southern finger lakes

Mark Schmidt

Mark Schmidt, a dancer and movement maker, left for the big city to follow his dreams as a dancer. He’s realized that his return home has only improved his creativity-fueled journey.

Mark moved from Brooklyn, NY (January 2024), to Monterey, a small rural town between Corning and Watkins Glen.

He occasionally teaches dance techniques and lectures on house culture history as a guest artist for online platforms and colleges.

“I moved here due to some health-related issues my mother was having,” Mark said. “But I am familiar with the area for two reasons. First, I grew up here until age 20, when I moved to New York City to attend the New School for Social Research. Also, as an artist, I have worked on a few dance-related projects locally, including an artist residency in 2019 through the American Dance Asylum (hosted by 171 Cedar Arts), activating the Nasser Civic Center Ice Rink with fourteen dancers in 2022 as part of IMAGINE, and co-choreographing a piece with four dancers and a DJ for the Southern Finger Lakes Pride Festival in 2023.”

Mark said he was very excited to make the move back. “I had already laid down some roots with many local artists and the Pride Council from the two projects I mentioned before, and I was ready for a life change, and this seemed like the right timing.” He added, “New York is great, but I am enjoying life’s slower pace and finding more time and space to work on creative projects. That, for me, is very important and the biggest change in my life.”

We wondered what Mark felt had changed since he left and what he was rediscovering about his home region. “In terms of the small town I grew up in, there remains this sense of neighbors looking out for each other or feeling comfortable asking for help if you need it,” he shared. “I value that. Regarding change, Market Street (in Corning) strikes me the most. Compared to when I left in the 90s, it has many more restaurant choices and interesting spaces to grab a drink and socialize. I also see more artists moving to the area, and the visibility of LGBTQ folks and the SoFLX Pride festival are big changes.”

Mark credits his adaptability with making the transition into small-town living easy, not too difficult. He has also found that having a network of diverse friends and artists here has made all the difference. “I have felt an immense amount of support and excitement from them, and this has made the transition easier.”

Since moving back, Mark has kept very busy! “This is the New Yorker in me!” He is currently working on the Southern Finger Lakes Pride Council, helping design and curate the 2024 festival (happening in June). He also works as an editor of social media videos for the New York State Choreographers Initiative, a New York State DanceForce program. He is a certified personal trainer specializing in functional movement and awareness, primarily online. Lastly, he is working on several event collaborations for Spring 2024 with an anarchist publishing warehouse (PM Press) out of Binghamton.

Despite everything he is involved in, Mark feels he is far less overstretched here. “The one thing that stands out most is I work less, but I can do more creatively,” he said. “New York City is a very work/hustle/time driven city. People are always on the go. I don’t feel that pressure here. I think I have more potential to impact culturally here than in the city.”

A typical day for Mark in his new life consists of 7 am wake-ups to have coffee with his parents, or even earlier, he starts to enjoy meditation walks around their property around sunrise. “Stepping into nature is a luxury; I appreciate it more now.” This kicks off his work day, often consisting of administrative tasks for the Pride Council or video editing for the New York State Choreographers Initiative. “If my mother has any doctor appointments or my parents need me to run errands, I’ll do that,” he added. Mark joined HealthWorks and tries to get three workouts weekly, usually in the early afternoon. If there are any arts events in Corning in the evening, he’ll end his day with that. “I enjoy exploring the area for restaurants, bars, or wineries. I am also a fan of live music,” he added.

To another creative looking to relocate to the area, Mark says, “The landscape in the arts is very open, even for dance. You have to be proactive about it. There is a supportive community of artists here that is diverse and ready to welcome you.” He added, “This is still an affordable place to live. There is something unique about being able to access nature so readily, do country things like have a garden, and yet enjoy culture and art all within a small region.”

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

Abby Lane

Before moving to the Southern Finger Lakes region, Abby Lane lived in Montauk, a beach town at the end of Long Island, NY. She sang in a band, worked in hospitality, and spent countless hours on the beach. She attended high school in Tallahassee and college at SUNY Purchase in Westchester County.

But in 2018, she decided to move Upstate. “I was looking for a change of pace and lifestyle,” she said. “Before the move, the challenges of my job were demanding and I was ready to try something new. My mom is from Watkins Glen, so I spent much of my childhood visiting the area to see family.” She added, “I was always taken with the nature here. I’ve never lived somewhere with so many waterfalls.”

Before moving, Abby admits she imagined it would be like a Hallmark movie, with lots of hiking, wine tastings, and maybe falling in love with some upstate hunk. “I was excited to see what kind of life I could build for myself in such a beautiful region,” she said, though she was concerned about missing out on the arts, culture, and fashion. “I feared becoming irrelevant at such a young age by moving to a small town instead of moving to the city like many of my friends.”

But now that she lives here, Abby found that the Hallmark movie vision was not just what she imagined but, in many ways, a reality for her. “I can afford a place to live on my own and run a brick-and-mortar business (Ivy Lane Flowers, her floral shop right on Watkins Glen’s main strip of Franklin St.), and things that wouldn’t be possible where I was living before.”

Abby didn’t find moving to the region too challenging either. “It wasn’t difficult to move here. The people were welcoming, it’s affordable, and I found work quickly,” she said. “I was lucky to have some family and friends in the area, which made it easier.” She adjusted to the driving necessary to navigate the region, including getting used to traveling a bit to go to specialty stores, theaters, and restaurants. 

Abby with family and friends

Though she admits that she was returning to NYC and Long Island a lot when she first moved here, “I was afraid of losing those connections and missing out on artistic and cultural movements,” she’s been pleasantly surprised by what the region offers. She has found that Ithaca, Corning, and Geneva all offer theater, live music, art, amazing food, and their unique charm, all of which she enjoys as much as she can, though she will still take a to the city when she needs to get her “big city” fix.

But what has really impressed her is the affordability. “Where I was living before, it felt impossible to think entrepreneurially because of how expensive it was on Long Island,” she shared. “I was also able to grow professionally here and meet some wonderful people who I consider my friends and mentors.” 

Before opening her shop, Abby worked as the Events and Membership Manager at the Watkins Glen Area Chamber for three years.

Today, Abby lives in Watkins Glen and did end in fact up meeting that hunky guy, who is now her boyfriend.

“I’ve been fortunate to live in some incredible places, and I’m happy to add Watkins Glen to the list.”

Abby likes to start her day with a walk. “I’m lucky to live right by Watkins Glen State Park, so I will have my coffee then take a little walk into the gorge.”

Now that she has her own business, Abby will spend her early mornings doing personal chores before opening her shop at 10 AM. She’ll start working with her myriad of customers, tend to orders and field phone calls throughout the day. After work, she tends to treat herself to dinner out at the nearby Graft Wine + Cider Bar with her friends, or maybe catch a movie at the Glen Theater. 

She especially loves the surrounding nature here. “It’s really special, and there is so much variety,” Abby said. The waterfalls, lakes, creeks – and even a national forest! – are special places for her to enjoy. “I love to travel to towns in the region and try new restaurants, and taking a day trip to Corning, where I do my grocery shopping.” Abby also likes to spend time visiting the local museums. “I’ll hit the Rockwell Museum or the Corning Museum of Glass to get my art fix and follow that with a bite at Hand + Foot, then maybe finish out the day with some antiquing on Market Street.”

In the end she has found that there is always something new to explore from hiking trails and secret creeks to charming towns and some fantastic cuisine. “If you’re curious, you won’t be bored,” she said.

For those curious about the region, Abby shares, “This area is growing. It seems like I keep meeting people who’ve moved up from NYC or New Jersey. The wine region is world-class and keeps attracting new tourists. The State Park welcomes millions each year. There is a lot to do and see for visitors, but even more so for residents who get to experience it year-round!”

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

Though Alison Herman planned to move to the capital region of PA for work, some further research and a job offer changed it all.

Instead, in the summer of 2023, she decided to move to Elmira’s southside, where she lives with her cat, because she said, “It’s much easier to afford as a single professional.” Alison had been volunteering with the Chemung Habitat for Humanity while living in PA, so she was already familiar enough with the area to know she would be happy to live here. And it didn’t hurt that her family is a quick half-hour’s drive away in Mansfield, PA.

“I was excited to live in an urban area and to be within walking distance of shopping and work,” Alison said. “I was nervous about maintaining an older house, although being able to afford any house at all is still amazing to me.”

Alison shared that she is grateful to live near amenities and public transport. “The 5-minute commute to work has even made going back to grad school online a possibility (she should graduate with her MPA with Penn State in 2027!), and although owning an older house has come with its challenges, it hasn’t been anything I haven’t been able to handle so far.”

Today, Alison is the Grant Manager for Chemung County’s Planning Department.

Regarding misconceptions about life in Elmira, Alison said, “My experiences with crime were scarier in more isolated areas, and I honestly feel much safer in Elmira.” She added, “I think there’s a stronger sense of community here, which is a part of that. There are also a lot of unique opportunities in the Southern Finger Lakes area; I am considering taking flight lessons at Harris Hill next year, which never would have been an option elsewhere, even in locations where I’ve lived with airfields.”

A normal day for Alison includes getting up early to exercise and catch up on the news before work. She’s in the office most of the workday, managing various planning grants and projects according to County direction. Once home, she works on coursework for a few hours, “stopping my cat from eating my slippers,” maybe catching up on a good read or doing some needlepoint. When she can, “Maybe I’ll cook dinner for some friends and insist they take a survey associated with a County project!”

But Alison also loves taking advantage of all the region has to offer by taking a day to visit the wineries and hiking or kayaking on the lakes. “I was happy to hear that the Connecticut Hill area will be expanded,” she said, adding, “That is one of my favorite hiking spots.” Alison still volunteers with Habitat when she has the time, and she loves having a wonderful public library (Steele Memorial) that is within walking distance if there’s a book she wants to check out.

To anyone looking to relocate to the area, Alison wants you to know, “The Southern Finger Lakes area is a great place to live and is even still growing into its potential.” She added, “I’ve seen so much enthusiasm from residents for the city of Elmira in particular, and a lot of work is going into improving it at every level. It’s an exciting environment to work and live in, and I feel very fortunate to have it as my home.” 

“I know many residents value the location, a relatively short distance to major cities, and I also know the schools have an excellent reputation,” she concluded.

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

Michaune Tillman was born and raised in Akron, Ohio, and as a child, she knew she wanted to experience living in different parts of the country.

Her journey began in Virginia, where she attended Hampton University. Afterward, she moved to Michigan to attend the University of Michigan School of Law. Upon graduating from law school, she relocated to Philadelphia to begin her career at a law firm practicing employment law.

Philadelphia holds a special place in Michaune’s heart, filled with cherished memories. “One of my best friends from Hampton University lived nearby in South Jersey,” she said, “which allowed me to spend quality time with her and my godson. It was also where I met my husband, and we celebrated our wedding at the National Constitution Center – one of the first weddings ever hosted at this landmark venue.” She added, “And, of course, the most memorable moment during my time in Philadelphia was the birth of my daughter, Porter Leigh Tate.”

Michaune moved to the Southern Finger Lakes from Columbus, Ohio, where she served as the General Counsel at Worthington Steel. “I relocated to Columbus from Philadelphia in 2020 when we were in the midst of the pandemic, and the transition was challenging for obvious reasons – managing work and family while also grappling with the uncertain times at that moment,” she said. “But I ultimately settled in and enjoyed my time there.”

Like the move to Columbus, the move to Corning involved a new job opportunity. Late 2023, she was contacted regarding an exceptional opportunity to join Corning Incorporated as General Counsel.

Before joining Corning Inc., Michaune was unfamiliar with the Finger Lakes region. “In fact, I’m not sure I ever made it outside of New York City when visiting the state,” she said. But, Michaune said she’s glad she made it out this way to discover such a beautiful and peaceful area. “While the move has required some adjustments, I’ve grown to appreciate and fully embrace the ‘small town; vibe.”

Nonetheless, she had a mix of excitement and apprehension. Michaune wondered how she and her family would adjust to a different pace of life and whether she’d miss certain conveniences of “big city” living. “Frankly, I was also worried about Porter’s transition,” she admitted. “Moving to Corning meant moving a 14-year-old from the friends and community she had built in Columbus.” Thankfully, Micahune said Porter has adjusted extremely well and absolutely loves Corning. “She attends The Alternative School of Math and Science and is already building a vibrant network of friends and activities, including attending the Chinese School to maintain her Mandarin skills.”

Michaune also saw the move to Corning as an opportunity to embrace a new lifestyle, connect with a tight-knit community, and enjoy the simplicity and tranquility that can be hard to find in a big city. “This transition has allowed me and my family to grow and experience something different.”

Now that she’s settled in, one thing Michaune says that has not changed is working with a collegial team that has welcomed her and her family with open arms. “Everyone at Corning has provided advice about my transition and integrating my family into the Finger Lakes community.”

She added, “The biggest change has been the level of comfort and safety that I feel here in Corning. Porter has developed a level of independence and freedom here that she never had the opportunity to experience in the previous places we’ve lived. In Corning, she can safely walk to and from school, her favorite ice cream shop, the public library, and the bookstore, which are some of her favorite places! The level of comfort I have knowing that she’s safe is absolutely assuring!”

Michaune has also really enjoyed getting to know the community. “People are kind, willing to help,” she said, “they are willing to go out of their way to make sure I am aware of all that Corning has to offer.” She added, “I also like that Corning doesn’t feel so big. It feels much more effortless to get involved and explore the community here. I recently visited the Rockwell Museum and was able to experience the richness of diversity and community. I have several colleagues who are actively involved at Rockwell. This type of close-knit community isn’t something I’ve experienced living in a bigger city.”

And even with her high-level position and demanding job, Michaune finds plenty of time to enjoy the region. “When I’m not in the office, I enjoy spending time with my family,” she said. “I also love to run and am thrilled that there’s a huge running community here. I recently had the opportunity to run in the Williams Toyota Wineglass 5K, which was fantastic!”

To anyone looking to relocate to the area, Michaune wants you to know that this is a warm and welcoming place with many things to do in the surrounding areas. Visitors and community members can enjoy everything from the Corning Museum of Glass to the growing wine country alongside the Finger Lakes. Traveling to nearby cities like Ithaca, Rochester, or Syracuse is easy. And the close-knit community makes it easy for newcomers to feel welcomed and safe. It’s a beautiful community in which to raise a family.
”I don’t know that I originally envisioned small-town living for myself, being more of a big city girl,” Michaune said, “but I am truly enjoying all that the Southern Finger Lakes region has to offer and learning so much from living in diverse places.”

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

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.