Corning honored for 'Best Small Town Cultural Scene' in USA TODAY ranking. Here's why.

Chris Potter, Corning Leader
·2 min read

A national ranking has recognized what many Corning residents and visitors have long known – the Crystal City is a great place for food, drink, arts and entertainment.

USA TODAY announced a new round of 10Best Readers' Choice Awards Wednesday, and Corning was honored for Best Small Town Cultural Scene.

Corning was among 20 small cities nominated for the award by an expert panel nationwide. Each locale needed a population of fewer than 25,000 people to be eligible.

"What each lacks in size, it makes up for in culture: museums, art galleries, performing arts, and plenty of events," reads the contest description.

Voting closed Apri 1. Corning placed in the top-10 of the final tally, ranking No. 7 in the nation.

Why Corning has Best Small Town Cultural Scene

A big factor in Corning's ranking was the presence of two "particularly prestigious" museums that thousands of visitors enjoy every year, the Corning Museum of Glass and The Rockwell Museum.

"Guests can marvel at more than 50,000 intricate artifacts and installations at the Corning Museum of Glass, while The Rockwell Museum has earned abundant acclaim thanks to its collection of historic American paintings, statues, and other works," noted USA TODAY.

Corning Gaffer District on historic Market Street
Corning Gaffer District on historic Market Street

The ranking also highlighted Corning's position just south of the Finger Lakes, with its abundant recreational opportunities, wineries and distilleries.

Corning's Gaffer District, "a hub of artistic expression," was cited as well.

Centerway Square also in the running for national recognition

Speaking of the Gaffer District, Corning may not be done bringing in the awards. Centerway Square was nominated for “Best Public Square” in USA TODAY’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards.

“In these times, such recognition serves as a testament to our pride and an exceptional opportunity for visitors to explore the charm of this central highlight in our cherished Gaffer District," Coleen Fabrizi, executive director of the Gaffer District, previously told The Leader.

"We are deeply grateful for every vote cast."

Voting for that contest has also closed. The winner will be announced later this month.

Hannah Glosenger works on a mural as Rockwell Museum Artist-in-Residence Brad Leiby looks on. The mural was the seventh sponsored by the Rockwell Museum around Corning. The museum and public art helped Corning earn nationwide recognition for "Best Small Town Cultural Scene."
Hannah Glosenger works on a mural as Rockwell Museum Artist-in-Residence Brad Leiby looks on. The mural was the seventh sponsored by the Rockwell Museum around Corning. The museum and public art helped Corning earn nationwide recognition for "Best Small Town Cultural Scene."

What other cities were recognized?

The top vote-getter for Best Small Town Cultural Scene was Alamosa, Colo., known for its sand dunes, public art and museum.

Some other cities in the top-10 included Staunton, Va., Marquette, Mich. and Cullman, Ala.

To view the full list and see descriptions, click here.

About the 10Best Readers' Choice Awards

The USA TODAY 10Best Readers' Choice Awards highlight the very best in travel, food and drink, and lifestyle. USA TODAY 10Best invites a panel of industry experts to nominate their favorite points of interest and attractions across a wide range of categories.

10Best editors then vet these nominations and select a final set of nominees to be presented to the voting public for a period of four weeks.

This article originally appeared on The Leader: Corning among 'Best Small Town Cultural Scenes' in USA TODAY ranking