Companion Program

Will you be bringing companions for this conference? With a focus on learning some of the local history and culture and on having lots of fun, SRF Workshop 2005 has these programs available for your companions. Transportation to and from, admissions, and lunch (excluding alcohol) are all included. Advanced registration is required by July 1st. There is a limit of 12 participants for each event. For any event with fewer than 8 confirmed participants, the event will be cancelled and full refund given. In addition to these scheduled events, information on other suggestions both in Ithaca and within driving distance will be available at the companion program check-in table. For any questions please e-mail Irma Almirall-Padamsee at iapadamsee@hotmail.com

Monday, July 11th "Women and Wine: a Look at US Women’s Activism and a Sampling Tour of the Cayuga Wine Trail"

Visit the Women's Rights National Historical Park in Seneca Falls - the setting for the First Women's Rights Convention in the US and home of various pivotal leaders in the Women's Rights movement of the mid-19th century such as Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Susan B. Anthony. Seneca Falls is at the top of Cayuga Lake and we will return to Ithaca via the beautiful Cayuga Wine trail, stopping for lunch and wine tasting at a few of the Finger Lakes wineries en-route.

Cost: $35.00

Tuesday, July 12th "What Would a Workshop be Without Some Shopping?"

Shopping tour to the largest super-regional mall in central New York, the Carousel Center, located in Syracuse. Over 100 stores with large anchors. After lunch, we will also visit the Erie Canal Museum. Located in the 1850 Syracuse Weighlock Building, the museum was designed to weigh 100 foot-long canal boats and is reputedly the only surviving structure of its kind in the country. The museum features a full-size canal boat replica, exhibits detailing canal construction and early canal life, a penny-postcard arcade, and various other changing exhibitions.

Cost: $25.00

Wednesday, July 13th "The Hidden Faces of an Ivy League"

A guided walk through the "hidden" Cornell treasures such as the botanical garden of Cornell Plantations, the Veterinary College, and Olin Library. After lunch, companions will join workshop participants for a tour of Watkins Glen State Park and a picninc at Taughannock State Park. The afternoon program is included in the companion's program registration fee.

Cost: $25.00

Thursday, July 14th "Glass, Glorious Glass!"

Bus trip to Corning to visit the famous Corning Glass Museum, home to the world's most comprehensive and celebrated collection of glass. Galleries showcase pieces from around the world, interactive exhibits tell of glass invention and technology. The Hot Glass Show, in a theater style setting in the working glass factory, presents narrated glass-blowing demonstrations by master glassblowers. Visitors can also watch artisans create miniature glass animals.

Lunch is at the London Underground Cafe which features palate pleasing flavors characteristic of the cafe's gourmet Continental cuisine. Favorites include the memorable Wixon's fall flower honey-pecan-crusted rack of lamb and halibut with Finger Lakes wine butter sauce. The casual, three level dining room is decorated in a British theme. The restaurant is located on Historic Market Street, the main commercial district, which has been restored to its late 19th century appearance and features tree lined brick sidewalks, shops and restaurants. Visitors can watch glass making in progress in several galleries along Market Street.

Lunch will be followed by a tour of the Rockwell Museum of Western Art. This museum displays a comprehensive collection of traditional and contemporary Western and Native American paintings and sculpture. Until 1970's, the Romanesque revival-style brick building served as Corning's city hall, fire station and jail.

Cost: $45.00