Ithaca is named for the Greek island, and this town sits on the southern shore of Cayuga Lake in upstate New York. It is home to Ithaca College and Cornell University, which gives it a “college town” vibe and a reputation for being hip and culturally liberal. You will love visiting Ithaca. Keep reading to find out why.
The town size (population 29,500) offers theater, museums, and the region’s liveliest nightlife, dining, and accommodations.
Ithaca is consistently ranked as being one of the best places to live in due to its culture, and natural beauty.
For those wanting a small city life with big city culture, Ithaca is the Gem of New York state.
If you are planning a getaway in the Finger Lakes, you may want to purchase:
Finger Lakes Getaway Guide
You can purchase it on Amazon here for $4.99
It has all the planning information you need.
What is unique
Ithaca College and Cornell University are remarkable destinations on their own. There is always something special about being a small college town. And with two colleges of the stature of these two, well, it is truly special.
These two academic campuses are worth exploring, both inside and out. Both offer a wealth of cultural treasures and opportunities (many free) – rich with performing arts, live theater, music recitals, art galleries, museums, and workshops.
The campus architectures of both add significantly to the grandeur.
The visitor’s bureau estimates 150 waterfalls within 10 miles of downtown Ithaca, each with its gorge. Hence the local slogan, “Ithaca is Gorges.”
The most popular waterfalls are:
Ithaca Falls
Impressive gorge views from the Cornell campus leading to a 150-foot waterfall near downtown.
Taughannock Falls
At 215 feet, this is the tallest waterfall in the northeast. The car-friendly overlook is convenient, but the best views are seen along the Rim Trail and Gorge Trail, both easy hikes.
Buttermilk Falls State Park
A lush, sinuous gorge trail leads from the upper park down to the swim area at the base of the 90-foot falls.
Enfield Glen / Lucifer Falls / Robert Treman State Park
Perhaps the most beautiful of Ithaca’s gorges. The hiking is somewhat strenuous but well worth the effort.
Love visiting Ithaca … what we liked the best
Cornell Plantations
More than 4,300 acres of landscaped gardens and natural beauty.
Visit 14 specialty gardens, a 150-acre arboretum, and a vast collection of protected natural areas. Free admission.
Winery tour by boat
Several area wineries – including Buttonwood Grove Winery, Goose Watch Winery, Long Point Winery, Thirsty Owl Wine Company, and Sheldrake Point Winery – are accessible by boat via Cayuga Lake.
They are the only wineries in the US accessible by boat.
Impressive in their beauty.
Favorite State Parks nearby
Taughannock Falls State Park
The three hiking trails offer spectacular views and unique geological formations including 215′ Taughannock Falls, which is 33 feet taller than Niagara and is the highest vertical single drop waterfall in the Northeastern U.S.
It can be seen from two lookout points: one from below at the end of the 3/4 mile Gorge Trail, the other from above at the Falls Overlook on Taughannock Park Rd
Visit one of the highest waterfalls east of the Rocky Mountains. Watch as water cascades down from the 215-foot ledge above, and enjoy the magnificent beauty of the surrounding area. Aside from the falls, the park has a range of activities throughout the year. In the warmer months, enjoy camping at one of 76 campsites. Go swimming in Cayuga Lake, take advantage of the boat rentals, or stop by during the summer concert series.
Mitchellsville Gorge
The Finger Lakes Trail/North Country National Scenic Trail follows the rim of the gorge for 2.5 miles. One access to this private property is at a field of grapevines at the crossroad known as Pleasant Valley.
From there you can cross Cold Brook on a wooden bridge and make the gentle climb into a forest of white pine and hemlock trees onto the trail.
Before you know it, you will be looking down steep rock walls into an impressive glacial cut. The depth at which Mitchellsville Creek flows is two to three hundred feet below.
State Park – Finger Lakes
Long Point State Park
This park on the east side of the lake, provides boat launch facilities, a beach with swimming area, picnic areas, and fishing access.
Outdoor amenities include boat dock; picnic tables; fire ring and grills; and small lawn area.
Unique places to stay
Taughannock Farms Inn
Taughannock Farms Inn (www.t-farms.com) is located on a hill, overlooking Cayuga Lake, in Trumansburg, New York, just outside of Ithaca.
You may choose a room with Victorian antiques and no TVs in the original structure; take one of the modern-built but Victorian-style units in the Edgewood house, or opt to stay in a room or suite in one of the guesthouses with the country-cottage decor.
Taughannock Falls State Park surrounds the 12-acre property, and the state park lakeshore is across the street.
The main building is a Victorian mansion with a lovely 150-seat restaurant featuring a glassed-in porch, American cuisine, and the price of an entree includes an appetizer, salad or sorbet, entree, and dessert.
Why we would stay here
Classy rooms in a beautiful country setting. A very nice restaurant.
Why we might go elsewhere
If you were looking for city activities, you must drive 7 miles into Ithaca. Ithaca College and Cornell are in nearby Ithaca, which creates scheduling issues and crowds during select college weekends.
La Tourelle Resort and Spa
This three-story inn sits on 70 acres on a hill three miles from downtown Ithaca. You can hike into Buttermilk Falls State Park or fish in one of the two on-site ponds. Rooms vary in configuration and style.
The John Thomas Steakhouse occupies a farmhouse on the grounds; the inn building also has a bistro. Both are great places for a meal.
Why we would stay here
Very nice accommodations, restaurant and chef, and Spa on grounds. Ithaca is a very neat college town with lots of cool activities.
Why we might go elsewhere
No lake view and no activities without a 3-4 mile drive into Ithaca. Ithaca College and Cornell are in nearby Ithaca, which creates scheduling issues and crowds during select college weekends.
Statler Hotel at Cornell University
Nestled amidst the picturesque gorges and eclectic architecture of Cornell University, The Statler Hotel (www.statlerhotel.cornell.edu) blends dignified Ivy League ambiance with the bustling energy of campus life.
Cornell’s School of Hotel Administration operates this nine-story hotel, as well as an Italian restaurant and two cafeterias.
Guests have access to university recreational facilities, including the pool, golf course, basketball court, and ice-skating rink.
Rooms, with contemporary furnishings, have beautiful campus views.
Why we would stay here
Very nice accommodations, with nice restaurant and service. If you like college campuses, few can top Cornell and its beauty and interesting sites to explore.
Ithaca is a very neat college town with lots of activities.
Why we might go elsewhere
Quite a distance from Cayuga Lake. If the hustle and bustle of college students, then this resort is not for you unless it is when most students are gone in the summer.
Ithaca College and Cornell are in Ithaca, which creates scheduling issues and crowds during select college weekends.
Love visiting Ithaca … great wineries nearby
Thirsty Owl Wine Company
Good wine selection and quality, but we love two other elements of this winery … its Bistro (and particularly its chef) and its gorgeous patio overlooking the vineyard and Cayuga Lake.
It is the perfect setting for lunch from the Bistro. If you have a boat, you can tour this vineyard from the lake by tying up to their dock and giving them a call to pick you up for the drive up the hill (short golf cart drive, but too distant to walk).
Sheldrake Point Winery
Another of the 4 Cayuga Wineries accessible by boat, Sheldrake Point Winery is located a mere stone’s throw from its boat dock.
This is a very nice property with great wine options and several nice patios and great garden and lake views. They were the New York State winery of the year in both 2009 and 2010 … with a great staff not afraid of trying new ideas.
Late in the year, they started offering wine boxes which included a bottle of wine with a selection of wine snacks for the patio.
Need some help in capturing more improvements in your staff’s leadership, teamwork, and collaboration? Creative ideas in running or facilitating a team or leadership workshop?
Call today for a FREE consultation or a FREE quote. Learn about some options to scope your job.
Call Mike at 607-725-8240.
All you get is what you bring to the fight. And that fight gets better every day you learn and apply new ideas.
When things are not what you want them to be, what’s most important is your next step. Call today.
Test. Learn. Improve. Repeat.
Are you devoting enough energy to innovating your social media strategy?
Do you have a lesson about making your advertising better you can share with this community? Have any questions or comments to add in the section below?
Digital Spark Marketing will stretch your thinking and your ability to adapt to change. We also provide some fun and inspiration along the way. Call us for a free quote today. You will be amazed at how reasonable we will be.
More material from Digital Spark Marketing’s Library:
Build an Effective Team by Being a Talent Hound
Success Enablers of Highly Creative Leaders
Secrets to Becoming a Remarkably Mindful Leader
Leadership Characteristics That Improve Influence |