not-for-profit organization serves residents of western Steuben County. Its youth center has regularly scheduled activities and field trips year-round. Southern Tier Camp Fire Council focuses on enriching the lives of Hornell's youth. Many activities throughout the year and an annual summer camp provide challenges, learning experiences and lots of fun. For those who enjoy the comforts of indoor games, Social Bridge meets weekly at MercyCare, while the Helen Bayley Bridge Club meets weekly at Comfort Inn. The Chess Club meets weekly at the Arkport Community Center. The Hornell Area Computer Klub (HACK) meets monthly to share computer expertise and play computer games. The Hornell Model Railroad Club meets weekly in the basement of the Hornell Courthouse. Other service and social organizations in the community are the American Legion, American Red Cross, Elks Lodge, Hornell Association, K of C, Interfaith Volunteer Caregivers, Moose Lodge, VFW, Hornell Partners for Growth (HPG), and United Way of Southern Tier.

Outdoor Fun
Golf Courses - As soon as the greens reappear from under the winter snowfall, golf enthusiasts head for Hornell Country Club's nine different tees, Twin Hickory Golf Course's 18-hole course and the driving range. These fine venues provide challenge and variety for the man, woman or child holding a club or iron. The annual Short Brown Golf Tournament in August offers prizes and raises funds for scholarships.

State Parks - Keuka Lake, located near Hammondsport, is one of the Finger Lakes of Western New York State. The name means Òcrooked lake,Ó and it is 24 miles from end to end with more than 70 miles of shoreline. This water paradise beckons to those camping or staying in cottages to come to its bays and coves. There they can enjoy fishing, boating, kayaking, canoeing, scuba diving and snorkeling. Stony Brook State Park in nearby Dansville, with its scenic waterfalls and the Gorge Nature Trail, is a haven for hikers, campers and picnickers. Swimming in summer and cross-country skiing in winter provide even more fun.

Camping - When trees bud and temperatures rise, many head for the outdoors. Tent and RV camping are very popular here, with more than 400 area sites. Within walking distance, campers can enjoy nature trails, horseshoe pits, picnic facilities, boating, hiking trails, playgrounds, ball fields and fishing. Biking - For some of the country's best rural scenery, follow Bike Route 17 in Steuben County. It is part of a 435-mile route stretching from the Hudson River to Lake Erie. Wh

Skiing - Hornell offers quick access to 18 ski slopes and cross-country ski trails. Tubing and snowboarding are also popular winter sports here. Swain Ski and Snowboard Center is just 15 minutes north of the city.

Skateboarding - Hornell Skatepark, just off Route 36 at the Shawmut Park, features ledges, rails, obstacles, a pyramid and a manual pad. Skateboardspots.com rates this as Òa good training park.Ó

Walking Tours - Hornell residents have preserved many examples of historic architecture from the Greek Revival, Italianate, Colonial and Queen Anne periods. Using a self-guided tour available from the Hornell Chamber of Commerce, relive the beauty of yesteryear.

Scenic Drives - A drive on the highways and back roads of Steuben County will be one of the most peaceful, carefree trips you will ever take. The views Ñ rolling hills and dense forests, bountiful vineyards and lush farm country Ñ will remain with you for a lifetime. Deer and other wildlife are sure to greet you along your way.

Arts and Entertainment
Performing Arts - Hornell Area Arts Council hosts exciting artists from around the world as part of its Performing Arts Series. Programs feature a wide range of talents and styles. Recently, The Tamburitzans thrilled audiences with their program of eastern European music, dance and costumes. Theater is alive and well in the Hornell area, thanks to several local groups. The Hornell Rotary Club sponsors a summer musical each year on the third weekend in July. Other drama groups include the Hornell High Drama Club, The Not Ready for Prime Rib Players, Genesee Ensemble Theatre, and Short Tract Town Players. If you are looking for music, you only have to choose the style you enjoy. Watch for concerts by the Maple City Chorus. This group rehearses together weekly at Harmony Hall in Hornell. The Orchestra of the Southern Finger Lakes, based in Corning, brings classical music concerts to the area. Summer bus trips to Chautauqua, New York, add even more possibilities for attending concerts and special presentations. For those between 7 and 16 years of age, there is Summer Youth Music, Theatre and Creative Arts. This program is funded in cooperation with the New York State Council of the Arts and a grant from the ARTS of the Southern Finger Lakes. For two weeks in July and August, participants enjoy three sessions each morning, Monday through Friday.

Written Word - Poets' Theatre hosts nationally and regionally known poets who read their work to enthusiastic audiences. Education and appreciation for poetry is just one of the results of these presentations. Each month the Writers Round Table meets at the Senior Citizen Center in Hornell. Here those who love to write gather to encourage one another.

Visual Arts - For those who appreciate the various mediums of visual art, a visit to the many art galleries and glass studios in nearby Corning is a must. Treasures created by well-known and newly discovered artists await you.

Tourism - Hornell Chamber of Commerce sponsors a Tourism Booth, located in the parking lot of the Days Inn. Open each day from Memorial Day to Labor Day, it needs to be every visitor's first stop when arriving in Hornell. Information about area activities and maps are available at no charge.

Sports - The Gus Macker 3 on 3 Basketball Tournament, sponsored by the Hornell Area YMCA, guarantees excitement and fun each year. In late July, basketball courts appear on Main Street. Players, ranging in age from 7 to 50-plus years come from all over New York State and also from other states. They are matched for play by computer, based on age, height and playing experience. Teams are divided into seven divisions formed from three groups Ñ boys and girls 10 years and younger, men, and women. This is definitely a community event with many residents involved as volunteers to help make it a success. More than 250 teams, totaling 1,100 players, and more than 5,000 spectators make the city a busy place for a few days!

Music - Each July Hornell hosts the Summer Music Games at Maple City Park. This is a music competition featuring the Maple City Sound Drum and Bugle Corps along with other area bands.

Fundraising - Duck Derby and Duck Race, sponsored by the Hornell Arts Council, happens on Labor Day weekend. This is always a successful event to raise funds for local arts projects.

Seasonal - Hornell: Enjoy the Fourth of July Celebration with fireworks at James Street Park. Arkport: Enjoy fun in the summer sun at the Arkport Summer Fest, held at Arkport Park. The 2004 Fest will be held Saturday, July 10, from 1 to 5 p.m. Call 607-295-7346. Bath: The Steuben County Fair takes over the Bath Fairgrounds each August. Dansville: New York State Balloon Festival flies into the Dansville Airport in August, bringing more than 60 balloons to the area. Six launches, with the spectacular colors and designs of the balloons, make this a visual treat. Also in August is Poag's Hole Hill Climb. This is a professional motorcycle hill climb participants describe as Ògnarly.Ó Hornell: September is the time of the Maple City Fall Festival, sponsored by Hornell Partners for Growth. Corning: Historic Market Street is the site of the Crystal City Jazz Festival in September. The best in jazz music, food and weather are in store for you. Bath: Oktoberfest comes to the Bath Fairgrounds with live entertainment, German food and music, and crafts in September. Hornell: Scarecrows on Main Street is an annual October event. Hammondsport: Grape Pumpkin Harvest Festival celebrates the arrival of autumn bounties in October.

Attractions - Hornell: Holiday Aglow features the arrival of ÒSantaÓ on the biggest shopping day of the year, the day after Thanksgiving. On this day Santa Land opens. There is a Christmas tree lighting, a Christmas light contest, arts and crafters, and specials throughout the shopping district, with over 250 area stores to find that perfect gift. The Easter bunny arrives in April - over 3,500 eggs are hidden in James Street Park - while Arbor Day is the planting of new trees; May is the Spring Festival; August is Shop-O-Rama; and September-October sees the Maple City Fall Festival, scarecrow contests, Halloween parade, Trick or Treat in the local businesses, and the local haunted house. The Hornell Dodgers play semi-pro baseball at Maple City Park each summer, continuing a tradition that began in 1876. The Hornell Dragons, a semi-pro football team, keep the gridiron action going strong. History buffs enjoy the Call Homestead Museum in Hartsville, dedicated to preserving a picture of 19th-century farm life in rural western New York. Built in the 1800s and renovated several times, the museum consists of a six-bedroom farmhouse, barns, outbuildings and a pond. Schein-Joseph International Museum of Ceramic Art at Alfred University is the home of nearly 8,000 ceramic and glass objects from the ancient to the modern. Part of the New York State College of Ceramics, the museum is open daily, except Mondays, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wineries are a familiar site in the Southern Tier. Grape growing began in Steuben County in 1854, and the first load of table or eating grapes was shipped to New York City the same year. Six years later, the country's first bonded winery was built on the shores of Keuka Lake near Hammondsport. Today this is known as the Wine Capital of New York State, producing reds, whites, blushes and sparkling champagnes.

Shopping - Hornell welcomes you with a friendly smile and free parking to make your experience in Hornell hassle-free. With over 250 businesses establishments, Hornell offers a wealth of gifts, home dŽcor, flowers, antiques, beauty services, baked goods, professional services, food choices, and fast and friendly service. Antique lovers appreciate the variety of antique stores located downtown. Also within the City of Hornell, visit major chains like Wal-Mart, and Wegman's and P&C for your everyday needs. Summer also brings products from local farms. Farmers' Markets in Steuben County offer produce as well as dairy products, honey and maple syrup; wines and grape juices; arts and crafts; a deli featuring Amish meats, cheeses and homemade treats; and entertainment and demonstrations.

Lodging and Dining - More than 100 years ago, the first pie a la mode was served in Hornell at the Erie Restaurant. Once located in the railroad station and owned by Mr. Brewer, this restaurant is gone - but pie a la mode remains a local favorite. Conveniently located and smoke-free, Hornell's restaurants feature family fare, regional specialties and fine dining. Locally owned establishments and national favorites are at your service. Find the best in lodging to suit your needs. Bed & breakfasts and country inns provide a glimpse into the past. For those who prefer motels, Comfort Inn, Econo Lodge, Saxon Inn, Sunshine Motel and Days Inn await you. With so much to do, you only have to set aside the time and mark your calendar. After that, your only job is to have fun!

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