Summary
In the heart of the Finger Lakes region, Ithaca, New York, offers visitors the chance to explore stunning natural attractions and vibrant local culture. Known for its cascading waterfalls, breathtaking gorges, and sweeping views of Cayuga Lake, Ithaca is a perfect destination for nature lovers. It’s also noted for having more restaurants per capita than New York City, according to Visit Ithaca.
“Original art, original music, locally grown foods, and locally produced craft beverages — this is who we are and what we appreciate, and we want to share it with everyone who visits Ithaca,” said Peggy Coleman, VP of Tourism for the Ithaca/Tompkins County Convention & Visitors Bureau.
Ithaca serves as a great starting point for travelers looking to explore the popular Finger Lakes wine trails. The region is home to numerous local wineries, many of which specialize in riesling due to its favorable growing climate akin to that of Germany.
Ithaca has often been likened to cities like Boulder, Colorado, or Burlington, Vermont, due to its independent, bohemian spirit. This vibrant, diverse college town is home to both Cornell University and Ithaca College. Here’s a guide on how to explore this city, where “gorges” puns run rampant, and you’re never far from a great hike.
Best Hotels
According to Coleman, there’s been an explosion of short-term rentals in the past decade, as well as unique accommodations like farm-stay experiences. A popular choice for visitors who wish to stay centrally located is Canopy by Hilton, located downtown.
Argos Inn is another option, situated just off the Ithaca Commons, featuring 13 rooms and one of the best cocktail bars in the area, providing an elegant yet cozy atmosphere. This historic inn is conveniently walkable to downtown Ithaca.
Located about 20 minutes outside of town, Inns of Aurora Resort and Spa consists of six high-end, peaceful inns right on Cayuga Lake. This luxury hotel has been voted the No. 1 resort in New York state by readers in the 2022 World’s Best Awards. Another cozy retreat near the lake is the Inn at Taughannock Falls, popular for weddings and large events.
For those eager to experience the natural beauty of Ithaca, Firelight Camps offers glamping tents with trails leading to some of the best waterfalls in the region. CEO Robert Frisch describes the atmosphere: “Sitting with a cocktail by the evening campfires near our lobby tent is a fun, casual social experience. Walking down the paths to your tent in the woods, and waking to birdsong in the morning is incredibly relaxing.”
Things to Do
The main attraction in Ithaca is undoubtedly its scenic beauty. Visitors can explore the town’s stunning waterfalls and gorges, including popular spots like Buttermilk Falls State Park and Taughannock Falls State Park, both featuring cascading waterfalls surrounded by lush forests. Bird watchers can enjoy easy trails near Cornell University, including the Sapsuckers Woods.
Coleman recommends the centrally located Cascadilla Gorge Trail, situated right off the Commons, along with Mulholland Nature Preserve.
“I like that I can be surrounded by nature just a few minutes from downtown,” Coleman notes. “I also enjoy visiting the Covered Bridge in Newfield, where there’s a charming shop nearby called the Covered Bridge Market for snacks or picnic items.”
The Ithaca Farmers Market runs every weekend from April to December, featuring local crafts, fresh produce, and local wines. This open-air marketplace, along the Cayuga Inlet, has long been a staple of the community.
Frisch’s favorite local getaway is East Shore Park, popular among families. He emphasizes, “They have a great public grill there, so we love having a simple barbecue and letting the kids run around.” The revamped Stewart Park playground is also a delightful space for kids to enjoy.
Best Restaurants
Ithaca boasts an impressive variety of dining options that cater to every palate, with hundreds of local eateries offering multiple types of cuisine.
Moosewood Restaurant is a must-visit establishment, renowned for its delectable vegetarian and vegan dishes made from locally sourced ingredients. This iconic spot has been a community staple for over 40 years and recently underwent a complete renovation. Another excellent dining choice is The Heights, near Cornell University, serving high-end Mediterranean-inspired fare, and Le Café Cent-Dix on The Commons for elegant French-inspired cuisine.
Frisch recommends Gola Osteria as his top dining spot for a special dinner, while Lev Kitchen on the Commons downtown is perfect for a casual meal—“so tasty,” he remarks.
Visitors can also stop by the Ithaca Beer Company taproom for al fresco dining, where they can enjoy a robust farm-to-table menu and sample local brews. For lunchtime sandwiches and breakfast, head to Ithaca Bakery or Collegetown Bagels, affectionately known as CTB.
Don’t miss out on dessert at Purity Ice Cream, renowned for its unique flavors, or visit Cayuga Lake Creamery for ice cream while touring wineries on the west side of Cayuga Lake.
Best Time to Visit
Ithaca offers year-round adventures. In spring, the waterfalls roar to life due to snowmelt, flowing from May until early October. Fall brings colorful foliage and milder temperatures, providing a relaxing atmosphere with fewer visitors. Winter is particularly beautiful, with frozen lakes and scenic vistas enhanced by winter activities like snowshoeing.
Summer is the peak tourist season due to warm weather and abundant outdoor activities. Interestingly, the college students leave in the summer, making the area feel surprisingly less crowded.
Ithaca hosts numerous seasonal festivals and events, such as Porchfest in the Fall Creek neighborhood, a music festival featuring local artists; the Apple Harvest Festival celebrating apple-themed activities; and the Chili Cook-Off, which features hot samples to warm up visitors in late winter. Be sure to check the calendar of events for more information.
How to Get There
Travelers can fly into Tompkins Regional Airport, offering convenient access to Ithaca and the nearby areas. As of summer 2023, the airport primarily connects to New York’s JFK International Airport and Newark Liberty International Airport via United and Delta.
If the flight options are limited, consider flying into Syracuse Hancock International Airport, about an hour’s drive from Ithaca with a wider range of flights.
The drive from New York City to Ithaca takes about four hours, and frequent bus services are also available from NYC due to the large college population. A Greyhound station exists, along with Cornell’s campus-to-campus bus service that is open to the public.
Neighborhoods to Visit
The Commons: This pedestrian-friendly part of downtown Ithaca is home to many restaurants and shops.
Collegetown: Located just outside of Cornell University, Collegetown features a variety of bars and eateries. Hikers can enjoy a reward after the Cascadilla Gorge trail with a delicious beer or bagel from CTB.
South Hill: Here, you’ll find Ithaca College alongside Buttermilk Falls State Park and Six Mile Creek natural area.
Fall Creek: This picturesque neighborhood features its creek, charming homes, tree-lined streets, and Ithaca Falls.
How to Get Around
Once in Ithaca, visitors will find that a car offers the best flexibility. However, there’s also a robust bus system called the TCAT that operates frequently.
While rideshare services are accessible, the availability may be less than in larger cities, so it’s wise to plan rides in advance. For larger groups wanting to explore the Finger Lakes’ wineries safely, various bus and shuttle companies offer services in the area. Be sure to check the group policies of each winery before your arrival. Recommended transportation services can be found through the Finger Lakes Wine Country Tourism Association and the Finger Lakes Tourism Alliance.
