Jeff Cox, contributing writer for CNNMoney, calls Corning is a city “where homes are affordable.” In fact, the city’s median family income of $52,000 and its median home price of $83,000 led the publication to include Corning as one of its top 25 best locations to buy real estate. It’s also great fun for those who love glass, wine and racing.

Corning Glass, of course, is the bedrock for Corning’s economy. At The Corning Museum of Glass, visitors of all ages can watch live glassmaking demonstrations, explore extensive displays of glass art and history, and even make their own glass souvenir – no experience necessary.

The nearby Finger Lakes wine region offers a multitude of opportunities to “tour and taste” in area vineyards, including the Keuka Lake, Seneca Lake and Cayuga Lake Wine Trails. One of the most interesting vineyards is that of Dr. Konstantin Frank, who is credited with changing the course of wine growing in the United States, and allowing our domestic wine to command world attention. A European immigrant, Dr. Frank held a Ph.D. in viticulture and believed from his years in the Ukraine that it was lack of proper rootstock, not the cold climate, that caused the failure of vines in the Finger Lakes region. Using his years of research, he founded Vinifera Wine Cellars and quickly earned a reputation for spectacular Rieslings. His vines formed the backbone of the region’s world-class wines and champagnes.

The largest showcase of New York State wines is the Finger Lakes Wine Festival, presented by Yancey’s Fancy New York Artisan Cheese. Held in July at world-renowned Watkins Glen International racetrack, the festival offers an abundance of tastings from over 600 wines, and the opportunity to shop from more than 90 wineries.

Watkins Glen International, the birthplace of American Road Racing, has offered visitors heart-pounding racing action for more than 60 years. Law student Cameron Argetsinger dreamed of bringing European-style competition to the area, and designed a challenging course around the village of Watkins Glen. The first race was held in 1948, and today the Glen hosts the NASCAR Series, Sahlen’s Six Hours of The Glen and the US Vintage Grand Prix.