We visited the National Soaring Museum and gave my husband a flight as a gift for his birthday this year. The Museum is relatively small, but very interesting and covers the history of soaring through models, life-size replicas and actual gliders from its earliest history in the 19th Century through today. There are a few kid-oriented hands-on activities. My husband was thrilled with his glider ride and wishes we lived closer so he could take it up! You can see a short video of his flight and an interview with him and a youth pilot at http://www.brainiacgetaways.com/ridin-the-thermals-at-the-national-soaring-museum-in-elmira-ny/.

I took the soaring adventure as my husband's birthday present to me... in October just before my birthday (we squeaked in before the end of the season). Oh my, the perfect time to soar was in that season of leaf change, and I got to see it in its perfect heights. Yes, I highly recommend it. The pilot is knowledgeable and mindful to give the passenger her experience of a lifetime. It is unforgettable.

Harris Hill is the birthplace of soaring in America. Perched right on top you'll find the National Soaring Museum. For a very low entry fee one can spend as little or long as wanted learning more about sailplanes and gliders dating back to the Wright Brothers glider to today's composite glass slipper sailplanes. The sailplanes displayed and historic exhibits are all nicely done. Excellent gift shop. Superb staff. When visiting the Elmira / Corning area, adding a visit to Harris Hill, a tour of the National Soaring Museum and maybe even a sailplane ride at the adjacent Harris Hill Soaring Corp will be a wonderful and unique addition to your trip!

This place is not large, but it gives you a good idea about the activity of soaring, as well as some history about how gliding aircraft have been used in the past.