Visit Ithaca

Ithaca is Gorges.

While celebrating with us, take time to enjoy summer in Ithaca. Ithaca is “gorges” anytime of year, but summer is a particularly good time to explore while school is out. Explore the outdoors, local food scene, and abundant Farmer’s Market.

Check out some of our favorite Ithaca Day Trips

Outdoors

Ithaca is known for its beautiful gorges, waterfalls, and state parks. Below are a collection of favorite local spots. Find tons of information online here.

  • Taughannock Falls State Park

  • Ithaca Falls

  • Cascadilla Creek Gorge

  • Buttermilk Falls State Park

  • Robert H. Treman State Park

  • Cayuga Lake

  • Watkins Glen State Park (45 minute drive)

Ithaca Farmer’s Market

Located adjacent to Cayuga Lake, the Ithaca Farmer’s Market showcases the local agriculture, arts, and crafts. Well regarded as one of the country’s most influential farmers markets, the market is open Saturdays and Sundays in the summer.

Cornell Campus

Enjoy Cornell’s beautiful campus and view from top of the hill. Visit Sibley Hall (home to Andy and Hannah’s Planning Program), take a walk through the Arts Quad, visit the “Harry Potter” library aka Andrew Dickson White Library, or listen to the chimes in McGraw Tower.

  • Cornell Botanic Gardens. From gorge hikes to garden strolls, explore Cornell Botanic Gardens. We suggest the beautifully cultivated collection of plants located within specialty gardens surrounding the Nevin Welcome Center or taking a stroll through the Mundy Wildflower Garden.

  • Cornell Lab of Ornithology. Explore the 425-acre Sapsucker Woods Sanctuary on five miles of trails through forest, old field, wetlands, and pond edge. The trails are fairly easy going but are not recommended for wheelchairs. The Cayuga Bird Club hosts a guided Bird Walk on Saturday or Sunday at 8:30 a.m. in front of the Visitor Center.

Finger Lakes Wine Trail

Tour Lake Cayuga and the adjacent wineries. Find tons of information online here. Alternatively, explore the Finger Lakes Cider Trail. Our favorite wineries are:

  • Sheldrake Point. We recommend their Dry Rose. Grab a bottle or a glass and sit outside after a hike at Taughannock Falls.

  • Hosmer Winery. One of the first wineries on Cayuga Lake and still one of the best. They recommend reservations and have indoor and outdoor tasting - you can book that here.

Museums

Food

  • Cent Dix - Location of Hannah and Andy’s first dinner date

  • Café Dewitt – Our favorite breakfast spot. Walking distance from where Hannah and Andy used to live.

  • Maxie’s Supper Club – Cozy seafood spot.

  • Northstar House – We recommend the tofu wings.

  • Simeon’s American Bistro - Great wood bar on a corner in the commons. Go for a glass of bubbles.

  • Moosewood Restaurant - Iconic vegetarian establishment. Make sure to pick up a cookbook.

  • Sweet Melissa’s Ice Cream – Soft serve that we think about weekly. The best treat on a summer afternoon.

  • Cornell Dairy Bar – While you’re on campus, stop by and grab a cone.

  • Viva Taqueria – It’s not a west coast taco, but the margaritas work.

  • Collegetown Bagels (CTB) – a staple. What else can we say.

  • The State Diner – Open 24 hours.

Coffee & Brews

  • Gimme Coffee

  • Ithaca Coffee Company

  • Press Bay Alley

  • Ithaca Bakery

  • Ithaca Beer Company

  • Liquid State Brewing

  • Hopshire Farm and Brewery