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Clifton Springs Area Local Tourism & Events
Tourism in Clifton Springs, NY
Clifton Springs grew from the well-known benefits of the sulphur springs which runs through the village. Back when various therapies were based more in conjecture and spiritual beliefs more than true scientific facts, Clifton Springs drew in thousands of visitors over the years for the healing properties the springs provided.
Today, no visit to the Finger Lakes area is complete without a stop in Clifton Springs. The quaintness experienced here is typified in the Victorian-era architecture and period buildings. Make sure you include a stop in Clifton Springs when traveling around the region. You won't regret it.
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Warfield’s Restaurant
You can start, or end, your day with a fantastic meal at Warfield's Restaurant. With a 5-star menu, and an affordable price, Warfield's has something delicious for everyone. Seasonal and monthly menus ensure you'll never get tired of their fine cuisine. Visit the Warfield’s Restaurant Web Site.
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Foster Cottage
Next, a visit to the Foster Cottage a few doors down will enlighten you to the complete history of Clifton Springs and its golden past. You'll learn about The Sanitarium and its impact on the area. Plus you'll be able to see plenty of exhibits highlighting many of the items found at the Sanitarium. Old photographs of Clifton Springs at the turn of the century are abundant. A must-see for history buffs.
The building was constructed about 1854 as a social center for Dr. Henry Foster, his wife, and his guests. He did not live in the residence to begin with, as he preferred to have rooms in his Water Cure Facility, now known as the Spa Apartments. Early residents were his brothers, Hubbard and William Foster.
The house is unique in that the siding gives the appearance of stone although it is made of wood. The front section of the house now serves as a museum for the Clifton Springs Historical Society. Much of the exterior has retained its original construction. Parts of the building that had fallen into disrepair have been renewed and strengthened. Located on Main Street, it's a fine example of period construction and must be seen when visiting Clifton Springs.
For the complete story of the Foster Cottage, along with many more pictures, visit the Foster Cottage Museum web site.
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Village Park
Want to relax? Take a stroll over to the village park. Just a few steps from downtown Clifton Springs. The kids can work off some energy at the well-maintained playground. You can relax under the shaded pavilion; a replica of the one that was formerly located across the street from the Sanitarium, now the Spa Apartments. You can check out the sulphur springs first hand as it runs right through the park, and comes out of a fountain in the center of the pavilion.
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Finger Lakes Railway
And if you're lucky, you might just catch a glimpse of the daily freight train which slowly passes through the village on its way to deliver goods to the neighboring communities. The line, owned and operated by Finger Lakes Railway, services many of the northern Finger Lakes communities and features a passenger excursion on a regular basis.
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The Springs
After a long day of site seeing, shopping, and dining, relax at The Springs. Part of the Clifton Springs Hospital, The Springs has everything a 'day-spa' has to offer, with all the proven medicinal advantages as well. Dr. Foster was right about the sulphur springs. And today, you too can take advantage of the cleansing benefits with proven techniques and modern conveniences available today.
Years ago, Dr. Henry Foster believed that the Sulphur waters were a cure for many ills. Today, that idea still exists, but with sound medical principles and scientific facts to support that belief. The Springs at Clifton Springs Hospital offers a mix of holistic medical practices complimented by conventional Western medicine.
The Springs offers Hydrotherapy, Aromatherapy, Chiropractic Care, Classical Chinese Medicine, Energy Therapies, Holistic Nursing, Hypnotherapy, Naturopathy, and Massage Therapy among others.
Open Monday through Friday, from 8am to 5pm (6pm on Tuesday & Thursday) by appointment. They are also open every Saturday. The sulphur baths can usually be accomodated on the same day, but please call ahead. Their number is 315-462-0390. Visit The Springs web site here.
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The Chapel Tiffany Mosaic
Louis Comfort Tiffany, the son of Charles Lewis Tiffany who founded Tiffany’s jewelry studios in Manhattan is responsible for the “fravrile“ glass mosaic that hangs in the chapel of the Sanitarium Apartments Building, otherwise known as The Spa Apartments on Main Street of Clifton Springs. Favrile glass is an iridescent glass with rich colors from deep blue to purple and from green to yellow-gold which resembles the colors in a peacock or the wing-covers of some beetles. Leonardo Da Vinci did the original painting of the Last Supper, but the rendition in the Spa Apartments chapel is a copy of the painting done by the American Artist, Frederic Wilson, which is a more gentle, quiet version of Christ and his disciples.
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FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS 2012 Thank you to our sponsors, volunteers, performers and those who contributed in so many ways to making another successful event. It appeared a fun time was had by all!
The treasured annual event is possible due to generous donations from many sponsors. Please support our local economy.
CHECK CLIFTON SPRINGS OUT ON YOUTUBE!
 No sense in writing about our video when you can click the link above and watch it!
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Annual Events
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JUNE
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Sulphur Springs Festival Clifton Springs, NY

A yearly event, the Sulphur Springs Festival celebrates Clifton Springs' diverse heritage... Welcome back to the Victorian age! A parade starts off the weekends events, followed by bed races down Main Street. Food, games for the kids, a Victorian fashion show, and much more await you. Photo courtesy of Gary Boisseau
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AUGUST
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Sauerkraut Festival Phelps, NY

Formerly, Phelps was home to one of the largest producers of sauerkraut in the world. The factories are gone, but the fun and festivities remain! Parades, games, rides, entertainment are all here. Bring the family for a fun-filled weekend. Photo courtesy of CobbleSoft Int., Ltd.
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OCTOBER
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Ashton Place Annual Mennonite Quilt & Craft Sale Clifton Springs, NY
Quilts, wall hangings, table runners, American candles, wooden crafts and toys.
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DECEMBER
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Festival of Lights Main Street, Clifton Springs, NY

The charm that is evident during the day comes alive at night as the downtown area is bathed in festive holiday lights! Santa, carolers, hot drinks and food to warm your bones, and plenty of family fun to warm your hearts. Photo from The Community Trader
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