Finger Lakes Wine Country Celebrates Mark Twain Throughout 2010

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Mark Twain Takes a Trolley Ride in Finger Lakes Wine Country

Corning, NY (Vocus) January 7, 2010

The year 2010 will mark the 175th anniversary of Twain's birth, the Centennial of his death, and the 125th anniversary of the publishing of Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. Elmira, New York, also known as Mark Twain Country, will be celebrating his life with a year filled with Twain themed events and special promotions.

The following events will take place from April 21, the death date, through April 24, the day he was laid to rest at Elmira’s Woodlawn Cemetery:

• Wednesday, April 21, (Death Centennial) Hal Holbrook to perform his Emmy & Tony award-winning performance of Mark Twain Tonight at Clemens Center for the Performing Arts.
• Saturday, April 24, Re-enactment of Twain's gravesite service and burial at Woodlawn Cemetery. The event will use details provided by articles from the New York Post and New York Times along with other historical sources, and will include a horse drawn carriage transporting the casket.
• Wednesday, April 21 – Saturday, April 24, Trolley into Twain Country Tours Centennial Excursions, One hour guided tours that will include a stop to go inside the Mark Twain Study (where Twain penned such classics as Adventures of Tom Sawyer and Adventures of Huckleberry Finn while summering in Elmira with his in-laws for 22 years) and the Clemens family burial site at Woodlawn Cemetery.
• Wednesday, April 21 – Friday, April 23, Dine like Twain dinners to be offered at Hill Top Restaurant. Feast on Twain’s favorite foods while overlooking the exact same view of the Chemung River Valley that inspired him to create such beloved characters as Tom Sawyer, Becky Thatcher and Huck Finn at the family home on the same hill.
• April 22 & 24, Twain Notes, A theatrical reading of the personal correspondence of Samuel Clemens and those closest to him, from the time he met his beloved wife, Olivia Langdon, through his final days. Held at The Park Church, of which Twain was a member.
• Saturday April 24, Tom Sawyer & Becky Thatcher Day at Harris Hill, Harris Hill, the Soaring Capital of America, welcomes Twain enthusiasts to take a glider ride over Mark Twain Country and view the Twain Exhibit at the National Soaring Museum, or join in a Tom Sawyer & Becky Thatcher in a game of putt-putt at Harris Hill Amusement Park.

Other events during in Mark Twain Country during 2010 include scenic glider, vintage plane and helicopter rides over the spectacular views that inspired the author; the dedication of a Twain hiking trail overlooking the Chemung River and complete with Twain quotes; Trolley into Twain Country Tours throughout July and August, the release of a commemorative Twain-labeled Riesling from award-winning Glenora Wine Cellars, and much, much more. Visitors are also encouraged to pay their respects to this American Classic at Woodlawn Cemetery, enjoy a tour of the Mark Twain Study, or visit the permanent display a the Chemung Valley History Museum. A complete calendar of events can be found at http://www.MarkTwainCountry.com//Twain2010.asp.

Samuel Clemens or more notably known as Mark Twain, called many places home. While he grew up in Hannibal, Missouri, lived in Hartford, Connecticut, and Buffalo, New York, it was in Elmira, New York that America's favorite son traveled when he sought refuge and renewal to live out his private life.

Twain married Elmiran Olivia Langdon, in a simple ceremony at the mansion of his in-laws and remained tethered to the city and his in-laws for the balance of his life. Twain was particularly close to his father-in-law, Jervis Langdon, a wealthy businessman who was actively outspoken against slavery and aggressively active in the Underground Railroad, and Jervis' views on abolition greatly influenced Mark Twain’s writing.

Twain returned to Elmira to summer for 22 years at the home of his sister-in-law, perched in the hills overlooking the Chemung River Valley. He drew much inspiration from the spectacular views and referred to Elmira as a "foretaste of Heaven." He sequestered himself in a tiny Study his in-laws had made for him to write his classics, such as Adventures of Huckleberry Finn and Adventures of Tom Sawyer, among many others.

The Mark Twain Study, a gazebo-type structure that was built to resemble the top of a Mississippi steamboat, has since been moved to the campus of Elmira College where it is open to the public, and was noted by USA Today as the '#1 Literary Attraction in America'.

Although Twain traveled globally and laid claim to being a citizen of the world, it was in Elmira that he chose to be laid to rest at Woodlawn Cemetery alongside his wife and four children.

More information on Mark Twain Country and the 2010 Twain Celebration can be found at http://www.MarkTwainCountry.com and http://www.FingerLakesWineCountry.com. Finger Lakes Wine Country, New York is a world-class wine country destination that boasts excitement, affordability, and fun for everyone. Begin planning your escape to Finger Lakes Wine Country now at http://www.FingerLakesWineCountry.com. Download a free travel guide, build your own personalized itinerary, and discover your ideal vacation destination that is just down the road.

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