First Week As Workampers At Watkins Glen KOA, NY + A Visit To Corning Museum of Glass

Watkins Glen, NY (60 degrees, cloudy skies, scattered showers)



Aunt Sarah's Falls

Our first week has gone by very quickly at Watkins Glen KOA.  We’ve enjoyed it very much and have been very busy learning all the “ropes”. 

"Endeavor" Created by Lino Tagliapietra

We also visited the beautiful Corning Museum of Glass.  The pictures in our post today are some of the glass pieces on display. 

John has spent his most of his week outdoors installing the new cabins.  He’s been building decks, railings and porches for them.  They are really looking very nice. 

He’s also helped out some of the weedwacking around the campground. This is a very large campground and the grass is growing and growing and growing. 

Created for the 1900 Paris World's Fair

I’ve been working in the office taking reservations by phone and checking in campers as they arrive.  KOA’s use a computer system called Kampsighte.  I’ve used it twice before at other locations and it’s fairly easy to understand.  What has been the most challenging for me is understanding all the different types of cabins that we offer.  There are 39 one and two room cabins plus the six new ones that are being installed.  Some have decks, some look over  a ravine, some have kitchens and bathrooms, some have linen, while others are basic.  They can sleep from 4-8 people with additional costs for adults and children.  It’s a lot to get your head around.  However, each day is getting a little easier. 

Ancient glass (2000 BC)

I’ve also cleaned up the big kitchen used to bake pizzas and chocolate chip cookies. An area nearby was renovated this winter so there was a lot of dust and dirt to remove.  It looks really nice now. 

We’ve also been pricing and organizing all the items in the campstore. There is a lot of inventory . Tomorrow our campground is being inspected by KOA.  This is an annual event done at each KOA.  The inspectors will be here for two days.  We want to get a good review and also be ready for a very busy weekend. 

It’s been fun seeing all the excitement of the campers as they arrive.  This campground really is amazing and we have lots of repeat customers.  The rates are high but we rarely receive any complaints since there is so much to do and the facilities are really beautiful.  Paul (the owner) says it does not cost much more to make an exceptional experience for the camper. 

Floor to ceiling glass chandelier

Today we we had a day off and drove around some of the area.  It was a rainy day so we decided to visit the Corning Glass Museum.  It is about 15 minutes from Watkins Glen.  It costs $15/person (children are free) and is well worth the cost.  The building is glass and they are three floors of stunning, well designed exhibits to view. 

Contemporary Glass creation

What was most interesting was the Glass Collection Gallery.  It had over 35 centuries (yes, you read that correctly) of glass art.  It was fascinating. 

Tiffany Window

There are also live demonstrations with the most popular being the Hot Glass Show.  It was a 30 minute show were a piece of glassware is made from scratch.  We saw a beautiful platter being formed and one lucky onlooker won a beautiful glass vase. 

We really enjoyed our visit and will certainly return again.  If you are in the area be sure to add it to your “to do” list. 

So far...so good.  It's been a great week and we feel that we've made the right decision working here this summer and fall.