Celebrate Herstory at these Landmarks & Women-Owned Businesses in Chemung County
Like many other towns and villages across the Finger Lakes region, Chemung County also celebrates women, their history, and the trails they are blazing for the future. From 19th century changemakers to modern day marvels, discover all the ways you can honor women in Elmira and surrounding areas.
Walk in the footsteps of Olivia Clemens at Elmira College
Nearly everybody knows the name of Mark Twain (Samuel Clemens), but few know about the legacy of his incredible wife, Olivia Clemens. In fact, Mark Twain likely wouldn’t have had his fame and bestselling books without her help. It was Olivia who helped edit all of his works, including his books, lectures, and articles. Olivia was also a fierce advocate for women’s rights. Visitors to Elmira can honor her legacy by visiting a bronze statue of her on the Elmira College campus.
Shop local at The Pine City Post
For several years, Anna Brown operated a jewelry business between her home and local craft fairs. But when the opportunity arose for a brick-and-mortar location in 2023, she was able to realize a dream. Anna opened The Pine City Post (located in Pine City, of course), a locally-owned, woman-owned gift and thrift shop. Customers can browse among a variety of goods, including furniture, clothing, home decor, jewelry, artisan food, and more.
The Juice Collective
While you’re in the area, head over to The Juice Collective for a fresh, juicy, pick-me-up. Owner LaTeka Cooke-Davis and her family are southern California transplants who opened up a business in downtown Elmira. The menu highlights some of the Mexican culture they loved back in California. Guests can enjoy agua fresca, cold-pressed juices, wellness shots, and culinary bowls.
Travel back in time at the Chemung County Historical Society
There is no better way to get to know a community and their culture than by visiting the local history museum. So a trip to Chemung County Historical Society is a must. The museum is unique in that all of the exhibits are rotating, so there is always something new to discover. Undoubtedly this means that there are often exhibits dedicated to notable women in history. Additionally, guests can enjoy a selection of virtual exhibits, including one dedicated to the women’s suffrage movement in Chemung County and another about Elmira-native & artist Talitha Botsford.
Soar over the hills and valleys of Chemung County
For over a century, Elmira has hosted several soaring competitions — including the first 13 national competitions — and served as a training site for glider pilots during World War II. With the perfect landscape of rolling hills and winding valleys, Elmira has become the Soaring Capital of America. With that distinction it is also the home to the National Soaring Museum. Inside the museum visitors can see replicas and restored models of gliders over the years. Although soaring is a very male-dominated field, the National Soaring Museum has several women in their Soaring Hall of Fame, and there are exhibits dedicated to them throughout the museum. Some of the honored women include Doris Grove, multiple award-winning gliderport owner/operator and author; Patricia Hange, gliderport owner/operator, sailplane builder, and flight instructor; and Betsy Woodward, world and national record-winning sailplane pilot.
For folks seeking a bit of adventure with their visit, they can visit neighboring Harris Hill Park to take a glider ride with a trained pilot.
Paper yourself at Namaste Spa
Whenever you spend some time in the Finger Lakes, you’ve got to take a little time to pamper yourself. In Horseheads, Namaste Spa is the place to do just that. Spa Director Kimberly Maloney leads a team of professionals offering massages, skin care treatments, and facials. In addition, customers can book appointments for waxing, tanning, body wraps, infrared sauna, and red light therapy. Spa packages are available for individuals and couples.
Learn about brave woman Crystal Eastman
Crystal Eastman and her family spent a fair bit of time in Elmira, NY. While there, Crystal became immersed in the local community and her mother served as a pastor. To honor her legacy, a historical marker was erected on West Gray Street, acknowledging Crystal’s work fighting for safer working conditions and leading the women’s peace party.
Hike above the valleys of Tanglewood Nature Center – Elmira, NY
Located among the scenic valleys of Elmire and Chemung County, Tanglewood Nature Center has over ten miles of nature trails. Varying in length and difficulty, the longest trail comes in at 3 miles. Named after the famous American author Mark Twain, the trail has sign posts along the route with quotes from Twain’s most famous works. (Did you know… brave woman Crystal Eastman was acquainted with Mark Twain? You can imagine her hiking these same trails as he did, drawing inspiration from the unique landscape as she fought for women’s rights.) Hikers will be in awe of the natural beauty of the area.
