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Long, lazy winding roads and rolling vistas reminiscent of the South of France, a visit to the Finger Lakes tempts your senses year-round transporting you to exotic lands without the hassle of international travel!

As the days shorten and the gorges of Ithaca become crisp and frigid with winter's chills, staying indoors enjoying a big cup of hot chocolate by a fireplace becomes a favorite activity. But why stay inside the house when the Light in Winter event promises to rejuvenate the restless soul? There is nothing typical about this mid to late January festival that explores the union of science and art in daily life. From classical and world music, art and writing workshops, to yoga and dance workshops to engaging activities and discussions on robotics, DNA and exploring the scientific mysteries of the superheroes, this festival has something for everyone! While certain activities can set you back up to $30, many are free and signing up as a volunteer promises benefits. Parking is available at various rates and a free shuttle is available at regular intervals to drop you at the next exciting activity. If you visit the festival from out of town a visit to the festival website at http://www.lightinwinter.com is a must before heading out the door to save on restaurants and hotel stays in the area.

As winter snow melts, trickling down gorges, the colors of spring and summer paint the rolling landscapes throughout the Finger Lakes an unexpected small town transforms into a mirage tempting all senses. From behind the butter textured orange and gold sari graciously draped over her head, the mysterious almond shaped brown eyes peep at us alluring us to stay and experience more. Holding in her hands a pair of brightly painted sticks, she leads the dance troupe in a traditional dandia' sequence. As the sounds of the drum beats and clacking sticks reverberate off the hills surrounding us, our senses are overwhelmed. Soon the aromas of mixes of exotic spices encompass us, somehow adding to the majesty and mystery of the surrounding hills of the Chemung river valley. Corning Centerway square livens up between the late morning hour of 11am on through the early afternoon hour of 4pm, people of all ethnicities from as far as Washington D.C. and even India come to celebrate India's Independence Day. The festival usually is held the weekend following the official date of August 15. Each year the event's theme reflects this diversity, bringing together the best of both Indian and American culture. Entry to the event is free, though very few leave without tasting the Indian buffet catered by Thali of India, setting you back a mere $15. Having saved money on free municipal parking, when the festival ends at four, take a free shuttle over to the Corning Museum of Glass. To attend this or other Indian cultural events in Corning, visit the Southern Tier Indian Cultural Association site at http://www.stica.org or through the Corning Leader's Community Calendar at http://www.the-leader.com. For more information on the Corning Museum of Glass, visit http://www.cmog.org.

Satiate your wanderlust. The Finger Lakes are more than just wine, water and wilderness. For information on events throughout the Finger Lakes, visit http://www.fingerlakes.org.

Learn more about this author, Jennifer Kumar.
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