Corning, NY is a compact, walkable small city anchored by the world‑class Corning Museum of Glass and a lively Gaffer District of restaurants, craft breweries, galleries and riverside trails — perfect for several-week placements with easy short‑term rentals and coffee spots to recharge.
For bigger‑city options within 75 miles, Ithaca (college‑town culture, dining and Finger Lakes access, ~35 miles) and Binghamton (~45 miles) offer weekend escapes, making Corning a comfortable base with plenty of nearby variety.