SoFlx Stories

Brie Woods owns and manages the Belva Lockwood Inn, a historic inn in the heart of Owego, NY.

Brie and her husband Matt moved to the Southern Finger Lakes from Annapolis, MD, two and a half years ago. Brie’s desire to move was led by passion and opportunity. “While I’d never personally visited the area before deciding to purchase the Belva Lockwood, I’d heard whispers of its beauty and charm,” Brie shared. “When the pandemic offered a chance to reevaluate my life, I realized I wanted to embark on a new adventure and make a tangible impact.”

Brie’s initial dream was to open a wedding venue, leveraging her extensive experience in the industry. However, a chance encounter on Instagram led her to a listing of the Belva Lockwood Inn. “The unique name piqued my curiosity, and as I delved deeper into Belva Lockwood’s inspiring story, I felt a deep connection to her legacy as the first female presidential candidate and her fight for equality for all,” she said.

Feeling strongly connected to Belva’s legacy and the Inn’s potential, she quickly reached out to the listing agent (that night), arranged a virtual tour the following day, and visited the following weekend with an offer that Monday. She recalls, “The moment I stepped foot in Owego, NY, I knew I had found the perfect place to call home.”

Brie said Owego instantly captivated her with its vibrant community, rich history, and growth potential. She made the decision with both her heart and her head, “and I’ve never regretted it,” she shares, adding, “the Finger Lakes region has provided me with the perfect blend of professional fulfillment and a sense of belonging.”

Before moving to Owego, Brie worked in the fast-paced, high-stress world of weddings in the DC area. She loved her career and was concerned that moving to a smaller town would limit her opportunities to showcase her skills.

However, she found a vibrant, artsy community in Owego with a robust entrepreneurial spirit, particularly among women-owned businesses. “This aligned perfectly with my values and aspirations.”

Relocating to Owego was a relatively smooth transition for her and her husband. “The area’s natural beauty, friendly community, and ample opportunities made it an attractive destination.”

One of the biggest challenges was the fear of the unknown. “Moving to a new area can be daunting,” Brie said, “especially when leaving behind a familiar lifestyle. However, I was excited to jump in and chase my dream of starting a business in this beautiful region.”

Another challenge was getting used to the slower pace of life and the lack of chain stores compared to a metropolitan area. “However, I quickly came to appreciate small-town life’s unique charm and character,” Brie shared.

Thus, despite her and her husband’s initial concerns about adapting to small-town life, they have found Owego to be a welcoming and dynamic community. The Inn itself has kept Brie constantly busy and fulfilled, and the slower pace of life has allowed her to appreciate the finer things and connect with people on a deeper level.

Brie shared that the sense of community and belonging they have experienced in Owego “has been truly remarkable,” adding, “We’ve formed closer friendships here than in any other city we’ve lived in, making our transition much easier.”

She also feels she’s gained greater control and fulfillment in her work. “While I still work hard, I now have more autonomy to make decisions and lead my business based on my own ideas and ethics.”

That said, she still finds that one of the most significant changes has been the ability to balance her work and personal life better. Still, she’s also found that living in a smaller community offers a more relaxed pace of life, which allows her to enjoy her time and recharge.”

What has remained constant for Brie despite the big life changes she’s taken on is her passion for hosting and planning events. “This remains stronger than ever,” she said. I continue to love creating memorable experiences for my guests and am grateful for the opportunity to pursue my dream.”

Brie has found that living in a smaller community offers a unique sense of belonging and opportunity. Compared to a large metropolitan area, she’s been able to become more actively involved in local initiatives and build stronger relationships with my neighbors.

“In just two and half years, I’ve served on two community boards: Finger Lakes Wine Country and Tioga Opportunities,” Brie shared. “These roles have allowed me to contribute directly to the growth and development of our area. I appreciate the chance to have an impact and collaborate with other dedicated community members positively.”

A typical day for Brie involves inn duties, community involvement, and speaking about Belva Lockwood’s legacy. “I start my mornings by preparing breakfast for our guests and ensuring everything is in order for their stay. There’s always laundry to do and rooms to clean, but I love the opportunity to interact with guests and learn about their travels.”

Beyond the inn, Brie is actively involved in community programs and boards. “One of my recent projects was working with the Girl Scouts to create a Belva Lockwood Patch,” Brie said. “Our goal is to be a top-notch luxury boutique inn and inspire future generations of female leaders by sharing Belva’s story.”

Brie often leads educational events at the Belva Lockwood Inn, where she shares fascinating stories about Belva’s life and her contributions to women’s rights. “I enjoy engaging with visitors, answering their questions, and sparking their interest in learning more about this remarkable historical figure. It’s incredibly rewarding to see how Belva’s legacy inspires people.”

Outside of the inn and community organizing, Brie and Matt can usually be found on a quest to conquer every trail, waterfall, winery, and brewery in the Finger Lakes. “We call it research and development,'” Brie said, “but let’s be honest, it’s just an excuse to have a lot of fun!” When they’re not busy “researching,” they are out exploring the beautiful lakes, antiquing, or a new bookshop. It’s the perfect way to unwind and appreciate the beauty of this region.

To those who might be considering a change of pace and lifestyle upgrade to the Southern Finger Lakes, Brie says, “Just do it! This is truly a special place you can call home. Whether you’re looking to put down roots, start a business, retire, or raise a family, there’s so much opportunity here. We especially need a younger generation with an entrepreneurial spirit to come and help our community thrive.”

Brie added, “It’s worth noting that the Owego and Finger Lakes region offers a high quality of life. You can enjoy stunning natural beauty, a strong sense of community, and ample opportunities for personal and professional growth.” Brie has also found that the region provides a wealth of free resources for entrepreneurs, including business planning assistance, mentorship programs, and networking events. “The supportive community of local entrepreneurs and mentors is always ready to lend a helping hand. If you’re seeking a career in technology or manufacturing, major employers like Lockheed Martin offer a variety of high-tech jobs.”

Overall, Brie has found the Owego and Finger Lakes region ideal for those seeking a beautiful place to live and work. “With its friendly communities, abundant natural resources, and growing economy, it offers something for everyone.”

Thank you, Brie, for sharing your story! Read more SoFLX stories to learn about life, work, and play in the Southern Finger Lakes.

Adrian McGrady is a talented musician living in Southport, NY.

His family is native to Corning, NY. His brother lives in Painted Post, and his mother teaches at Corning-Painted Post Middle School. He has always lived in Corning, except for the few years he left to pursue his musical education. He works at the Arnot Ogden Medical Center in Elmira when not traveling as a freelance musician. He is also a freelance teacher, helping flute players perfect their art and performance skills.

Music has always been a big part of Adrian’s life. “I grew up in the church being in the choir, but it wasn’t until I saw James Galway and Hubert Laws in concert that I was sold.” Adrian said he was drawn to the flute after seeing James Galway’s 24K gold flute and seeing flute players who look like him.

“The first time I left Corning was when I attended Mansfield University in 2005,” Adrian said. “Then, I left again for six years to attend SUNY University in Buffalo in 2010 to study Music Performance. When I came home in 2016, I was still trying to find my place in the world. However, from 2017 to now, I have been traveling from state to state, displaying my passion for music.”

His support system here kept drawing Adrian back home, something he says he didn’t always have when he was on the go. But he still had concerns. “When I returned [after school], my biggest concern was that I would have to start from the beginning,” Adrian shared. “Especially as an artist, I want to have the opportunity to be seen and surround myself with other artists who love to create new art.” He added, “I was excited when I was asked to be a part of the 2024 SOFLX Pride Festival, and because of that, I have been making many connections.”

Now that Adrian is a bit more settled and building his artists networks here at home, he sees the potential the region has to offer others like him. “As an artist, this area has the potential to do large-scale art projects,” he said. “We just need to find the right people to manifest them into existence.”

Adrian’s most significant advantage of living in his hometown is being close to his family. He adds, “Because I’ve had the opportunity to connect with new people in the area, I have been able to collaborate on various projects.” The one disadvantage he experiences is how much traveling for his craft takes him away from work and family. However, he remains inspired by his growing community of artists, making every moment at home one to look forward to. “The artist community here in the Corning is very tight-knit, and we are making a statement here in the Southern tier. I would love to discover more artistic talent here because we have a lot of unseen talent,” he said.

When he is home, Adrian makes the most of it. “A typical day for me consists of work, exercise, teaching, and local gig work,” he said. “I love checking out the local coffeehouses. I am a big walker, so if I have nothing to do, I will go for a walk.”

Adrian offers the following advice for anyone considering a move to the area: “Don’t get discouraged by the small towns or a sense that you might not have much to do. Put your talents to work; you never know who is watching you.”

He encourages newcomers to “find their groove,” adding, “One way or another, you have a place in this community. It’s up to you to find it and be ready to work. It really can be a lovely life.”

Thank you, Adrian, for sharing your story! Read more SoFLX stories to learn about life, work, and play in the Southern Finger Lakes.

Chris Walters moved to the Southern Finger Lakes with his wife Anne 12 years ago, in 2012, from Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia.

Chris was born in Savannah, GA. His father was in the Coast Guard, so his family lived all across the US. His educational and professional journey would continue with him moving around the country and traveling overseas.

Chris graduated high school in Annapolis, MD. and went to college at the University of West Florida in Pensacola, FL; afterward, he spent a little over two years as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Georgia from 2003 to 2005. After the Peace Corps, he earned a master’s in International Educational Development from Columbia University. Then he went to work for IREX, an international nonprofit in Washington, DC, where he worked on international education programs. This is where he met Anne before moving back to Georgia to run the country office for the international nonprofit. He and Anne lived there for almost 4 years.

When the funding for Chris’ position ended, he and Anne were ready to move back to the States. “I had been applying to different jobs without success, and Anne was from Corning, so we moved in with her parents while we continued job searches,” Chris said. “We never intended to stay in Corning, but after two months of not getting a job, a friend forwarded a job announcement for a grants manager position.” He said it was a week after the deadline, but he submitted an application anyway and got called in for an interview. Anne decided to pursue a teaching career and started the certification process for teaching in New York. “I was offered the job, accepted it, and loved it. Anne became certified to teach in New York and got a teaching job, which pretty much solidified our stay.”

Anne is from Corning and grew up here. Her parents both grew up in Elmira. Chris, however, had only visited Corning a few times. But a visit during Thanksgiving exposed him to the holiday magic of the area, and it stuck with him. “I got to experience the magic of the holiday season. It was like stepping into a Hallmark Card,” he said. Before moving here, Chris had only been in Corning and along Route 352 to get a wedding haircut in Elmira. “I hadn’t seen anything else, so I didn’t have much reference for what it would be like.”

The biggest concern for him was the potential of how isolating it might feel and missing the joy of being in a walkable city. “We had lived in a large international capital, and before that, I’d lived in Washington, DC, and New York City,” Chris said. “Also, while living overseas, we traveled a lot, all over Europe, the Middle East, and East Africa, to close to nearly 30 different countries.” Needless to say, small-town living was going to be a big change.

But, Chris added, “While we didn’t know if this would be a temporary stay or more permanent, the idea of living in a small town for an extended period was really exciting. Growing up in a military family, I moved every few years, and the same occurred after college. It’s always been difficult to articulate where I’m from, so the idea that I could have a real place to call ‘home’ was alluring.”

In the end, Chris found that the sense of isolation never happened. He and his family have experienced everything there is to do in town and the region. “Yes, these things exist in different ways all over the world, but to have them in a single place is quite amazing when you look at the proximity of things to do,” Chris said, adding, “In very few places could you walk alongside waterfalls, pick up some wine at a vineyard, take a dip in a beautiful lake, and visit a historic town square all before lunchtime.” Chris also enjoys that, with less than a 4-hour drive, they have access to Canada, NYC, and major airports to go almost anywhere in the world. And he found that the things he enjoyed about living in a large, walkable city were easily replicable here. “And,” he said, “I’ve been able to pursue a photographic career which I never had before.”

Today, Chris is the Grants Manager and gallery Curator for the ARTS Council of the Southern Finger Lakes. This year, we’ll administer over 150 grants totaling more than $325,000—and after a year of work, I took over running our gallery.”

He is also a professional photographer whose work has been featured in various museum exhibits and campaigns. “My exhibition career grew and expanded, eventually getting to do solo exhibitions of my work and being represented by West End Gallery. Alongside this, I work for a variety of clients across the area doing a mixture of tourism, event, annual report, and artwork photography,” Chris said, adding, “More recently, I’ve received state grants that have allowed me to pursue more personal, portrait projects.”

Anne is a 3rd grade teacher in the Corning-Painted Post School District. They have two children, Tamriko, who is 10, and Sam, who is 6. The family lives in Corning, NY.

The Walters family enjoys making the most of the seasons here. “Summer brings lots of fruit picking, swimming, and ice cream eating,” Chris said. “We’ll travel around the area for a waterfall hike and visit any of the amazing local museums at our doorstep. Going to the Palace Theater in downtown Corning for movies is wonderful.” They also enjoy visiting nearby State Parks and around the country. “A stroll down Market Street to grab the chicken parmesan sub at Aniello’s makes everything easier.”

That access to so much is something Chris would want more people to know about. “All that saved time (in travel) adds up to an increase in the quality of life you can have here,” he said. “You might end up busier and have a fuller schedule, but instead of spending an hour each way commuting, those hours can be spent doing something much more impactful and meaningful, whether for yourself, your family, or something you want to do in the community.”

Chris says something he often hears from people when he tells them he lives in New York State is, “Oh, your taxes are high.” He stated, “It’s often said with a slight smugness like we’re getting a fast one pulled over us. The truth is, I can’t comment on what someone else’s taxes are like or what they get for them. But,” he added, “What I can comment on are the services we get for our taxes, the quality of life we’re able to have, and the educational opportunities our children have.”

Chris finds the move and living here to be worth it. “From a work/life aspect, having young kids who are doing different things, having my photographic pursuits, seeing my wife pursuing dance outside of teaching, and living in a small town like Corning makes it much simpler and easier to pursue. Within a 15-minute walking radius from our house, we can walk to work, get to school, stroll downtown, get to the dance studio, etc. In an hour, I can drop off my kids at school, swim at the YMCA, stop by the grocery store to get food for dinner, and be ready to work.” What a lovely life.

Thank you, Chris, for sharing your story! Read more SoFLX stories to learn about life, work, and play in the Southern Finger Lakes.

For this feature, we wanted to highlight a local voice. Meet Anita Lewis, a native of Elmira, NY, whose love for her community and passion for her work has kept her deeply rooted here.

Anita Lewis was born in Elmira, NY, and has lived there her entire life. “I have two children and was inspired to raise them here because of the services available to us and the small but family-oriented community.”

Growing up in the community, Anita remembers its comfort and friendliness. “I was involved in many activities as a child,” she said. “My school and mom taught me to be resilient yet forthright and successful.” She added, “I feel fortunate to be a leader in this community and strive to help people as people have helped me. I live to fix things and see them succeed.”

She is the Chief Development Officer for the Economic Opportunity Program (EOP) of Chemung and Schuyler Counties. She works with the Multiple Program Operating and Funding Development, a job she has held for 24 years. “My work allows me to stay connected through the community service that I provide daily at EOP,” she said, adding, “Supporting youth development, volunteering on boards that touch the community, seeing good things happen- work that leads to a healthy community, financially and mentality, further inspires me.”

Anita never considered leaving Elmira because of the motivation her work brings to her and the positive outcomes she has witnessed for others. But she also had more personal reasons to stay. “My son has a disability from birth,” she shared, “and we receive services through The Arc of Chemung Schuyler, where he has a residence since age 14. He is now 45.” She continued, “He has developed maturity and has learned so much as he has grown up.” Anita is a board member of The Arc. “It is such a great agency for people with disabilities from residential to Community Services and other services,” she said.

While Anita loves her small comforts and community, she also likes being able to travel to a larger city easily. She enjoys performing with her band, Top Shelf.

Anita finds that her hometown is too often underrated. “People take the peace and living in a small community for granted until they leave it. It’s nice to visit other places, but I would not want to always live in a big city.”

For those who might be considering relocating somewhere new, Anita says, “I would tell those unfamiliar with the Southern Tier to visit. Check out all the beautiful tourist places, go out, and experience the wineries, the lakes, and the surrounding peace. Look at all of the events and activities to meet new people.” She added, “Talk to people in the community and see what the local Chamber of Commerce has to offer for professional opportunities.”

Thank you, Anita, for sharing your story! Read more SoFLX stories to learn about life, work, and play in the Southern Finger Lakes.