Sep 16

Sep 16 Discover Ithaca, New York

The Finger Lakes Region in Upstate New York consists of stunning waterfalls and gorges, making it one of the most beautiful places in the state. In the heart of the Finger Lakes, you’ll come across the charming town of Ithaca, which is known for its natural beauty and diverse culture. Ithaca is located at the bottom of Cayuga Lake, which is the largest of the Finger Lakes. #IthacaIsGorges

Know Before Visiting Ithaca

Fun Facts About Ithaca

Did you know Ithaca was the birthplace of the ice cream sundae? Ithaca takes this very seriously, they can almost pinpoint the exact hour the first sundae was served in 1892. The oldest known evidence to support this is an ad from the Ithaca Daily Journal for a “Cherry Sunday.” Learn more about this fun fact here.

Where to Park & Getting Around

Seneca Street Garage
Park Mobile (phone app for timed street parking which is located all over the city)
The town isn’t too bad to walk around, but you could also rent one of the many LimeBikes located throughout the streets. There’s also the bus system, TCAT.

Where to Stay in Ithaca

There are many hotels located in and around Ithaca
Airbnb’s
Camping is available at nearby state parks

When to Visit Ithaca

As with most cities, any time of the year is a good time to visit because there are so many activities that happen all year long. Visiting really depends on what your goal is: fall foliage and events, roaring waterfalls in the spring, summer weather, or frozen waterfalls.

Ithaca has a mix of just about everything you would want in a town. There’s plenty of food options, outdoor and indoor activities, and more to do here. In this guide, I’m going to give suggestions and tips for visiting some of the most popular spots in and around the city.

Where to Eat in Ithaca

Collegetown Bagels
Ithaca Bakery
Luna Inspired Street Food Downtown
Gorgers
On the Street Pitas
The Rook
Moosewood Restaurant
Gimme!
Waffle Frolic
Mahogany Grill
Simeon’s American Bistro
Uncle Joe’s Grill & Sports Bar
Cayuga Lake Wine Trail

Explore the City of Ithaca

Cornell University

This stunning Ivy League campus was founded and opened in the 1860s. It is the federal land-grant institution for New York state. The campus is intermixed with the upper region of the city. Campus buildings are a mix of ornate Collegiate Gothic, Victorian, and Neoclassical buildings, as well as some more modern designs. In 2018, Architectural Digest included Cornell on its list of the 50 Most Beautiful Colleges in America.

Ithaca Commons

At the Ithaca Commons, you can really explore the heart of the city downtown at this four-block pedestrian mall. You can find tons of restaurants, shopping, and other activities here, most of which are independently owned and operated. You’ll also notice many interesting and historic architectural facades in the Commons. Many seasonal events take place here in the Commons.

The Cornell Botanic Gardens

Located next to and run by Cornell University, the Cornell Botanic Gardens are a MUST visit when in Ithaca. The Gardens have many on and off-campus areas to explore, from hiking trails to flower gardens and arboretums spanning over 3,600 acres (500 acres are located on the University’s campus). They manage 22 off-campus nature preserves. They also have the Nevin Welcome Center where you can learn more information and explore the grounds behind it.

Ithaca Farmer’s Market

The Ithaca Farmer’s Market is open every weekend on the lakefront between April and December. Discover local vendors (agriculture, food, and artisans) from within 30 miles of Ithaca. The market has been a local favorite since 1973.

Discovery Trail

There are so many activities people of all ages can learn and explore along the Discovery Trail, including nature, art, and science. Below are some spots along the way.

Art Structure in the F.R. Newman Arboretum

Local Art Galleries, Theaters & Museums

Ithaca is filled with creativity, from art to history to performances and everything in-between. I’ve listed some popular spots before that you can check out!

Chase Waterfalls in & around the city

With over 150 waterfalls in only 50 miles, seeing many of these falls can be combined into a weekend or even day trip. Below are some of the most popular waterfalls in the area.

Ithaca Falls

A hidden gem located in the heart of downtown. Ithaca Falls is a short walk from the small parking lot to the base of the falls, but it can also be viewed from a distance on the Lake Street bridge. Ithaca Falls is 150-feet tall and 175-feet wide and is one of the region’s most impressive and powerful waterfalls; back in 1817, there were about a half-dozen mills operating here (you can still see some ruins on the south bank).

This is a popular spot for fishing, however, swimming is not allowed.

Cascadilla Gorge Trail

This stunning less than a mile Cascadilla Gorge trail will lead you past over six cascading waterfalls in the gorge while ascending over 400 feet. All of the stone steps along the trail were originally constructed in the late 1920s. Along the trail, you’ll also come across beautiful bridges and other stonework. The trail connects Cornell University with downtown Ithaca. There are a couple of entrances to the trail - at Treman Triangle Park and behind Cornell’s Schwartz Center for Theatre Arts on the Cornell campus. Parking is limited at both entrances. The trail is open from early spring to late November but will close during icy conditions.

>> Related: Hiking As A Solo Female: 5 Tips <<

Robert H. Treman State Park

Another Finger Lakes Region park is breathtaking and highly under-appreciated. Robert H. Treman State Park has many similarities with Watkins Glen, from the gorge to the waterfalls, and is located just southwest of downtown Ithaca. Along the trails, you’ll come across 12 waterfalls stemming from Enfield Creek, each beautiful in its own way. The park is actually split into two parts: upper and lower, with the creek flowing from the meadows of the upper park and plunging through a narrow, rugged gorge before heading through the wide, wooded canyon of the lower park. The most iconic site in Robert Treman is Lucifer Falls, a 115-foot waterfall that can be seen from the gorge and rim trails.

>> Related: Must-Visit New York State Parks <<

Buttermilk Falls State Park

Located right down the road from Robert H. Treman state park, this stunning park is known for its namesake waterfall, Buttermilk Falls. There are about six trails in the park that you can hike, ranging from 0.75 miles to 1.5 miles. The park has a campground, a lake, and a wetland you can explore as well.

Other Notable Waterfalls

Other Activities to do in & Around Ithaca

Cayuga Lake - Located just north of Cornell University, is the longest of all the lakes in the Finger Lakes Region. You can drive the 87-mile loop of the scenic byway or paddle 40 miles across the lake.
Seasonal events
Explore the murals around town
Other outdoor activities - biking, golfing, running trails